Power Up with Red Velvet
Since the release of their fruit-filled, bubblegum pop track “Power Up” and the English version of their single “Bad Boy,” Red Velvet has been the girl group on the tip of everyone’s tongues. Ready to level up your knowledge about these amazingly talented girls? Or should we say... ReVeluv?
The five piece group from SM Entertainment has been steadily growing in popularity since their debut in 2014 with the adorably addictive single “Happiness.” Originally, Red Velvet consisted of four members: Wendy, Joy, Seulgi and Irene. Fifth member Yeri later joined the group in 2015 when the group made a comeback with the single “Ice Cream Cake.”
Since their debut, all of Red Velvet’s music has been labelled to fit the group’s two images: “red” and “velvet.” Taken from the group’s name, the “red” songs are meant to give a bold and strong feel while the “velvet” songs are more soft and feminine in sound. For quick reference: the red side can be seen in effervescent tracks like “Red Summer” and the velvet side in more sultry songs like “Bad Boy.”
If you’re new to Red Velvet and looking for some new material to listen to after binge-listening to the Power Up EP, we’ve got you covered. Ready? Let’s go!
The Red: “Dumb Dumb”
Enter cheerful Red Velvet! Composed and arranged by LDN Noise, known for tracks like NCT’s “Firetruck” and EXO’s “Monster,” “Dumb Dumb” provides a look into the red side of Red Velvet with its bold, bombastic 808 bass drum and striking brass band. The powerful dance track has one of Red Velvet’s most addictive hooks that’s almost impossible not to get stuck in your head after listening. Alongside an amazing melody, the song’s lyrics are extremely relatable. Focused on the inner turmoil that comes from being awkward around a crush, the girls complain that being around this person gives them sweaty palms, mood swings, and even makes it hard to breathe! But that’s not where this song’s cutesy charm stops. Irene and Yeri’s raps both make several allusions to Michael Jackson and his work; his iconic hip thrust is even included in the song’s choreography too, which can be seen in the group’s quirky music video.
The Velvet: “Automatic”
Part of a double title track released alongside “Ice Cream Cake” on their first mini-album released in 2015, “Automatic” is definitely Red Velvet’s velvet concept in action. Smooth and mature, the urban track quickly draws listeners in with its sensual melody and simple drumbeat. The members’ vocals are at the forefront as they sing about an automatic attraction with someone upon first sight. The song’s music video follows the girls through various dreamy, edgy locations, interspersed between shots of their effortlessly cool choreography.
The Ballad: “One of These Nights”
It’s all but criminal to talk about Red Velvet without mentioning their out-of-this-world ballads. Red Velvet has some of the strongest vocal harmonies in K-Pop, which, when performed together to the tune of a gorgeous ballad, is enough to give any listener goosebumps! Don’t believe us? Then look no further than their 2016 single “One of These Nights.” Written and composed by Andreas Oberg, known for his work with artists like Girls’ Generation, MONSTA X, and TWICE, “One of These Nights” is a heart-melting masterpiece. Backed by soft strings and piano, the girls’ vocals are so poignant and delicate as they recount their struggle to move on from an excruciating heartbreak. Slow and groovy, “One of These Nights” is a truly unforgettable song that pierces straight through the heart of a listener.