Keeping up with K-Pop
In a month full of meh for K-Pop, two groups shined; one with a release at the beginning of March and the other closing the month out.
March seemed like it was going to be promising, but there was a huge disappointment with Weekly, (G)-IDLE, and Brave Girls. Thankfully, with the release of Cherry Bullet’s EP “Cherry Wish,” and Red Velvet’s “The ReVe Festival 2022 – Feel My Rhythm,” this month was saved.
Cherry Bullet released their second EP “Cherry Wish” on March 2. After a year of not hearing any new music from the group after their hit “Love So Sweet,” it is exciting to finally get new music from this group, especially after Bora, May, and Jiwon did so well on “GIRLS PLANET 99.”
The expectations were high, and on first listen to the title track “Love In Space,” it was underwhelming. The rapping to singing balance throws the whole song off. The girls were rapping more so than singing, and this group has the vocals to get away with minimal rapping.
Since rapping is not a strong suit for this group, it was done poorly. The girls were struggling to stay on beat, the rhythm escaping them. If it wasn’t for the singing in the chorus, this song would belong in the garbage.
Thankfully, the B-sides saved the day and are the reason why I believe that this EP is a stand-out for the month.
Cherry Bullet is a fun group, their first couple of concepts centered around video games, which works for them. They are moving into a more mature concept, which really shines in their B-sides.
The group is still having fun with the B-sides “My Boo” and “Hiccups.” The new, matured Cherry Bullet sound is prevalent in these songs, but there still is that cute, whimsical sound that fans are accustomed to.
Overall, a good EP when you compare it to the others that we got this month. Not a required listen but it’s fun.
There is still required listening this month, and that group is Red Velvet.
“Feel My Rhythm” sounds like no other song in K-Pop right now. With sampling from Bach’s “Air On The G String,” Red Velvet takes this classical instrumental and updates it by making their song a dark wonderland, full of big orchestral instruments with synth beats.
Truly, it is hard to put the masterpiece into words. This may sound like the worst song idea in the world, but 30 seconds into the song it clicks.
It is refreshing to get a song that is not solely full of synth and disco elements. The classical music element of this song, and for the entire EP, is truly what makes it stand out.
“Rainbow Halo” and “Beg For Me” sound like listeners are in Bowser’s Castle, going through each level trying to reach the end destination to save Princess Peach. Red Velvet takes a harpsichord and adds synth to it in both songs. With the inclusion of a saxophone, these songs are a breath of fresh air.
“In My Dreams” is the song of the album though. The song starts off melodically, transporting listeners into the feeling of being rocked to sleep; this song is calm and impactful.
They really keep listeners in a trance with their soothing vocals; Red Velvet shines when they all sing together as a group, the harmonies just hit the right spot.
The chorus has the best lyrics of the entire song, “It’s a dream even in a dream, even though I know it, I still love you, just like this, don’t wake me up, sweetly deceive me, in my dreams.”
Most times when you get a love song in K-Pop, they are uplifting. This one is different. It discusses loving someone who is out of reach, and the love only is reciprocated in their dreams. Especially with being able to fall in love with people online, this song and its connection to modern society is striking.
I do not take this title lightly, but it has to be my favorite song I have ever heard in all of K-Pop. It has been on repeat nonstop and with each new listen, I fall deeper into love; with the song, with Red Velvet, and with the art form that is K-Pop.