Music Scene: Fresh spins on old music and newcomers to watch in K-pop and J-pop

SINGAPORE – Fresh takes and collaborations loom large in K-pop this month while talented newcomers stand out on the J-pop scene. The Straits Times highlights 10 new releases to check out.

1. HIP-HOP

D-2

Agust D

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

Hit boy band BTS’ rapper Suga, who goes by the stage name Agust D for his solo work, released his second mixtape D-2 last month. He fully leans into his love of hip-hop and high-speed raps and touches on his experiences of going from underdog to superstar.

Lead song Daechwita’s music video has cameos from other BTS members, while fellow rapper and BTS leader RM collaborates with Agust D on Strange.

2. POP

FANTASIA X

Monsta X

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

The group’s first album as a six member outfit following the departure of Wonho leads with a powerful and energetic dance track Fantasia, which comes with a music video rendered in a black and gold theme. Other songs like Zone embrace the electronic dance music (EDM) trend of recent years.

3. ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

ME TO YOU, YOU TO ME

Mido and Falasol

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

The cast members of hit South Korean medical series Hospital Playlist (2020) – Cho Jung-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Dae-myung and Jeon Mi-do play doctor pals who form a band – have teamed up in real life by giving a fresh spin to folk band Jatanpung’s Me To You, You To Me. The song was originally the soundtrack to the hit 2003 South Korean romance melodrama film The Classic.

4. HIP-HOP

GANG (OFFICIAL REMIX)

Jay Park, HAON, pH-1, and Sik-K

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

The four hip-hop artists have teamed up to breathe new life into K-pop superstar Rain’s 2017 track Gang, which performed poorly when it was released, but has since become a viral hit in recent months after YouTubers and netizens uploaded parodies of the track’s unusual choreography.

Rain shows up in the remix’s music video – performing new choreography for the song.

5. R&B

MAYDAY

Crush featuring Joy (Red Velvet)

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

A song about the toll of boredom and isolation while staying home during the pandemic, with relatable lyrics like, “I did absolutely nothing today but I’m exhausted”.

6. POP

SOUR CANDY

Lady Gaga and Blackpink

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

Lady Gaga’s Chromatica was one of the biggest releases in music in the past month. The sexy, feminine track Sour Candy got K-pop fans in a buzz as it was a collaboration with the popular K-pop girl group Blackpink.

7. POP

BYE BYE I FINALLY DISAPPEAR FROM YOUR LIFE

Msftz

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

A contemplative all-English track by South Korean newcomer Msftz about depression and the guilt of doing too little to support one’s friends and loved ones. Her melancholic vocals give the song a haunting resonance that lingers after the music stops.

8. POP

WHEN WE WERE US

K.R.Y.

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

Veteran K-pop boy band Super Junior’s trio of vocalists – Kyuhyun, Ryeowook and Yesung – team up once again as K.R.Y. to release their first mini album. They showcase their ability to make heartfelt ballads shine with their distinctive voices.

9. POP/R&B

HELP EVER HURT NEVER

Fujii Kaze

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

The 22-year-old Kaze Fujii’s debut Japanese album Help Ever Hurt Never is influenced by pop, jazz and R&B music. He penned the lyrics and composed the music for all 11 songs on the album.

The music videos for his previously released hit songs like Nan-Nan, Yasashisa, Mo-Eh-Wa have already accumulated millions of views on YouTube. But other tracks on the album like Tsumi No Kaori (The Scent Of Sin) and Kaze Yo (The Wind) are also worthy listens that showcase his range.

10. POP

HE CHEATED ON ME, BUT I STILL LIKE YOU

Riria

Hear it on: Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms

This mysterious online singer-songwriter who has never shown her face has released an original track. Her sweet vocals and the stripped-down instrumentation make this an easy listen. The Japanese song is an honest look at being still in love with a partner who was unfaithful.

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