Best Of September 2021
September was a busy month for Korean music, and we got some beautiful gems from our favorite artists as they welcomed the fall season. Here’s the rundown of some of the best B-sides released this month.
“Lemonade” by NCT 127
While their title track garnered mixed reviews from fans and critics, NCT 127 nailed it when it came to their B-side track “Lemonade.” From their third studio album Sticker, “Lemonade” is a trap song with an addictive beat. Most members opted for a rap-style delivery, especially vocalists Jaehyun and Haechan, who shine spectacularly. Check out the track video for the song below and our review of the album here.
“Stranger” by Wonho
The closing ballad “Stranger” on Wonho’s new mini-album Blue Letter is one of the most personal tracks on the album. Wonho expresses the feeling of being lost and feeling like a stranger even around loved ones and friends, and the track was co-written and co-produced by Wonho. Read our article about his album here.
“LOVE is” by ITZY
While the track is a perfect pop-EDM banger, “LOVE is” finds ITZY at one of their most vulnerable moments in their first full-length album, Crazy in Love. ITZY shares that as a relationship progresses, vulnerabilities and insecurities are brought to light by the two individuals and love is rightfully defined by them. Read what The Kraze had to say about the album here.
“Helium” by Key
A Michael Jackson-esque track, “Helium” by Key is a trance-pop track performed entirely in English on his new album BAD LOVE. Sung primarily in his higher register, the track makes the listener feel like they are high on helium flying through space. The track very quickly became a fan favorite and is being promoted by Key on music shows. Read our 10/10 review of BAD LOVE here.
“Microphone” by Young K ft. Dvwn
A beautiful mashup of rock and R&B, “Microphone” by Young K of DAY6 features R&B vocalist Dvwn. The track has a very touching sentiment in its lyrics; Young K offers to be his lover’s microphone, whether they want to yell out words or just whisper into it. The song is included in his debut album, Eternal. Read our article here.