B-Sides: A Blasting Playlist
It’s the time of year when K-Pop fans wrap themselves up under a warm blanket, listening to new releases of mellow and sweet ballads. For such lazy mornings and sleepy travel, we’re here to suggest five of our favorite upbeat songs. With these tracks, you can shake off your sluggish mornings by jamming and dancing to the rhythm.
“Do It Like Me” – A.C.E
The first song on this playlist is from A.C.E’s first mini-album of this year, Under Cover. With rapid electro drum beats, the song gives a glimpse of the pompous chorus: “Do it like me, just do it like me, ‘cause nobody can’t do it like me.” Jun, with his husky voice, leads us to an electro-house-influenced musical track. The low and soaring vocals of the members keep us enchanted and make us want for more. The confident verses put in a blend of raw vocals that make the song equally addictive and lively, grabbing the listener’s attention.
“Back It Up” – SEVENTEEN
“Back It Up,” from the group’s recent self-produced album, An Ode, is a perfect track to start a workaholic day with. The heavy EDM song is a treat from the group’s hip-hop sub-unit: S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon. Similar to the bombastic instrumentals, the lyrics sing, “Made it this far, got nothing to prove,” denoting the act’s achievements with pride. The following verses talk about the unquenchable thirst to work hard and aim for more. The song serves as a backlash against haters as Vernon takes over with his multilingual rap verses. As a whole, the song sets out to stimulate, motivate, and energize the listener.
“Dionysus” – BTS
“Dionysus” from BTS’s recent mini-album Map Of The Soul: Persona is not a new song to many individuals in the K-Pop scene. The song produced by J-Hope focuses on the after party, staying up all night with glasses of drinks. In other words, the song celebrates the accomplishments or the end results of a hard-worked day. Coming to the end of the year, it is necessary to take a break from the monotonous run and take a shot with the septet. With addictive beats, a catchy chorus, and rap-commanding verses, the bombastic track keeps the listener hooked and thrilled until the end. With “Dionysus” playing, there is no end to celebrating.
“Crash & Burn” – GOT7
Another familiar B-side of the era would be “Crash & Burn” from GOT7’s recent mini-album, Call My Name. The song sounds like the opening of a movie trailer with sirens, as if leading the listener into an action movie. As the name suggests, the song with heavy instrumentals favors both the members’ deep and high-pitched verses. The rap-driven track sings about compassionate and ambitious love that the group is not ready to give up on. The key point of the song lies in the addictive chorus following the drop, as the members join in to sing, “‘Till I crash and burn, I constantly want you.* No, I won’t stop.” Many ahgases even consider the song to be the new anthem of the fandom as it emphasizes the spirit of never giving up.
“Rodeo” – MONSTA X
The last song is not the least when it comes to blasting music and high-spirited vocals. “Rodeo” from MONSTA X’s studio album Take.2 We Are Here is a heavy EDM track that can influence any listener to get up and dance. The track is another catchy tune in the playlist that sings about partying it up all night long. The lyrics sing, “Worries about tomorrow are far, far away,” shaking off the worries while preparing to “Turn and shake it all around” with MONSTA X. The listening experience is indeed like a rodeo.
Which one of the above suggested B-side tracks was your favorite? Comment your personal favorite, and we’ll give it a listen too.
*Translation by KosmoSub@ZF