Weekly K-Pop Faves: March 20-27
Each week, KultScene’s staff introduces our favorite new songs from Korea that were released during the last few days. This week, we introduce songs by Dean, Lyn, KittiB, and Amber.
1. DEAN “what2do” (uploaded March 23)
Along with Crush and Jeff Bernat, DEAN released “what2do” back in January. Each vocalist added their signature R&B flair that made it an impossibly irresistible song. With that being said, without a doubt, DEAN is the best thing about that song. So now that he’s performing it solo, I can’t help but to stan it. Don’t get me wrong, the original version in awesome, but being DEAN biased, him singing the song by himself is a nice treat for this fangirl who melts with the sound of even his yawn.
Also on KultScene: Girl Crush: KittiB
2. Lyn “With You” (uploaded March 23)
The latest addition to the ever-expanding list of original soundtrack (OST) songs for the currently airing hit drama “Descendants of the Sun” is “With You” an exceptional one by skilled vocalist Lyn. Lyn’s voice is at times soft and at times powerful, but she never fails to bring meaning and emotion to every lyric she sings. The instrumentals in this track blend together perfectly to create this song which is full of yearning and passion, befitting of the romance in this drama.
3. KittiB “Doin Good” (uploaded March 21)
“Who knew I’d have so much fun breaking prejudices”
Of the small bit of Unpretty Rapstar I watched, KittiB was someone who always stood out. Her small stature hid an impressive strength not just to her voice but to her presence too. “Doin Good” continues a strong run from her with tracks that not just please the ear but are a part of her identity. It’s her angry retort to an ex but has traces of self hatred as well, something that feels a lot more honest that most rappers. Especially compared to the feature of Verbal Jint which works sonically, but his brags about money are tired. The trap beat is good but I really love the autotuned vocals in the chorus. They’re as a sort of mocking nature to the way her voice connects with it. I also really like this trend of purple, pink, and blue lighting in music videos.
Also on KultScene: Battle of the Underappreciated K-pop Groups: A.cian vs. Lip Service
4. Amber “Borders” (March 24)
SM Entertainment’s STATION releases have been a bit overwhelming, but each song has been a gift. Last week’s addition was from Amber of f(x), who released an English-language self-composed track that is one of the most inspirational songs ever put out by a K-pop idol. “Borders” is all about achieving your goals and features Amber both as a singer and a rapper, giving her a chance to showcase her wide-range of talent. The song’s title hints to Amber’s background as a Taiwanese-American artist who moved to Korea to pursue her dream. The song is even more poignant given a message Amber wrote on the YouTube video of “Borders” that shows a new, self-aware element of K-pop: “I’ve been doing this job for a long time and right now I speak not as Amber of f(x) nor ‘celebrity’ Amber, but just Amber. Just plain, simple, human Amber. ‘Borders’ is more than a song; no glamorous concepts, no ‘trying to be cool.’”
What was your favorite song from the past week? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and Tumblrto keep up with all of our posts.
