Throwback Thursday: Groundbreaking Final Choruses Part 2

Photo: KOZ Entertainment/HYBE

There’s no way this could have only had one part. There are so many groundbreaking final choruses out there that it's impossible to narrow it all down to one. So, we are back for a part two. Let’s take it back and talk about some groundbreaking final choruses. 

Red Velvet - “Feel My Rhythm” 

On March 21, 2022, Red Velvet released their spectacular mini-album ‘The ReVe Festival 2022 - Feel My Rhythm’. This beautiful release features six songs, each capturing Red Velvet's distinctive character and showing how their sound blends eerie minor-key textures with airy, choir-like harmonies. With songs like “Good, Bye, Ugly,” “In My Dreams,” and “Rainbow Halo,” listeners can hear the release's bright tone. One song that many fans and K-Pop listeners connect with deeply is the beautiful “Feel My Rhythm.” From beginning to end, the track stays bright, and the members sing in layered falsettos. During the bridge, the tempo slows, and as they sing in a lower key, it builds toward the eruption of the final chorus. Switching to a higher key, the final chorus showcases the members' strong vocals and grabs every listener's attention. The final chorus is packed with strong belts, rich layered harmonies, and radiant orchestral instrumentation. It’s a very well-known final chorus from Red Velvet, and for good reason. 

MONSTA X - “Shoot Out” 

On October 22, 2018, hard-hitting group MONSTA X released its striking album Take.1 Are You There? A jam-packed album with 10 energetic tracks, each song delivers a high-energy listen. Many of the songs have memorable endings. Tracks like “어디서 뭐해 (MOHAE),” “Oh My,” and “Heart Attack,” for example, all have memorable endings, but one in particular is known by many listeners by heart. “Shoot Out” is the album's title track and one of MONSTA X’s best-known songs. Standout elements include the opening chest choreography, the bass-driven instrumental, and the final chorus. During the final chorus, the members belt strong notes and harmonize. The vocals are strong during the final chorus. Member Kihyun's belted ad-libs can be heard in the background, and members like Shownu and Wonho swap lines in the chorus. The track's relentless energy makes it nearly impossible to stay still. 

BOYNEXTDOOR - “But Sometimes” 

On September 4, 2023, the group that takes retro to the next level, BOYNEXTDOOR, released its engaging mini-album, WHY..-EP. The release features six fun songs that show how complex love can be; each song is a bright, layered expression of longing, and each builds to a captivating ending. With songs like “One and Only,” “Serenade,” and “ABCDLOVE,” it is hard to pick just one song with an ending that left listeners on the edge of their seats, but one stands out. The title track for the EP, “But Sometimes,” is a retro pop and hip-hop track that showcases the lyrical flow and vocals of the members. In the song, the members sing in falsetto and belt powerful notes. The song has standout moments, but the bridge building up to the final chorus is the icing on the cake. During the bridge, the song's beat slows and becomes steadier. As it continues, it builds into a more upbeat instrumental, completely different from the retro sound established in the earlier choruses. The members sing at a higher register; their tone is brighter than before. It’s an ending that will have listeners ready to sing along and jump around their rooms.