One of the best things about K-Pop is all of the different types of music it can encapsulate. With groups taking inspiration from all sorts of genres and focusing on certain styles, it’s no surprise that K-Rock songs experiment with various sounds as well. This week for B-sides, we’ll be exploring five tracks from five K-Rock groups.

“꽃바람 (YOUTH)” - N.Flying

“꽃바람 (YOUTH)” is an uplifting pop rock song off of N.Flying’s mini-album So, 通. Released in June 2020, this fun track is about persevering through the tough times, even if it feels like you’re letting things slip past, and making the most out of what you have. Hwesung and Seunghyub open the song with the line, “It’s okay, even if it’s hard, I’m okay after all,” delivering a nice dose of optimism to the listener. With Hwesung singing, “When I can’t sleep late with a deep sigh, I dreamed with my eyes open,” in the pre-chorus and then following it up with, “I’ll embroider the empty ceiling with my dreams in this song,” at the end of the chorus, listeners get a sense of the struggles they go through to do what they love. At different times in the track, the two main vocalists both sing the line, “I’m gonna fill this song with love and happiness,” reiterating that while what they do may be difficult at times, they’re going to make the most of it and so should you.

“Out of Love” - FTISLAND

Are you in need of an aggressive, blood-pumping breakup song? FTISLAND has the song for you! Off 2016’s group-produced album Where’s the truth?, “Out of Love” was written by lead singer Hongki. This track is definitely one of their heavier songs, with a loud breakdown at the beginning of the song and featuring an incredible drum solo by Minhwan right before the final pre-chorus. With many lines sung in English, it’s easy to tell this is a song about a relationship gone sour and being happier alone. Hongki belting out, “I just fell out of love. You were my all. Now it’s all gone,” at the beginning of the track makes sure it’s pretty obvious, but if he wasn’t clear enough there, he makes it even clearer at the end of the track, singing in English, “I don’t care anymore. You had my heart. You had my soul,” and then singing, “I will find another love and become happier,” in Korean.

“SAHARA” - Dreamcatcher

While not exactly K-Rock, Dreamcatcher is known for taking inspiration from metal and other genres of rock, so it only seemed fitting to include them. “SAHARA” is off of Dystopia: The Tree of Language and starts off with a beautiful acoustic guitar intro that gradually introduces a soft drum beat. The pre-chorus revs up before the song explodes for the chorus, where more pop elements are added in before getting a slight Latin vibe during Dami’s rap. This track has a similar message to previously discussed track “꽃바람 (YOUTH)” by N.Flying but delivers it in a much heavier way. The girls sing about making your own way, no matter the obstacles in your path, and that you can always adapt as you progress through your journey. Gahyeon singing, “Nobody has a fixed path, even if something tries to drag me,” and Yoohyeon singing, “Go against the current, fight it, I have to go forward outstripping it,” deliver this message, giving power to others that may be struggling on their own paths. And with Siyeon singing, “I can get through everything,” we hope that you can too.

“Insomnia” - The Rose

Even though their discography is smaller compared to the other groups on this list, The Rose have released some gorgeous music, like the beautiful soft rock ballad “Insomnia” off of Dawn. Released in 2018, this track starts off with just an acoustic guitar before adding in a soft piano and strings for the pre-chorus and then introducing drums and bass for the chorus. Members Woosung and Dojoon both take turns singing about their insomnia, saying they can’t go to sleep without thinking about a girl after their breakups. Both vocalists try everything, from counting stars to just letting time pass, but nothing seems to work. The track begins with Woosung saying he wishes his ex had told him to hold on to her instead of watching as she walked away, Dojoon adding on that the memory haunts him, even when he thought he’d forgotten it. No matter how far away she is, no matter the fact that they’ve broken up, the girl is still there in their hearts and in their minds. At the very end of the song, the music drops out and it’s just Woosung as he sings, “I know it’s over, I guess it’ll be fine,” a hint of final acceptance about the breakup as he begins to move on.

“OUCH (아야야)” - DAY6

“OUCH (아야야)” by DAY6 was written by Young K and has a jazzy, chill vibe to it, showcasing the members’ voices while the offbeat acoustic guitar chords and increased rhythms at times keep the tone light even when the lyrics are the opposite. The track off of 2019’s Entropy: The Book Of Us is about being hurt by the things said by a lover as a relationship seems to plateau. The verses are sung at a quicker tempo than the chorus, creating a super catchy melody without being overly complicated. Each member has their moment to shine, with Sungjin belting out at the beginning of the chorus, “Even if you beat around the bush, it hurts the same. Rather, the weight of the pain seems to be even heavier.”  It always hurts when somebody you love criticizes you, even when it’s something small or something skipped for just one day. Young K’s line, “So please go easy on me, I’m trying really hard to please so tolerate, baby,” starts off strong and demanding before petering out, like he’s almost given up on gaining her acceptance.