Okay-Pop’s first technology is commonly referenced as the inspiration for the trade we take pleasure in now, however there aren’t sufficient good English-language sources that give its music the main target it deserves. I’m hoping to alter that with a seamless flashback sequence, spotlighting private highlights from the period – each iconic and obscure.
The period in query is commonly thought-about to run from the debut of Web optimization Taiji & Boys in 1992 to the emergence of TVXQ in late 2003. The music featured on this sequence will largely match inside that time-frame, give or take a couple of years on both aspect.
It was a time of bonkers music constructions, wild trend, slamming techno beats, dangerous reggae impressions, flagrant use (theft?) of American hip-hop samples, hearty energy ballads, foul language, the growliest rapper tones you may think about and an anything-goes scrappiness that’s not possible to pigeonhole. To borrow the identify of a preferred second-gen act, these years had been the “massive bang” of an rising musical powerhouse, nonetheless discovering its footing and throwing every thing on the wall.
Try different “Again to Okay-pop’s First Era” opinions right here.
After at present, this characteristic will transfer from being each day to extra sporadic as I flip my consideration to the numerous year-end countdowns for 2024. And to mark the top of this “season” of posts, I need to characteristic a music whose efficiency has turn into one in every of Okay-pop’s most infamous memes.
Sechs Kies are essential to cowl on their very own. Alongside H.O.T, they had been a pioneer of Korean idol teams and the fandom rivalry between these two acts is the stuff of legend. They had been immensely in style throughout their preliminary run, disbanding on the peak of their fame. They’re in all probability greatest recognized for his or her mega-hit Couple – one in every of Okay-pop’s greatest early ballads. Nevertheless, the music I wish to write about at present is Chivalry.
Although Chivalry by no means had a music video, it was promoted on music reveals – most notoriously on MBC’s High Music. I received’t spoil it for anybody who hasn’t seen this but, however simply click on the primary video beneath and benefit from the (very NSFW) introduction. The truth that this music is named “Chivalry” makes it all of the funnier. However past the novelty of this selection, I really feel like this second greatest encapsulates the wild, anything-goes power of Okay-pop’s first technology. The truth that they may away with that is endlessly amusing to me.
Past “the second” of that MBC efficiency, Chivalry is one in every of my favourite Sechs Kies hits. It’s massive and brash and options that nice mix of rock and dance that this period of Okay-pop doled out so nicely. There’s an aural firepower unleashed proper from the primary second, storming ahead with unrelenting depth. The refrain is a bit underdeveloped in comparison with related songs like Highway Fighter, however the group’s unwavering persona undoubtedly compensates.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+