Theme: Latin Influence
Songs with a [♥] are my preference or a personal favorite
K-pop songs that are inspired by Latin culture.
1. SF9 - O Sole Mio
Korean ♥
SF9 are warm under the sun in this blazing love song. The song starts off with the strumming of a Spanish guitar and then moves into a more electronic-pop sound. Interestingly, "O Sole Mio" includes lyrics in three Latin languages: Italian, Spanish and Latin. First, the title of the song "O Sole Mio" is Neopolitan Italian for "My Sunshine" or, "Oh My Sun". Perhaps it is a reference to the popular Neopolitan song of the same name. Next is "te quiero", which according to some sources translates as "I love you" or "I want you" from Spanish. Finally, there is the phrase "ego dormio" which is Latin for "I am sleeping". This is followed by a Korean verse, which together translates as "Even when I am sleeping, I am still filled with your warmth." I really like that SF9 used this concept - it was unexpected and unique!
Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 3.5/5
2. IU - Havana
Korean
"Havana", named after the capital of Cuba, is a romantic song in which IU compares her love interest to the Caribbean city. The instrumental to "Havana" is very soft with the light strumming of a guitar and there is inspiration drawn from bossa nova (a genre of Brazilian music from the 1950's). It's one of many tracks on IU's third album "Modern Times" that ventured away from typical pop music and gave the singer a more mature image.
Review: Song - 3/5
3. Babylon - La La La (feat. Chungha)
Korean ♥
"La La La" is a fun-loving dance tune by solo artist Babylon. The song has a tropical house beat that includes the notes of a marimba (Latin American instrument). The phrase "La Vida Vi Loca", meaning "the crazy life" in Spanish, makes up much of the carefree chorus. Also, tucked in the lyrics is a reference to a classic Mexican folk song. Babylon says "Para Bailar La Bamba" which refers to the 1986 song by Ritchie Valens. To top off, soloist Kim Chungha lends her airy vocals to "La La La", making it even more of a fun listen.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2.5/5
4. Sonamoo - I Knew It
Korean
Sonamoo seems as if they are new ladies in "I Knew It". With this release, they take on a dark, elegant concept that is quite different from what I have seen them do before. "I Knew It" is a Latin-pop song that includes the Spanish guitar and brass instruments. The strong, but graceful choreography features posturing and hand claps that are typical of flamenco style dance.
Review: Song - 2/5 MV - 4/5
5. K.A.R.D. - Rumor
Korean ♥
"Rumor" is KARD's third pre-debut project that followed "Oh Nana" and "Don't Recall". Like the two previous songs, the genre is Tropical house. However, "Rumor" especially gives off a Latino and Reggaeton vibe.
Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 2/5
6. Kim Jonghyun (Shinee) - Y Si Fuera Ella
Korean
Many fans of Shinee and K-pop, in general, are remembering the late Shinee member Jonghyun and celebrating him as an artist by listening to his music. While doing so myself, I recently discovered one of Jonghyun's solo tracks "Y Si Fuera Ella", which is a Korean cover of a 1997 song by Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz. Jonghyun sang the ballad with such intense emotion that perfectly matched the longingness of the lyrics - "Ella, How are you trying to leave me with those easy words, “goodbye”. Notably, "Y Si Fuera Ella" was the first solo track of Jonghyun's career and was very beautifully done.
Review: Song - 4/5
7. IU - Everybody Has Secrets (feat. Gain)
Korean
Also from IU's album "Modern Times", is "Everybody Has Secrets" - a collaboration between her and Brown Eyes Girl's Gain. It has a bossa nova influence and an upbeat rhythm that is great for dancing. Its composition is very rich with the sounds of various percussion and stringed instruments. Plus the way IU's and Gain's vocals overlap at parts make everything very dramatic and expressive.
Review: Song - 3/5
8. Super Junior - Mamacita
Korean
"Mamacita" is an uptempo pop track with a variety of sounds and genres mixed throughout. In the music video, Super Junior act as cowboys in the Mexican Wild-West who are going after a criminal. Along with the Spanish term "Mamacita", Super Junior take inspiration from Latin culture through their outfits and choreography.
Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2.5/5
9. Shinee - Señorita
Korean
Many are familiar with "Juliette", one of Shinee's hit songs from 2009. Those who like it may also enjoy "Señorita" - it is a b-side from the same album with a similar energy. Like "Juliette", "Señorita" is a confession of love aimed at the girl they are trying to charm and pursue. The song opens with a Spanish intro, moves into a slow, dramatic bridge and then breaks into a more powerful and uptempo chorus.
Review: Song - 2.5/5
10. K.A.R.D. - Hola Hola
Korean ♥
Even after releasing a few pre-debut singles (as mentioned earlier), KARD hasn't been able to gain popularity in Korea. However, they have garnered attention among international K-pop fans, especially from those in South America. Because of this, KARD included Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Chile on their World Tour and were very well received. After completing part 1 of their tour, KARD officially debuted with "Hola Hola", that seems like a warm greeting to their Spanish-speaking fans. The song is pretty much the same genre of every one of their prior releases, but it has a summery twist and is more cheerful.
Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 4/5
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