Throwback Thursday: Best of IU
This year marks the 10-year anniversary for solo artist IU, and on October 10, she will release a special digital single for her anniversary and in celebration of her upcoming concert. So to congratulate and celebrate IU’s latest achievement, we are taking a look at some of her best releases from these past 10 years!
“Marshmallow”
It might be hard to imagine IU doing a bubblegum-pop concept, but when IU debuted, she came out with “Marshmallow,” which is absolutely impossible to resist. The IU we know today has definitely grown up from her “Marshmallow” days, as the pop influence in her music is much more mature in sound and in style. But this particular song really laid the foundation for IU; while it’s not her acoustic, ballad, and R&B sound that we are used to, it shows how she has explored other genres of music and successfully pulled them off. Besides, how can you resist IU’s aegyo and the cute marshmallow man seen throughout the music video? Can you also figure out which rapper features on the track? Hint: IU has recently collaborated with this artist.
“Good Day”
“Good Day” is considerably one of the best from IU. It launched her into being one of the top solo artists in the game. This particular song was not only catchy and fun, it showcased the vocal powerhouse that IU is. Most notable is the three-octave high note that IU effortlessly pulls off towards the end. “Good Day” mixes orchestral instrumentals with pop music, which gives off that bright and happy vibe. Count on “Good Day” to really lift your spirits and to turn your bad day into a good one. This was also one of the first music videos that solidified IU’s knack for bringing a fantasy world to life. Check out the music video and dive into the fantasy world of “Good Day” below!
“Only I Didn’t Know”
While IU is known for her upbeat releases, IU has quite the number of ballads under her belt as well. One of her most emotional ballads is “Only I Didn’t Know,” which conveys heartbreak and sorrow. Two versions of the music video were released, one featuring IU (which is the one featured this week) and another where actress Park Boyoung is the lead. Have some tissues set aside as this song and dramatic music video will definitely lead you down an emotional hole.
“Red Shoes”
Last but certainly not least is IU’s jazzy, big band-influenced song “Red Shoes” from her Modern Times album. This particular song and music video were inspired by the 1940-1950s era, once again taking fans on another fantastical journey. The production is top tier and also inspired by the 1940s film Red Shoes; it features IU’s black and white world coming to life with color thanks to a pair of red shoes. The video also features a slew of guest appearances, most notably Yoo Heeyeol, all adding to the movie-like feel of “Red Shoes.” While the music video does have a fantasy element to it, it still gives IU that edge as to not come off as childish, but rather to accentuate how much her style and concepts have matured, though they remain whimsical and fun. Once this song comes on, you can’t help but want to dance thanks to its fun and cheery vibe.