Ever hear a song that reminds you of another? This is a friendly comparison of videos and songs with similar genres, concepts, and themes.
BTS No More Dream v. Monsta X Trespass
"No More Dream" was BTS's debut song from 2013. As young-blooded rookies, BTS showed off a powerful image in this heavily hip-hop based track. The music video plays further on the hip-hop/urban influence as the members wear gold chains and are filmed with b-boys. Overall, there's a whole bad-boy, delinquent theme and it almost seems as if BTS is supposed to be a gang: they cause a ruckus in the neighborhood and are confronted by the police at the end. Despite the incriminating nature of the music video, "No More Dream" is actually an up building message for youth to go after their dreams!
Monsta X debuted in 2015 with a similar concept. "Trespass" is a high-energy hip-hop track as well, but the biggest similarities between these two releases are in the music videos. For one thing, both videos have a dramatic beginning that introduces each group member. Monsta X also take on the rough, rebel image: they are portrayed breaking out of jail and being apprehended by the police.
With a concept such as this, it's easy to appear as if you are trying too hard to look cool. But even though the concept was executed a little over exaggeratedly, I think both BTS and Monsta X still managed to look cool in some way through their individual charms and talents. Musically, I prefer "No More Dream" and video-wise I prefer "Trespass".
There are some cases when Asian pop artists deviate from their usual language and make a song in English, whether it be to reach a wider audience or to treat their international fans. Here is a list of completely English tracks by K-pop, J-pop and C-pop artists. Some of these songs are exclusively English, whereas some are an alternative version to the original. Please anticipate a part two!
***On December 18th Kim Jonghyun, member of Shinee died tragically from suicide. The whole Korean entertainment industry is still in shock and mourning from this sad incident.
1. Henry - That One
K-pop
Henry Lau is looking for the one he can adore in this piano-based R&B track. Co-written and co-composed by the singer himself, "That One" is just more proof of Henry's talent.
2. Dean - I'm Not Sorry
K-pop
Before Dean started his singing career in Korea, he debuted in the United States with "I'm Not Sorry", featuring Grammy-winning artist Eric Bellinger.
3. Jane Zhang - Dust My Shoulders Off
C-pop
Jane Zhang is carefree and confident in "Dust My Shoulders Off". The song, produced by Timbaland, takes on a style different from Jane's previous music and proves her versatility as an artist. The music video gives this another touch of uniqueness for its appreciation and playful use of art.
4. Namie Amuro - Heaven
J-pop
Namie Amuro is no stranger to singing in English, despite not being fluent in the language. "Heaven", a single from her second bilingual album, is a futuristic EDM track produced by the famous European DJ ZEDD.
5. K.A.R.D. - Don't Recall
K-pop
As part of their pre-debut project, KARD would have a "hidden card" or a special surprise for fans with each song. After the release of "Don't Recall", KARD rereleased the song in English in the following month.
6. Luhan - Skin to Skin
C-pop
"Skin To Skin" is a mid-tempo synth-pop song with soft vocals and intriguing whistle beat.
7. Ten - Dream in a Dream
K-pop
NCT member Ten goes solo for this SM Station release. With Ten's breathy vocals, synths. and Asian instruments, "Dream in a Dream" is an ethereal listening experience.
8. Wonder Girls - Like Money
K-pop
The Wonder Girls have quite a few songs that were geared towards an international or Western audience, this being the last one in their career. "Like Money" is a collaboration with American rapper Akon that takes on the dance-pop genre.
9. Diana Wang - Home
C-pop
Taiwan-based singer Diana Wang gained the attention of the Chinese audience with her single "Home" despite it being entirely in English. The lyrics are about wanting to return to one's safe haven for security and familiarity.
10. Odd Eye Circle - Loonatic
K-pop
Odd Eye Circle is a sub-unit of the k-pop girl group LOONA. "Loonatic" shows the cuteness and quirkiness of the three members and references the group's moon concept.
11. Amber X Luna - Heartbeat (Eng)
K-pop
This is the English version of a song released through SM Station. The f(x) members teamed up with Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten and Korean producer Kago Penchi for this EDM number. "Heartbeat" has a relaxing melody and explores the softer side of the electronic dance genre.
12. Thelma Aoyama feat. 4minute - Without U
J-pop, K-pop
"Without U" is a beautiful collaboration between Japanese soloist Thelma Aoyama and k-pop girl group 4minute. This ballad was initially released in Japanese.
13. Cindy Yen - Fighting For Love
C-pop
In 2016, Cindy Yen came out with the Mandarin theme song for Cotton USA, titled "I Love Myself". Recently, she came back with an English version which is renamed "Fighting for Love". It has an electronic composition, while the former is more piano based.
14. Jannine Weigel - Finish Line
T-pop
As a T-pop singer, much of Jannine's music is in Thai. However, in 2016, she came out with her first English song "Finish Line" with the intention to break into the American market and reach a wider audience. "Finish Line" features a sound that is often used by Western producers making me believe it would perfectly suit American radio.
15. Wonder Girls - Nobody
K-pop
"Nobody" was a huge domestic and international success for the Wonder Girls. After the single became a smash-hit in Korea, the group released the song in three other languages. The English version landed number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100, making the Wonder Girls the first Korean group to do so!
NCT 127 released the Japanese version of "Limitless" which is a preview of their upcoming debut in Japan. You may recall the Korean version from this past January, and you will hear that the song in Japanese is just as high quality! The music video, however, has a slightly darker, edgier concept. The members of NCT dance and roam around in a mysterious warehouse. Review: Song - 4.5/5 MV - 5/5
2. Block B - Shall We Dance
Korean
Released: November 7th
Block B's last comeback was in February with the quirky pop tune "Yesterday". However, with "Shall We Dance", the versatile group goes back to showing their love for urban music. There's a very obvious Latin influence, which is paired with brassy horns and an addicting beat. And as usual, the guys of Block B are styled very flamboyantly.
Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 3/5
3. Namie Amuro - Finally
Japanese
Released: November 8th
Namie Amuro gracefully ends her long, successful career with a final compilation album. Through "Finally", Amuro seemingly bids the music scene farewell with a touching sentiment and opens a new chapter of her life, "I'll spread both hands towards an unknown world the light shines into, and I'll accept it all so I'll go to a brilliant future, finally." This ballad is complimented by the beautiful and calming aesthetic of the music video. Note: I've only included the teaser because the video is not on youtube, but you can watch the full mv here. Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 4/5
4. Eric Chou - Without Her
Mandarin
Released: November 16th
Taiwanese singer-songwriter Eric Chou's latest song "Without You" is sure to attract much attention with its style and sound. It closely follows the latest music trend of EDM and has a very enjoyable melody. Personally, I love the way the song transitions between English and Chinese, and between piano and electronic. This is just a taste of Eric's upcoming album, "The Chaos After You", which is to be released very soon! Review: Song - 5/5 MV - 4/5
5. Jannine Weigel - Heart Stop
Released: November 17th
English
Jannine Weigel is a 17-year old Thai-pop singer, but much of her music is in English. "Heart Stop", from her second English EP, is a catchy pop tune about the thrill of falling in love. It's fun and sounds very much like something Disney stars release when they start off their solo careers.
Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 3/5
6. K.A.R.D. - You In Me
Korean
Released: November
"You In Me" is KARD's first official comeback since their debut in July. To me, this song really points back to their pre-debut singles in terms of sound, theme, and choreography. "You In Me" is about reaching a desperate point in a troubled, failing relationship - much like "Don't Recall". As for genre, it is electronic or tropical house like the majority of their discography. What makes this KARD release different is the dramatic music video. The members are paired into couples and act out a dying romance, in which the guy dies - perhaps symbolizing that the relationship or love is dead.
