Nine B-Sides From SF9
Today, SF9 had their most recent comeback with their eighth mini-album 9loryUS. To celebrate, this week we’ll go back in time to look at some of the sensational B-sides that SF9 has released through the years.
“K.O.”
Performed while competing on FNC Entertainment’s survival show d.o.b. as NEOZ Dance in 2016 and later released on their debut single album Feeling Sensation, “K.O.” is about a rocky relationship on the brink of ending. Comparing the relationship to Bonnie and Clyde and then referring to it as a war in the chorus, the boys sing about taking over and standing tall once the fight is over. The repetitive, “Go, go, we go psycho,” in the pre-chorus and hard-hitting beat are sure to keep this song stuck in your head for days to come. And, if the song isn’t enough to suck you in, maybe the famous pinwheel opening choreography will.
“Jungle Game”
While not one of the most meaningful songs that SF9 have released, “Jungle Game” remains a fan favorite. From their first mini-album Burning Sensation, the franticness of the irregular techno beats paired with the fun lyrics will have you singing, “Welcome to my jungle game!” around the house. It’s easy to get lost in the song and almost feels as if you’re in a video game while listening.
“Hide and Seek”
Released on the second mini-album Breaking Sensation, “Hide and Seek” has a retro vibe to it, featuring trumpets, a deep bass line, and piano as they sing about a girl who is hiding her feelings. With Taeyang singing in the chorus, “I can see you. You think I don’t know your heart just cause you’re hiding it?” and Inseong adding, “It’s hard to act like I don’t know. I can see everything,” the boys make it obvious that they can see her crush and the feelings are mutual.
“Scold”
“Scold” is the first track on this list to feature writing credits from the group as Zuho, Youngbin, Hwiyoung, and Chani all had a part in bringing this song to life. From their third mini-album Knights of the Sun, “Scold” showcases SF9’s ability to completely change the vibe of a song at the drop of a hat. Going from a slower tempo featuring snapping to speeding up when Dawon takes the pre-chorus and then slowing right back down, SF9 show just what they can do when they are in charge.
“Midnight Road”
“Midnight Road” is a vocal line-only track off the mini-album MAMMA MIA! Once again showcasing how they can change the vibe in the middle of a song, the track begins soft and soothing with Jaeyoon singing, “Don’t lose the light in the darkness. Hold my hand tight,” and offering Fantasy (their fans) a bit of comfort shortly before the tempo begins to pick up and bursts in an EDM-like fashion. During these tough times, this song is a nice reminder that even if things seem bleak, we will always have SF9 to help us out.
“Unlimited”
With choreography created by main dancer Taeyang, “Unlimited” off the fifth mini-album Sensuous expresses the lingering feelings after a breakup. Opening with a soft guitar before layering a poppy beat over it, the track continues to add more layers as the chorus approaches. The song has a vibe similar to The Cure, where the upbeat background almost hides the sadness in the lyrics.
“Life Is So Beautiful”
Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that life can be beautiful and that’s what this fun track off of NARCISSUS does. Whether it’s how you feel for another person like in the lyrics or whatever makes you happy, you can celebrate while listening to “Life Is So Beautiful.” With Zuho helping in both songwriting and production, the track starts out happy and stays happy.
“See U Tomorrow”
“See U Tomorrow” from the RPM mini-album is a futuristic sounding track with an anime opening vibe to it. Similar to “Midnight Road,” this track is about getting through the darkness and knowing friends are there to help you along the way. With Rowoon singing, “Don’t worry, even if you get hurt and go back a little,” before Zuho launches into a self-esteem boosting rap, “See U Tomorrow” is perfect to help chase away the angst-filled days.
“Fire”
If a song can be described as sexy, then this song is sexy. Off their first full-length album FIRST COLLECTION released earlier this year, “Fire” is a heavily pop-influenced song with a hint of Latin flair. The track talks about love at first sight with a beautiful girl across the room and wanting to approach her but being too nervous to do so—a sentiment many people can relate to. Arguably one of the best B-sides from SF9, if not one of their best tracks in general, “Fire” is a lively song that can have you on your feet in no time.