B-side Summer Bops Part 2: Pool Party with the Girls!
Summer is in full swing these days, with the nights lasting longer and the days getting hotter. It’s vacation time, with schools out and many of those at work taking leisure time to rest and recuperate from the daily grind. What better way to celebrate this time of year than with a playlist of the best bops for your summer escapades? This week, we focus on some fabulous girl group B-sides fit for the best pool party.
“Forever Young” - BLACKPINK
Finally, after two full years, we have an actual B-side from hit group BLACKPINK, who has been releasing singles up until latest EP Square Up. BLACKPINK is known for their intense and bad girl concepts, but “Forever Young” is certainly the antithesis of this, and can be described as BLACKPINK’s first attempt at a cute concept. The song has a catchy EDM beat that perfectly fits the summer vibe.
“달라($$$)” - (G)I-DLE
(G)I-DLE has a lot of different sounds on their debut mini-album, and “달라($$$)” is definitely the intense hip-hop driven track of the album. Beginning with Soyeon’s fierce rap verse, the song transitions into a catchy pop melody that has a certain level of female swagger in its lyrics. This track definitely has the infectious party vibe that goes well with the summer.
“Don’t Be Shy” - Girl’s Day
Girl’s Day turns up the heat a notch with “Don’t Be Shy,” an intense, sensual track that showcases the unbelievably strong vocals of the quartet. The song is definitely made for late nights and the haze of the party atmosphere, with a hip-hop main beat complemented by an odd, but nonetheless fitting, drumline melody on top to give the song its own interesting flavor.
“Heart Attack” - LOONA (Chuu)
This catchy tune that doubled as the reveal of LOONA member Chuu is a delightful throwback track reminiscent of the upbeat ‘90s. Unlike other LOONA releases that were either more R&B or ballad focused, “Heart Attack” was the first release that brought a catchy, infectious beat that is sure to get even the most stubborn individual tapping their foot.
“Do It” - Chungha
Taking on a more reggae-influenced sound, Chungha’s “Do It” is a delightful mix up of traditional Caribbean melodies and a more intense pop sound that it builds up to in the chorus. “Do It” is a perfect mix of chill and intense for a summer pool party with the main melody switching from verse to chorus, which adds energy to the overall atmosphere. There’s nothing lacking in Chungha’s strong vocals either.