Best of August B-Sides

August was yet another month filled with amazing comebacks and debuts from rookie groups to well-loved veteran groups and idols. While summer may now be coming to end, here is a look at some great August B-sides for you to say hello to and to add to your playlists as we make our way into a new season.

"My Satisfaction" - IVE

“My Satisfaction” is the B-side track to rookie girl group IVE’s third single album After LIKE. It’s edgy and stylish with a mature sound that allows it to stand out against the more cute and playful sounds of other K-Pop girl groups (not to say that there’s anything wrong with these concepts). The way the song completely cuts off and ends after Yujin sings, “My satisfaction,” is such a cool moment that adds an extra something to an already great song, leaving you wanting to hear more from IVE. With only three single albums released so far, hopefully we can expect a full EP or album with their next comeback.

"Villain" - Key feat. Jeno

An incredible collaboration track from Key’s second full-length solo album Gasoline that features the husky rap vocals of NCT's Jeno, "Villain" expresses a sleek, R&B sound with a chorus that carries major Michael Jackson vibes through the vocals and funky instrumentation. The way Key sings, “You can call me villain,” through an almost whisper-like vocal against the cool collection of synths, beats, and sound effects is addictive and enticing, with the entire song having your head bopping and body moving throughout.

“Without You” - CIX

The opening track to CIX’s fifth mini-album ‘OK’ Episode 1: OK Not, “Without You” expresses a calm and emotional vibe through a blend of guitar-led tropical sounds, a soft rock composition, and a dash of EDM placed behind the members’ incredible vocals. It’s a beautiful song that can be read about in more depth, along with the mini-album’s other B-side tracks, here in the ‘OK’ Episode 1: OK Not review.

“Levitating” - The Boyz

The Boyz deliver an amazing vocal performance in “Levitating,” a B-side from their seventh mini-album [BE AWARE]. Bold yet playful, this track carries a sensual, pop/R&B tone that is driven by a strong piano backtrack fused with an interesting mix of beats and bass sounds, giving the song a new yet familiar vibe. The members showcase great vocal progression and delivery throughout, with tones and vocal styles that give them a more mature sound to what casual listeners might be used to. I particularly love the way The Boyz incorporate the ‘du du du du’ sound of the instrumentation into their vocal delivery - it’s a great touch to the song. 

“Closer” - Girls’ Generation

“Closer” is a sweet, nu-disco track from Girls’ Generation’s highly anticipated seventh album FOREVER1. The K-Pop octet’s vocals shine over the song's dreamy instrumentation, providing a great listening experience for its audience. There’s a nice switch up in vocal tones, with the girls singing with a high register vocal for the majority of the song until Hyoyeon’s verse after the first chorus, where she provides a low register vocal rap, adding a bit of an edge to the song. “Closer” carries both a nostalgic and modern feel that both new and long-term Girls’ Generation fans can enjoy, with the song radiating a positive and romantic feel that, despite being released in the summer, is perfect to listen to in all seasons of the year. 

Edited by Rashelle B.