Best of July B-Sides

July 2022 has brought us more K-Pop releases, from comebacks and debuts to new and exciting sub-units from veteran groups. While there is still so much more to look forward to in this last week of July, here are just some of my favorite B-side tracks released so far this month.

"Butterfly" - SF9

Written and co-composed by Hwiyoung, "Butterfly" is the closing track of SF9's latest release, The Wave OF9. With its EDM backing track layered behind the members' soft vocals, "Butterfly" is a fun track that carries a different sound to SF9's previous discography, or at least the songs I'm used to from them. It's refreshing, highlighting how versatile they are with their music. Being upbeat yet chill all at the same time, "Butterfly" really is a perfect track for the summer.

"Feel Something" - Apink CHOBOM

Taken from Apink CHOBOM's debut single album, "Feel Something" is a soft, melodic pop song with quite an old-school vibe that is also reminiscent to the sounds of some country-pop singers of the ‘90s and noughties. It's such a sweet song with a unique and warm sound that is quite different to anything I've heard in K-Pop before. Chorong and Bomi's vocals are soft sounding and the harmonies are beautiful to listen to.

"Different Song For Me" - P1Harmony

"Different Song For Me" is a beautiful pop ballad that really highlights each of the P1Harmony members’ vocal abilities. It’s a really calming and warm song to listen to with electric guitar riffs, electronic beats, and vocal adlibs, adding to the pleasing sound created by the members’ sweet harmonies and raps. For casual listeners who only know P1Harmony’s high-energised pop tracks, like myself, “Different Song For Me” will be a lovely yet unexpected surprise to enjoy. 

"Nuh-Uh" - Chungha

"Nuh-Uh" is the closing track off of Chungha's latest album Bare & Rare present.1 that has a strong, experimental sound. The chorus involves a fascinating choppy vocal and a choppy EDM backing track arrangement, while sounds of traditional woodwind instruments can also be heard throughout certain sections. The song is unique and different while also implementing Chungha’s music style from Querencia.