I.O.I, meaning "Ideal of Idol" is a project k-pop group that was formed on the reality TV show 'Produce 101'. The eleven members were chosen from 101 trainees of various record companies. The members, many of whom are in other k-pop groups, will go back to their companies when I.O.I disbands in January 2017.
"Dream Girls" was intended to be reminiscent of Girls' Generation's "Into The New World". It has a classic sports-themed/school girl music video that most girl groups do at least once. The best part of I.O.I's debut song is the lyrics. Rather than a sappy love song (which is nice, but overdone) the message is to confidently chase your dreams and never quit.
I.O.I. debuted their first sub-unit of eight members with a remake of the 1963 track "What A Man" by Linda Lyndell. It is the edgiest the group has ever been and the song is a platform for their strong vocals! Chung-ha, the main dancer, made the choreography for the song and the music video features leather outfits and a lot of sass.
JYP of JYP Entertainment collaborated with I.O.I for this track. It's playful, with a very fast rhythm and childish charm. The lyrics describe a girl trying to tell if a boy really likes her and how to cautiously approach a relationship. This is I.O.I last release before their disbandment and they really go out with a bang. Due to the over-repetitive chorus, you won't forget this song for a while!
Ever hear a song that reminds you of another? This is a friendly comparison of videos and songs with similar genres, concepts and themes.
Red Velvet Russian Roulette v. I.O.I Very Very Very
Red Velvet released Russian Roulette which is super-catchy, playful and somewhat robotic. This sugary synth-pop song is paired with a sweet and sour music video. The girls are dolled up and look so endearing, but as you watch you soon realize they're trying to harm each other. Yikes.
About a month later, I.O.I dropped 'Very Very Very' which is just as fun and catchy. Both songs are repetitive and playful, but the real similarities are in the music videos which share the same concept. They both have a sports theme, bizarre scenes and similar styling.
My Choice: I prefer 'Very Very Very' because the vocals have more emotion and the music video doesn't have dark undertones like Russian Roulette. Both are great though!
Theme: Sweet
Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite
Songs about sugar, spice and everything nice.
1. As One - Candy ball
Cantonese ♥
As One is a four member girl group from Hong Kong. You may know one of the members, Shin, from the TV show Produce 101. The original version of 'Candy Ball' is in Cantonese, but As One made their K-pop debut with a Korean version of the song. I love the colorful music video and pop-ish tune which reminds me of 'Glass Bead' by Gfriend.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 4/5
2. Orange Caramel - Cookies, Cream & Mint
Japanese
I always thought Orange Caramel was the perfect group for listeners with a sweet tooth. They have a 'candy culture' concept and even their name sounds like a taffy flavor! This song is from their first Japanese album and the lyrics are like an ice cream menu. "Chocolate chip, Mocha Fudge, Cake Cream and Mint, Vanilla Strawberry".
Review: Song - 2/5 MV - 3/5
3. Fiestar - Apple Pie
Korean
Fiestar has femininity, charm and cuteness all baked in their latest single "Apple Pie". Much different from their serious music, 'Apple Pie' is a fun synth-pop track. The music video has a Snow White theme. And rightly so, because...apples!
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2.5/5
4. NC.A - Vanilla Shake
Korean
I like this song. But, there are some elements that don't quite belong. For example, the dance. I think the dance should be cuter, because NC.A looks like a little girl! A little less 'Girl's Day' and more 'Apink' would make this music video better, in my opinion.
Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 2/5
5. Gemma - Sugar Rush
Mandarin ♥
Taiwanese celebrity Gemma (aka Gui Gui) signed with CJE&M for her K-pop debut! So, she has a Korean version of Sugar Rush on her mini-album. In the music video nurse, Gemma gives her patients doses of sugary candy. Sweet.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 4/5
6. NCT Dream - Chewing Gum
Korean
NCT Dream is the third NCT sub-unit and its members are 14 to 17 years old. Not my cup of tea, but the members sure are adorable. The school concept has never been more suitable and the kids-with-candy theme is appropriate. There's also a Chinese version.
Review: Song - 2/5 MV - 2/5
7. Danni - Soda
Mandarin
This singer is from the four-member hip-hop group UV Girls. They debuted in 2014 with a mini album, but haven't released anything since. Danni is the first to have a solo release. 'Soda' has a K-pop style and can be compared to Hyuna during her early days.
Review: Song - 2/5 MV - 2/5
8. F(x) - Ice Cream
Korean ♥
Like many f(x) songs, 'Ice Cream' is an acquired taste. Their quirky style is not for everyone, but it's just my flavor! The song compares first love to vanilla ice cream. "I found you, I found love I melt whenever I’m in front of you".
Review: Song - 4/5
9. Orange Caramel - Milkshake
Korean
Off of the group's mini-album 'Lipstick', this track could've been a title track too. It has a fast melody and catchy hook. All this talk of Orange Caramel makes me really want them to have a comeback!
Review: Song - 3/5
10. Laboum - Sugar Sugar
Korean
Laboum embrace sisterhood and friendship with a slumber-party. The girls are talking about a sweet boy that they really like even though he's not Kim Soo Hyun or Lee Min Ho. I like the fun innocence that Laboum show as they crush on a boy.
