2010s Summer Send-Off
Summer has always been a highlight for K-Pop releases, with some of the most memorable tracks coming out right at the peak of the season. With many of us preparing to return to school, or just wrapping up our final adventures, let’s get into some of the best tracks that set it off these past summers.
“Cherry Bomb” - NCT 127
Where were you when NCT 127 dropped one of the most fire tracks during the summer of 2017? NCT 127 came out the gate swinging with their hot debut “Firetruck” and haven’t stopped releasing heat since then. “Cherry Bomb” is there to prove it, holding over 100,000,000 streams and counting on Spotify.
The video features dynamic and refreshing use of animation to accentuate scenes of the unruly band of nine, stalking the abandoned factory setting and popping wild motorcycle and ATV tricks.
“Cherry Bomb” announces itself as the “biggest hit on the stage” full of addictive beat loops and distorted sirens that keep the rhythm throughout along with some memorable verses from the group’s representative rappers Mark and Taeyong.
“I Feel You” - Wonder Girls
The work that went into this song and album altogether deserves its own article. Wonder Girls’s return to the K-Pop scene in August of 2015 with album REBOOT revitalized not only their existence as a girl group but also the creative atmosphere of the industry as well.
“I Feel You” is one of 12 outstanding, retro-inspired tracks with the classic synth-heavy tunes of an ‘80s pop hit. Each member of Wonder Girls, excluding Yeeun (also known as HA:TFELT) who already played piano, learned their respective instruments specifically for live performances.
The video is essential to getting the full experience of this great track. Shot in low fidelity, with playful easter eggs like the small “WtV” logo in the upper corner and a time-stamp of 1987 in the opening shot, the “I Feel You” video is a fun and sensual entry worthy of the veteran group.
“Hot Summer” - f(x)
The summer wouldn’t be the same without this quintessential track. “Hot Summer,” a remake of the German pop group Monrose’s track of the same name, maintains all of its original qualities while still bringing in the f(x) flair.
The Hot Summer album is the repackaged version of the group’s first album Pinocchio, which also had its fair share of summer-appropriate B-sides like “Sweet Witches” and “Love.”
The girls switch between several stark, eye-catching sets in the music video, performing choreography that mimics the motion of fanning oneself and wiping sweat from their brows - symptoms of the “Hot Summer.”
“Power Up” - Red Velvet
Everyone knows Red Velvet’s unforgettable “Red Flavor” that dominates summer playlists to this day, but “Power Up” is another summer tune that carries the same energy. “Power Up” stays true to its video game inspiration with a playful electro-inspired beat, using common 8-bit sound bites throughout; the Super Mario Bros coin sound stands out the most.
The girls attempt to crack the code to break the summer heat and existential boredom, pseudo-experimenting with fruit that transforms into music and vice versa. The scenes in the video are incredibly cute and refreshing, featuring bright yellows, blues, oranges, and a fitting selection of summery outfits.
“ah-ah” - TEEN TOP
TEEN TOP is known for their high-energy tracks, and “ah-ah” continues that trend. This song combines their classic lovesick lyrics with an uptempo sound fitting for their impressive, footwork-heavy choreography. Powerful rap verses are complemented well by the melodious harmonies provided by vocalists Niel, Chunji, Ricky, and Chanjo, making for a track possessing many of the best qualities of a summer bop.
This video feels like the cool older brother to a previous song “Be ma girl,” a track off their Summer Special ‘Be ma girl’ single that similarly features the boys attempting to impress somebody at a packed hangout spot.
These are only a handful of some of the best summer tracks to come out of the 2010s - what were your favorites?
Edited by Cara Musashi