B-side Summer Bops Part 4: Nights by the Campfire

Summer is in full swing these days with nights lasting longer and days getting hotter. It’s vacation time—school is out and many of those who work are taking leisure time to rest and recuperate from the daily grind. So what better way to celebrate this time of year than with a playlist of the best bops for your summer escapades? This week, we’re focusing on those warm summer nights sitting around campfires underneath the stars.

“Sun & Moon” - NCT 127

I don’t think it’s possible to put into words how much I adore NCT 127’s “Sun & Moon.” The song itself is such a contrast, having an unrelenting EDM beat but maintaining a calm feeling throughout, as there is never a drop or buildup in the song. That’s what makes it so perfect. With only vocal verses in the song, it feels like the NCT boys are serenading you. It’s easy to imagine watching the stars with this song playing softly in the background.

“Moon U” - GOT7

R&B-influenced tracks are perfect for a warm summer night, and unlike a lot of other songs on GOT7’s discography, “Moon U” has a much more chill aura. With a focus on the stunning vocals of Youngjae, JB, Jinyoung, and Yugyeom, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the sweet lyrics and catchy melody.

“Summer Love” - Crush

Is there a more aptly named track for the season? Crush’s “Summer Love” is the epitome of his relaxing R&B sound. Crush is the king of R&B anthems, and “Summer Love” captures that sweet sound perfectly while celebrating the time of year. Picture yourself sitting around a fire and roasting marshmallows with Crush’s smooth vocals playing in the background. Easy to visualize, right?

“Sweet Lies” - EXO

While not nearly as sweet as “Summer Love” or “Moon U,” EXO’s “Sweet Lies” has a certain mesmerizing melody to it that feels perfect for the night. Unlike many of EXO’s other releases, “Sweet Lies” maintains a calming melody throughout and focuses much more on their R&B sound than their usual pop and EDM-influenced music.

“Wolf” - HyunA (feat. Hanhae)

HyunA teamed up with Hanhae to produce a very sensual and catchy tune for her last mini-album. “Wolf,” much like “Sun & Moon,” does not have an intense beat that leads to a drop. Instead, the track focuses on the soft mood that goes with the lyrics, adding an element of sweetness on top of sexy. The melody and vocals are calming, as HyunA is singing in her lower register to help set the sweet mood.