Another week, more K-pop — some new, some old, some great!
“As If It’s Your Last” – BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is back in your area with “As If It’s Your Last,” a sparkling, summery, Teddy-produced bop that, while not as instantly defining as “Boombayah” or “Playing with Fire,” is still a satisfying release for Blinks who have been waiting patiently for the “monster rookies” to make their way back into the K-pop scene. Featuring sweet harmonies by Rose and Jennie and a vibrant music video to pair, “As If It’s Your Last” will have you swaying through the summer and ready for the girls’ next release.
“Don’t Wanna Cry” – SEVENTEEN
The Pledis boy group is known for high-energy funk-pop tracks paired with dynamic choreography and bursting stage presence, but “Don’t Wanna Cry” sees the group taking their creativity in a different direction.
“What’s My Name?” – T-ara
We’re glad to see T-ara pushing past old drama and deliver a solid song once again. The quartet is back with “What’s My Name?,” a synth-pop track that shows off a more mature edge to the group. While putting a bit more focus on the vocals, the catchy chorus hearkens back to some of T-ara’s biggest hits such as “Roly Poly” and “Lovey Dovey.”
“Get the Treasure” – SHINee
The nine-year veteran boy band is celebrating the sixth anniversary of their Japanese debut, so in commemoration of SHINee’s wild Japanese success, we’re jamming to a favorite: “Get The Treasure” is a mish-mash of funk, pop and jazz that explodes — literally! — right from the beginning and steadily builds up to a call-and-answer chorus.
“Wake Me Up” – B.A.P
After being out of the K-pop game for over a year, B.A.P came back with a bang with a hard-hitting, angsty hip-hop track, “Wake Me Up.” While the song delivers the group’s signature soaring vocals and Zelo and Yongguk’s strong rap verses, the song is also important because of the underlying commentary on mental health and self-care embedded in the music and lyrics.
What are you listening to this week?
