Throwback Thursday: By The Numbers

Four, three, two, one! This week’s got some of The Kraze’s favorite K-Pop oldies that sure did some numbers back in their heyday, so let’s take it from the top!

“11:11” - Taeyeon

In 2016, Taeyeon released her digital single, “11:11.” With a simple acoustic backing track that highlights Taeyeon’s mellow voice, “11:11” is a song that can calm even the most uptight nerves. Don’t be fooled by the chill vibes though, as this song was a monster for Taeyeon: despite being released in November, the song sold over one million units by 2017 along with peaking at No. 2 on the Gaon Digital Chart. 

“Take Two” - Seo Taiji

After the disbandment of Seo Taiji and Boys, Seo Taiji released his 1998 solo album Seotaiji V, including his song “Take Two.” The famed artist had been out of the public eye for several years, instead living overseas in America, and the album marked his grand return to the music scene. “Take Two” is about as ‘90s alternative you can get, with its metal guitars and heavy drums, but the music video takes things to the next level of nostalgia.

“1.2.3.4” - LEE HI

LEE HI made her 2012 debut with her single “1.2.3.4,” a retro take on K-Pop not often found at the time that highlighted the artist’s sultry voice flawlessly. The track topped the monthly Gaon Digital Chart and eventually went on to help the singer win November’s “Song of the Year Award” at the Gaon Chart Awards that year. The song was later included as a bonus track on LEE HI’s debut album, First Love.

“20” - SEVENTEEN

Fresh off their 2015 debut album 17 Carat is SEVENTEEN’s “20,” a lighthearted love song by the group’s vocal unit. Known for their title as “self-producing idols,” the majority of the album was crafted by vocal team leader Woozi, a newcomer to music production at the time. Despite his lack of experience, “20” is a particularly well-written song that stands up to those with much more production credits to their name than the then-newbie producer.