2020 B-Sides: Third Quarter
And we’re back once again to show you all some of our favorite B-sides from 2020. If you haven’t already, you can check out our first quarter and second quarter picks or just dive right in to the B-side tracks that we kept on repeat in July, August, and September.
July’s Pick: “One Day At A Time” by ATEEZ
While it is hard to pick just one ATEEZ B-side as the best on an album because the boys give their everything when working on an album, the choice was a little bit easier this time around. Since their debut, the boy group has done an incredible job at reminding their fans ATINY just how much they love and support them, just as ATINY have shown just how much they love and support the boys. July’s “One Day At A Time” off of ZERO : FEVER Part.1 was just another reminder of that, with the eight members expressing just how much they miss performing for their fans and letting ATINY know that whenever they’re feeling trapped or alone, they can always turn to ATEEZ for help. It was a big surprise that the then-rookie group released the track completely in English. The focus on the vocals with the soft backing track makes it easier for fans to turn to this track when they need that helping hand. You can read our review on ATEEZ’s July release here.
August’s Pick: “Be In Love” by ITZY
Known for their upbeat tracks all about independence and self-love, ITZY’s B-side track “Be In Love” off of August’s NOT SHY is a total departure from these themes. Their first slower track, “Be In Love” is a vocal-focused track with a beautiful guitar melody that still keeps with the upbeat tempo we’ve come to know and love from the girl group. The fun snapping in the verses definitely gives it an edge that we otherwise would’ve missed in the track, but the focus on their vocals is the true shining point of “Be In Love.” By keeping the backing guitar and all other instrumentals softer and more subdued, you’re forced to hear the sincerity in the lyrics. ITZY may have that EMD-infused pop sound mastered, but we would love to hear more tracks like this from the girls in the future. You can read our article on NOT SHY here.
September’s Pick: “Strangers” by TAEMIN
The true master of edge and sensuality, TAEMIN’s “Strangers” off of Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1 is everything we have come to expect from him and more. Just like with the other third quarter picks on this list, “Strangers” is definitely more vocally-focused, with the backing instruments never taking away from TAEMIN’s incredible voice. The lyrics center on two people with a history passing each other on the street, with TAEMIN singing before the chorus, “‘Cause you and I are strangers with memories.” However, that history is never really fleshed out. This could be a former love or a former friend, but we don’t get much other than that the “stranger” has forgotten him. The mystery on the subject of the track paired with the ominous vibe created by the backing music really lends itself to TAEMIN’s vocals, giving him the perfect chance to showcase his skills. You can read our full review on Never Gonna Dance Again : Act 1 here.