In 2022, K-pop meets the rock genre! This year, more and more idols have been showing musical attempts using rock songs as title tracks. These five artists surely "rocked" the music scene with THESE releases!
As the Hallyu wave grows, K-pop idols are also expanding their spectrum by drawing not only musical transformations but also popular reactions. As such, the rock genre is drawing attention again in the 2020s.
In this trend, new music using rock elements continues to emerge in K-pop. According to Kim Doheon, a pop music critic, during the pandemic, people get frustrated and depressed while doing SNS, and rock is the genre that can express themselves, their feelings, and show bold fashion.
Here Are 5 K-pop Artists, Songs That Perfectly Digest Rock Genre:
1. (G)I-DLE - 'TOMBOY'
Among K-pop groups, (G)I-DLE showed successful activities with rock elements at the forefront. After a long hiatus of more than a year, their title song "TOMBOY," released in March, is a straightforward song with a rough rock guitar sound, addictive hooks, and confident attitude, and contains the story of (G)I-DLE breaking free from toxicity and stereotypes.
Following its release, it has made notable achievements after the song topped the charts on various music sites.
2. TXT - 'Good Boy Gone Bad'
TXT is a group that has been steadily showcasing rock sounds since last year. This year, the quintet flaunted hardcore hip-hop songs with a rock sound, filled with emotions of anger and loss after the first breakup through their song, "Good Boy Gone Bad."
The intense transformation succeeded in capturing the fan base and the group was able to sell 1.24 million copies in the first week of the album's release.
3. WOODZ - 'COLORFUL TRAUMA'
Cho Seungyoun, also known as WOODZ, is a soloist who introduces various genres in each album he releases.
In his comeback this year, WOODZ challenged the rock genre this time. On May 4, he kicked off with his new album "COLORFUL TRAUMA" comprised of five songs "Dirt On My Leather," "HIJACK," "I Hate You," "Better and Better," and "Hope to be like you."
The album showcased various types of rock sounds such as hard rock, alternative rock, and pop-rock.
4. MAMAMOO Moonbyul
In April, Moonbyul also presented a song with a punk guitar sound through her single "C.I.T.T." (Cheese in the trap).
The song depicts the story of taking a risk like a "cheese in the trap," despite it being dangerous in the name of love. The song's strong yet satisfying pop-rock sound along with Moonbyul's vocals delivers an energetic and bright vibe, giving a new feel to listening to rock songs.
5. EXO Suho - 'Grey Suit'
Suho, who returned as a soloist in about two years, also incorporated the rock sound in his latest album "Grey Suit" as well.
Its title track with the same name is a progressive rock-inspired song that tells the story of how meeting someone can give colors and meaning to the protagonist's world that was once grey.
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Written by Eunice Dawson
