Best Of November 2021
As the year comes to a close and our favorite acts prepare for end-of-year activities, November was jam-packed with releases. Let’s take a look at some of the standout B-sides from this month in Korean music.
“Here” - Younha
Quite possibly the shortest song on Younha’s sixth album END THEORY, “Here” is a beautiful blend of all of Younha’s talents. One of the closing tracks from the album, “Here” was co-written by Younha, who is often referred to as the best songwriter in South Korea. The lyrics talk about how by believing in yourself, you still traverse a path with no light. The song starts off slow and builds up to an orchestral outro featuring Younha’s heavenly vocals.
“Mercy” - MONSTA X
Featuring Hyungwon’s production, “Mercy” is unlike anything MONSTA X has ever done before. A grand R&B track, “Mercy” features a spaced-out piano and string instrumentation that gives space for the members’ vocals to shine. Reminiscent of second-generation angsty boy group songs like “Pray (I’ll Be Your Man)” by BTOB, “Mercy” also features fast rap verses that perfectly complement the vocal moments and ad-libs. Read our review of NO LIMIT here.
“CACTUS” - TWICE
“CACTUS” by TWICE is their take on the rock style that was quite popular in 2021. The ballad was inspired by Jihyo’s own cactus plant, and the member also co-wrote the lyrics to the song. Just like a cactus that survives the harshest of weather, TWICE also hopes to survive the most difficult times. It also presents the metaphor that, while a cactus might seem like a prickly plant, if you are careful, you can touch the plant's soft stems. Read our review of Formula Of Love:O+T=<3 here.
“NERD” - B.I ft. Colde
A track about conjuring up the strength to be true to yourself, “NERD”by B.I features R&B singer-songwriter Colde. The minimalist track appears on B.I’s latest project COSMOS. B.I presents himself as a nerd who is shy and meek when it comes to facing the truth. He isn’t a coward, but simply has trouble being confident in himself sometimes.
“Gentleman” - SF9
A nod to their 2020 hit “Good Guy,” the new B-side “Gentleman” by SF9 is a sleek R&B song. K-Pop’s sexy tall men, SF9 have been growing into a more mature style and sound much to everyone’s delight, and “Gentleman” is the perfect addition to that catalog. Co-written by the group’s eclectic rappers, the song builds on the proverb “manners maketh man” and how being a polite gentleman is sexier. Read our review of RUMINATION here.