Repeats of the Week - January 19, 2018
- waekpop
- Jan 19, 2018
- 3 min read
Momoland - Bboom Bboom
Momoland might have had an arguably forgettable debut with a generic, but quirky cute-girl concept, but their recent track “Bboom Bboom” from their GREAT! album is sure to stand out with a new flavor that won’t leave your head. Inspired by member JooE’s viral, meme-worthy dance from last year’s performance of “Wonderful Love,” "Bboom Bboom" takes us beyond your typical bubblegum pop and into something that so properly defines the essence of what makes K-pop so unique and addictive.
The song has all the ingredients that pretty much guarantees its ear-worm success: the novelty and quirk seen in groups like Orange Caramel and Crayon Pop, a hypnotic beat with its brassy retro-funk reminiscent of T-ARA (thank you Shinsadong Tiger), great choreo that fans can easily dance along to, and both a hip-hop breakdown and a sexy bridge (which, while some may think displaced, I personally think works thanks to its unconventional song structure). “Bboom Bboom” has successfully burrowed its way deep into my brain, but I can’t complain because I’m pretty sure this is what K-pop came for.
-Julie
Sunmi - Heroine
Sunmi has done it again. I'm so impressed with this song. Written by Sunmi and Teddy, a long time producer at YG (and co-writer/producer of Gashina), as well as produced by Teddy and 24, "Heroine" is her latest single. This synth electro-pop track is a more upbeat follow-up to Gashina. Sunmi's velvety voice is still the focus throughout the song, but it is broken up in the chorus by a synthesizer. The lyrics are so relatable as well. Sunmi sings about a lover who is so addictive, yet so destructive to her. A particularly poignant lyric - "Why did you give me wings and want me to fall." I feel you, girl!
I could talk about the color pop MV and the amazing styling and, of course, the instantly catchy choreography (we love a good duet), but I'll let you check it out for yourself.
- Kerry
Chungha - Roller Coaster
I feel like this whole Repeats is not only my playlist for the week, but possibly for the year. The women are bringing it this year and it's only January. Chungha shines in this song, "Roller Coaster," her title track from her second mini album, Offset. She sings in a high register throughout, with poppy verses, and a build to a bouncy chorus, which smooths out to her vocalizing over an electro-synth backing track.
The MV features Chungha sporting a variety of outfits, from pink, shimmery fur to neon lipstick. While the music video may be a wild ride of colors and lights, the song isn't hard listening at all. Chungha is making a name for herself outside of I.O.I and soon could be joining the likes of Sunmi and HyunA as a top female soloist.
- Kerry
Girlkind - Fanci
I'm not overly impressed with this song, but I feel like Girlkind could turn into something unique for kpop. I like that they rely more heavily on hip hop style dancing in their MV and stage for this song. Although it's not technical or freestyle hip hop, which takes a level of skill that many idols do not possess (and really isn't seen at all in kpop), there are some interesting movements in their choreography. Most girl groups have very difficult dances, often involving quick formation changes, a constant, simple movement of their legs (think stepping in place), coupled with intricate and delicate arm and hand choreography. Girlkind sheds almost all of these tropes and bring a bigger, more commercial style to the table.
I'm eager to hear them develop their sound more. While the chorus does get stuck in your head, I think the production was lacking in the song, without any real interesting backing track. I do however, think the group could come up with something that veers a little more towards hip hop/R&B in terms of sound and truly succeed. I'm going to be keeping an eye on this group to see how they grow.
- Kerry
Oh Hyuk, Cifika - Momom
Honestly, there isn't much to say about this song, because it is very strange. The song name translates to "Body and Soul" and is a collaboration between indie artist Oh Hyuk, of band Hyukoh, and Cifika, a relatively unknown artist on the Korean music scene. That's not to say she's not about to blow up - she's going to be performing at SXSW this year, amongst an impressive Korean artist lineup. But there's not a lot of information about Cifika. She has a fascinating sound and clearly, a surreal imagination.
I don't have much more to say because you all just need to watch and listen to this track. Let us know what you think.
- Kerry & Julie