Best B-Sides of 2021 so Far
As June ends, we reach the mid-point of 2021, and Korean artists blessed us with incredible projects in the first half of the year. Besides the memorable title tracks, our favorite artists also delivered some amazing hidden gems. Let’s take a look at ten of the best B-sides of 2021 so far. This list is unranked.
“The Realist” by ONF
“The Realist” is a beautiful synth-pop track included on ONF’s first studio album, ONF:MY NAME. The track paints a dreamy image, putting the listeners in a trance by using distorted vocals and ‘80s synth sound. The lyrics focus on the conflict a realist faces about having impossible dreams, which fits perfectly within the overarching theme of the album. The track was popular among fans and was performed by the group on music shows. Read our review of ONF’s album here.
“Anti-Romantic” by TXT
Standing in contrast to the album’s title track, “Anti-Romantic” by Tomorrow x Together (TXT) is a beautiful R&B ballad, with the group singing about the sadness and disappointment that love brings. The song creates an eerie vibe, and while it is a bold choice for a group to open their album with a ballad, it is a perfect opener for a dark album like The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE. The synth violins paired with the members’ “lalalala” in the post-chorus amplifies the song’s melancholic message. TXT is able to effectively convey the emotions of their heavy hearts. Read our review of TXT’s album here.
“Sorry Not Sorry” by ITZY
“Sorry Not Sorry” is an explosive track on ITZY’s mini-album, GUESS WHO, and it packs a punch. The girls perform as confident leaders who remain unapologetic in their signature attitude. The track was as popular as the title track, and was promoted on music shows as well. Featuring an energizing electric guitar, the song was composed by JQ, the founder of the famous lyricist team makeumine works. Read our review for ITZY’s album here.
“Numb” by B.I
Written solely by B.I himself, “Numb” is a modern rock ballad. Paired with B.I’s signature rapping and emotional lyrics, “Numb” shares a dark story of how he has felt extreme loneliness and sadness in his life to the point he felt no pleasure or pain and lived his life as an empty shell. “Numb” is one of the most heart-wrenching tracks on B.I’s first solo album, WATERFALL, especially because it doesn’t sound like a sad song. Read our review of B.I’s album here.
“Take Me Home” by ATEEZ
Over a rhythmic retro synth-pop beat, ATEEZ represents the lives of youth in a cold city on “Take Me Home.” The track takes advantage of the growing trend of ‘80s inspired sounds, and the lyrics allude to an important event in ATEEZ’s storyline that will be included in their next album. The track perfectly showcases the group members’ versatility as they are known for their intense title tracks. Read our review of ATEEZ’s album here.
“Masquerade” by Chungha
Keeping in line with the nobility concept of Side A in Chungha’s album Querencia, the Latin pop sound of “Masquerade” exemplifies the sensual and mysterious tone of the album. The track definitely had the potential of being a single thanks to its fiery performance-driven production competing with the likes of the singer’s previous singles, “Stay Tonight” and “Dream Of You.” Read our review of Chungha’s album here.
“Poison Love” by Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher is not only known for their out-of-the-box title tracks, mixing rock and metal sounds with pop music, but also for their diverse B-sides. “Poison Love” is a beautiful trance genre B-side that appears on the group’s latest mini-album, Dystopia : Road To Utopia. With cathartic lyrics, the overall vibe of the song is nostalgic, reminiscent of early 2000s electronic music, and feels like a psychedelic night at the club. Read our review of Dreamcatcher’s album here.
“My Sea” by IU
IU encourages her listeners to dive into the ocean of endless opportunities that life has to offer on “My Sea,” a track on the singer’s fifth studio album, LILAC. A grand pop ballad, the song flows like a Disney soundtrack fully accompanied by orchestral instrumentation and backing vocals by a choir. The track is a perfect representation of who IU is as an artist. Read our review of IU’s album here.
“같은 자리 (Area)” by SHINee
Off of SHINee’s repackaged album Atlantis, “같은 자리 (Area)” is a progressive R&B track performed as a monologue over a minimalistic production with a beautiful flute melody. The lyrics were co-written by member Minho and talk about being stuck in a stagnant life. The song puts the focus on SHINee’s incomparable vocal harmonies. Read our review of SHINee’s album here.
“Open Up” by Mirani ft. JUSTHIS
The rising independent hip-hop artist Mirani released her single album Daisy this year. “Open Up” is the B-side of the single and it features rapper JUSTHIS from Indigo Music. The boastful song is one of the best hip-hop tracks released this year. With fiery verses delivered by both artists, the song was also co-written by the two and perfectly showcases Mirani's potential as an artist. Check out what GroovyRoom had to say about Mirani in their interview with us here.