Quick note: this will be the only post up this week because I’m studying for the TOPIK, which is Saturday, but I wanted to get this post up tonight.
Disclaimer: I am studying music production and often talk about the production of songs. I also mention other songs or artists that come to mind. This isn’t to compare talent, but to provide a reference point to what I’m hearing or describing. I will often critique, but please don’t confuse this with being negative or hating on anyone. If I honestly dislike something, it won’t be featured on the site because I’m not in the business of being mean.
Since I don’t want to make these posts too long to read, I only do 8 songs max. So, if you see a recent comeback missing that you would like my feedback on, feel free to comment and I’ll try to get it in next week’s post. With all that said, pull up a chair with your coffee or tea and let’s dive in!
Mania by Emily Mei
Sometimes it is very hard to figure out what I want to say about a track because I hear it and immediately love it. This is one of those tracks. Her voice is melodic when it needs to be and then she transitions back and forth to a slick rap flow seamlessly. Meanwhile the music feels expansive, almost in an Evanescence kind of way. But I love the addition of the traditional Chinese strings in there. It’s a song you play at full volume and vibe with. I added it to 2-3 playlists already.
(TW: some flashing lights)
Piña Colada by Boys World
This song is the perfect summer party song. The Latin Pop influence reminds me of summer, drinks and sand and good music. I almost wish there was more Spanish lyrics. But it reminds me of a Female Version of Me Necesita by PRETTYMUCH. Which is a favorite of mine, so you know I loved this one. It’s just a fun song. I don’t know anyone’s names but I really liked that rap verse.
I Love My Body by Hwasa
The moment I first heard this song, I was reminded of Meghan Trainor. It has the same feel good, confident woman vibes as her tracks as well. But I don’t think anyone other than Hwasa could do this song quite like this. Her attitude and her vocals really shine here. It’s just a great song to listen to when you need that confidence boost and Hwasa’s attitude.
Fearless by Rolling Quartz
Fearless is such a solid rock song. The guitars are loud and in your face, the drums are pounding, and the vocals are beautiful and raw. My one complaint is that her voice gets lost in the instrumentation. The shifting guitar solo was lovely though. I love how it went from one guitar to the next and the way it pans when you listen on headphones. The song goes hard and I love it.
能動 by Daichi Miura
The production on this track is rather bare at times. It uses a lot of effect sounds and noises that don’t seem like they’d work together to make a song this good. And then there’s the vocal aspect of this song. He uses his voice like an instrument, going staccato, smooth, and everything in between. And just when you think it’s over, we crash back into the song for a quick ending that makes you want to replay it again and again to understand what you listened to and why it was so crazy good. Parts of it remind me of something but I can’t put my finger on what it is.
Fake as Hell by All Time Low featuring Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne was an important part of my teenage years and All Time Low helped me survive my 20’s. So, I was stoked when I saw they did a track together. And then the lyrics felt plucked out of my psyche. I love it when artists make songs right when you need them. It follows the standard Pop Punk progression, but that’s part of the charm of this song. It feels like a familiar favorite even on the first listen. And the word play in the lyrics just makes me so happy. I saw All Time Low live last week with one of my best friends and I happily sang along to this song at full lung capacity. They unsurprisingly knocked this one out.
Off the Record by IVE
Completely different vibe than anything else in this post. Kpop is loving this funky bass lately. This track is somehow chill and dancey at the same time. Like a sleepover where you’re both tired and hyper simultaneously. But my favorite part of it is their harmonies throughout the song. Absolutely beautiful. And I love the little homage to Lovefool by The Cardigans towards the end. Super cute track.
F by Bobby
Such a wonderfully loud and angry song. Layered electric guitars and insistent percussion. This song is best played as loud as possible with an attitude. Bobby had some things to say. It’s definitely called F because he wanted to drop as many F-Bombs as possible. I love the gravel in his voice and the way he plays with mixing rap and rock elements to his vocals. I bet this is such a cathartic song to perform live. Leave all that anger on the stage and go home and sleep. Not the same at all, but it reminded me of MF by AWOLNATION.
(TW: Lots of flashing. So much flashing)
Thank you for joining me and I hope you leave a little lighter than when you arrived!
