Repeats of the Week - October 6, 2017
- waekpop
- Oct 6, 2017
- 4 min read
Seventeen’s Leaders – Change Up
Seventeen is keeping it fresh and funky with new subunit tracks. The first of four dropped on September 24th and features the group’s unit leaders, S. Coups (hip hop and the group’s overall leader), Woozi (vocal), and Hoshi (performance).
This song is a big mash up of a bunch of different genres of music, which, in theory, sounds like it shouldn’t work. Yet, somehow it does. “Change Up” features electro pop beats, overlaid with jazzy horns and even some trap/tropical house coming through at certain points. One can say the title aptly describes not only the lyrics, but also the constantly shifting backing track styles.
Each member showcases their individual talents. Hoshi and S. Coups slide in with rap verses that bop along the beat and then pick up to double time, demonstrating both boys’ silky flow. Throughout the song’s chorus and bridge, Woozi provides an anchor with his perfect falsetto.
The lyrics are a bit of a humble brag, highlighting Seventeen’s ability to think outside the box that is Korean pop these days. They put in the work to produce their songs and are not afraid to change it up. I hope they continue to test boundaries in the K-pop world.
- Kerry
ODD EYE CIRCLE (LOONA) – Girl Front
LOONA’s second subunit finally made their official debut with their first mini-album, ‘Mix & Match.’
The three-girl unit comprised of Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry also dropped a colorful MV for the album’s title track, "Girl Front." The energetic pop song has an interesting nostalgic vibe defined by the gated synth beats and bright vocals of the girls.
After getting individual releases over the past few months, we’re not surprised that the subunit collab track blends their voices and styles effortlessly. While the first subunit (LOONA 1/3) had a somewhat traditional, bubblegum vibe with a dash of retro, ODD EYE CIRCLE takes a more attitude-infused direction with interesting song structures and punchy verses.
Their mini-album is as expected for a girl-group, with a mix of appropriate girl-centric tracks. One interesting track, though, is "Chaotic," which their company, Blockberry Creative, described as one meant for a boy group. OEC kills the sexy, electro hip hop track, proving their ability to cover other genres and styles.
- Julie
B1A4 – Rollin’
B1A4 is finally back with their seventh mini-album, Rollin’. I know we’ve talked a bit about how tropical house is getting a little overdone. And the title track (also called “Rollin’”) is another tropical house song. But the layering of choral additions and the catchy electronic pop beats makes the song interesting… and a total earworm. Member Jinyoung did a great job producing the song (he also wrote the lyrics with fellow member Baro). The chorus has a beautiful build up, and I think “I’m rolling in the deep” will stuck in my head for awhile.
This track is a great look at a more mature sound from B1A4. It sounds worlds away from earlier songs like “What’s Happening.” The MV is visually stunning, but simple and does a good job of conveying the songs lyrics about what it’s like to fall in love. While it may not be the most unique song of the year, it’s a solid addition to any playlist.
- Laura
Bolbbalgan4 - Some (썸 탈꺼야)
I love me some strong female artists. I get two with Bolbbalgan4. The Korean indie pop duo debuted in August 2016 and have just come back with a new mini album, Red Diary Page.1.
I had a difficult time picking which of the two title tracks I liked best off this album. “Some” won out. (“Fix Me” is also a great listen, check it out!) Unfortunately, the meaning of the song title gets lost in translation, as often happens. “Some (썸 탈꺼야),” is a term used in Korea to describe the complicated moments when a friendship progresses to romance. Bolbbalgan4 address this tangled emotional state, singing about wanting to tell someone how much you care, while being scared to do so.
“Some” also makes the list because it diverts from the k-pop formula. In most groups with both a rapper and singer, we usually hear alternating rap and singing verses. Of the two members, Jiyoon is the rapper, but she is also a sub vocalist and guitarist. Rather than following the alternating verses format, Jiyoung, the main vocalist, carries the entire song. Jiyoon provides instrumentals and harmonizing vocals. The two girls grew up together, as classmates in high school. This long time connection translates to their songs. The support of Jiyoon’s guitar melody and sub-vocals allow Jiyoung’s strong, yet sweet voice shine.
Overall, the song has a pleasing, laidback vibe with lyrics to which many people can relate. This one gets a spot on my lazy Sunday morning playlist, for sure.
- Kerry
펀치 (Punch) – 밤이 되니까 (When Night is Falling)
You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this single track. If you’re an avid K-drama watcher, chances are you’ve heard one of Punch’s songs. Rarely ever on stage, Punch is usually seen in recording studios working on original soundtracks to the biggest Korean TV shows. She’s the singer-rapper behind OSTs for hit dramas such as “Descendents of the Sun,” “Goblin,” and “Scarlet Heart: Ryeo.”
Now Punch has an impressive portfolio of OSTs and just a handful of collab singles dating back to 2014, but this is her first solo single without any TV production to back her up. I’ve been patiently waiting for a day that she might finally debut with a solo album, and it looks she might be on that track with her new soothing, yet melancholic, R&B single, 밤이 되니까 (When Night is Falling).
- Julie