Repeats Of The Week - January 12, 2018
- waekpop
- Jan 12, 2018
- 3 min read
Monsta X - Spotlight
Monsta X is arguably the most energetic K-pop group of this generation. Their often trap-heavy music is injected with the intensity and charisma of the seven members. Following their first music show win with Korean title-track “Dramarama” (finally, so deserved!), they’ve now released their first non-album Japanese single, “Spotlight.”
While artists often take a slightly different musical direction to tailor to their Japanese audience, I’m pleased that Monsta X has decided to stay true to their signature high-intensity sound. There are many similarities between “Spotlight” and their debut title-track “Trespass,” but audiophiles will note that their sound has developed quite a long way in terms of finding the balance between that aggressive rhythm and a good pop hook. You can get a good sense of this throughout their recent mini-album, The Code. Likewise, “Spotlight” is well-crafted in its composition, knowing exactly when to tone down or build the hype to highlight the focal points of the song.
-Julie
Block B - Don't Leave
Block B is back with their repackaged album, Re: Montage. The title track of the album, "Don't Leave" is a pop-rock ballad. Written by member Park Kyung, it caught my ear this week for its emotive vocal performance. I don't know if it's the season or something, but I am really here for all the mellow tracks that groups are releasing right now. The vocal unit of Block B deliver beautifully here, without pushing too many over the top runs or high notes. The rap line maintains the emotion of the song with lyrical verses. Sometimes rap verses can seem out of place in songs with strong vocal choruses, but that isn't the case here. The song has a nice flow from start to finish.
The MV is worth checking out as well. Although far more subdued than its flashier counterpart of "Shall We Dance," the title track of their album, Montage, this MV has its merits. I, for one, enjoyed the styling immensely, with oversized coats, large turtlenecks, and extravagant glasses.
Block B plays around with their style as much as their sound, but they do so with class, talent and a small dose of humor. I think they could use a little more love in the world, so I encourage you to dive in.
- Kerry
Oh My Girl - Secret Garden
WKP must be getting sentimental in its advanced age - this ROTW is softer than a down pillow. Here we have another laid back track, this time from Oh My Girl. "Secret Garden" is sweet, synth-y track complete with a chorus backed by a string orchestra. The girls deliver solid vocal performances, but pull back from overwhelming the instrumental backing track. Additionally, I enjoyed the choreography so much; it hits surprisingly hard for a subdued number. I didn't even know you could incorporate waacking in choreography to an orchestral song.
To be honest, I did not expect to like this song, but I was pleasantly surprised. I hope to be proven wrong again and again by Oh My Girl in the future.
- Kerry
EXO - Been Through
I am inexplicably, emotionally attached to this song from EXO’s recent winter album, Universe. The entire album is actually my favorite EXO winter album to date, hitting all my musical sweet spots with a perfect balance of modernity and nostalgia. While its title track is a beautiful, theatrical hit, EXO’s b-side tracks are the ones that always win me over. "Been Through" is a gorgeous piece, standing out despite its chill beat. Its strength lies in its variety in tone, with the members showcasing their vocal prowess in a softer, more ethereal quality than "Universe’s" emotional vocals.
- Julie