Repeats of the Week - November 24, 2017
- waekpop
- Nov 24, 2017
- 3 min read
Pentagon - Runaway
The latest from the ten piece group, Pentagon, “Runaway” was dropped on November 22nd along with its MV. As the title track to their new mini album Demo_O2, Pentagon shows the world its strength. This group is a production monster. They have dropped five mini albums in 2017 alone. According to the group, this is due to the fact that all members are interested and actively composing, producing, writing and recording music. They are a group united by passion and not just for themselves. They write and produce for other groups. Pentagon’s leader, Hui, has a production credit, amongst others, for Wanna One’s “Energetic.” Maybe you’ve heard of it?
The song itself is quintessentially Pentagon, with lots of vocal layering and sweeping instrumentals. Personally, I found “Like This” to be more musically complex, but “Runaway” is a solid track. It doesn’t hurt that the MV is a continuation of the story told in “Like This” which keeps me engaged. I’m ready for the story to continue with their sixth album! They can totally squeeze one more in for 2017, don’t you think?
- Kerry
Kard - You in Me
Okay, I don’t mean to be that person to give away a twist, but dang, that twist though! KARD throws its viewers for a loop in their new MV for “You in Me.”
I was hoping for a bit of a different sound from KARD, who often rely heavily on the tropical house beats and Latin infused backing tracks. I somewhat get my wish in “You In Me.” The Latin beats are still present. But it does have a darker edge than KARD’s other songs, which is complimented by the lyrics and the accompanying MV.
There is a unique quality to Somin’s introduction verse, which delivers a healthy dose of dreamy and dark pop goodness. Jiwoo holds down the chorus like the badass she is. It’s a treat to hear her exercise her vocal range as it has often been muted in their previous songs. B.M. and J.Seph both deliver passionate rap verses. Each has a unique, yet emotive delivery of their lyrics. Overall though, the girls take this song to a new level, helping KARD expand into a more pop noir sound.
- Kerry
JUN - When I Call
Jun, better known as his YouTube alias JuNCurryAhn, is now a bonafide K-pop idol. Jun is a well-known violinist who often covers K-pop songs on his YouTube channel. (One of my favorites is his cover of BTS’s “Save ME”). He is also a member of the K-pop parody group, BgA (Boys Generally Asian).
This week, JUN released his first solo single, “When I Call.” In the song, JUN’s singing and rapping is layered over a laid-back tropical beat. The music video, which JUN directed and starred in, has muted colors with pops of red. The choreo in the MV is just as laid back as the song. It’s not hard-hitting or fast paced, which matches the song well. It’s a solid first solo single with a hook that is definitely stuck in my head.
- Laura
Bewhy - Okay (Prod By Gray)
BewhY, Wae Kpop’s unanimous Korean hip hop crush, has just landed another OST. The drama, entitled Prison Playbook, premiered this past Wednesday, November 22nd with BewhY’s OST dropping on the same day.
“Okay” is a funky track, full of jazzy bass and plucky guitar. It’s upbeat, bouncy and perfect for a k-drama soundtrack. The chorus is easy to remember - “Okay, okay, okay” - and will definitely have you up out of your seat. Produced by Gray, a long time collaborator of BewhY’s and another favorite of ours, it is absolutely no surprise this song wormed its way onto our Repeats playlist.
- Kerry
Amber – Still Loving You (사랑할거예요) We don't often include covers in our Repeats list, but this one blew me away. Amber from f(x) covered Sophiya's "Still Loving You." If you're not familiar with Sophiya, I talked a bit about her in an older Repeats. She's an underrated vocalist and I was happy to see Amber is a fan of hers as well.
As f(x)'s main rapper, Amber doesn't usually showcase her singing skills within the group, although you do get to hear more of her singing in her solo releases. This cover is the best I’ve heard Amber’s vocals sound. The song features Amber simply accompanied by a piano, which allows her voice to shine. The black and white music video shot in her studio keeps your focus on the beautiful song and compliments the sadness and regret heard in the lyrics and in Amber’s voice.
- Laura