Korean music title tracks always find a way into music listeners’ playlists and video-sharing platforms. They are the songs that get the party started. But there’s more to a music release than just the title track. The B-side tracks are that missing ingredient that always spices up the EP or album by any artist. Sometimes, the B-side tracks take over the title tracks’ popularity and become a viral hits. 2022 was a year of such amazing B-side tracks. There was a groovy heartbreak track ‘Sparkling Night’ from Pentagon, then we had a cute love song called ‘Polaroid Love’ by ENHYPEN, Stray Kids spread their charm with ‘Charmer’ and BTS’ RM gave melancholia with ‘Forg_tful’. All in all, Korean music had pretty great hits when it came to B-sides tracks, so let’s take a quick look at some of the best Korean B-side tracks of 2022. ((The list here is in no particular order and is not a ranking).
From BTS to Stray Kids to SEVENTEEN, TWICE to NewJeans – 20 Best B-side Korean songs of 2022 as dominant as the title tracks
RUN BTS – BTS
BTS has always worked towards presenting hard-hitting music that spills hard-hitting facts. 2022 was more of a year of exploration for them as solo artists and a new change in their career path, but before taking the detour BTS gave a gift to the fans in the form of their anthology album Proof. The 3-CD album comes with songs old and new. CD 2 of the album opens with the rap-heavy track Run BTS. The song chronicles the journey of BTS from their early days to the present. It is an anthem for the masses to never give up on their dreams and strive hard to make them a reality. Run BTS presents a layered musical treat availing a smooth contiguity of vocal and rap verses punctuated with heavy hip-hop beats.
SPARKLING NIGHT – PENTAGON
Pentagon turned up the heat with their title track ‘Feelin’ Like’ from their EP IN:VITE YOU. But they took it a few notches lower and resorted to a subdued dance pop number ‘Sparkling Night’. Singing about how eternal love is not easily come by, the group compares it to an exciting round of Ferris wheel which eventually has to come to an end. The retro music paired with synth beats presents a smooth listen from start to end. Despite the song being about a certain helplessness, it also gives a tiny sliver of hope that things might not be so bleak after all.
POLAROID LOVE – ENHYPEN
If you’re looking for a cute track to brighten up your day, then look no further! ENHYPEN, the group mainly known for their electro and hip hop numbers, brought a delightful surprise with the B-side track ‘Polaroid Love’ from their album DIMENSION: ANSWER. The song became a fan favourite and a viral sensation on social media. Featuring a rhythmic arrangement of dance-pop music accentuated with upbeat lyrics, the song Polaroid Love is bound to warm up the coldest of hearts in this chilling winter.
RAIN SONG (FEAT. COLDE) – EPIK HIGH
2022 was a year of epic releases, and Epik High’s album Epik High Is Here Pt. 2 was the cherry on the cake. Epik High and Colde strike the correct chord romance nostalgia with Rain Song. Colde’s soft vocals are highlighted with the minimal instruments and rap verses by Mithra Jin and Tablo work as a cushion for Colde’s vocals to fall back on. The song weaves a melancholic story of a love now lost with threads of R&B and ballads embroidering the emotions behind the lyrics.
STARLIGHT – DREAMCATCHER
Dreamcatcher is synonymous with guitar and percussion-heavy tracks. But the group took a detour in their EP Apocalypse: Save Us with the B-side track ‘Starlight’. Crooning to the tunes of synth-wave and electro-pop, Dreamcatcher channels a futuristic vibe with Starlight. The vocals were steady throughout the track and it is a track that makes one tap their feet the moment the song begins!
LIGHT THE SKY – ASTRO
If you’re looking for a cheerful song, then look no further. ASTRO always has a B-side track up their arsenal that just matches the joyous mood. With Christmas celebrations all around us, ASTRO’s song Light the Sky from their EP Drive to the Starry Road is just what one needs. Employing soft dance-pop tunes and mid-tempo notes, ASTRO creates a festive vibe with the track.
BURN – SHINEE’s KEY
SHINEE’s Key has proven time and again that he can carry out a song in any genre with ease. The singer-songwriter made a comeback with this second studio album Gasoline and the album features this stunning B-side track Burn. The song begins in a slow and stretched-out mood and progresses into a synth-based heavy guitar riff melody. As bass beats add depth to the song and Key’s breathy low tenor singing is underscored beautifully.
CHARMER – STRAY KIDS
Stray Kids had a pretty solid year in terms of albums and making it to Billboard several times with multiple album releases. Stray Kids have long made an impression that their music will always be something unexpected. They sing to the themes of passion, aggression and success in life but they pick the oddest of symbolisms for it that one might not have even thought of, to begin with. With their album Oddinary, the group once again displayed a great sense of puns with the titles and an astounding sense of music. Stray Kids charmed the listeners with a rather stripped-down song like ‘Charmer. Unlike the group’s major music which focuses on heavy punk EDM music, ‘Charmer’ was a more instrumental-centric track with an attractive spin to the flute in the chorus.
LOVE BURN – BAEKHO
NU’EST lead vocalist Baekho made his solo debut with the EP Absolute Zero. Seeing his solo debut as point zero, i.e. a start to a new path in his music career, Baekho paints a picture of romance and passion in Absolute Zero. Playing on the varying degrees of temperature to express the extent of emotions, in his song ‘Love Burn’, Baekho speaks about the height of his love that makes him burn for his lover.
CYBERPUNK – ATEEZ
ATEEZ as a group never fails to amaze the listeners with their vast musical canvas. The group which is synonymous with making foot-thumping powerhouse title tracks displays the same energy when it comes to B-sides in their discography. With ‘Cyberpunk,’ ATEEZ went several notches higher and incorporated fast-paced electronica which adds a crisp edge to the melancholic lyrics.
THURSDAY’S CHILD HAS FAR TO GO – TOMORROW X TOGETHER
TXT’s discography has been instrumental in mapping out the inner workings of young adults as they navigate the ups and downs in life and relationships. The quintet’s latest EP Minisode 2: Thursday’s Child is the final step in a romantic relationship as the protagonist goes through throes of anger, rejection, denial and acceptance. The song ‘Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go’ is a mellow track that speaks about the strong hope to start again with a smile. It is a smooth composition of synth-pop beats paired with the husky vocals of the members. The song leaves a smile on the listeners’ faces, enriching them with hope.
1000x – KANG DANIEL
As a soloist, Kang Daniel has come a long way. He has proven his versatility and showcased his stories through numerous tracks of various lengths and genres. When it comes to B-sides tracks, Kang Daniel stands firm on his promise of delivering the best. ‘1000x’ from his debut studio album The Story is just the song to prove that claim. Charting the ballad territory with synth beats and a hefty chorus, Kang Daniel paints an emotional picture of his journey. His vocals were highlighted just enough to give him space to shine amongst the soothing music flowing in the background.
TAKE ‘EM ALL – OMEGA X Take
Omega X has been in the headlines for all sorts of reasons this year but that doesn’t take away from their musical capabilities and how talented the group is. Omega X might have stolen hearts with ‘Love Me Like’ but ‘Take ’em all’ really took everyone’s breath away. The track is an EDM-heavy anthem that does not drop the beat even once. Omega X set their minds on taking over everyone and decidedly presented a track reflecting their emotions. The song is a perfect party playlist attention that would compel anyone to get up and start dancing to the beats.
QUEEN OF HEARTS – TWICE
TWICE has quite broken out of the shell of singing ‘bubblegum pop’ songs only. They have begun experimenting with their vocals and musical genres. The nonet has proven to be a trove of talent with their discography. In their latest comeback Between 1 and 2, TWICE members presented a sweet B-side track ‘Queen of Hearts’ where they sing entirely in English. The members enlist pop rock music to compliment the cushy lyrics as they pen a heartfelt thank you note for their fans, ONCE.
HYPE BOY – NEWJEANS
When was the last time a song was viral like ‘Hype Boy’ by NewJeans that took over the internet and music industry by storm? NewJeans, the first girl group under HYBE subsidiary ADOR, pulled off a debut like no other – a surprise music debut along with music and performance videos followed by a viral track ‘Hype Boy’. The lyrics along with the signature hook steps were everywhere – from idols to singers to actors to every other person performing the track in their way. The experience of young love and heartbreaks, the sonically vibey tunes filled with nostalgia, cemented them as breakout stars of 2022. The group, that kicked off the 5th generation of K-pop, crooned ‘‘Cause I know what you like boy / You’re my chemical hype boy (ah-ah)’ that shifted something in the music industry and how the coming times will change for new music aspirants.
DON’T CARE ABOUT ME – GOT7
GOT7’s comeback album GOT7 showed a truer version of the septet. The album was more or less a thank-you note for the fans and at the same time, it was a proclamation that they are here to stay. The K-pop group artfully mixes feelings of romance in their tracks, especially ‘Don’t Care About Me’. The song begins with stripped-up trap beats and moves ahead to electro-synth beats as each member adds their verses. The chorus is enveloped in smooth bass and electric guitar riffs as it reaches a satisfying climax.
FORG_TFUL – RM (FT. KIM SAWOL)
If it is RM making music then there is bound to be a mellow acoustic number in the tracklist. His latest work Indigo is a record of his 20s and a candid introduction of who RM truly is. Each track portrays RM’s outspoken opinions, prevailing thoughts, reminiscence of the past and instant feelings. ‘Forg_tful’ is that acoustic number from RM’s Indigo. The BTS leader and Kim Sawol take turns as they croon about the hectic life and how little things are easily forgotten. There is a folk-like whistleblowing intermittently between the verses settling the feel in the listener’s bones.
EQUAL SIGN – J-HOPE
J-Hope has always strived to make music that sends a powerful message across. Then be it speaking about his journey, his struggles, speaking peace and love, he makes sure he delivers the best. With his second solo venture Jack in the Box, J-Hope made a similar attempt. The song ‘Equal Sign’ touches upon global issues as J-Hope urges the listeners to treat everyone with love and kindness. The ‘Arson’ hit maker utilizes a fluid 90s-inspired hip-hop beat and matches it with a reverb towards the second half of the song. The only problem with the song? It ends a minute too early for a track as amazing as ‘Equal Sign’.
BREATHE – boA
boA is one of the most powerhouse performers of the second generation. She has been around the industry long enough to have a strong foothold. With her long legacy running as a strong testament to her artistry, boA never fails to stun the listeners with each new song. She did the same with her 2022 comeback Forgive Me. Relying on her strength of rap and up-tempo beats, boA delivered one stunner after another. Even with B-side tracks, the songstress delivered a hard-hitting number. Aptly titled Breathe, this B-side track paints a picture of a person who is close enough to their lover to feel their breath. The song builds up on a rapid progression of thumping beats and rap verses which are punctuated with breathy sounds.
DON QUIXOTE – SEVENTEEN
Literature has often found its way into music. SEVENTEEN went back centuries and plucked inspiration from a fabled knight Don Quixote to present their modern ideas. In the original stories, Don Quixote is shown to fight unnecessary battles which he thinks are for the right cause and he ends up losing them all. He is dubbed as a fool for having a false sense of heroism and gallantry. SEVENTEEN picks up this ideology and incorporates it in their track which is titled ‘Don Quixote’ in the album Face The Sun. The members tell the world that they are not afraid to do what their heart wants, and that they are not afraid to follow what they think is right even if the world points fingers at them. The song runs a smooth course alliterated with vocals and raps and relying on the tunes of pop.
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