B-Sides: Disbanded Groups
We all have our favorite groups and songs to jam out to, but sadly, groups do not last forever. Many groups disbanded this past year, and this week in B-Sides we’re looking at some of the top-notch tracks from just some of those groups.
“Gold” - WANNA ONE
This very popular 11-member boy group formed on Produce 101 disbanded in January 2019. From their 2018 album “0+1=1 I PROMISE YOU,” this ethereal track makes you remember the group with nothing but love. The piercing falsettos and airy backtrack are uplifting to the point where you feel like you are floating outside during golden hour.
The song transitions smoothly between the vocalists and rappers, truly displaying their individual talents and ability to blend as a group. The song is essentially about a significant other who is precious like gold, but more than anything it reveals the golden nature of the members’ hearts. Though no longer together, the group’s music can still bring happiness.
“Rebooting” - UNB
This nine-member boy group originally formed during KBS’s show The Unit, though they disbanded in January 2019. The group consisted of many former idols, such as member Daewon of MADTOWN, who helped write the lyrics to this track.
“Rebooting” encapsulates the members’ situation in the industry and the struggles they often faced. As a group made up of former idols, the song expresses hope for the future. The track sends a message about the members promising to hold on to their dreams, despite countless people doubting and finding ways to limit them. “Reboot” begins with a sigh and ends with the turning of a page, and this bittersweet touch really pulls at the heartstrings. It makes you as a listener want to tell them that they did not let anyone down, and that though they are no longer a group, fans are still excited to see what their futures hold.
“Pastry” - 9MUSES
This four-member girl group formed under Star Empire Entertainment, though they disbanded in February 2019. While many may be sad they are no longer a group, this song works toward restoring energy and confidence in fans. In this sensual, yet upbeat track, the group shows that they did not come to play. “Pastry” stands out because of its fascinating backtrack. The song begins with the sound of someone walking in heels, and it unfolds layer by layer, just like the lyrics.
The song is noteworthy because of the group’s confidence. Evidenced by the sensual pastry metaphor, the members aren’t afraid of saying what they want, and both the music and the lyrics create a heightened experience for listeners. In addition, the contrast between the vocals and the rap really fills out the song, undoubtedly making many miss 9MUSES’s uniquely fun sound.
“Running” - PRISTIN
Formed through a combination of contestants on Produce 101 and other trainees under Pledis Entertainment, this 10-member girl group disbanded in May 2019, though “Running” has fans going back to the start of it all. In this fun song, PRISTIN captures the attention of listeners with smooth harmonies and complicated rhythms. There’s a contrast between the consistent rhythm in the chorus with one that’s slightly more syncopated in the verses, and it really displays the overall precision of the group. The backtrack also has a fresh sound with interesting noises like water drops, the ticking of a clock, and an arpeggio synth that keeps listeners on their toes. “Running” is sassy and cheerful, and it really highlights the overall chemistry of the group.