As a spin-off to my Battle of the B-sides characteristic, I’m happy to announce the arrive of “Battle of the Title Tracks!” On this characteristic, I’ll be pitting three Ok-pop title tracks/singles in opposition to one another and selecting a winner. These songs will principally be from pre-2016 since I’ll attempt to deal with music I haven’t but written about on the weblog.
As all the time, the competitors is all in good enjoyable. Most significantly, I hope you uncover (or re-discover) some nice songs!
Hyolyn – Lonely (2013)
Hyolyn made her solo debut fairly early in Sistar’s profession, releasing a pair of title tracks to showcase numerous sides of her musical persona. Lonely is the extra reserved of the 2 – a mild, piano-driven mid-tempo. Often, I’d be tempted to name the sort of track “uninteresting” or “snoozy,” however Hyolyn elevates the softness of the sound along with her fantastically breathy vocals. She’s considered one of my all-time favourite Ok-pop vocalists – immediately recognizable and all the time compelling. The identical could possibly be stated for a lot of Sistar, actually. How fortunate have been we to have them? With that stated, she’s launched a lot stronger solo materials since this got here out.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
PSY – It’s Artwork (2011)
When pondering of PSY’s music, it’s straightforward to pigeonhole him into some comedic, meme-making function. Nevertheless, songs like It’s Artwork reveal a deeper musicality and shocking stage of sentiment. The track is amongst his most anthemic, melding dancefloor power with insistent symphonic heft. The piano arpeggio that drives a lot of the observe is immediately memorable, giving the instrumental tons of character. The track surges and swells with utter confidence, blossoming right into a knockout refrain that sees PSY belting on the prime of his lungs. And simply after pulling again for a softer bridge, It’s Artwork climaxes within the best of pop music tips: a triumphant key change.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
| Longevity | 10 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9.5 |
Tremendous Junior – Don’t Don (2007)
It’s been fascinating to listen to how some parts of SM Leisure’s much-venerated “SMP” hybrid style have continued to make their approach into the company’s present roster. The blistering mixture of pop, rock and hip-hop was at its peak from about 2004-2014 and echoed a daring idol sound that was prevalent in lots of east Asian markets on the time. Simply take heed to Taiwan’s Vitality when you don’t imagine me! Don’t Don won’t maintain collectively in addition to a legendary observe like Rising Solar, but it surely’s reduce from the identical fabric. Onerous rock guitar collides with programmed dance beats and even a violin solo to forge an actual showstopper. The layered refrain is so satisfying.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9.25 |
The successful observe of this version is PSY’s It’s Artwork!
Readers, what do you assume? Depart your individual rating within the feedback!