Welcome to the last Best of Weekly Music Shows of 2014. The year has seen some quality performances that were highlighted by year end special performances on both Mnet M! Countdown and MBC Show! Music Core this week. A Pink won awards on Mnet M! Countdown and SBS Inkigayo while MBC Show! Music Core did not hand out an award. KBS held their special Gayo Daejun, and that show will be recapped later on, so keep an eye out for it. Without further ado, here are my picks for the week. Please include your favorite performances for the week and for 2014 in the comments below!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n41xQPiRG-I]Mamamoo’s cover of “One Night Only” from Dreamgirls, KBS Open Concert, December 28, 2014
Mamamoo have been stellar during their live performances this year. Their cover of the disco rendition of “One Night Only” showcases all of their strengths. They have big voices, high energy, and a ton of charisma on stage. The rap break and vocalizing bit was also a nice touch. Mamamoo have made their mark on 2014, and this performance only makes me more excited to see what they will do next.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-yGgRBPKoA]Block B’s “H.E.R,” MBC Show! Music Core, December 27, 2014
I loved this special version of “H.E.R.” Taeil’s acoustic introduction was a pleasant contrast from the high energy of the original version. It gave him time to show off the excellent tone of his voice and the great melody of the song. These boys are quite animated here, and they always look like they’re having a blast when performing this song.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzl9iqWbSDY]Wassup’s “Shut Up U,” SBS Inkigayo, December 28, 2014
Wassup’s latest caught my eye this week when I was watching Inkigayo. They have a strong confident stage, and the song is catchy. The sound of “Shut Up U” may not fit the colder season, but for those listeners that are willing to give it a chance, it’ll have you dancing the chills away.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voCsvFFkJFU]BTS’s “Danger (Remix),” MBC Show! Music Core, December 27, 2014
If I made a ranking of my favorite performers of the year, BTS would occupy one of the top spots on it. Their dancing and choreography is among the best, and each member has their own flair. Though only about two and half minutes, this remixed version of “Danger” illustrates the deftness of their abilities. From Rap Monster’s solo rap to their rock intro dance to “Boy In Luv,” BTS command the stage like pros.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K0kfSJbTUc]EXID’s “Up & Down,” SBS The Show, December 23, 2014
One of the best stories to come out of 2014 is the resurgence of EXID. When this song first came out, it didn’t perform anywhere as well as it is currently doing – 4 months and a viral fancam after its release. It’s great for EXID because the group is definitely a talented quintet. Hopefully, they will be able to capitalize on the momentum with another release early next year.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0v5ckyTxYU]TVXQ’s “Something,” MBC Show! Music Core, December 27, 2014
This was a strong year for the pair of Yunho and Changmin. Their tenth anniversary debut album Tense had a pair of really great promotional singles. Their performances were also some of the strongest and gave everyone releasing material in 2014 a high standard to follow. This closing performance for Show! Music Core’s year end special show how talented the duo is. “Something” presents a mature performance by the two that only appears to grow better with time.
