It’s officially spring. The cold days of old man winter are gone and the ice is finally melting from your heart. This is the time when music is less about breakups and being lonely and more about catching glimpses at potential love interests and day dreaming about falling in love. What better way to kick off the start of the new season than with a smooth vocal track accompanied by a piano, such as Eric Nam’s “Good For You,” the title track of his album, Interview.
When it comes to music videos, most K-pop trends in recent days try to convey a certain meaning, but it gets muddled in over the top vocals, flashy dances, cute/sexy, etc. concepts, and fast beats. 
Eric Nam goes for a softer, retro, quieter outlook, while conveying his message in a simple way. There’s no harsh overly contrasted and saturated colors. The outfits aren’t flashy or distracting. The song displays a caretaking message and the video helps to enhance it by making the scenarios relatable. The roles are taken on by people who look normal; the situations of studying to get into a good school, preparing for an important event, a job interview, loss love… these are all applicable situations relevant to most people at least once during a lifetime.
Despite the outlook and direction of the video, for a first time watch, it may be confusing. At first, it may seem like three to four separate situations in one storyline because the actress is the same. After a few more watches, these situations break apart, and the actress represents three different people for three different scenarios based on the color tone of the scene: practicing for an upcoming competition, waiting for results from a recently applied job, and a relationship breakup. The male might have two scenarios, but it’s unclear. One solid scenario is him being a student, but the awkwardness between him and the female entertains the idea of the relationship breakup being a situation that applies for both of them. Not to mention, out of all her roles, they only meet during that one. But again, the story is blurry here.
The music video displays more of encouragement — rather than someone who is looking for you, based on the intent of the song. Aside from the additional support from the interviewee’s mother, all the situations find strength through Eric Nam’s song playing on the radio. For the broken heart, it is okay and it may finally be time to move on. For the interviewee, doing your best will prove to show results. For the student, find his focus and not let outside noise become a distraction. And for the dancer, practice may make perfect, but lack of care of your body will be sure to show negative results. All four people find the little push they need in listening to the song on the radio or on their phone.
The only one who has their scenario proven to be true is the interviewee who receives a text they passed. For everyone else, the viewer is left to assume that “all’s well that ends well.” At least we can hope the student won’t spill any more coffee.
Considering the setting for Eric Nam in the video as radio host taking questions, one simple inquiry can be considered.
If you had feelings for someone, how would you go about expressing that you like them?
You must’ve had a hard day
It must have felt so long
I’ll go pick you up right now
—
How about a glass of champagne with me tonight?
How about a latte at your favorite cafe, okay?
Yeah, tell me everything you wanted to do
Baby don’t worry
I’ll be good for you
—
When you feel tired and blue.
No, even when you don’t feel that way
Call me, I’ll go right next to you
My love
Baby let me in.
Whether you’re relaxing or having a hiccup in your calm life, this song is perfect to listen to. A sense of someone being on your side helps people cope with negative thoughts that can creep in. Some may take the lyrics as a “a one-sided want to get out of the friend zone pushiness,” for wanting to be let into one’s life and telling someone “I’m good for you.” But if the song is taken with good intentions, a heartfelt confession from someone is most certainly possible. He or she are aware of the tough time you’re having and knows what can be done to rectify it. Not only that, but they are willing to be your support or light in your time of need. This might be the small note they’re dropping: they’re “Good For You.” Maybe you haven’t noticed quite yet, but if you needed a small push or hint, there it is.
What’s your thoughts on the song and video? Did you check out the international version of “Good For You?” Give it a listen and take a pick as to which version soothes you better.
Song Rating: 4/5
MV Rating: 3/5
(CJ E&M, Popgasa)
