TWICE - Dance The Night Away
I feel like every week I’m torn about what song is going to be the hit song of the summer. But what can you do when the competition for the best summer bop is so fierce? The K-pop summer playlist is only just getting started with so many anticipated summer releases still to come.
Cue TWICE with their literal song about summer nights, “Dance The Night Away.” As their second Korean single of the year plus two other Japanese releases, TWICE’s schedule is jam-packed between promoting in Korea and overseas. The 9-member group still finds time to pump us up for fun in the sun and sand and dancing in the cool, breezy summer nights.
“Dance The Night Away” departs from their signature formula. From the musical team that produced Red Velvet’s “Peek-a-Boo,” the song doesn’t have TWICE's typical ear-worm hook, but rather relies more on its bright EDM pop sound against the bumping bass and choral beats. I say this every time, but I really do love the choreography to this song. TWICE is consistently irresistible for their cute and catchy moves, but “Dance The Night Away” poses the challenge of singing on top of a high-energy dance beat. Their recent music show performances and dance practice videos show they’re doing just fine keeping their cool this comeback.
- Julie
Tiffany Young - Over My Skin
K-pop fans are very familiar with Tiffany, especially during her successful tenure with super girl group, Girls’ Generation (SNSD). With her first solo project since her departure from Girls’ Generation, she’s now back with her first English single and ready for her big global breakout.
“Over My Skin” is Tiffany’s way of breaking out of the K-pop limitations that might’ve existed throughout her polished look with her alum girl group. The retro pop-infused R&B track overflows with confidence as she builds up chanting “woman woman woman woman woman,” lyrics not afraid of owning her sexuality and desires. Her effortless vocals set over the groovy beat remind me a lot of Christina Aguilera’s earlier works, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she performs in the music video currently in the works. Check out her dance rehearsal video above, choreographed by Yanis Marshall!
- Julie
SHAUN (숀) - Way Back Home
DJ-producer SHAUN blindsided TWICE and BLACKPINK fans when his soft club mix "Way Back Home" suddenly crept up various music charts until he now stands at #1 on Genie, beating both popular girl groups. The surprising chart topper combines simple EDM beats with a sweet acoustic guitar layered with Shaun's clear vocals.
A current member of indie rock band THE KOXX, Shaun started his career playing the synthesizer and keyboard for the group in 2009. He eventually delved into producing EDM music, dropping a couple of singles back in 2013. Shaun is now DJ-ing and producing under DCTOM Entertainment who represents over two dozen DJs in South Korea.
- Julie