K-pop Duets: Boy X Girl (Part I)

Duets are a perfect way to bring out the romantic meaning of a song. They are also ideal for harmonizing and adding depth to the sound. Spring seems to be the perfect season for duets. In fact, most of these love-budding songs were released in the months of spring!

1. Suzy X Baekyun - Dream

Suzy from Miss A and Baekhyun from EXO are two fan favorites. They are loved for their sweet images and charming personalities, both of which 'Dream' emphasizes perfectly. It’s a slow-tempo r&b song with a hint of jazz. In the music video, a live band plays mellow sounds from a piano, guitar and drum set. Center stage in the middle of the vintage-looking room are the two singers, dressed very classy, This makes the performance feel something like a cozy dinner date concert! As the cherry on top, the meaning of 'Dream' is even sweeter: a boy and girl are shy, but utterly in love as they exchange heartwarming confessions.

2. Eric Nam X Jeon Somi - You, Who?

This time last year, Eric Nam released a springtime duet with Red Velvet's Wendy. Perhaps he was inspired by that because this March he launched a collaboration project in which he plans to release a single each spring. True to the season, 'You, Who?' is calming like a March breeze, with an acoustic instrumental. Eric's singing partner is Jeon Somi, a former member of IOI. Her juvenile voice gives the song extra cuteness, though her vocals don't quite match with the mature voice of Eric. Despite that, 'You, Who?' and its retro-themed music video is still very charming!

3. Park Kyung X Park Boram - Ordinary Love

Park Kyung is a rapper in the group Block B, but he proved that he can stand alone as a musical artist. Ordinary Love is a self-written track from his solo mini-album that features soloist Park Boram. It's about not wanting a stagnant relationship and finally finding a girl who keeps his heart racing. There's a fun bounce in the sound and Park Kyung displays his animated rap style (complete with his catchphrase "aight"!) The best part, though, is how the music is a seamless meld of r&b, hip-hop, and pop while maintaining such a playful theme.

4. Yesung X Seulgi - Darling U

Written by and composed by Yesung himself, Darling U is a release from SM Entertainments's music platform SM Station. It's a mid-tempo tune with lyrics that invoke warm fuzzy feelings and is accompanied by a cute, pastel music video. Yesung, from Super Junior, has what has been described as an "artistic voice". This complements the sweet, soft register of Red Velvet's Seulgi. The pair romantically croon "Darling you baby" throughout, making it catchy and easy to sing along to.

5. Sunyoul X Yuju - Cherish

Gfriend is known for their ability to switch from a light voice to powerful high notes, and as their main vocalist, Yuju brings that style to cherish. Up10tion's Sunyoul also does his part well by harmonizing with his airy vocals. Overall, 'Cherish' was a nice platform for these two idols, because at the time of its release they were still rookies. It's paired with a simple music video, that's rather typical but matches the lightness of the song. The couple is captured singing in the studio and posing for a photoshoot wearing powdery colored outfits.

6. San E X Baek Yerin - Me You

Like any other rapper, San E has a serious persona. But he showed something other than just that by entering the pop genre. 'Me You' shows his cute, quirky side and enlisted 15&'s Baek Yerin to sing. The song, about experiencing first love has an addictive chorus! The most interesting part though is the unique music video. It was filmed like an Instagram post and even has imagery of the social media in it. The aesthetic is also really funny: San E is blown up like a balloon, which represents how being in love can lift your mood.

7. Henry X Soyou - Runnin'

Henry mainly sings pop music: his two previous solo projects have been pop and so has Super Junior M's releases. However listening to 'Runnin', I realize that the pop genre really doesn't do justice to his talent. This SM station track is simmering r&b and brings out the best Henry's vocals have to offer. What's more is, Soyou was the perfect duet partner for this song. Her whispered verses don't overpower and they keep the sound. Unfortunately, she doesn't make an appearance in the video, but we do get to see Henry and all his boyish charm!

8. Crush X Taeyeon - Don't Forget

Perhaps it's a stretch to call 'Don't Forget' a duet, as Taeyeon's part in the song is small, but I can't ignore this beautiful collab. Crush is an r&b sensation who continuously pumps out quality music. Likewise, Taeyeon is an established soloist who sweeps the charts and dabbles in many genres. Together, in this winter release, they sing to always remember their love even if they separate. Crush's buttery voice makes up the majority of the song, but Taeyeon's part, only a few verses, is a golden nugget. It adds dimension to an already great song. Don't Forget's music video is lonely as one can imagine. Crush wanders in the snow-covered city by himself and passes through a closed amusement park, all while singing the blues.

Sources

Info:1,2,3,4,5,  

Images:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Collage: a,b,c,d,e,f

Playlist 15. Unplugged

Theme: Acoustic
Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite

K-pop songs that feature the classic sound of an acoustic guitar.

1. Taeyeon - 11:11

Korean

'11:11' is suited for your inner contemporary musician. It has a simplistic acoustic composition: there's a constant strum of a guitar and soft notes of a piano. Unlike the typical pop song, '11:11' is stripped of all audio bells and whistles, but perhaps it's too bare? Taeyeon's vocals and the melody are rather stagnant and never reach a significant intensity. With that said, there are two sides of a coin: some people may find this song boring where others may find it to be relaxing!

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 4/5

2. Blackpink - Stay

Korean

With 'Stay', Blackpink has added dimension to their discography. It's not too often that you see a rookie group take such a big musical risk. 'Stay' is a folksy pop-ballad, with rap verses from Jennie and Lisa packed inside. It gives me a campfire song feeling, perhaps because it's somewhat cheesy and a fun sing-along. I can see that it was intended to be a double-edged sword of uniqueness and trendiness, but didn't quite amount as apparent by the relatively low sales compared to Blackpink's other releases.

Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 3/5

3.  Winner  - Color Ring

Korean

The term 'color ring' refers to how the phone keeps ringing because their ex isn't answering. "The melody flowing out of the phone is sweet but why does it sound painful to my ears." I noticed that Winner are able to portray very strong emotions without a strong sound. The lyrics and the overall vibe is very expressive despite the low, subtle melody.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2.5/5

4. HA:TFELT - Peter Pan

Korean

Hatfelt's, or Yenny from the Wonder Girls, song 'Peter Pan' narrates the classic story. The tune is ambiguous in that it could be interpreted as either happy or sad. Happy, as it's a cheerful anthem of wanderlust: Wendy wants to escape with Peter Pan and be young forever. Sad, because it all is a hopeless fantasy.

Review: Song - 2.5/5 

5. Big Bang - If You

Korean ♥

It has been said the this out of their 10-year career, 'If You' is the saddest song Big Bang has released. In fact, they purposely didn't release a music video for it so people can completely focus on the music and lyrics. I do agree that this a very (beautiful) heartbreaking song. Instead of a serenade to draw someone closer, it's a serenade to painfully let go.

Review: Song - 5/5 

6. Chanyeol & Chen (EXO) - If We Love Again

Korean

These two members from the boy group EXO sing about not wanting the make the same mistakes in love again. Apparently, loving someone too deeply or making too many promises can bring pain, Chanyeol, who is a rapper, proves his ability as a vocalist. His deep voice contrast with Chen's higher, smoother voice and makes the song a nice listen.

Review: Song - 3.5/5 

7. 2NE1 - Lonely

Korean ♥

Around the time 'Lonely' was released, 2NE1 was in the habit of releasing music with a very processed sound. So, fans were taken aback with this bare and basic acoustic number. It has no auto-tune, no bass, and not even a rap verse from CL. However, 'Lonely' proves that less is sometimes more: it's one of the group's most haunting songs and is a long-time favorite of mine.

Review: Song - 5/5 MV - 3/5

8. Twice - One In A Million

Korean ♥

Unlike their popular songs Cheer Up and TT, 'One In Million' is a mid-tempo, mellow song. It relies on its sweet melody, rather than a catchy chorus. The meaning is rather uplifting: Twice make sure that you know you're one in a million! 

Review: Song - 4.5/5

9. Solji (EXID)  - 3%

Korean

The probability of Solji dating her boyfriend again is very slim, 3% to be exact. I think it's very suitalbe as an OST for a K-drama. It's very emotional and expresses the pain you feel when someone betrays you. "You are like a different person The person I knew, the person who used to hug me..."

Review: Song - 2/5

10. Eric Nam X Jeon Somi - You, Who?

Korean

In the past couple years Eric Nam has did duets with a variety of female singers including Red Velvet's Wendy and Park Jimin of 15&. It's always nice to see how his voice will complement and be complemented by that of others'. This time he collaborated with Jeon Somi, and though their voices don't quite match each other like I hoped, the music video is so cute!

Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 4/5

Sources: 

Info: 2, 5

February In Music

We had some big comebacks in February including Red Velvet, Twice and Taeyeon. Overall, they weren't to my liking, but there were plenty of songs that I did enjoy!

1. NCT Dream - My First and My Last

Released: February 8th

Korean & Mandarin Versions

This is the groups' follow-up to their debut song 'Chewing Gum'. 'My First and My Last' is about a young boy's first love. The song is kind of choppy and is influenced by the bass of new jack swing (a genre of 90s music). It has a lighthearted melody and the members dance a quirky, cute choreography, that is much like that of their sunbaes Shinee. I included the dance version, I enjoyed it more the regular music video.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3.5

2. BTS - Spring Day

Released: February 12th

Korean

BTS are poetic as they use the weather to symbolize their emotions. Meeting the one you miss feels like a spring day in the dead of winter. But missing someone can feel like winter in the middle of summer. 'Spring Day' is such a touching display of friendship: the scenes are gloomy when the members are alone, but bright when they are together.

Review: 4.5/5 MV - 5/5

3. Dean - Come Over (Feat. Baek Yerin)

Released: February 16th

Korean

Dean is an outstanding musical artist. Every song he has written and composed for others has his stamp on it and is undeniably his. With that said, it's always nice to see Dean make music for himself. However, 'Come Over' isn't a heavy hitting song, in fact, it took a few listens to grow on me. The smooth vocals of Dean and 15&'s Baek Yerin are what makes it worth listening to. As for the music video, it's a black and white sketch animation. Creative, but rather boring.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV- 1.5/5

4. K.A.R.D - Don't Recall

Released: February 17th

Korean & English Versions

A very fitting follow-up to their debut, which I deemed one of the best songs of 2016. It's an extension of 'Oh Na Na' both sound wise and visually: both songs are tropical house and have the same music video aesthetic. Lyrics from the girls' point of view express wanting to get away from the guy. They pretend not to remember the good times in the relationship. In reply, the guys are trying the persuade the girl to come back and say that they were good together.
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4.5

5. Luhan - What If I Said

Released: February 22nd

Mandarin

'如果 What If I Said' is a laid-back electronic song with smooth, unprocessed vocals. Its duration is rather flat, in that it doesn't reach a climax, but this factor makes the song even more chill. The music video has very subdued colors and natural visuals: vintage furniture and mirrors in a sand-filled room with rays of sunlight shining through the windows.

Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 3.5/5

6. Faky - Surrender

Released: February 22nd

Japanese

I'm very familiar with this J-pop quartet, and this time they wowed me. 'Surrender' is an emotional plea to their boyfriend to stop fighting. It's perfectly chaotic: shifting from smooth vocals with little background sounds to a barrage of sounds and fast verses. To top it off, the rough & smooth sound of 'Surrender' is complemented by the girls' sporty, grunge outfits.
Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 3/5

Sources:

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Info: 1,5