Man, Produce 101 season 1 and IOI just feels like yesterday, yet now, we are on the fourth season of the Produce series and the third Produce group is already gearing up for a comeback. Time surely goes by fast! Some of the IOI members are also now promoting under their own respective labels as members of their own respective groups. Let us see The SLY Choice for best title tracks of the aforementioned post-IOI girl groups.
WJSN | Secret
WJSN is one of the most interesting and aesthetically captivating girl groups out there. Originally twelve, with the addition of IOI member Yoo Yeonjung, they are now promoting as a thirteen-member group. Their song “Secret” is their first comeback with their newest main vocalist and is by far their best title track. The song kept a really light and colorful atmosphere with a little pinch of angst on the side. It exuded an entirely ‘cosmic’ feel that fits with the group’s concept. Not only the song is commendable but of course the vocal prowess of WJSN as well.
Pristin | We Like
This is actually a really hard choice because… Pristin only had like two title tracks since ever debuting. It’s extra difficult to choose between “Wee Woo” and “We Like” because quite frankly, both are equally awful. However, I chose “We Like” because I enjoyed it more than the other by a strand of hair. “We Like” is a powerful, upbeat, & fun song and for me, is a guilty pleasure for its viral catchiness. IOI’s leader Im Nayoung, as well as Joo Kyulkyung (more popularly known as Pinky), are two of the twelve members of the group.
DIA | On The Road
Unlike the case of Yeonjung and WJSN where Yeonjung is added after the group already debuted, and in Pristin’s case where Nayoung and Kyulkyung are in the debut roster, DIA’s case is pretty complicated. The group already debuted way before Produce 101 aired. However, for the sole purpose of joining the show, DIA members Jung Chaeyeon and Ki Heehyun left the group. Eventually, Chaeyeon made into IOI and whilst IOI is in preparation for their second comeback, she stepped down and rejoined DIA for our featured song, “On The Road”. What can I say, “On The Road” is just a wonderful experience. For the first time since debut, DIA tried the G-Friend/Lovelyz-esque concept and it magnificently worked. The song is very bright with a catchy chorus and superb vocals.
Weki Meki | Crush
“I Don’t Like Your Girlfriend”? A mess. “La La La”? Another mess. “Crush”? Thankfully, it’s not a huge mess. Personally, I think “Crush” is their best title track thus far and to be candid, it is only because their other title tracks are blasphemous towards music. “Crush” is a very powerful and energetic song with an explosive instrumental during its chorus. Weki Meki’s debut lineup included IOI members Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon.
Gugudan | A Girl Like Me
This choice is really hard for me, this time not because all their songs are awful, but because all their songs are really good! IOI members Kim Sejeong and Kang Mina are two out of nine members of Gugudan and it is one group that never disappoints with music. The lyrics of “A Girl Like Me” is all about confidence, and thankfully the music itself screams confidence as well. The song has a very catchy chorus and a remarkable bridge part. However, when we’re talking about Gugudan, one can’t simply commend the members’ vocal ability. In this song, the singing talents of not only the main vocals managed to shine.
IOI is truly one of the most revolutionary and most remarkable K-pop groups of all time. Created through a groundbreaking television show, the group managed to unite different ladies of different colors, of different companies, of different charms, into one impactful entity.
