Hello everyone! It’s been a while since our last OH! Press Picks, and we think it’s time to make another one. This time, we think it will be nice to share our favorite songs that perfectly fit the Summer season. Just like the last one, each of us will share one title track and one side track that we love.
Title Track | fromis_9 – “FUN!”
So I’ve been listening to fromis_9 for about a year since Gyuri was on Produce48. I instantly got hooked on DKDK and later, Love Bomb. Now they’re back with a light-hearted, energetic track, FUN! I feel like the members definitely fit the bubblegum K-pop vibes. The music video features each member in knockoff commercials named after actuals brands mixed in with the fromis_9 name. Practically them being serious and goofy at the same time. Now the song itself is interesting, it takes a few listens to get used to the chorus since it’s so in your face with ‘FUN!’ The pre-chorus is pure gold, I love how everything slows down for that part. Gyuri and Jisun did a great job capturing the fairytale feel. I’m glad to see they’re becoming more successful with this single album, it sold roughly 54k so far!
Side Track | Oh My Girl – Twilight
Oh My Girl is one of my all-time favorite K-pop girl groups and their releases can do no wrong. Twilight from their mini-album ‘Remember Me’ is a hidden gem. Twilight showcases the members vocals in the best way paired with the super catchy edm instrumentals. It’s not what I’d say a summer specific track but it’s definitely something that will get you up and moving. And let me add that Mimi’s rap verse along with Seunghee’s high notes is everything!
Title Track | Orange Caramel – “Abing Abing”
It truly pains me not to name a SISTAR, or even a Hyolyn, track as my pick here. But I don’t think another song encapsulates the sound of summer day quite like Orange Caramel’s “Abing Abing.” The song is bright and upbeat without being saccharinely sweet, ice cream imagery notwithstanding. And while the music video may be a blatant Baskin Robbins commercial, that doesn’t take away any of the song’s strong summer vibes and Orange Caramel’s characteristic quirky sound. So before summer’s officially over, pour one up for all the disbanded second-gen girl groups and enjoy this track.
Side Track | EXO – “What U Do”
EXO’s “What U Do” really is that song, the one I came across on my first listen of the group’s The War album and made it nearly impossible to continue and listen to any other track. There’s something nostalgic in its funky guitar strings and yet also whimsical in its softer bits of instrumental. But the vocals of this track are where EXO really shines. They bring energy to this song that makes you want to roll down your car windows and blast it on a summer day. Just as The War remains my go-to EXO album for summer, “What U Do” has kept its place in my heart as the best b-side of the album and perhaps one of EXO’s best in general.
Title Track | Gugudan SEMINA – “SEMINA”
“SEMINA” is really what every Gugudan fan has been waiting for, with the girls fully embracing the sassy divas inside them. The song not only brought a catchy sound and beat but also showcased the exceptional talent of the members. “SEMINA” is the sub-unit’s debut song and it’s a shame how it underperformed, considering how phenomenal everything was. Honestly, I was torn between choosing “SEMINA” or “Wag-zak” of Lovelyz. Ultimately, I chose the former, but that doesn’t change the quality of either song.
Side Track | INFINITE – “She’s Back”
“She’s Back” is often mistaken as an INFINITE title track or a comeback song but it is a B-side track from their debut album which got an MV and was used for follow-up promotions. Anyways, “She’s Back” is a very fun song that highlights the youthfulness and enthusiasm of INFINITE back in 2010. As rookies, they did not miss the chance to bring a good song and also show their vocal skills, especially the main vocals.
Title Track | AOA – “Good Luck”
It is a truth universally acknowledged that AOA has always delivered when it comes to fun and sexy songs. But when we’re talking about Summer, none screams “day drinking by the pool as if you were a beautiful billionaire” like “Good Luck” does. The song has its flaws, but there’s no denying the fact that the Baywatch aesthetics and catchy chorus caused many inner awakenings out there. With lyrics about self-confidence and a strong sax instrumental, “Good Luck” is a Summer anthem for those who just want to have fun and dance it out, worries be damned.
Side Track | Cherry Bullet – “Ruddy”
Rookie girl group Cherry Bullet hasn’t released many songs yet, but “Ruddy” is worth checking out. Combining a quick beat and a fun rhythm, the song manages to bring some of the best the group has to offer by embodying the cuteness of bubblegum pop and the brightness of Summer in one go, creating then a perfect summery listen. Subtly, the song brings its listeners to a love adventure. By the end of it, you can’t help but feel like falling in love. Fun and adventurous, “Ruddy” is proof of Cherry Bullet’s promising future.
Title Track | SISTAR – I Swear
Wasta really did SISTAR dirty right in front of my salad. Imagine making a conscious decision to leave SISTAR out in a post entitled “The Best K-Pop Songs for the Summer”. Couldn’t be me. SISTAR is synonymous with summer! Before the debut of this groundbreaking girl group, South Koreans only knew winter! And when they kept coming back with summer hit after summer hit, the people were in disarray. “What is this constant energy radiating from above?!” they cried. Unable to cope, they screamed sajaegi. Only 7 Star1s knew the truth and celebrated their existence, especially the aural and visual summer perfection that is “I Swear”.
Side Track | Wonder Girls – Sweet & Easy
As deep as my love for SISTAR is, I would never neglect Wonder Girls at the peak of their musicality. Every single song released by them since Her Majesty, Queen Lee Sunmi graced us with a brief return to the group before their tragic disbandment is gold. “Sweet & Easy” is no different. This masterpiece was penned by not one but two of their own, Yeeun and Yubin, disproving the stereotype that female idols cannot write music. In reality, no one does summer songs better than girl groups. Let no pure boy group stan fool you into believing otherwise.
Title Track | 2NE1 – “Ugly”
2NE1 is one of the girl groups that immediately comes to my mind when the word “summer” is mentioned. As a longtime Blackjack, it still hurts me that these four fierce women aren’t conquering live performances and concert stages like they used to do as one group. However, the songs they left in the industry will forever have a special page in K-pop’s history book. Apart from the song’s powerful message, I also like how this song easily captures your emotions through its head-banging sound. For me, I enjoy tracks that slowly builds up with an explosive burst in the chorus, maintained consistently throughout the whole duration of the song. Contrary to its title, “Ugly” is a beautiful song that you can play even under the scorching heat.
Side Track | DAY6 – Colors
DAY6 has indeed come a long way, but they never lost that exquisite touch in their music. This group has continuously shown growth, which further solidifies why they’re one of the most promising bands today. “Colors” is one of the singles that gave me goosebumps upon first listen—that factor alone makes me more excited to feature the song on this list. This song may not have addictive pop music beats but it will leave you engulfed in a mixture of emotions.
