Sweet Summer B-Sides
Summer is slowly coming to an end, but K-Pop comebacks are in full swing. As the seasons change and we transition into awards season, let’s take a look at some of the sweetest summer love songs of 2022.
“TFW (That Feeling When)” - ENHYPEN
“TFW (That Feeling When)” is the fourth track from ENHYPEN’s third mini-album, MANIFESTO: DAY 1. Since their debut in 2020, the fourth generation group has experimented with a multitude of music styles. “TFW (That Feeling When)” is no exception. The romantic track provides a soft contrast to the otherwise hard-hitting mix of hip-hop and pop-rock on the mini-album, and the lyrics speak of sharing special moments with the one you love. This nostalgic track is nothing but good vibes from start to finish. Reminisce your favorite moments from summer and check out a heart-fluttering performance of “TFW (That Feeling When)” below!
“LOVE COUNTDOWN” - NAYEON (Feat. Wonstein)
Nayeon from TWICE made her solo debut earlier this summer with her self-titled album IM NAYEON. She pulled in South Korean rapper and singer Wonstein to feature on “LOVE COUNTDOWN,” the third track of the album. “LOVE COUNTDOWN” is a sweet, easy-listening pop song with a catchy beat. The lyrics call out to a potential lover, asking if they’re ready to dive into a relationship. It’s the perfect theme song for any summer romance. Don’t hesitate to check out “LOVE COUNTDOWN” and the rest of Nayeon’s solo album to sweeten up the end of your summer.
“Summer Night” - Girls’ Generation
After five years, Girls’ Generation are finally back with a new full-length album. Their seventh album, titled FOREVER 1, was released on August 5 as a celebration of the group’s fifteenth anniversary. “Summer Night” provides the perfect transition from “Mood Lamp” into “Freedom” as the eighth track on the album. It starts with the satisfying sound of cracking open an ice cold drink and continues on with smooth vocals. The beautiful harmonies create an almost hypnotic vibe that will have you hooked from the very first listen. Lyrics about spending a perfect summer with the one you love make it perfect for sunsets on the beach and late night drives with the windows down. Listen to “Summer Night” below to make your perfect summer days last a little longer.
“Love Me Out Loud” - Chungha
Bare&Rare, Pt. 1 is one of my favorite releases of 2022 thus far. Chungha blends Korean and English seamlessly in the seventh track of the album, “Love Me Out Loud.” The B-side is about the fear of losing someone. Instead of letting go and walking away, the lyrics beg, “So if you love me, love me out loud.” The song is fairly upbeat, but the way the bridge picks up only aids to the desperate feel. “Love Me Out Loud” is the perfect song for dancing, whether you’re alone at home or out with friends. The lyrics practically beg to be screamed at the top of your lungs. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be in love to shout this B-side out loud.
“Crazy Crazy Love” - SF9
We’re ending things on a high note with “Crazy Crazy Love” by SF9 from their eleventh mini-album, THE WAVE OF9. “Crazy Crazy Love” keeps it cheerful with a quick beat and charming lyrics. It’s a song you can’t help but dance along to—perfect for pool parties and beach days. The track is quintessentially K-Pop with a perfect mix of bright vocals and smooth rap. The lyrics describe the feeling of going absolutely crazy for someone who’s just your type. Whatever your K-Pop tastes may be, one listen to “Crazy Crazy Love” will undoubtedly have you crazy in love with the boys of SF9.
Edited by Erin Rupprecht