My Top 50 K-Pop Songs- Part III (40-38)

I'm aware that we are making progress, but I seriously can't wait to unveil my top picks to you all! For now, this is part III of My Top-50 K-Pop Songs blog series. Be sure to check out part II HERE, and to start from the beginning, click HERE!

UP NEXT IS...

40. Taeyang- "Ringa Linga"

I remember listening to this song for the first time and literally having to press pause in order to process the beautiful transition between the piano instrumental intro and the rest of the song. Most times, a move like this would not work in my book, but damn was it a pleasant surprise. It reminds me a lot of the vocal intro from Bruno Mar’s “24K Magic.” Both introductions are slow in contrast to the rest of the song, so they are similar in that sense. Taeyang’s voice goes perfectly with this dance track, which showcases both his rapping and singing capabilities. The synth used throughout the song isn’t unique, but it’s melody is and, although repetitive, it wasn’t tiring in the slightest, especially when used under Taeyang’s “ringa ringa ling, ringa ringa ling.” I mean, how can you not stop everything you’re doing and start dancing when you hear that? I understand that Taeyang’s, “Eyes, Nose, Lips,” is a K-Pop fan favorite, but it was this 2013 release that really stuck with me and has a permanent place in my K-Pop playlist.

39. B.A.P- "Wake Me Up"

I was aware of B.A.P and their talent since their debut, but I just couldn’t bring myself to actually like any of their songs. They were too “hip-hoppy,” and that’s just not how I roll…Then I saw they had released a new song and, like all their previous comebacks, I was ready to be disappointed. Gosh, was I glad to be proven wrong. What first drew me in were the hypnotizing “ooh’s” at the beginning of the track, followed by hard-hitting drum beats, but I actually stayed for two other reasons.

First of all, the music video is amazing. I know that has nothing to do with the song itself, but how can I ignore it when it showcases such a diverse group of actors, of all genders and ethnicities. Hell, this might be THE MOST diverse K-Pop MV I have ever seen. Also, from all the scenarios depicted in the video, I gathered that the song's message had to be deep, so I dug a little deeper and googled the lyrics. With this inspiring bop, B.A.P is calling out for an "emotional revolution," and that is so important. Especially in a country like South-Korea, where mental illness is thought of as taboo (but really, every single corner of the world needs this kind of revolution).

As an individual who suffers greatly from depression, I felt the emotion in which they sang the line, “wake me up,” (and all the lyrics, for that matter). Mental illness can feel like such a lonely battle, because you are, basically, battling against your own mind. The fact that they are asking a random someone to “wake me (them) up,” is something I can completely relate to. When dealing with mental illness, the fight always seems futile, so you are constantly asking (in your mind) every nobody out there to please help you. Even if you did get the courage to actually speak up and ask for help, you wouldn’t even begin to know what someone should do to help you. The whole ordeal is hopeless, but for B.A.P to put out a song telling fans, “Hey we know what you are going through, we are going through it too, and we know that something must be done about it, so hear our song and let’s fight this together," is so precious to me. Merely knowing that you aren't alone, that you are understood, means much more than anyone can imagine. It is the first step, so I thank B.A.P for this song. Sincerely.

Side note, believe it or not, this song was my alarm for the longest time, and I still love it!.. What? I thought it was funny!

38. VAV- "Gorgeous"

This song’s MV kept appearing in my “suggested” youtube videos, but for weeks I kept avoiding it. One lucky day I finally gave in and, OH BOY. I'm so glad. VAV’s "Gorgeous," isn’t anything groundbreaking, but the final result came to be such a success because the composers and producers did everything exactly right. The song has an easily identifiable intro that catches the listener’s attention. The first verse is nothing jaw-dropping, but it’s kept short and groovy with a rhythm bass beat. It then quickly transitions to the pre-chorus. Here’s where song lets you know, “Hey, we are here to have fun and make you have fun along with us.” The vocals are slow and alluring, a contrast from the drum built up in the background, which is awesomely resolved with a hard-hitting trumpet and a super simple, and almost funny, falsetto “AH” by main vocal, St. Van. The chorus is simply an upgrade of all elements previously presented in the song, a truly fantastic combination of it all. A well placed synth here, a sprinkle of an ad-lib there, and BAM, you get an amazing song; it’s just that simple. Those who created "Gorgeous," knew what and where to add certain musical elements in order to compose a tasteful and completely enjoyable piece, especially to listeners who already like K-Pop and western music. I find myself going back and rewatching this song's MV all the time. When I'm feeling down, I take a second to watch it and it makes me feel much better. I truly can't recommend it enough!

Part III = all done! If you'd like, check out part IV HERE. Thank you!