Throwback Thursday: Retro Concepts Pt. 3
We here at The Kraze love a good retro concept; after all, what’s not to love about them? Retro concepts have it all, from vintage outfits to older sounds to some of the most entertaining music videos around. We’ve already covered some of our favorites in past weeks, but there’s no time like the present to appreciate even more of K-Pop’s best retro releases.
“Miss Korea” - Lee Hyori
2013 saw Korea’s songstress Lee Hyori release the aptly named “Miss Korea.” Between the singer’s heady voice and the light percussion, “Miss Korea” is the epitome of sultry. Add to that the music video’s simple black and white concept and the song takes on a sexy and modernized 1940s vibe. Even better? The song is a critique on Korea’s wealth and beauty standards. Lee Hyori, Miss Korea indeed.
“있기 없기 (Have, Don’t Have)” - Dalshabet
In 2012, Dalshabet released “Have, Don’t Have,” a track that seems to have every decade covered. From the opening trumpet run straight out of the ‘50s, the ‘80s synths in the bridge, to the running ragtime piano line, this song has it all. Should it work? Absolutely not. But leave it to these queens of K-Pop to defy the odds and deliver. “Have, Don’t Have” is one of Dalshabet’s more underrated releases, so if you haven’t heard it yet, give it a go and prepare to get the chorus stuck in your head.
“Chocolate” - DAY6
A bit more on the recent side, DAY6’s “Chocolate” was part of the OST for the 2018 web drama Even More 19. Having been released a month prior to their retro-inspired December 2018 comeback, “Chocolate” showed a musical side of DAY6 fans had not seen before. Although DAY6 has been known to tackle sounds of every kind, their previous releases tended to be either acoustic or grittier in nature. “Chocolate,” however, showcased the groovy side of the group, trading in the heavy guitar riffs for a slinky bass line.
“Shy Boy” - SECRET
While most retro concepts like to stick to the 1970s, ‘80s, or ‘90s, SECRET’s 2011 hit “Shy Boy” took listeners all the way back to the ‘50s! With pastel colors, barbershop quartet-esque vocals, and hair bigger than you can imagine, the upbeat and poppy “Shy Boy” is about as retro as it gets. The video channels the movie Grease, with the girls having a sleepover before gussying up for a night on the town, and even features cameos from B.A.P’s Yongguk, Himchan, and Jongup.