This week, we’re taking a look at a music genre that we tend to not take so seriously: pop music.
What’s your pop music guilty pleasure? For me, that music is K-pop. However, I’ve decided that I no longer want to feel guilty or embarrassed about being a huge K-pop fan. So here are a few of the K-pop songs and artists that are bringing me joy.
The quintet Red Velvet is a K-pop act that is equal parts quirky and elegant. Their new title track “Feel My Rhythm” perfectly encapsulates this, with a dance-pop beat that samples Bach’s “Air On The G String.” The music video references many famous impressionist, surrealist and Renaissance artworks. It is quite literally a K-pop masterpiece.
Lee Jin Ah is a new discovery for me. Unlike the typical dancing and singing K-pop idols, Lee is an indie singer-songwriter and jazz pianist. Her musical style combines jazz with elements of R&B, pop and a touch of whimsy. In her newest song, “Rum Pum Pum”, her sweet lullaby voice cuts through a dark and tormented instrumental. She reminds us that even through rough times and clouded thoughts, singing a song of joy can help light the way.
Next is the song “GingaMingaYo” by the rookie group Billlie (yes, with three L’s). It’s a playful and mysterious bop with a chorus melody that uses the “Old McDonald” nursery rhyme. If that sounds weird, that’s because it is. Billlie is a group pushing the envelope when it comes to storytelling in K-pop. Plus, I’m a sucker for references to “The Shining.”
And lastly, although this isn’t K-pop, it is heavily inspired by American and K-pop boy bands. My sister and I have not been able to stop singing "Nobody Like U" by the fictional 4*Town from Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red.” If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. #4town4life
–Angelo