B-Sides: #FightForWonho Playlist
It’s been more than a week since the darkest storm struck Monbebes with the departure of a member from MONSTA X, yet fans’ spirits never died while working together to bring back Wonho!
Things have been hard. Yes, the unexpected departure and the never ending spread of rumors and hate have consumed us with fear, but nothing stops us from fighting back. The support is still in abundance as fans from different fandoms join the MonFam to keep trending various hashtags on Twitter, while extending their wishes and support.
With such hefty events happening around us, I decided to suggest a few B-sides from MONSTA X that reminisce on our days with Wonho and help us ease ourselves while we fight for justice.
“By My Side”
The first track, “By My Side,” comes from Take 1: Are You There and is a promising track cherished between the group and the fandom, as the septet willfully asks their fans to remain by their side. The R&B song composed by Jooheon is a mellow delight as members pleasure our ears with their soothing vocals. Being a relationship-themed song, the lyrics “I love you all day, I love you always, so in love with yourself, thank you for teaching me how to love myself,” comfort us and enlighten us to the importance of both internal and external love. During harder days, the song helps fans realize the bond we have carried along with the septet.
“One Love”
“One Love,” from the group’s debut album TRESPASS, is all about telling a loved one how important they are. Much like the love we carry for the seven members of the group, I badly wish Monbebes could sing this to Wonho. As Jooheon sings, “My heart is only for you, why you keep forgetting? (like a fool). Why do you turn against me and cry when you leave, fool?” the lyrics become a perfect letter to MONSTA X from Monbebes themselves. Adding to the deeper lyrics, the song is a blissful listen with the sweet and innocent sound of then-rookies, No Mercy survivors.
“I Do Love You”
“I Do Love You” is a must-listen whenever we remember Wonho. Another track from Take 1: Are You There, “I Do Love You” is a happy song composed by Wonho. The peppy track focuses on the bright side of being in love and the happiness cherished during relationships. As the lyrics go, “I like you, I like you, even explaining it with words, is lacking,” the heartfelt message we carry for the members is expressed. With bubbling positivity, the song uplifts fans to be hopeful and joyful for the future together. After all, “there are still more nights to go out, things to do with you.”
“Now or Never”
Nobody could deny that Monbebes are babies at heart but warriors in nature, and “Now or Never” from THE CODE is the perfect anthem for the latter. As the name suggests, the song blasts open with jarring instrumentation, sounding more like a declaration than anything. The bold lyrics preach living life for once and living it to the fullest. A catchy tune with an addictive chorus, solid verses, and fierce rap lines, “Now or Never” boosts fans’ self-confidence, leaving Monbebe ready to face anything.
“Ready or Not”
Another bombastic beat for the list would be “Ready or Not” from the album The Clan 2.5 “Beautiful.” The pounding beat begins as Jooheon sings, “Aye, everybody are you ready? Yeah, I’m ready! Uh, let’s get it.” With electrifying instrumentals, the members sing about giving one’s best with a never-give-up attitude. What sounds like a rap-heavy song shifts to a more mellow note during the pre-chorus followed by a fierce chorus. Adding up to the grand instrumentals, the lines sing, “Don’t get scared, tackle first. It’s okay if you fail, just let it go. No one lives a perfect life. Just do as you’ve been doing,” making it a perfect track to be in your morning motivation playlist.
While penning this article, my team and I personally think about all the Monbebes and fans from other communities working hard. I am thankful and grateful to be one among you. You guys are working so hard to change the course of history and we are proud of you. With much hope and faith, let us be the change the K-Pop community needs!
Let us know if you enjoyed our suggested B-sides through your comments!