Audio Wanderlust

Discovering new music can take you to unexpected places.

[audiowanderlust]

Grace - I’m Fine

2016

Currently, Grace is competing on the rap battle reality show, Unpretty Rapstar. The Korean born, New York raised, rapper easily stands out as the most unique and original among her competitors with a style that combines the typical cute and colorful styles of Korean pop music, with the grimy attitude of the rap underground.

Despite her unabashed confidence and undeniable swagger, Grace is a relative newcomer to the scene. She’s only released her first single this year...and its quite the bop! With a catchy dance beat and a playful-yet-intense rap style, I’m Fine is a catchy club bumper.

[audiowanderlust]

Bastille - Skulls

All This Bad Blood, 2013

We all know Bastille for their breakout indie/alternative hit, Pompeii. This song rocketed the British band to stardom, warranting a re-release of their debut album so that those of us who caught on late (like everyone in the US) could get a full taste of the band’s unique sound.

The re-issue, All This Bad Blood contained several new songs, including the mesmerizing B-side, Skulls. This captivating track features a dark and brooding sound, with a heavy bass, and a unique synth beat that simultaneously sounds both hollow and lively. It somehow manages to create a sound that is both lush and desolate, which compliments the lyrics quite well.

Skulls one of those “romantic” songs that talks about death more so than love. Dan Smith sings in a low, breathy voice, singing about visiting a lonely catacomb, and imagining his own bones intertwined with those of his lover. Its an image that is both dark and romantic, like the song itself.

[audiowanderlust]

Carly Rae Jepsen - Your Type

2015, E*Mo*Tion

It’s been a while since we called Carly Rae...maybe. However, just because she’s never quite topped the success of her runaway hit, doesn’t mean she ever stopped making incredible pop music.

Take for example, the 80′s syth pop inspired Your Type. This catchy tune features a darker and moodier side of the usually upbeat singer. Over a sulking synth beat and steady drums, she laments an unrequited love. Its dark, yet glittering pop tune that really sticks out like a neon light in a dimly lit dive bar.

The video shows her performing in what looks to be one of the saddest gay clubs on the planet, which is a bit of a shout out to the song’s inspiration. Not only is she a gay right’s activist, but Carly wrote it after finding out that a man she had fallen in love with was, in fact, gay himself. Not “your type” indeed...

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #1, Ga In - Paradise Lost

In the Kpop industry, we rarely get the depth and artistry that Ga In delivers so effortlessly. She’s been known to experiment with bold, boundary pushing concepts and styles, and Paradise Lost was her darkest and most daring to date. Lyrically, the song pulls from the story of Adam and Eve, relaying the thoughts of Eve as she takes the apple. Musically, the song is dark and brooding with an organ melody and a deep, pounding beat. Ga In gives us some of her sexiest dance moves, but with an artistic flair that relays the tension and mysterious allure of the song. In a spell binding manner, Ga In delivered one of the boldest Kpop tracks I’ve seen to date.

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #2, BTS - Dope

After debuting just two years ago, BTS has proved themselves to be ahead of the curve. They’ve established themselves as one of the best male groups of the new generation, and one listen to Dope will show you why. Dope features a horn heavy hip-hop beat that stands out against the many other songs released this year. Expertly delivered rap verses give us a high dose of energy before the music reigns itself in so we can focus on the group’s equally skilled vocalists. The song crescendos into an explosive chorus that really hits hard. The group also has some of the most intricate and complex choreography! Overall, they deliver big in every imaginable way, making Dope one of the best Kpop tracks of all time.

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #3, Red Velvet - Dumb Dumb

Talk about a break through! Red Velvet welcomed a new member, Yeri, and the 2015 slayage began. Dumb Dumb has big, brassy sound that is loud, bombastic, and undeniably fun! Add to that a catchy hook, powerful vocals, and one of the best dance routines of the year, and you have a sure fire hit! Granted, the rap verses aren’t too strong, but they do help break up the song and add a change of pace that keeps the song from getting boring. Overall, this song scores big in every possible category, making it the best song SM has produced in years!

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #4, Big Bang - Loser

Big Bang had a huge year, releasing not just one or two, but a whopping TEN music videos! Picking a favorite was a difficult task, and while the club banger Bang Bang Bang was by far the most popular, my favorite was the self depreciating Loser. With a mellow, downtempo beat, the group delivers and emotional performance. G Dragon and TOP take turns giving melancholy rap verses, while Tae Yang, Seungri and Dae Sung croon out some rather depressing lyrics. Its easily one of the more unique tracks from their 2015 releases, and for me personally, had the most stay power.

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #5, Exid - Ah Yeah

After having a breakout moment thanks to Shinsadong Tiger’s expert production style and Hani’s thighs. Well, one is more to thank than the other...you know which one. Either way, Exid has seized the momentum, and given us a song that far surpasses their previous breakout hit. Ah Yeah plays out like an advanced version of Up and Down, but with a catchier hook, bigger vocals, and more of LE’s intense rapping. It gives the girls a unique sound and identity that further establishes them as a talented and spunky group of hit makers.

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #6, Wonder Girls - I Feel You

The long awaited comeback from the Wonder Girls was finally delivered, and it totally changed the game. We learned that the girls had been busy taking creative control for themselves. We had known that Yenny was an accomplished piano player, composer, and producer, but now the other girls have followed suit to form an 80′s inspired pop band. Like...actual band. One that plays their own music! With Yu Bin on drums, Lim on guitar, and Sun Mi on bass, the girls gave us a synth heavy retro track that proved they’ve still got it!

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #7, SHINee - View

I’ve got to hand it to SM this year. They really got their shit together. I usually see SM’s creative direction as being forced and calculated, but songs like View came off as original and unique. Much like 4 Walls, the song featured a mellow dance beat that is heavily influenced by European dance pop music. Still, it takes on a Kpop twist and works to create something interesting and original. The boys give the song some soothing vocals and well polished choreography to give it that SHINee stamp of approval. Thankfully, Minho leaves his rapping behind for some smooth vocals, which is definitely appreciated. 

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #8, Nine Muses - Hurt Locker

Despite being one of the most under rated girl groups, Nine Muses can always be counted on to deliver a high quality performance. In the scramble of summer releases, they easily had the best single with Hurt Locker. With a huge dance beat, powerful vocals, and intense rapping, it was killer dance track that proved the girls’ versatility. They had never been a group that was known to deliver club bangers, but Hurt Locker was an explosive single that proved the girls have what it takes!

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #9, f(x) - 4 Walls

This release marked a huge milestone for f(x). When it was announced that Sulli was leaving the group, fans were worried about how the group would rebound. However, as a quartet, they continued to mature, and released their strongest single to date. 4 Walls continues their evolution into a more mature, experimental group. Using a delicate and graceful Euro-Dance beat, the group lays out some charming vocal harmonies, creative dance moves, and their most original music video! They finally have a firm grasp on their artistic direction, and it really seems that they have come into their own!

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #10, Psy - Daddy

This is the song that was promised after the release of Gentleman back in 2013, when Psy was still riding high on the mass success of Gangnam Style. In all honesty, I wish it had been released back then, because Daddy would have been the sure fire hit he needed post-Gangnam Style. Between its club-ready beat, catchy hooks, and quirky dance moves, this song would have taken the world by storm! Plus, I’m never going to complain about an assist from CL. Psy is a strange man, and this is a strange club banger, but that makes it all the more fun!

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #11, Stellar - Vibrato

Stellar is probably my favorite hot mess. Between their terrible debut songs, and the overt attempts at gaining attention through their hyper sexed image, this group always seems to be getting attention for the wrong reasons.

You should be paying attention to Stellar because their songs are awesome. Vibrato is a prime example. Thanks to Sweetune’s divine production skills, the girls have one of the best songs of the year on their hands. With a colorful and vibrant beat, full of lush synths an lively vocals, Vibrato is Kpop gold. 

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #12, Bumkey, Hyolyn, & Jooyoung - Love Line

In a world where Get Lucky and Uptown Funk are topping the charts, it was time for Korean R&B to get some recognition as well. Seeing an opportunity, Chicago based production group Da Internz recruited a soulful group of singers; Sistar’s lead singer, Hyolyn, and R&B singers Bumkey and Jooyoung. The three exchange verses over a classic sounding funk groove, with a mellow hip-hop beat to give it some edge. Its a brilliant production that spotlights the singer’s soulful tones.

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #13, Brown Eyed Girls - Brave New World

The Brown Eyed Girls are veterans in a relatively young industry. While new girl groups seem to come out day after day, this is a woman group that proves that true talent doesn’t die. For their triumphant return, they brought a funky disco-fueled jam called Brave New World. This is a much more laid back song compared to their previous singles, and yet, with a vintage 70′s sound and an easy groove, its easily one of the most daring and refreshing songs of 2015. 

[audiowanderlust]

My Favorite Kpop Songs of 2015: #14, JJY Band - OMG

Just because the industry is dominated by pop, ballads, and hip-hop music doesn’t mean that rock is dead in Korea. In fact, the genre seems to be getting stronger and stronger with more foreign interest! JJY Band is a definite recommendation for fans of rock music! OMG is such a high energy track, that the language doesn’t even matter. Joon Young’s voice has such charisma and swagger, that you can’t help but be interested. Frantic guitars and heavy percussion deliver an electrifying sound that will quickly whip any crowd into a frenzy. This is one head banger that shouldn’t be passed up!