Knowledge Note: In the past, the b-side songs were the songs that weren’t the title song, the main attraction, but that still made it on to the album anyway. Sometimes it was just to fill up space, sometimes it’s because the artist felt like the song was strong enough to be released to the public, but the entertainment company didn’t agree. B-sides are a compromise.
Sometimes I wonder what musicians do when they’re not feeling pressured to create the perfect song, which is why I’m fascinated by the b-sides on most albums.
I love Stray Kids and their edgy-yet-playful sound, so I really loved hearing the b-sides on their latest album Cle 2: Yellow Wood. Come see if you like them as much as I do!
(If you want to see what else I’m listening to by Stray Kids and artists who I think have a similar sound, come take a listen to the Maknae’s Dark Side playlist on Spotify!)
“Road Not Taken”
LOVE the lyrics to this one. The end is a little too clever, and yet I find it the song running through my head ALL THE TIME.
I love that JYP encourages the group’s songwriting skills and actually releases them! The mixtapes show the boys’ different styles and their range, and I love seeing that variety.
“Mixtape #1”
“Mixtape #2”
Mixtape #3
This is officially listed on Spotify as part of the Yellow Wood album, but actually appeared on the I am YOU CD as a bonus track. Just in case you were as confused as I was….
Mixtape #4
I love the street version MVs. They’re playful and fun and seem to showcase the artists’ personalities — they’re the ultimate b-side!
What do you think, drama fans? Are the b-sides worth exploring?
Until the next record spins, I remain —
Karie the Maknae
Dramas with a Side of Kimchi
This post makes me feel so happy. I’ve been a Stay since Nov 2017 when I saw a reaction clip of them from their pre-debut survival show.
I was reading about that! I started listening to them because Junho recommended them. Apparently, he has pretty good taste in music!
Yay for Stray Kids! So glad to see them getting love! They are my babies. My favorite b-sides (using the rubric of “doesn’t have a music video/performance video/street version” would be Yayaya, Maze of Memories, and Not. It seems like even their b-sides get street versions, like Insomnia and Boxer (other favorites).
Good ones! I really like “Boxer” too — most of the Miroh album is just SOLID. I’ll give “Yayaya” a listen. I must have missed it the first time around!