2011 was a year of spectacular music. With new groups like Block B, Brave Girls, Apink, and BOYFRIEND making their debut and veterans like f(x), BIGBANG, INFINITE, and 2NE1 at the peak of their careers, 2011 was a dynamic year in music. Let’s take a look back at B-sides that are celebrating their ten-year anniversary in 2021. 

“Though I Call Your Name” by B2ST

B2ST were best known for their angsty songs. Pairing phenomenal vocalists and rappers, B2ST songs were quintessential in the second generation of K-Pop. “Though I Call Your Name” is a smooth R&B song containing somber yet heartfelt lyrics, which is amplified further by the group’s delivery.

“First Love” by Super Junior D&E

Super Junior’s duo sub-unit of Donghae and Eunhyuk debuted in 2011 with their single “Oppa Oppa.” Acting as a prelude to the funky viral hit was “First Love,” a short piano ballad written by Donghae.

“Gangsta Boy” by f(x)

f(x)’s music defined K-Pop’s electronic dance-pop scene in the early 2010s with their experimental tracks. “Gangsta Boy” was included in their debut studio album, Pinocchio. The group received international acclaim thanks to songs like “Gangsta Boy,” which is reminiscent of works by western artists like Rihanna and Lady Gaga.

“Hysterie” by INFINITE

Kings of performance-driven songs, INFINITE solidified their sound very early in their career. “Hysterie” was included on Evolution, the group’s second mini-album. The song featured a jazz production with key changes to match the craziness of an exciting love story.

“Just Follow” by HyunA ft. Dok2

A boastful song from HyunA’s debut mini-album, “Just Follow” features rapper Dok2. HyunA dropped her bubbly and sexy image for this song, with listeners instead greeted by rapper HyunA as she delivers fiery verses. The live performances of the song featured then-rookie rapper ZICO of Block B, who wrote a new verse for the song.