Building off my “Most Epic Days in K-pop” feature, I thought I’d spotlight some of the most epic weeks in K-pop history.
K-pop is a Monday through Friday affair (at least in my time zone), with some weeks stuffed to the brim with releases. But, not all include multiple 9+ rated songs. This feature will take you through some of these blockbuster weeks, day by day.
Epic Days: July 14, 2014 // June 22, 2015
July 21-25, 2014 MONDAY: Infinite – Back
Infinite’s Back is a song I’ve covered a lot already. Suffice it to say, it’s my favorite song of 2014 and one of my favorite songs ever. It kicks off this epic week with panache, cutting through the heat of summer with a melodramatic symphony for the ages.
Sistar were still establishing themselves as the undisputed Queens of Summer when Touch My Body sealed the deal. It’s such a classic of the season, and has only grown stronger as the years have gone on. The synths! The horns! Those vocals!
Japanese releases by K-pop idols were also on fire this week. At this point, Boyfriend’s attention had largely shifted to Japan, but even Sweetune-less songs like Here! are examples of potent pop. This is one of many “What Makes You Beautiful” retreads popular at the time, and I’ve got a soft spot for every one of them.
Rock group Daybreak got in on the summer action with their funky take on dance music. Like many songs in 2014, the results feel more timeless than trendy. That bounding, brassy instrumental is the undisputed highlight. It’s an instant mood-lifter.
More Japanese goodness from K-pop artists! BoA’s 2014 output in Japan is quite striking, with Masayume Chasing embracing the brightness of the summer season in jubilant fashion. The melodies are ridiculously catchy and BoA’s effortless charisma gives them weight.
HER has become a modern classic, but even upon its release it was insanely popular. The song takes Block B’s freewheeling energy and melds it to a series of instantly sticky hooks. It’s a perfectly-realized example of finely-controlled chaos — an insistent burst of playful energy.
Rounding out this perfect week is a knockout track from one of K-pop’s most underrated boy groups. Dress Up is a cavalcade of hooks, perched upon a powerful dance beat that brings the funk in a lively, organic way. There’s no wasted space here. Verse, chorus, pre-chorus and post-chorus are all killer without ever feeling formulaic. They don’t make ’em like this anymore — at least in K-pop.
Duo Homme opted for a funkier sound with the fun, frothy It Girl:
