I’ve been dying to talk to you about this. It’s an important subject for me to discuss and for you to absorb. It’s a matter that could possibly contribute to your happiness—listen, I care about your well-being.
Yes, the matter I’m referring to is K-Pop. Korean pop. A genre of music that I think is often misunderstood.
Before we begin
https://tenor.com/embed.jsAnd before I go on, please make sure that you have all your chores completed, all your homework is finished, and your plants are watered. This article requires both reading and listening skills.
If your image of K-Pop is multi-color haired boy bands—resembling the Winx Club—dancing around to some bubble gum pop music, or a bunch of girls singing in high pitched voices and doing some cutesy shit as a means of dancing, then this guide is for you. I’m not here to persuade you to hop on this wagon and ride into the sunset while listening to BTS (my favorite band in this galaxy) together. I’m here to reintroduce you to it. And then you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to do that.
K-Pop Beginnings
https://tenor.com/embed.jsK-Pop’s humble beginnings started in 1996. But much has changed since then! K-Pop is considered a “genre” of music that encompasses…several many other genres. What? Why is it a genre consisting of other genres, you may wonder. I don’t know what to tell you. Some things in life I just don’t question. But what I can tell you about is good music, as I’m a woman with impeccable taste in that.
Go Beyond the U.S. Mainstream
https://tenor.com/embed.jsWhen delving into K-Pop—going beyond what’s primarily presented in the U.S. mainstream space such as BTS, BLACKPINK, or Red Velvet—you discover so many other talented artists with spectacularly unique voices overlying like, incredibly sick beats. Contrary to its name, K-Pop is not limited to just pop. From chill R&B sounds to hype beats that will make you want to lose your shit, it’s been tested and proven (by me), there’s not a mood where K-Pop won’t satisfy.
Enter the K-Pop Bubble
https://tenor.com/embed.jsIt’s 2019, time to eradicate this bubble gum cringy cutesy K-Pop belief you’ve been holding on to, and let your ears discover something wonderful. Or if you’re someone who has never heard any Korean music, I’m about to do you a favor. Music is the only universal thing in this melancholic and chaotic world, so understanding the lyrics isn’t necessarily a key component to enjoy a song—just let the melodies sway and carry you.
K-Pop Songs You Should Listen To
Below are some songs I think would be a good “introduction to modern K-Pop” type of songs from different genres. Enjoy.
SUHO, Jane Jang – “Dinner”
Jane Jang’s tranquil voice and SUHO’s angelic voice intertwine beautifully, making the listening experience a dreamlike one.
DPR Live – “God Bless”
This is Korean rap. DPR Live is one of my favorite artists. His music is awesome, his smooth flow in combination with the dope beats—he deserves way more recognition.
BOBBY – “HOLUP!”
This song butters my croissant and then make me want to stomp on it. Every time this song comes on, I partially lose my sense of self—but in a good way. I think everybody in the world at least should listen to this at least once in their lives. It’s too good.
BewhY – “Gottasadae”
The beginning of the song exudes demonic/cult vibes, but only for a few seconds and then BewhY steps in and straight murders this shit. He definitely brings something different to the Korean rap scene.
SHAUN – “Way Back Home”
For the EDM-loving kids, this feel good song is full of summer vibes.
Loco, GRAY – “Late Night”
This song will get you bobbing your head although you understand nothing and it’s fantastic. A song I wouldn’t skip on shuffle.
ZICO ft. IU – “Soulmate”
An airy song for your mellow mood. IU has an unbelievable voice and ZICO’s musical capabilities are audibly showcased. He’s the composer and arranger, and do you hear him effortlessly transitioning from singing to rapping?! This guy is a one-man band.
BTS Jimin – “약속”
This is last on the list because it’s the freaking best one. Listen, no exaggeration—this song cleansed my spirit. My chakras are aligned. Jimin’s ethereal voice renders so much depth and substance to the simple guitar. He has the voice of a thousand angels. If I could have this song on loop for the rest of this life, I would.
Jimin wrote this song for himself but the message is also directed at the fans: love yourself. The last few lines of the song translate to:
“Promise me now / No matter how many times you feel alone in a day / You won’t throw yourself away / Stop here for moment / Link pinkies / And promise me.”
This world doesn’t deserve Jimin.
And that concludes my modern K-Pop starter kit. Don’t say I never did anything for you.
Also, don’t forget to let us know on Twitter @GeekGalsCo which song you liked best!
Geek Gals 