Throwback Thursday: The Whimsical
Eccentric, fantastical, and imaginative concepts erring on the side of abstraction have yet to go out of style but definitely experienced their heyday in the past. From veteran performers like Key and Dreamcatcher to rookies like Billlie, storytelling, quirk, and true artistic freedom have kept the “whimsical” concept alive in recent years. However, this concept has roots in the earlier eras of K-Pop, as this article will explore. Let’s jump down the rabbit hole this week and unpack some highlights of the whimsical concept.
“Lipstick” - Orange Caramel
It would be impossible to discuss the “whimsical” concept without mentioning anything created by Orange Caramel. As the first sub-unit to debut out of AFTER SCHOOL, Orange Caramel was intended to be the embodiment of their namesake and the sweet flavor associated with the candy. “Lipstick,” the lead single off their first album LIPSTICK, utilizes an electronic beat and saxophone to create its melody, making a sound that was truly unique for its release on the K-Pop scene in 2012. This, paired with the repetition of “oops” as the chorus, makes “Lipstick” incredibly memorable.
Each release was accompanied by a visually intriguing music video and over-the-top costume design that was also utilized in live performances. From the pink polka dot dress and bow combo in their debut “Magic Girl” to the orange latex jersey-style dresses and Jeremy Scott teddy bear sneakers in “Lipstick,” their outfits were just as engaging as the song itself.
The video itself shows Raina, Nana, and Lizzy attempting to become tennis champions to win the affection of their coach - a decidedly taken man. The scenes that follow look like something from a video game, especially the final sequence in which they take on the towering “queen,” equipped with glowing eyes and all.
“Rookie” - Red Velvet
Red Velvet is another group that has become known for their eccentric concepts. With the distinctions made between their “red” and “velvet” themed comebacks, it's easy to identify when the girls will take on the more playful side of their group persona. “Rookie” is a classic pop song featuring funk elements, with heavy use of horn instruments in its melody. Between the boisterous chorus and the repetition of “Rookie Rookie,” there is a brief respite in the soft vocals as the song gears up to take us on the next loop.
From start to finish, we are taken on a storybook-esque ride throughout the magical world hidden in the literal closet with the guidance of a flower-clad entity synonymous with the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland.
“HER” - Block B
Block B’s HER was a refreshing comeback from the then three-year-old group. Partial to the sensibilities of a hip-hop concept, “HER” was bright and playful in comparison to previous tracks like “NalinA” and “Nillili Mambo.” The song, despite taking on a heavier pop-rock influence than usual Block B songs, still features the notable collection of powerful vocals and skilled raps.
The music video plays into the whimsical concept heavily, with cutscenes of P.O playing a laundry detergent salesman and ZICO rapping alongside an ostrich. Perhaps the best scene takes place when the video abruptly stops for a fourth-wall-breaking interview with the group preparing to watch themselves perform stage left (while also taking on a third role as the live band).
“On and On” - VIXX
This video only features three different sets - one of which is literally the inside of an escape pod - yet still managed to be one of the most fascinating videos of 2013. VIXX, the official “Kings of Concepts,” rarely disappoint with their releases, and “On and On” was a track that may have been ahead of its time. The sound of this track is hard to describe, with its mysterious effects and auto-tuned vocals giving off the very atmosphere of the intergalactic-vampires VIXX play in the music video.
VIXX fully embodies their role here, the makeup enhancing their brooding and other-worldly nature. The interceptions of distorted found footage show the boys as true aliens exploring the obscure area they have just landed on.
“Married To The Music” - SHINee
This release brought us Halloween in the summertime, delivering a campy, ‘80s horror-themed concept that absolutely contributes to the whimsical K-Pop cannon. Following the unforgettable release of Odd, the Married To The Music repackage kept the ball rolling with another fun conceptual title track. Produced by Kenzie, this is a funky retro track with disco influences, likened to older Michael Jackson songs or even the famous Jackson Five track “Blame It On the Boogie.”
The video is a visual treat, shot like the horror films it is meant to embody. SHINee dances the night away as tragedy befalls them all in spades. Key loses his head, Taemin his eyes, Onew and Jonghyun lose their nose and lips respectively, and Minho is set ablaze.
Edited by Cara Musashi