Kpop has been pretty rough lately with the dearth of good music, but October is working overtime to help shore up the year. And with NMIXX's "Blue Valentine" topping the charts in Korea, it feels like the industry is making something of a comeback itself. Here I'll cover some of the notable songs from this month, and suggesting similar music alongside them.
BABYMONSTER - WE GO UP
BABYMONSTER extends their discography with the hard-hitting, darkly cinematic thrill that is "WE GO UP". They aren't a group that I've paid attention to, so the song's style was a welcome surprise to me, quickly turning into one of my favorite releases of the month.
And yeah, I hear the resemblance when people compare it to CLC's "HELICOPTER", but I think BAEMON's track better aligns with EVERGLOW's hits like "LA DI DA" or "FIRST", especially given the similarities in the music videos.
Similar songs: CLC - HELICOPTER, EVERGLOW - FIRST
Hearts2Hearts - FOCUS
As with BABYMONSTER, Hearts2Hearts is a group that I haven't held much interest in. Besides checking out their MVs, the group has largely been absent on my radar despite leaving several of their addicting songs on repeat. So while it didn't shock me that they would release another enjoyable comeback, "FOCUS" was at the same time a very unexpected sonic experience.
It features what feels like haunting group vocals, collective choruses, and visuals not unlike a 46/48 group (ex. Nogizaka46's Band-Aid Hagasu You Na Wakarekata) — things which aren't alien to Kpop, but uncommon enough that it's a breath of fresh air.
Similar songs: LOONA/ODD EYE CIRCLE - Girl Front, Lovelyz - Dream in a Dream
ITZY - ROCK & ROLL
"ROCK & ROLL" might be my favorite of ITZY's Japanese songs after the banger that is Voltage. This new release is pared back compared to its predecessor, yet remains an energetic spring/summer pop rock adventure.
Similar songs: YOUNG POSSE - UPSIDE DOWN, TWICE - In the summer
LE SSERAFIM - SPAGHETTI
Some blame YOUNG POSSE for "SPAGHETTI", and while I see the logic (especially in the MV), I find LE SSERAFIM's latest title track being more akin to the side quest that was TWICE's SIGNAL. It's as if both LE SSERAFIM and TWICE felt like it's time to toss out something different just to see if it sticks to the wall. I applaud the effort, but I'm not seeing it lasting.
Perhaps the similarity with YOUNG POSSE is coincidence or inspiration, but it's probably not the new direction for the group. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Fimmies move back to something more inside of their wheelhouse after this.
Similar songs: BTS j-hope - Chicken noodle soup, YOUNG POSSE - MACARONI CHEESE
NiziU - ♡Emotion
"♡Emotion" feels like standard fare from JYPE's Japanese girl group: a bright, heartfelt song wrapped in a colorful MV per their rainbow namesake. So while it's a solid release from the nonet, it's not going to draw much interest compared to something like Chopstick.
Sidenote: NiziU's fade-in at 0:19 is amazing, like something out of Sakurazaka46's I want tomorrow to come (particularly at 2:40), only better.
Similar songs: ME:I - Fan Letter, ISEGYE IDOL - MEMORY
NMIXX - Blue Valentine
NMIXX is a group that's always producing SOTY material, with Korea once more realizing it. Initially I didn't care much for "Blue Valentine" and returned to the pre-release "SPINNIN' ON IT". However, as is oft with good Kpop, I tried again later and got addicted.
The track's instrumental oscillating between subdued and boisterous lends itself to the roller coaster-themed relationship of the lyrics, making it a fitting entry into a month flavored by melancholic tunes as it hooks both somber-seeking listeners along with Kpop fans begging for loud catchy earworms.
Similar songs: Red Velvet - In My Dreams, TWICE - CRAZY STUPID LOVE
TWICE - ME+YOU
TWICE are celebrating their tenth anniversary with the release of "ME+YOU", a fan-servicey R&B number, that while decent, is not the greatest song in my fave's extensive discography. Best to take this one in first with the comedic MV rather than trying to listen to it standalone.
Similar songs: Red Velvet - Ladies Night, KISS OF LIFE - Nothing