Guess what?! Ballad season is upon us! My normally upbeat and energetic playlists are now punctuated with the slow and melodious sounds of crooning K-pop idols. While this does lend to a bit of musical whiplash whenever I hit play, I am NOT complaining! Today, I’m checking out new releases from BTOB, SEVENTEEN, BTS’ V, and more — join me after the jump!
BTOB – ‘Be Alright’
Who needs a counseling session, when you have the angelic vocals of BTOB singing comforting lyrics like these?! Sit back and let your worries melt away, as soothing harmonies, warm smiles, and the reassuring message of ‘Be Alright’ takes center stage! I’ve definitely found my new go-to song, for those inevitably difficult days.
WayV – ‘Frequency’
With a sound reminiscent of their debut album, Awaken The World, I am all-in with this newest comeback title-track from WayV. Opening with a strong hip-hop vibe, the song is artfully accented by beautiful vocals in pre-chorus and bridge. And it’s silly, I know, but singing “wip-wop” along with them every chorus just makes me giggle!
Seventeen – ‘Shohikigen’
I’ll admit, when I first previewed this new single on Spotify, it didn’t immediately make my playlist. BUT after watching the MV, and seeing the translation of the Japanese lyrics, I was transfixed by the message this beautiful love song conveys. And while each member has a distinctive vocal color, the transitions are seamless — it’s absolute perfection!
JayB – ‘Crash’
Got7 members have been very busy this year with solo activities, and JayB is no exception! With a groovy, R&B-style, pop beat, ‘Crash’ is my favorite release off his new album. He effortlessly flexes his main-vocal title, bouncing between smooth and sultry low-tones, to bright and clear falsettos — it’s a magnetic track!
V – ‘Winter Ahead (with Park Hyo Shin)
V is still currently in the middle of his mandatory military service, so it was an absolute delight to get this new song/MV release from him — an early Christmas present for sure! The jazzy, holiday mood of this single is unexpectedly melancholy, but the vocals and visuals are just stunning.
THE 8 – ‘Orbit (feat. JinJiBeWater)’
I was super excited when I heard about THE 8’s first Chinese EP, STARDUST, and I was not disappointed with the three, new tracks that were released! Title-track, ‘Orbit’, is an ethereal, synth-styled, afro-beat bop. In addition to his smooth vocals, I am loving the beautifully fluid lines of his choreography in the MV as well!!
San – ‘Snowflake’
ATEEZ’s San is frequently praised for his powerful dancing and fierce stage presence (both of which are definitely amazing!). But I am the biggest fan of his gorgeous (and often underrated) vocals! So when this new solo song dropped unexpectedly, I was thrilled — now I can listen to him sing on repeat, All. Day. Long! Though the lyrics are a bit wistful, San’s warm, dimpled smiles, sprinkled throughout the MV, help keep the mood from getting too heavy!
Which type of songs are you more apt to add to your playlists; upbeat bops, or relaxing ballads? Let me know in the comments below!
Until the next playlist,
화이팅!
MiataMama
Dramas with a Side of Kimchi