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

Here is a list of romantic duets that are perfect for the blooming season of spring! See also: Part 1

1. Taeyeon X Dean - Starlight

Taeyeon and Dean become a romantic couple in "Starlight". The Girl's Generation vocalist and Alternative R&B soloist collaborated on this 90s inspired R&B track which appeared on Taeyeon's second mini-album "Why". This was a very welcomed duet because both of the singers' voices meld together perfectly and float along the light melody! Listeners can also appreciate the feel-good vibe and the fluffy, romantic lyrics. "You are my starlight, I can’t hide it. When we’re together, it feels like my heart is dancing. You are my starlight, I’m so thankful. Your love is like a dream."

2. Jimin X Xiumin - Call You Bae

Jimin and Xiumin show the love interactions between a boy and an immature, but sincere, girl. "Call U Bae" is full of cute and silly chemistry. In the video, the pair jump from scene to scene, encouraged by people with cartoonish emoji faces. What puts "Call You Bae" apart from being completely cookie-cutter is Jimin's high pitch rap. The AOA main rapper offers a vocal tone like no other, and that can be good or bad depending on whether or not you like the sound of her voice. Either way, this duet is a thing of interest for AOA and EXO fans. It shows Jimin and Xiumin taking on a concept that they normally don't when in their respective groups!

3. Yuju X Jihoo - Heart Signal

Yuju is a rather familiar face and name - she's the main vocalist of the very popular girl-group GFriend. However, Jihoo is much lesser known - he's the lead vocal from rookie group IZ that debuted in September 2017. The two come together in this mid-tempo song about the butterflies a boy and girl feel when they meet. The song subtly incorporates jazz and swing sounds into its instrumental. Together, Yuju and Jihoo are cute, silly and sometimes a little awkward!

4. Baekhyun X Soyou - Rain

"Rain" is a ballad recorded by two especially talented vocalists: Baekhyun (from EXO) and Soyou formerly from Sistar. The lyrics detail a person who is reminded of a past relationship with the rainy weather. For them, the rain provokes pain and nostalgia. Neither Baekhyun or Soyou appear in the music video. Instead, the video show scenes of a high school student who is by herself on a rainy day.

5. Eunha X Chunji - Hold Your Hand

In Part I, I talked about the spring duet between Yuju (Gfriend) and Sunyoul (Up10tion), which was the first part of "The Best Friends Project" between TOP Media and Source Music. "Hold Your Hand" by Eunha (Gfriend) and Chunji (Teen Top) is the second part of the project and portray the pair as a lovey-dovey "campus couple". Hand in hand they walk together in the autumn breeze like two college students. And what's more, Eunha and Chunji performed "Hold Your Hand" live on MCountdown in the form of a special stage!

6. Eric Nam X Wendy - Spring Love

S.M. Station is a music project from S.M Entertainment which intends to showcase collaborations between the company's artists and artists from other labels (though they do so quite often anyway).  As the fourth single from S.M Station Season 1, "Spring Love" is sung by S.M. girl-group member Wendy and soloist Eric Nam. The duo sing the acoustic ballad while having fun at an amusement park like good friends.

7. Doyoung X Sejoung - Star Blossom

Sejong is a former member of I.O.I. and is a current member of Gugudan. However, I find it that she shines the most in projects like this, in which she is able to showcase her own vocals without a plethora other voices. "Love Blossom" is a vocal-based SM Station ballad between her and NCT's Doyoung. This romantic song opens with the sounds of a music box and moves into a jazzy, piano-based composition. The duo has an entertaining chemistry - Sejeong exudes her charming, bright personality and Doyoung is perfect boyfriend material!

8. Sungjae X Namjoo - Photograph

Sungjae and Namjoo are from BtoB and Apink, respectively, both of which are groups that boast great vocals! "Photograph" is actually produced by the same team that produced 4minute's Crazy and Cold Rain, but it quite different from those two. One verse that captures the charm of the song "Let's smile like in the photograph, your smile is as sweet as ice cream" Funny enough, Sungjae and Namjoo aren't very focused with each other- instead, they are focused on melting the hearts of viewers!

Sources

Info: 1, 5

Images:1,2,3,4,*,6,7,*
* are screencaps I made myself

Collage: a,b,c,d,e,f

Asian Pop Stars with Pink Hair

Pop stars tend to be daring when it comes to fashion and with hairstyles too. These K-pop, J-pop and C-pop stars pulled off hairdos with bubblegum, pastel, and hot pink hues!

1. Taeyeon

K-pop

Group: Girl's Generation/SNSD

Song: Party

2. Jolin Tsai

C-pop

Group: N/A (Solo)

Song: N/A

3. Zelo

K-pop

Group: B.A.P.

Song: Power

4. Minzy

K-pop

Group: 2NE1 (formerly)

Song: Falling In Love

5. Suda Anna

J-pop

Group: E-Girls & Happiness

Song: Call Me Now

6. G-Dragon

K-pop

Group: Big Bang

Song: N/A

7. IU

K-pop

Group: N/A (Solo)

Song: Palette

8. Gilme

K-pop

Group: N/A (Solo)

Song: Don't Kill My Vibe

9. Ann

C-pop

Group: N/A (Solo)

Song: What's Next?

10. Gayoon

K-pop

Group: 4minute (formerly)

Song: N/A

11. Jimin

K-pop

Group: BTS

Song: Spring Day

12. Yenny

K-pop

Group: Wonder Girls (formerly)

Song: Why So Lonely

13. Chen Zi Tong

C-pop & K-pop

Group: N/A (Solo)

Song: Last Shot

14. Kihyun

K-pop

Group: Monsta X

Song: Fighter

15. Akina

J-pop

Group: FAKY

Song: You

16. Irene

K-pop

Group: Red Velvet

Song: Happiness

17. Jane Zhang

C-pop

Group: N/A (Solo)

Song: N/A

18. Haein

K-pop

Group: Laboum

Song: What About You?

19. Taeyang

K-pop

Group: Big Bang

Song: Bang Bang Bang

20. Hyejeong

K-pop

Group: AOA & AOA Cream

Song: I'm Jelly Baby

21. Taeyong

K-pop

Group: NCT

Song: Cherry Bomb

22. Thelma Aoyama

J-pop

Group: N/A (Solo)

Song: Pink Tears

23. Meng Jia

K-pop

Group: Miss A (formerly)

Song: Bad Girl Good Girl

Image Sources

This or That? {9th Edition}

Ever hear a song that reminds you of another? This is a friendly comparison of videos and songs with similar genres, concepts, and themes.

Chungha Why Don't You Know v. Taeyeon Why

'Why Don't You Know (Ft. Nucksal)' marks the official solo debut of former I.O.I member Chungha. The song, which boasts fun summer vibes, is tropical house with indie influences. It opens with guitar riffs and maintains a light EDM bounce throughout. All of this is paired with an indie-influenced music video in which Chunga shows off her moves under the sun. Perhaps the highlight of the whole release is the captivating nature aesthetic. Fantasy scenes of blue skies that double as water, dolphins, and flowers make up most of the backdrop setting.

'Why' captures the fun of summer in a similar fashion. Like the former, 'Why' is a tropical house song with guitar and EDM in the instrumental. Taeyeon shows the same sun-loving attitude as Chungha while playing around outdoors.

Chungha - Why Don't You Know

Taeyeon - Why

My Choice:

Chungha's music video is definitely perfect for the summer and I'll say it was more visually pleasing than 'Why'. However, the song has some shortcomings. At times it seems Chungha is straining or trying to sing out of her vocal range, which isn't a pleasant sound. Plus, I thought Nucksal's rap was very unnecessary and interrupted the flow of the song. Taeyeon's vocals in 'Why' and the flow of the track is more appealing to me so I choose 'Why'.

Sources:

Info: 1,2,3,4

K-pop MVs With Floral Aesthetic

Many times the objects that appear in a music video can be symbolic and are an extension of a song's meaning.  Flowers, for instance, can be used to represent love, innocence, friendship and a budding season. Here's a bouquet of flowery k-pop music videos to brighten up your spring!

1. Taeyeon - Make Me Love You

Make Me Love You is a pop ballad from Taeyeon's first repackaged album. It explores a genre and a style, unlike her other projects. The music video, which is a perfect welcoming for spring, features delicate pastels, roses, and dainty pleated dresses. Taeyeon was filmed in a dim lighting which gives her an ethereal look and makes the film look dated. It's not just for show though, all of this beauty has metaphorical purposes and reflects the apprehension, but willingness in the lyrics. Seoulbeats puts it,"[Taeyeon] is a reluctant spring blossom who has to be nurtured by the light she shies away from before she can truly grow."

These delicate visuals don't undermine the song itself though, as the sound is just as delicate. So much so that the track lacks a significant point of intensity. Taeyeon sings the verses with substantial emotion, but the actual chorus is monotonous and robotic.

Positives: The music video is very beautiful: from the styling to the sets and the flowerbed!
Negatives: I don't like the lack of emotion, even if it was intended the be that way.

2. Nu'est - Love Paint (Every Afternoon)

In 2016, Nu'est released their 5th mini-album, 'Canvas'. True to the title, the album is laced with references to painting, colors, and drawings. The lyrics compare imagining an ideal relationship to sketching and compare getting to know someone to painting a picture. Each song on 'Canvas' represents a time of the day, Love Paint being "every afternoon". It is a serenade to a girl who "paints color" into his monochromatic life. The music video looks sunny, but not overwhelmingly bright, and has soft notes of color. Ironically, the sound of the song is random and takes an unexpected path, just like an abstract painting.

Positives: The art concept is fresh.
Negatives: The styling could've have been better. I'm not a fan of the pajama-looking clothes or Ren's pink hair.

3. Laboum - What About You

What About You is about a girl dealing with the pain after her man breaks her heart. She is stuck wondering what to do with him and is left lifeless from the relationship. This is reflected in the doll-like choreography: with glassy eyes and faces void of emotion, the girls of Laboum teeter and bend like mannequins.  The concept is completed by the winding and music box sounds that open and close the track. Really, there's a slight bounce in the sound, but the 'What About You' still has a melancholy vibe that is true to the feeling of heartbreak.

Positives: The mannequin dance is done really well and is very realistic. Also, the vintage outfits add a feminine and delicate touch to the music video visuals.
Negatives: None.

4. BTS (Bangtan Boys) - I Need U

Like many k-pop acts, BTS release Japanese versions of their songs. I Need U is an angsty song in which the singers experience emotional turmoil without the one that they love. Apparently, that emotional turmoil leads to burning things, taking pills and drowning in a tub as shown is the Korean music video. The Japanese version, though retaining the same lamentations as the original, has a music video that is much less dark and gritty. In fact, the bright floral arrangements may even seem like an oxymoron when paired with such a depressing song. Perhaps though, the flowers that are ever present represent how BTS are constantly reminded of the girl that they are missing. I also noticed some scenes with white lilies, which represent death in some Asian cultures. It's as if the BTS is saying, "I'm dying without you."

Positives: I prefer this music video over the original because of the bright visuals.
Negatives: None.

Sources

Info: 1

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

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

Solos and Sub-Units in Girls' Generation

Members of a group often have their own solo projects, and as popular as Girls' Generation is, it's no surprise to know that some of its members can stand on their own. Currently, four members have had their official solo debut including Taeyeon, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, and Seohyun. There is also an official sub-unit, TaeTiSeo (TTS) which consists of the most vocally talented members in the group.

Soloists

Taeyeon

Kim Taeyeon was the first member to make her solo debut, and she did so with massive success. As of now, Taeyeon's discography is comprised of 1 full album, 2 mini-albums, a digital single, an SM Station single and several OSTs.

1. Rain

Rain is often used in music and art to reflect sadness. That is true for this ballad, in which Taeyeon feels the 'rain' even indoors as she sadly longs for a past relationship. It has a jazz and r&b composition and maintains a light-hearted, sweet melody, despite the heart-rending lyrics. The music video is as mellow as the song: Taeyeon sits in a room full of mementos as the "sadness" floods in.

2. Why

Taking a complete 180 from 'Rain', 'Why' is a tropical house track about freeing yourself from burdens and worries. It has r&b, EDM, and acoustic guitar rifts all wrapped in the audio. In the sunny, bright music video, Taeyeon is depicted enjoying California in all its glory; all the while showing off her voice register.

3. I Got Love

Basically everytime Taeyeon releases something, it features a different sound or a different combination of genres. 'I Got Love' is nothing like the tropical EDM of 'Why', the stagnant acoustic of '11.11' or even the mellow r&b of 'Rain'. This track, which was a pre-release of her full album, is urban-r&b with a suspenseful production. Taeyeon and SM Entertainment didn't play it safe with this sound. Though, they did step out of bounds; the song is interesting but has some undesirable elements.

 Other Songs:

4. Fine

5. 11.11

6. I (Feat. Verbal Jint)

Tiffany

The second member of SNSD to go solo, Tiffany established her individual music career with 1 mini-album and an SM Station single. True to her Californian roots, Tiffany's music is influenced by American pop music.

1. I Just Wanna Dance

This track is like a refurbished 90s electronica song: it's retro and modern at the same time. The sound can be compared to that of American singer Carly Rae Jepsen, while Tiffany's vocals are somewhat like Ariana Grande's. The tempo is rather lukewarm; not fast enough to be considered a dance track.

2. Heartbreak Hotel

Tiffany is sick of being alone, so she checks out of 'Heartbreak Hotel'. The storyline is one heard all too often: a girl falls hopelessly in love with a bad boy who breaks her heart. In the rap by Simon Dominic, we get the guy's point of view: he thinks their relationship is a burden. His part not only adds dimension to the song lyrically but also soundwise: the rough, rugged rap that adds contrasts with Tiffany's smooth vocals.

Other Songs:

1. I Just Wanna Dance (English Version/Remix)

2. What Do I Do

3. Talk

Hyoyeon

Hyoyeon made her solo debut through SM Station. She currently has only one song, but she has been a featured artist on one of Taeyeon's b side tracks and has participated in a couple collaborations. 

1. Mystery

Hyoyeon wants to hypnotize you with her dancing, and rightly so since she's considered one of the best female dancers in K-pop. 'Mystery' has an exotic tune, almost like the music that is played to charm snakes. Personally, I'm not a fan of the repetitive, word chopping chorus, but I can appreciate Hyoyeon's solo effort!

Seohyun

The group's maknae, Seohyun, has a solo discography that consists of 1 mini album and a few OSTs. Several of the tracks on Seohyun's debut album were penned by the songstress herself.

1. Don't Say No

As the youngest Girl's Generation member, Seohyun was always viewed as an innocent young girl. With 'Don't Say No', she painted a more mature image of herself but kept the femininity. Also, there is a rather dark theme in the music video. Seohyun seemingly poisons her ex, perhaps because he said "no" to getting back together and found a new girlfriend? Despite the random plot and visuals of the mv, 'Don't Say No" is a rather cohesive dance-pop track with r&b elements and a resonating piano backdrop.

Other Songs:

1. Love & Affection

2. Hello (Feat. Eric Nam)

3. Magic

Subunits

TaeTiSeo (TTS)

Comprised of the groups most vocally talented members, TTS is Girl's Generation's only official sub-unit. The name 'TTS' comes from the names of the members: Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun. As of now, they have 3 mini albums.

1. Twinkle

In 2012 SM Entertainment gave fans a very glittery surprise: an SNSD subgroup! The music video portrays Seohyun, Tiffany, and Taeyeon as red-carpet starlets and the song is just as flashy. It is a very bubblegum pop interpretation of funk from the 1970s and 80s.

2. Holler

TTS continue their sparkly, glamorous concept with 'Holler'. This song has a funky rhythm as well and shows the power of the girls' voices even more so than their previous release. The lyrics are about making a connection with a boy through eye-contact and wanting to break the ice.

Other Songs

1. Baby Steps

2. Checkmate

3. Whisper

survey tools

Sources

Info: 1,2,3,4,5,

Images: a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n