2018 was the year I truly got into K-pop. While I haven't been around for too long, I've definitely exposed myself to a decent amount of new music this past year that I've fallen in love with. Here are my favorite K-pop songs of 2018 in no particular order:
1. “Shine” by Pentagon
“Shine” by ridiculously underrated boy group Pentagon is one of the best comeback songs of 2018. It’s spurred a viral, fervent response from many idols that eventually led to positive word-of-mouth and the group charting both domestically and internationally for the first time ever. It’s hard not to fall in love with this song. There’s nothing seriously complex going on, with the production opting for brassy, minimalistic synths, piano, and verbal cues as percussive instruments, yet the song never delves into mainstream, and it’s never tiring even as it remains incredibly catchy and a massive earworm. The song is a breath of fresh air, which is fitting, given that the song is about the euphoric and heart-fluttering feelings of unrequited love and the awkwardness of not having the courage to express them. Even as I say this, I don’t think I’ve properly expressed how magical of a song this is. You’d have to check it out yourself to get what I mean.
2. “Baby Don’t Stop” by NCT U
Oh, where to begin. If you’re new to this blog, just know I’ve been obsessed with this song the moment it was released all the way back in late February of this year. Everything about this song is just unreal. S.M. Entertainment definitely has their long history of poor choices, but if there’s one thing they did right, it’s making Taeyong and Ten an NCT U lineup and letting this song see the light of day. It’s extra exciting for fans to see Ten again, who hasn't played such a big role in NCT releases since he debuted with NCT U's debut song "The 7th Sense" all the way back in 2016. I continue to be surprised by the breadth of talents that the duo possess, and this song perfectly showcases these two incredibly charismatic members and their natural and explosive chemistry in ways that are beyond engaging. They are performers that transcend the concept of performance itself. The production starts off simple before delving into a playful, sprawling soundscape backed by an intense bass track, 8-bit sounding synth instrumentals, and other unconventional percussion to support Ten’s smooth (and shockingly good) vocals, the ASMR-like, passionately whispered chorus, Taeyong’s deep, gravelly rap as well as his surprisingly light vocals, and the mesmerizing choreography. The song is quirky and unique and unconventional, yet it just works. As expected of arguably NCT’s best performers.
3. “Yestoday (Extended Version)” by NCT U
I’ve always maintained the opinion that NCT U (with its whole concept being a rotational unit that switches member lineups with each song so as to have the best lineup of members that fit the concept of the song) is the superior NCT unit, and with good reason: even when the group throws it back to 90’s-vibe hip-hop, what comes out is still magnificent and surprisingly emotional. Stripping the usual theatrics associated with NCT's previous releases, the song focuses on the unique flows and delivery of rappers Taeyong, Mark, and Lucas in their verses. Complementing the three rappers is main vocalist Doyoung, who has been given deserved opportunities to showcase his vocal talents this past year. He effortlessly weaves the rappers’ disparate verses with his voice, crafting a sort of dreamy, contemplative, almost heartbreaking song about coming to terms with our past selves in order to build a brighter future.
4. "My Pace" by Stray Kids
It was a toss-up between the rookie group's aggressive and angsty debut song "District 9" or their equally aggressive yet more playful comeback "My Pace". JYP's rookie boy group is truly one of the most promising and exciting groups of this year, and their debut was equally confident and distinct, but I think it was there comeback song "My Pace" that really solidified my genuine love for the group. The song, simply put, is just fun. The rappers of the group cap off their impressive debut bars with different flows and styles at play, diversifying the group's musical and rhythmic palette. For the sake of context, I've always thought Stray Kids was the perfect marriage of what makes self-producing group Seventeen and hip-hop-and-western-influenced group BTS so great, yet "My Pace" shows that the boys are here to make a mark for themselves. Why not have a little bit of fun along the way?
5. "I Want You" by SHINee
SHINee came back after a year and a half (and unfortunately, without the presence of late member Jonghyun, who passed away in December of 2017) with deep house-influenced, suave track "I Want You", the second single of their three-part release schedule. It's a feel-good song, showcasing the members well-known charisma in their performances. Above all, the song proves why this ten-year-old group are considered the princes of K-pop. SHINee elevate any material they touch, and "I Want You" is no exception.
6. "The Truth Untold" by BTS (feat. Steve Aoki)
BTS admittedly doesn't have the strongest vocalists in K-pop (nothing wrong with that; the group debuted with a more hip-hop influenced sound anyway), but their singers Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have probably the most distinct voices in K-pop. Even that said, "The Truth Untold", a stripped-back, emotional, powerful ballad, is arguably Love Yourself: Tear's strongest moment. To add another layer of surprise is the fact that EDM hype-king Steve Aoki (who remixed BTS's loud and bombastic "Mic Drop" into something even more energetic and aggressive) produced this song. You can clearly tell how much BTS's vocalists have grown musically since their last comeback, and this song is a testament to that growth.
7. "Oh My!" by Seventeen
After exploring slightly more aggressive and melancholy influences with their 2017 comebacks, self-producing idol kings Seventeen came back with a refreshing, bubbly concept with "Oh My!", a perfect time for summer. It's a welcome throwback to the material that Seventeen became known for (ex: "Pretty U"), yet also introduces new sounds to the group's already diverse musical palette. It's never a disappointment with Seventeen.
8. "Shoot Me" by Day6
For the time being, I'll have to stick Day6 with K-pop, but I am aware that they are more of a K-rock group (though you could argue that their songs are more pop-rock if anything). Technicalities aside, Day6's long-awaited 2018 Korean comeback came with the bravado that was expected of a song title as "Shoot Me". The band has toyed with a harder rock sound with their Every Day6 project in 2017 ("I Wait", "How Can I Say", etc.), but "Shoot Me" stands out for just how far the band has pushed for their new sound. For one thing, Day6 has yet to disappoint fans on a single release, so it's no surprise "Shoot Me" has made its way on this list, but it's deserved nonetheless. The rest of the songs on the album are equally good, so this is another chance for me to tell you to listen to the entire album (and then their entire discography because they are THAT good).
9. "Lullaby" by GOT7
As much as I genuinely respect Got7's talents and chemistry as a group, I always found myself disappointed by their generally mellow-impact discography of the past few years (they were okay at best, generally stale at worst). With their third full-album comeback with Present: YOU and title track "Lullaby", Got7 finally nailed down the kind of synth-breezy, dance-funk sonic landscape they attempted to achieve with "Look". In short, "Lullaby" is Got7's best song in years. The hook of "sweet talk to me babe/it's magical" is an instant classic of a hook, immediately leaving a lasting impression (I could not stop singing it to myself for at least a good month after the song's release), and one that won me over with this song in general. While one song isn't enough to guarantee a group's return to form, I welcome the crystallization of the group's sound for the first time in years. I'd also suggest you check out the track's three other language versions (in addition to Korean, the track is also sung in English, Chinese, and Spanish).
10. "Candy (so good)" by The Rose
More of a band, less of an idol group, but we'll have to make do. Relatively new band The Rose released their debut EP "Void" in April of 2018, and less-than-three-minute track "Candy (so good)" made the strongest impression on me. Reminiscent of The 1975, "Candy (so good)" is the kind of breezy indie rock that makes you want to listen to it again and again.
11. "City 127" by NCT 127
I have mixed feelings regarding the now-ten member group's title track "Regular" off their first full-length studio album Regular-Irregular. Oddly enough, "Regular" is probably on the album's weaker songs, especially considering B-side tracks "Come Back", "My Van", "No Longer", and "Replay (1:27 PM). The song I can't stop listening to is the first song in the album "City 127", which so clearly brings to mind autumn, late-night walks in the city. Taeyong and Mark trade verses that offer lighter, breezier fare from normally hard-hitting raps in most NCT 127 discography. The vocal harmonies are also delightfully simple yet effective in their delivery, and the whistling in the background just rounds off this perfect track.
12. "Jealousy" by Monsta X
Talk about a god-tier chorus. "Jealousy" freewheels between so many disparate genres, but somehow it works incredibly well in this song. Monsta X has been a relatively recent discovery of mine, and I must say I love pretty much everything about this song by the group.
13. "Idol" by BTS
The boys surprised everyone with their off-the-walls track "Idol", dialing up the incredibly idiosyncratic energy that BTS is known for and coming up with a track that arrives with one of the most freeing, climatic choruses of their recent discography. Favorable comparisons have been made to their equally bold "Not Today". I love "Idol" for how weird it is and for how much it embraces that weirdness, fitting for a song ultimately about how the boys of BTS view themselves and how they've learned to love themselves, a perfect bombastic conclusion to their introspective and thoughtful Love Yourself series. Also of note is the traditional Korean elements the boys incorporate into the production, choreography, and music video visuals, implying to fans and the general public of how distinctly proud the members of BTS are about their Korean heritage and how proud they are to represent their country as they hit higher and more international stages.
14. "Tempo" by EXO
Everything about this song is perfect with exception to what sounds like bed squeaks in the chorus. I love the song's funky leanings, sounding two steps away from some polished Korean barbershop quartet music. The EXO comeback was a long time coming, and "Tempo" reminds everyone why EXO remains relevant to this day. It's just fun and light and addictive. 15. "Not That Type" by Gugudan
I know literally nothing about this Jellyfish Entertainment girl group other than the some of the former I.O.I members, but I've heard nothing but high praise for Gugudan's recent comeback, so I checked it out. This song delivers and more. It's the kind of power anthem I need in 2018 while not taking itself too seriously. It's enjoyable, energetic, and a really good time. Gugudan, I'm watching you. 16. "Bad Boy" by Red Velvet
This song is nothing short of legendary. While this uniquely dual concept girl group has done "velvet" concepts (aka their more R&B, less bubblegum pop style) in the past, "Bad Boy" is their most "velvet" yet, completely throwing away any hints of anything particularly cute or approachable and embodying the sort of badass Red Velvet that paid off in spades. The production is impeccable, approaching this concept with the kind of minimalism that kicked off 2018 with a bang. The attention this song received is well-deserved. "Bad Boy" is Red Velvet at its best. 17. "Woman" by BoA
The Goddess of K-Pop came back with her first full-length studio album in years this year with lead single "Woman", a perfect blend of groovy bass, sharp confidence, and female empowerment. Despite being in the industry for almost two decades (if you were born in the 21st century, she's been a K-pop star longer than you've been alive) and being sidelined by newer acts, BoA continues to prove what makes her legendary with this song that manages to show off another side of the incredibly versatile performer. 18. "Siren" by Sunmi
Sunmi's new singles after departing JYP Entertainment have been nothing short of extraordinary. From song of summer 2017's "Gashina" to January's incredible "Heroine" to late summer's 80's inspired "Siren", Sunmi has shown time and time again how incredible of a performer she is. "Siren" really took the cake, though, with its infectious hooks and production as well as Sunmi's mesmerizing performance.
Those have been my favorite eighteen K-pop songs of 2018! This year has been an incredible year for me, and here's to an exciting 2019!
JYP's 4th generation idol boy group Stray Kids made a splash of a debut in March of 2018. With a pre-debut mixtape, debut EP, August-released EP, and a recently-announced October comeback, 2018 has been Stray Kids' year. There must be a reason to their international and domestic appeal, so let's take a closer look at why you stan this nonet of a group.
1. They write and compose all of their own music.
Bucking the trend of JYP's previous idol groups, who tended to start writing and composing their music later on in their careers, Stray Kids have always written and composed their own songs.Members Chan (born in 1997), Changbin (born in 1999), and Han (born in 2000) form a pre-Stray Kids underground rap group called 3racha and have over 20 Stray Kids songs credited to their names in addition to composition, but every member of Stray Kids has co-wrote and even co-composed at least one Stray Kids track. CEO Park Jinyoung's (or JYP) is virtually absent from Stray Kids' music, a rarity for JYP's rookie groups. They're essentially independent artists operating under one of the biggest K-pop entertainment companies, a huge testament to their talent and artistic confidence at such a young age.
2. They have a strong, unique concept, and they stick with it.
Another thing that's so incredibly refreshing about Stray Kids is almost how disinterested they are in writing love songs or songs with a romantic context. As idols, they don't do what's expected of them, instead writing music that is really a reflection of themselves and what they're going through as young adults (they are kids, after all). Their debut EP, "I Am Not" (stylized in a very aggressive "I am NOT") explored the psyche of a rebellious teenager, trying to rebel against what society expects of him and the kind of box he was being forced into. With their first comeback "I Am Who", Stray Kids followed a linear progression of self-identity and asked the simple question, "if I am not, then who I am?" It's brilliant in its execution, and "I Am Who" expanded Stray Kids' musical palette with a sort of carefree freewheeling of various music genres that encompass the highs and lows of trying to find yourself. At the time of posting, Stray Kids have yet to release their next EP in the concept storyline, "I Am You", but it'll be no surprise that the boys will explore similar themes of self-identity and self-acceptance. Prior to their debut, JYP dropped an interested album concept trailer for their hotly-anticipated debut, which features their "I Am Not" album intro "Not!" and the members of Stray Kids playing citizens of a dystopia-like world:
3. They have some of the best rappers in the industry.
Anyone new to Stray Kids pretty much has, at one point, been very much surprised by what Stray Kids' rappers can pull off. Changbin and Han hold the group's well-deserved "main rapper" roles (I am not exaggerating when I say these two boys are literally the best rappers of JYP), but versatile-style Hyunjin and deep-voiced Felix also bring plenty of their own style to the table. Changbin and Han, especially, have incredible control over their voices, able to imbue so much into their verses, which aren't as prominent in Stray Kids songs compared to their 3racha tracks. I have to really give a shoutout to Changbin, who really turned me to a Stray Kids fan once he started going off in Stray Kids' debut song "District 9".
4. Don't sleep on their vocalists.
Oldest member Woojin and Stray Kids' other vocalists (like Seungmin, I.N., Lee Know, and leader Bang Chan) have the sort of smooth vocal tone that really complements the really hard, edgy sound that Stray Kids likes to lean on. Remember Changbin and Han? Yeah, they can sing really damn well, too. Pretty much every Stray Kids member can pull double duty. Their first song ever, "Hellevator", released all the way back in October of 2017, features not only an aggressive rap by Han, but also seeing the member literally belting out a high note right before the chorus instrumental drop. It was so surprising that even JYP himself was confused if Han was a rapper or a singer. He's both! Vocalist Changbin also has a really nice voice, which you can hear in B-side tracks like "Insomnia".
5. They have an international appeal that signals that they'll be leading the next generation of K-pop in the next couple of years.
Not only does their music derive from what you hear on western mainstream radio, but the group also has four fluent English speakers (leader Bang Chan and Felix hail from the Down Under, Seungmin lived in the states for a little bit and went to an English-speaking school, and Han lived in Malaysia during his childhood), and pretty much all of the members can understand English (member Hyunjin has nearly perfect pronunciation). As evident when they took over the KCON NY 2018 stage back in June of this year, Stray Kids are huge in the west, and that sort of success is really only going to sky-rocket from here on out.
6. Their synchronicity as a group is on another level.
All of the members of Stray Kids are very talented dancers, and they truly work together as a machine. Their choreography? Pretty difficult and intense. Check out the kind of floor work and flips that the boys dabble with the choreography of their debut song "District 9":
7. They're hilarious and a borderline mess.
At the end of the day, Stray Kids are really just boys enjoying the ride, and their carefree, high-energy personalities are a delight to witness. They never take themselves too seriously, and they're always down to have a laugh. Check out some clips of them being very loud prior to their debut (don't worry, they're still very loud and rambunctious, even if the video is a bit old):
Honestly, to become a true DAY6 fan (or My Day), you have to take the long route and listen to all of their songs. But if you're a bit confused as to where to start on the band's flawless discography, here are some great jumping points you should consider:
1. "Shoot Me" (2018)
DAY6's long-awaited 2018 comeback did not disappoint, delivering their most sonically-aggressive Korean song. With reggae leanings and a rather eerie, Halloween-esque production, "Shoot Me" shows how much the band has grown during their hiatus, and I look forward to what they have in store in the future.
2. "When you love someone" (2017)
As part of their monthly comeback release schedule in 2017, DAY6 pushed themselves to explore different music genres with each month. Their October song "When you love someone" offered a melancholy and relaxing song to the mix, which is perfect for fall. If you like calmer songs, "When you love someone" is your cup of tea. I'm especially in love with the way keyboardist Wonpil sings the chorus. I'm also a personal fan of the lyrics and the accompanying music video:
3. "Dance Dance" (2017)
DAY6's May comeback was with undeniably-jam-worthy bop "Dance Dance". As the title suggests, this is a feel-good track that can get even the people with two left feet to want to dance their heart away. Upbeat, deliriously fun DAY6 songs are rare, but that just makes them gems.
4. "Blood" (2016)
With the song's falsetto-heavy chorus, I get extreme Maroon 5 vibes from this song, and that's what makes the song so great. DAY6's early days saw them drawing inspiration from western pop-rock music, and "Blood" is a testament to that interest in that genre:
5. "I Wait" (2017)
DAY6 kicked off their Every DAY6 project with January song "I Wait", which is the type of moody, angsty, rock sound that you would want from a monthly comeback. The song also utilizes Korean and English wordplay really well with the background "I wait" and "아왜" ("ah wae") vocals. A creative touch that you might not have been aware of!
6. "Feeling Good" (2018)
Off the same album as "Shoot Me", "Feeling Good" is one of those rare feel-good DAY6 tracks that must be cherished at all costs. Perfect for summer, "Feeling Good" immediately sucks you in and is perfect for blasting during summer car rides or late-night beach parties.
7. "You Were Beautiful" (2017)
This song is one of those songs, if you know what I mean. It's the My Day cult favorite for most fans, and it speaks to a very profound human feeling that the song has managed to express so well. Arguably it is one of DAY6's saddest songs, but that's why it's so powerful.
8. "Man In A Movie" (2017)
Yeah, this is an actual B-side for the group. Their B-sides are that good. Lyricist Young K, who wrote the lyrics for this song on his own, has said that he really loves this song, and that he was inspired to write it after seeing Me Before You in theaters. The production of this song is super unconventional, yet DAY6's personality continues to shine so clearly in the song. This has more of a classic rock feel to it, and honestly, it sounds like it would fit really well in a movie soundtrack.
9. "Congratulations" (2015)
The legendary debut song. Most K-pop artists can't claim that their debut song was that great (not a big deal, since the point of releasing music is to improve as musicians), but "Congratulations" remains a classic forever. I have yet to hear about a DAY6 concert that didn't have "Congratulations" on their set list. If you want to get into DAY6, "Congratulations" is a must.
10. "I'm Serious" (2017)
As part of their April release, "I'm Serious" offered a sound that's perfect for the transition of seasons. A favorite to perform by members after more than a year since its release, it makes sense that such a great and versatile song remains its longevity. It's also a personal favorite for me. For one thing, this is one of those classic sounds-happy-but-read-the-lyrics Day6 songs that add an interesting juxtaposition to it. Even with that said, listening to it just raises your mood.
11. "Letting Go" (2016)
After their debut in September of 2015, Day6 suffered a serious scandal in only a short few months: one of the members, Junhyeok, was accused of dating a fan and subsequently left the group in February of 2016 for the sake of choosing not to mar Day6's reputation. While the members wrote and recorded this song before Junhyeok's departure, it's safe to say that the music video and the lyrics of the song have remained tied to the former member. "Letting Go" bursts with the sort of angsty emotion that has become a trademark for Day6, but I think this song is the OG. It's so angsty that it almost makes the listener feel like they've let out their anger and hurt and despair in the song. Member and leader Sungjin is the real MVP in this song, especially when he belts out the heart-wrenching chorus. Listen to the rebooted version, and you're treated to a Bohemian-Rhapsody-esque bridge and more intense production.
DAY6 in 2018 (from left: Young K, Wonpil, Jae, Dowoon, and Sungjin)
K-pop-rock band DAY6, under Big 3 company JYP Entertainment, has been making a name for itself with its organic rock-sound since its debut in 2015. With their latest comeback "Shoot Me" last month gaining them a considerable amount of new fans and an ongoing world tour, it's about time people should start learning more about the band. Here are some reasons why you should stan DAY6.
1. All of their members sing so well.
And so distinctly as well. Before I knew much about the members, I could easily pick out who was singing at what time in any DAY6 song. While drummer Dowoon has yet to have a vocal part in a DAY6 song, he is taking vocal lessons and has sang at DAY6 concerts in the past. The other four are all incredibly capable of belting out high notes in addition to delving into lower ranges, and the members know each other so well at this point that the parts that they assign to each other are perfect and make the song 100 times better.
2. They self-produce.
All DAY6 members have helped in writing and composing for the songs. Member Young K is considered the group's lyricist, as many DAY6 songs have been solely written by him, but all of the members are involved in writing their lyrics and composition. Talented, indeed! What's admirable is that member Jae has stated that he has never studied music theory in his life, yet he's credited for composing much of DAY6's discography. If anything, DAY6's discography proves that you can do anything if you set your mind to it.
3. They're hilarious.
Call it the perfect marriage between funny fans and a funny group of men, but YouTube is littered with funny videos of the boys getting up to their (un)usual antics as a group. LA-born Jae is known for having his own Twitter account and YouTube vlogging channel, where he constantly jokes around in English. DAY6 inside jokes are also hilarious, whether that be fans (and even the members) calling Dowoon "drum", leader Sungjin "Bob the Builder", or Young K as "Brian" and his ongoing love with all things food.
4. They all play instruments.
Yes, they can sing and play instruments. Members Jae and Sungjin are guitarists, Young K is on bass, Wonpil on keyboard and synthesizer, and Dowoon on drums. They're truly a band, and the energy around is truly electric when they perform live.
5. Pretty much every Korean celebrity loves them.
K-pop idols, new and old, pretty much all love DAY6. Actors, TV personalities, you name it. They're not widely known, but DAY6 has a considerable celebrity cult following. Even if you don't love DAY6, your fave probably does, so you should definitely check them out.
6. They literally have no bad song.
I'm not exaggerating. All of their songs are incredible. While not every song is going to be your cup of tea, they're all composed impeccably well, are sung incredibly well, are written flawlessly, and are perfect matches with the kind of vibe they aim for in all of the above. There is no bad song, so rest assured you will have the guarantee that you will be spending your precious time on something worthwhile when you get into DAY6.
13-member group Seventeen is arguably my favorite K-pop group of all time. There's nothing not-to-love about this group: in my eyes, they are the perfect idol group, and the fact that they aren't even a bigger deal outside of Asia blows my mind. Here are some reasons why you should stan Seventeen:
1. They prove that numbers don't overwhelm team dynamics.
13 members is a lot. Their numbers come off as intimidating for many people, but there’s a reason why they’re so popular in Asia. It’s because their team chemistry is something truly special. Seventeen are truly a family. Members in the group have basically known each other for at least five years, and they have bonded over unfortunate circumstances early on in the careers as idols that have made them such a close group. That bond is displayed in the energy they display on stage. The group is so in tune with each other in a way that can’t be made artificially. It’s truly a sight to see.
2. They’re leading the newest wave of self-producing idols.
Seventeen are known by the Korean public as the “self-producing” idol group, and the title is deserved. All members have contributed to writing music, and a handful (Woozi, Hoshi, and Vernon especially) have produced for their group. Seventeen’s dance line have also choreographed all of their group’s performances, especially Hoshi. Pretty much everything they do is distinctly their own, and what they produce is very organic, authentic, and delivered with love and attention, something that isn’t very common in the notoriously manufactured K-pop industry.
3. They are the new kings of synchronicity.
Seventeen are synonymous with synchronicity when it comes to choreography. Even with such different body types and varying backgrounds and experience in dance, members display none of that in the group’s tight, high-energy performances. They’re never not in-sync. I sometimes doubt they’re humans, if I’m being honest. If anything, you can’t help but feel extremely satisfied watching the group perform. Every movement they do is just 100% together.
From their dance practice video for their single "Thanks" (2018)
4. They have an inspiring underdog story.
While their company Pledis Entertainment wasn’t in complete obscurity when they debuted, Seventeen was formed at a time when Pledis was essentially bankrupt. Members were given the bare minimum to debut as an idol group (partly the reason why they are self-producing in the first place: their company wanted to save money managing such a large group), and so they really started from nothing. Seventeen was so poor that they couldn’t even afford basic performance equipment such as in-ear monitors. The staff around them during their early days were borderline abusive, and their success seemed nothing but a very impossible dream. It’s truly heartwarming to see the group now witness immense recognition not only in their native South Korea but internationally as well, with some of the Korean public naming Seventeen as one of the top three newer-generation boy groups in South Korea (alongside relatively more senior artists EXO and BTS).
5. They are very extra.
When they’re not being disciplined machines of top-tier performance and professionalism, Seventeen descends into chaos. With thirteen members, you’re bound to have some over-the-top personalities that really lean into total absurdity and never break character, and Seventeen has that in spades. Members Seungkwan, Hoshi, and Dokyeom are known by fans to be the “moodmakers” of the group, not only injecting energy to the group’s dynamics but also to fans. Even members who are known to be on the calmer side have their weird moments. Basically, no one in Seventeen is normal. Check out what happens when you have the members react to their music video for "Clap":
6. Their unit system is really cool.
Seventeen has been splitting up into three “teams” since their debut, with an official sub-unit formed this year. Known as the hip-hop team (members Scoups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon), the vocal team (members Jeonghan, Joshua, Woozi, Dokyeom, and Seungkwan), and the performance team (members Jun, Hoshi, The8, and Dino); these three units would release tracks that tended to focus on each unit’s specialties. Thus, a wide range of genres would be explored in unit songs that only added flavor to the group’s signature, core sound. Hip-hop team, with members that specialize in rap, tended to release tracks that are experimental, aggressive, and/or more indie in taste. Vocal team is known for their power ballads and mellower tracks. Performance team never fails to experiment with tracks that are always bops that showcase the members’ skilled dancing. Newly formed sub-unit “BooSeokSoon” (members Hoshi, Dokyeom, and Seungkwan) debuted with their track “Just Do It”, which perfectly encapsulates the trio’s over-the-top, incredibly comical sense of humor.
While I will always love my other groups, I honestly think Seventeen takes the cake for the most consistently-strong discography since their debut. Seventeen is the kind of group that I’ve never hated a single song of theirs. I might not love each one (and trust me, I love about 90% of their songs), but the fact that every song I’ve listened to hasn’t turned me off is truly a testament to Seventeen’s attention to detail. B-sides are generally lower-quality in an industry that focuses so much on heavily-promoted singles, but that’s never been the case for Seventeen.
8. Their music has a very distinct style, even as they explore various genres and influences in their music.
Seventeen are undeniably K-pop, but their music has always tended to infuse funk elements to the pop music they do release. Even if the group has developed a more mature sound in recent years (starting with their hit single "Don't Wanna Cry", which is very much an EDM track), the group still finds a way to infuse that youthful energy to their songs, such as the case with their rock-influenced, guitar-heavy song "Clap". Seventeen has a very strong musical identity, which isn't always the case for many K-pop groups, and that's what has made the group so distinct.
9. They have international appeal.
Not only does the group dabble in more western music trends (not to the point where it sounds like they're trying too hard, thank goodness), but they also have members that are foreign-born. Members Joshua and Vernon were born and raised in America and speak English fluently, and members Jun and The8 were born and raised in China and speak Mandarin fluently. Several members of Seventeen, especially Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Dino, speak Japanese at a pretty advanced level. There are even more members that also study other languages. Even with their distinctly K-pop sound, Seventeen has massive potential to blow up internationally.
LA-native Joshua (left) and American-born Vernon (right)
Chinese members Jun (left) and The8, real name Xu Minghao (right)
10. Each member is incredibly well-rounded.
Because of the way their unit system is structured, members are sometimes unable to display their wide-range of talents in their group. While the performance team usually leads dances and delves into pretty hard choreography for their unit stuff, each member are also strong vocalists, with members Hoshi and Dino also operating as sub-rappers in the group. Vocalist Woozi is an incredible dancer, and members of the hip-hop team can also sing and dance (being a member of Seventeen means you have to be good at dancing). And of course, they all are involved in the music they put out. Fully capable indeed.
11. They really, really love their fans.
Because of their humble and somewhat-unfortunate beginnings, Seventeen are truly grateful to their fans for the kind of support they receive as one of the biggest boy groups in South Korea. Known as "Carats", Seventeen fans are loved by the members of Seventeen, who all treat each fan as if they're their friends. Carats are known be the one of the "chillest" K-pop fandoms as well, and Seventeen tries their hardest to make their fans happy. Their recent Korean release "Thanks" is literally a long thank you letter to their fans in the form of a song. There's just a lot of mutual love and respect being passed between both parties, so why not join in?
12. They are respectful and aim to be socially conscious.
Seventeen has pretty close relationships with other idol groups such as their label mates Pristin and Nu'est, but they also enjoy close friendships with Monsta X, GOT7, and BTS. Certain members of Seventeen are also really close with certain members of EXO, NCT, and Pentagon. Seventeen are basically the social butterflies in the K-pop world, which is a testament to their easy-going and warm personalities. When covering girl group songs, Seventeen always take the covers seriously as opposed to making fun of the feminine side of the songs, which isn't something most boy groups do. Members have also repeatedly said that they don't like conforming to restrictive Korean beauty standards and have recently shown socially progressive stances in their music (a B-side off their full-length album Teen, Age opts for gender-neutral pronouns in a song about friendship and/or love, which is inclusive to their fan base).
13. They're only getting started.
Having recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary, Seventeen are still young blood in the industry. The fact that each time they come out with new music is only an improvement on previous releases shows that the group isn't slowing down anytime soon. The group is only going to become a bigger deal in the near future. Why not find out for yourself how amazing this group is?
Of all the groups I stan, 10-member group Pentagon is probably the most underrated-for-no-reason boy group right now.
Pentagon has been a recent obsession of mine, and I'm honestly upset I didn't get into them sooner. Here are some reasons why you should stop sleeping on Pentagon:
1. You've probably heard of songs composed and written by the members. You probably just didn't know it was from Pentagon.
What comes to mind immediately is project boy group Wanna One's debut song "Energetic", which swept the charts in Korea and rose the group to even greater renown than they already experienced on Produce 101 Season 2. A little known fact, but Pentagon members Wooseok and Hui wrote the song, with Hui even producing it as well. If you like "Energetic", then you should definitely check out the mastermind behind the song. 2. They're also self-producing.
Given that Pentagon members give out songs to other groups to use, it's no surprise that Pentagon also self-produces. Members Hui, Jinho, E'Dawn, Hongseok, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok have all contributed lyrics and/or music to their discography. Main dancer Kino has even choreographed several routines for his group. They really are multi-talented.
3. Yes, their song "Shine" is an 11/10 bop. But so are their other tracks.
Pentagon's April 2018 comeback is certifiably the best thing ever. The general public started to get interested in the group, and "Shine" saw the group charting on Korean music charts for the first time. Arguably, the group has even better singles that just was never appreciated by anyone other than fans. So I suggest you also check out "Like This", "Critical Beauty", and their debut song "Gorilla". And while you're at it, check out beloved B-sides "Violet" and "Off-Road".
4. They're multilingual.
Members Yanan and Yuto are from Japan and China respectively, but members Hongseok and Jinho also have a pretty strong grasp on Mandarin and English in addition to their native Korean. The group has potential to really branch out internationally, and with growing interest for the group in the western hemisphere, it's worth checking them out.
Foreign members Yuto from Japan (left) and Yanan from China (right)
5. Their vocalists are incredible.
Main vocalists Jinho (a former SM trainee) and Hui (also the leader) are just amazing singers. While they are able to showcase their talents in their songs, you should check out Jinho's solo projects where he releases solo covers of songs each month, called "Magazine Ho".
6. They are an actual mess.
Seriously. Their company Cube Entertainment needs to stop giving them sugar or something. There's never a dull moment with the Pentagon members, as seen with the insane levels the group goes to celebrate member Yeo One's birthday.
7. They also have a great relationship with their fans.
Pentagon's fans (known as "Universe") aren't the largest fandom around (again, because people don't appreciate art), but they're devoted, and the relationship is mutual. Pentagon members honestly view their fans as friends, and it's apparent that Pentagon relies on their fans as much as their fans do for Pentagon.
8. Their rappers are rising talent.
Rappers E'Dawn, Yuto, and Wooseok are all promising idol-rappers, having already contributed a lot to their group's discography in music and lyrics. Each member, when they rap, is also so distinct in every Pentagon song. Member E'Dawn has a sort of nasally, high-tone style of rap that usually turns me off but just works really well in Pentagon songs (the strongest example is the spotlight he receives in "Shine"). Yuto introduces his iconic deep-toned raps with "유토다" (Romanization: "Yutoda"), which translates to "It's Yuto" in Korean. Wooseok has an equally deep voice, but adds an extra layer of energy and a raspy kind of feel to his style of rapping. 9. Their reaction to receiving recognition with "Shine" is the purest thing ever.
Pentagon saw their April 2018 comeback song "Shine" receive love from the Korean general public by charting on Korean charts for the first time since their debut in October of 2016. Members held a sudden live broadcast where they built a cake out of Moon Pies, and they all posted messages of gratitude to their fans. While a small, insignificant achievement for other groups, Pentagon's gratitude for their song becoming the next sleeper hit in 2018 is so pure. You can really tell how humble the members are about their success.
10. They are well-rounded and hard-working.
Members of Pentagon are like chameleons, able to all dance and sing especially well. Some vocalists can also rap well, and the rappers of Pentagon can easily assume sung-rap roles in their songs. Each time they come back with music, it's always top-quality, and they always give 100% with anything they do. If anything, you can't help but respect how talented each member is and how seamless their dynamic is.
Global takeovers and pop sensations BTS (Korean: 방탄소년단; Romanization: Bangtan Sonyeondan) are arguably the biggest emerging boy group since the early days of One Direction. They're not stopping any soon.
BTS was my true introduction to contemporary K-pop, and it was interesting to see how a group like BTS has been the face of new wave of K-pop. It took me awhile to get into them, if I'm being honest. I haven't looked back on that decision.
1. They have an inspiring underdog story.
This is something I just really admire about the group. Coming from incredibly small company Big Hit Entertainment (founded by former JYP producer Bang Si-hyuk), BTS literally started from nothing, having very limited resources at their disposal to make it in the incredibly tough K-pop industry. It's amazing and a glorious miracle that the group has the kind of success it experiences now.
2. They're self-producing.
All members have been involved in some part of their group's music-making process. Truth be told, that just makes the music that they put out all the more authentic. BTS is one of those K-pop idol groups that blur the line between idol and musician. They're truly artists in their genre, and the stuff that they write easily transcends any barriers. Rappers RM, Suga, and J-Hope have all released mix-tapes that they self-wrote and self-produced, which reveal the personalities and music tastes of the rappers in a more intimate fashion. 3. They're incredibly grateful for their fans.
Because of their underdog background, BTS is incredibly thankful for their fans who have levitated them to the stratosphere of K-pop. K-pop is always reliant on fans above all else (money is, after all, money), but the sincerity that BTS expresses towards their fans is very special.
A scene from one of their many sold-out arena concerts
4. They always are mindful of their roots.
No one is more aware of their origins as BTS is. Their discography throughout the years is tinged by the sort of people-with-big-dreams mindset that landed them to where they are now, and they embrace their past selves even as they delve in various genres in their music. Above all, the group remains incredibly humble about the success they have achieved, and that's something very admirable.
5. They have some of the most unique vocalists in K-pop.
Arguably, their singers (Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) don't have the best technique in K-pop, but their vocal colors are incredibly diverse and distinctive. I think that's what sets them apart from other groups, because there whole image is just imbued with identity, even coming down to easily distinguishing who's singing.
6. Their dancing is off-the-charts.
Despite only having three formally-trained dancers in the group, BTS is known for their synchronicity in their dances that also set them apart from other groups. The dances are hard, engaging, and incredibly seamless. 7. Their rappers are some of the best rappers in K-pop.
Part of it has to do with credibility. Members RM and Suga were part of underground hip-hop scenes before joining Big Hit as idols, for one thing. They also are just good rappers. All three members are known for their distinctive styles and their individual flairs that make BTS's rap line the strongest in K-pop. RM is known for his clever use of wordplay (especially with melding Korean and English lyrics to fit with that wordplay) and his diverse delivery. Suga's style is equally wide-ranging, whether that be adopting a very chill vibe or delivering bullet-fast verses, penning incredibly raw lyrics with little regard to censoring himself (he basically couldn't care less about what people think about his lyrics). J-Hope's personality quite literally bursts from his rapping, giving you a high sense of energy any time you listen to him.
Rappers Suga (left), J-Hope (middle), and RM (right)
SM Entertainment's youngest (and unconventionally conceptualized) boy group NCT is probably the most ambitious thing SM has done in quite some time. As someone who started off thinking that I wouldn't like groups larger than seven members (BTS), it was very surprising that I found myself really loving this eighteen-member (and growing) group. Here are some reasons why you should stan NCT:
1. They're incredibly diverse.
With members hailing from all parts of the globe (members come from China, Canada, USA, Thailand, and Japan), NCT truly has a global concept in mind. Members Ten (from Thailand) and Yuta (from Japan) hold the distinction for being the first SM idols of their nationality to debut in an SM group. You can imagine the number of languages the group speaks fluently. There's Korean, English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Thai. Truly the most multilingual group in K-pop right now.
2. Taeyong and Mark single-handedly saved SM's infamous reputation for having terrible rappers.
SM, while known for debuting incredibly well-trained groups with strong dancers and vocalists, lacks quite a lot in having decent rappers in their groups. Then came Taeyong and Mark, who have been SM's saving grace in executing NCT's aggressive hip-hop image in their NCT U and NCT 127 songs. Taeyong and Mark are SM's best rappers by a long-shot. Both have a very natural flow to their delivery, and they have incredible presence as rappers.
Mark (left) and Taeyong (right)
3. They are involved in writing lyrics.
Taeyong and Mark are currently the only two members who write frequently for the group (member Jaehyun once contributed to NCT 127's debut song "Fire Truck") and have been since their debut. I find that impressive, considering SM is not known for taking advantage in-house talent to churn out great songs in general, and especially considering the fact that I've never seen an SM group be involved in self-producing as such a young group.
4. Their dancers are no joke.
Members Ten, Taeyong, and Jisung are given "main dancer" roles in the NCT units they partake in, and the title is well-deserved. Ten is acknowledged by both fans and professional dancers alike to be one of the best active K-pop dancers in general. But pretty much everyone in the group can dance incredibly well. NCT dances are more often than not incredibly challenging. The fact that they can pull it off so well is satisfying to watch and makes you want to blink in shock.
5. Their music appeals to a wide-range of tastes.
Because of their unit system, in which members are split into largely-independent sub-units within the larger NCT umbrella and focus on certain concepts, NCT discography as a whole pretty much satisfies every music taste. Like experimental, hard hip-hop influences in your music? Look no further than NCT 127. Like a more polished, equally-experimental track? How about NCT U's "The 7th Sense", or "Boss"? Like some straightforward, bubblegum pop? NCT Dream in a nutshell. Looking for vocal-emphasized tracks? Check out NCT songs such as "Timeless", "Without You", "Sun & Moon", or any other song that features NCT 127's vocalists. Personally, I find NCT U to have the most consistently-great catalog. With only a handful of tracks ("The 7th Sense", "Without You", "Timeless", "Boss", "Baby Don't Stop", and "Yestoday") to their name, NCT U has some of the most diverse tracks of any unit (their whole concept, by the way, is to release tracks that explore various genres and themes), and they're all really, really good.
6. They have great personalities.
Partly due to their more junior role in the K-pop industry, and partly due to the fact that they are just nice people, NCT members are all emerging idols in the industry that deserve more attention for their fun and respectful personalities as opposed to their looks.
7. Their vocalists are underappreciated.
With their concept focusing so much on experimental hip-hop sounds, it's no surprise (but disappointing nonetheless) that NCT vocalists have to take a backseat on their main tracks. Even knowing that SM has been consistent on giving us great vocalists throughout their history of being involved in the idol-making process, I was still surprised by how talented NCT's vocalists are. There's powerhouse (and incredibly stable) vocalists Taeil, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Haechan, and Chenle, but there's also Ten (whose vocals in "Baby Don't Stop" are a god-send), Johnny, Yuta, and Renjun. Even rappers Taeyong and Mark are surprisingly good singers.
Vocalists Doyoung (left), Jaehyun (middle), and Taeil (right)
8. Their concept is not that confusing, so stop lying to yourself.
Basically every time a person says they don't like NCT, the reason they give is because their unit system is "confusing", which is a bunch of BS. Yeah, they're going to add members, and there are multiple groups within NCT, but once you accept that they're trying to be different from any other K-pop idol group, then it's not hard to learn about how NCT works. Even with so many members, I find learning about the NCT members incredibly easy, considering that members are usually split up into their different units. Plus, it's not like learning about each unit requires learning a new set of faces and names: there are a handful of members in more than one unit, so there is overlap to the NCT system that makes it even less confusing.
9. They have some truly great songs.
I'm talking about legendary, constant-replay value type of songs. There's NCT U's entire discography (standouts are "The 7th Sense", "Without You", "Boss", "Baby Don't Stop", and "Yestoday"); "Limitless", "Touch", "Back 2 U", "Summer 127", and "0 Mile" from NCT 127; and "My First and Last", "We Young", "My Page", and "Go" from NCT Dream. They're also not all about love, something quite refreshing in K-pop. "The 7th Sense" is incredibly ambiguous and open to interpretation (lyrics discuss feeling trapped in dreams and feeling lost); "Yestoday" is an incredibly personal song for members Taeyong and Mark (who both contributed lyrics to the song) that touch on past regrets and the pains of being an idol, "My Page" touches on the NCT Dream's members' worries and fears as young idols, and NCT Dream's "Go" is a sharp critique of the complicity of society while also being an anthem for teenage rebelliousness. Quite a lot of NCT songs touch on dreams in some way, and it really brings into perspective that even with their ambitious concept, NCT are really just regular people with big dreams that are slowly starting to see those dreams become reality.
Curious about NCT’s (currently) only fixed, 9-member unit? Here are the songs that capture NCT 127 in a nutshell.
1. “Limitless” (2017)
This is my personal favorite in terms of NCT 127 singles/title tracks. This song is the NCT's experimental concept fully realized, providing a song that is melodic and undeniably pop but still digging into experimental sounds and interesting choices in production. It's a song that makes sense for NCT 127, but it also transcends any perceptions of the group.
2. “Cherry Bomb” (2017)
Personally, I don’t really consider this a good song (the English lyrics are just… cringe, and the song never settles), but it is a very hype song. The production is really eerie, and I do admire how it pushes the boundaries of typical K-pop. This song has brought international recognition to the group and NCT as a whole, and NCT 127 won their first music show trophy with the song, so I think it captures a very big milestone for NCT 127. It even got nominated for a prestigious Korean Music Award (awards chosen by music critics, not by popularity). The choreography is really powerful, intense, and unsettling yet satisfying to watch at the same time (one word: splits). The song does have its perfect moments, with Mark’s parts, especially the bridge section, being a true delight (this boy is seriously so talented). Whether you love it or hate it, it’s hard to deny the lasting impression “Cherry Bomb” leaves.
3. “Touch” (2017)
I was delighted when I heard that the group would be doing a complete 180 with their concepts and choose a soft, refreshing concept for “Touch”. The song is a delight. You kind of feel like floating on clouds when you’re listening to this song, and the chorus is undeniably euphoric and sweet. Main vocalist Taeil gets to utilize his amazing voice in this song (his adlibs really are no joke). This song really shows just how versatile of a group NCT is.
4. “Firetruck” (2016)
This is an... interesting debut. It certainly makes a statement about the kind of group NCT 127 wants to be, but besides the choreography, this song and the era it came with it has been a rather low-point in NCT 127's career, and I think many fans would rather choose to highlight other NCT 127 songs.
5. 0 Mile (2017)
A promoted B-side off of their Cherry Bomb EP, this is a stylistic deviation from their aggressive titular track "Cherry Bomb" by offering an upbeat pop song, something a bit more conventional yet still pleasing to listen to.
You should also check out: "Good Thing" (2017), "Back 2 U" (2017), "Summer 127" (2017), and their newest release (and Japan debut song) "Chain" (2018)
Curious about 13-member boy group Seventeen? Want to get a crash course on their discography? Here are the Seventeen essentials (my personal opinion, obviously).
1. "Very Nice" (2016)
This is the first song that made me become a Seventeen fan, and the first dance practice I watched. This captures Seventeen's essence in a neat package. It's explosive, fun, and super addictive, with one of the greatest hooks the group has produced.
2. "Don't Wanna Cry" (2017)
This is definitely one of Seventeen's most well-known songs, and with good reason. It gave the group the sort of domestic and international recognition it hadn't previously seen before, and it's a definitely a sonic departure from their funk-driven pop, more playful concepts. Leaning into an EDM-influenced track and choreography inspired by modern-dance, "Don't Wanna Cry" has become one of Seventeen's most ubiquitous songs, their second-coming of sorts.
3. "Clap" (2017)
This is definitely a song that grows on you. I initially didn't like it, but the energetic performance from the group sells you on this happy-go-lucky song about not letting your sad moments get you down. The group takes risks with inverting perceptions about the group, choosing to have members that previously stayed in the background of previous title tracks sing the chorus. It pays off and then some, making this song a return to Seventeen's signature funk style while showing how much they have matured as artists and idols.
4. "Pretty U" (2016)
This was the song that really jump-started the popularity that the group experiences now. It's fun and breezy, but definitely packs enough oomph to really showcase the sort of versatility that Seventeen possesses. Many fans consider this their greatest title song.
5. "Highlight" (2016)
The first Seventeen track I ever listened to, this dance track is originally performed by Seventeen's performance sub-unit, also known as their dance line. There's something truly epic about the song, never losing its energy and sounding incredibly mainstream yet totally unique at the same time. It's entrancing, catchy, and truly iconic.
6. "Thanks" (2018)
Written as a "thank you" song for their fans, "Thanks" is surprisingly grave, even as it has elements of a dance track. Again highlighting the skills of sometimes less-emphasized members, the song continues to push the idea of what Seventeen sounds as a group while also introducing new elements to their signature sound. Member and producer/songwriter Woozi opts for a sort of current trend with the sonic landscape of "Thanks" that still requires multiple listens. The choreography is surprisingly intense and very emotive, showcasing the group's renowned synchronicity. It's a meaningful song for their fans, who were the ones that have seen the group come from a bankrupt company to becoming one of the three most influential and successful K-pop boy groups of this generation of idols. This is their way of expressing their gratitude. The song's Korean title is "고맙다" (romanization: gomapda), which is a more sincere/serious way of saying "thank you" in Korean.
7. "Thinkin' about you" (2018)
Sure, this song is kind of a basic pop love song, but the lyrics have meaningful narratives, raw emotional confessions, and beautiful imagery about past love and the nostalgic, mixed feelings surrounding past experiences with love. The production is impeccable, and it highlights what makes Seventeen so great.
8. "Adore U" (2015)
Seventeen's debut song made a strong statement about the kind of concept the group was aiming for, and boy was it exciting. It remains Seventeen's one of most iconic songs, which isn't always the case for debut songs of other groups. Even if you prefer Seventeen's more aggressive, darker sound in their more recent discography, you still have to appreciate what "Adore U" has done for the group.
9. "Mansae" (2015)
This song is just SO addictive. "Mansae" in Korean roughly translates to "hooray", and the song certainly captures that sort of euphoric feeling in its execution. This song literally makes you want to jump for joy, and the choreography certainly matches the high-energy style of the song and its lyrical content.
10. "Habit" (2017)
A B-side from their Al1 EP, "Habit" is a powerful ballad that highlights Seventeen's talented vocalists (aka their "vocal team"). The group's not known for melancholy tracks, but when they make one, boy do they deliver.
Considered by a very passionate portion of fans as the superior NCT unit, this graduation-based unit consisting of teen, underage members (the lineup, in descending age order, currently consists of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung) is distinctive for their very different style of music compared to the older members. Here are the NCT Dream essentials:
1. “My First and Last” (2017)
Known as the song that saw NCT as a whole win their first music show award, "My First and Last" is undeniably catchy, pleasant, and mainstream, even as it is sonically interesting (the production is truly something). The choreography is insane (keep in mind that the oldest member was only 17 years old when they promoted it), and the vocal performances are incredible (another fact to make you feel worse: the youngest member was around fifteen when they promoted this). It'll go down as one of NCT's milestone songs, and I think it's NCT Dream's best song.
2. “Go” (2018)
As a part of NCT's larger 2018 project, "Go" saw the Dreamies switch up their soft, bubblegum-pop image for something much more rebellious, mature, and experimental. As acknowledged by the members of NCT, it does seem like NCT 127 and NCT Dream switched concepts for their 2018 project. "Go" is an anthem, literally screamed by the members of Dream as they declare their teenage rebelliousness. This comeback also marks the return of member Jaemin, who went on hiatus due to health reasons for around 1.5 years after debuting with the group in 2016. It's refreshing to see Dream play a concept that's more in-line with their age, and the song is a bit of an earworm.
3. “My Page” (2017)
A B-side track from their first mini-album, "My Page" showcases Dream's exceptionally well-developed vocal talents. The chorus is infectious and bright, and the song is just extremely underrated. It's truly a hidden gem in NCT discography as a whole.
4. “We Young” (2017)
It is a very summer song, and Dream leans well into that concept with their nautical outfits. Like all NCT Dream songs, the song is catchy and has infectious hooks.
5. “Chewing Gum” (2016)
NCT Dream's iconic debut song, "Chewing Gum" is definitely not for everyone, but it is still incredibly addicting (the hook is catchy; you can't deny it). It secures NCT Dream's image well enough, and the choreography (with hover boards) is incredible. There's no denying that even as they play up their cutesy boy concept, NCT Dream is incredibly talented and only have room to grow.
One essential listening guide for 18-member group NCT would be long and be out-of-date really soon as the group continues to expand, so I chose to instead highlight the individual units of NCT for the sake of length, and I really want to spend my time with each unit, because each unit is so different and requires a more comprehensive guide.
NCT U's rotational concept (meaning members will change based on each song due to the fact that they are chosen to best represent the concept) means that the group is all over the place when it comes to any sort of musical identity. Rather than causing a hindrance to the group, it makes every new song exciting, different, and a thrill to listen to. Here are the NCT U essentials:
1. "Baby Don't Stop" (2018), performed by Taeyong and Ten
If you're unfamiliar with this blog, let it be known that the writer is OBSESSED with this song. I seriously cannot stop listening to it. I have new realizations every day about this song that make me love it even more. The production takes you on a journey of twists and turns. Ten's singing is stunning and such a surprise. The choreography is mesmerizing. Taeyong singing is such a delight and surprisingly soothing. The fact that the song's lyrics use gender-neutral nouns is low-key super progressive. The fact that Ten starts off the song and immediately draws you in, as opposed to Taeyong, who usually starts off NCT songs he's in. The whispered chorus is such an ear worm and really sexy. On paper, Ten and Taeyong’s voices shouldn’t sound so damn good together, but it does. Taeyong, known for his gravelly rapping tone, doesn’t overwhelm nor distract the listener from Ten’s smooth, effortless vocal delivery. Sonically, it’s just amazing. It’s so satisfying to listen to. Everything about this song is just perfect. It’s subversive, playful, experimental, unconventional, funky, and a complete delight.
2. "Yestoday - Extended Version" (2018), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Mark, and Lucas
This song deviates quite far from every other NCT U song. While in the vein of a hip-hop track, nothing about this song is particularly aggressive. It's meditative, emotionally vulnerable, and soulful, backed by a gorgeous, shimmery, ethereal backtrack. Taeyong, Mark, and Lucas dominate the song with their disparate rap verses, with Doyoung's gorgeous voice weaving between those verses to act as a sort of narrator. Taeyong and Mark write and rap about very personal experiences in this song, something you don't really see much from an SM group.
3. "The 7th Sense" (2016), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, and Mark
This remains NCT's most well-known song. NCT U's debut song is truly amazing. It's hard to concisely describe this song. Nothing about it is particularly melodic, but the haunting hook is undeniably catchy. NCT U is known for hard, dominant bass lines, and you can certainly credit "The 7th Sense" and its cult following for encouraging SM to continue using those bass lines. The choreography is incredible, and the lyrics are actually really deep, discussing the nature of dreams. It is a very confident debut, a song that makes a very timeless statement while still being incredibly experimental. Fans still consider this the superior NCT song, and it's hard to argue against that.
4. "Without You" (2016), as performed by Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyun
This rock-infused song was a surprise, given I expected a somber ballad from NCT U's vocalists at the time of their debut (I mean, the title is "Without You"). As someone whose favorite member is main vocalist Doyoung, I fell in love with his voice even more, and it really shows how talented NCT's vocalists are in general.
5. "Boss" (2018), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun, WinWin, Jungwoo, Lucas, and Mark
The first song released for NCT's ambitious 2018 project, "Boss" certainly makes a statement about the kind of confident, unique, and experimental style that permeates NCT U's image. It's also a fantastic introduction to new members Jungwoo and Lucas, who both shine bright in the music video. As someone who didn't think much about NCT before the release of "Boss" (I watched "The 7th Sense" once in January 2018 and didn't think much of them until recently), it certainly was an excellent way to reintroduce myself to how much the group has evolved in the near two years since they've debuted.
