Welcome back to the Best of Weekly Music Shows, readers. This week was both slow and exciting, wrapped up into one. We saw the comebacks of established artists like 2PM and Kim Tae-woo, as well as up-and-comers like Mamamoo, making for some fresh new songs across the programs. On the other hand, literally every music show was won by Exo. Nothing against Exo, and I congratulate them for the feat, but as a reviewer? It’s a little boring. Like always, though, some performances manage to pop a bit more than others.
“My House,” 2PM, Mnet M!Countdown, June 18, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EiG6qybOUo]2PM’s previous release wasn’t my cup of tea, but this performance of “My House” has me pumped for their latest promotion cycle. It’s slick and smooth, mature but still fun. The extra hip swagger that comes with the live performance is the cherry on top.
“Lies,” Seo In-young featuring Kanto, MBC Show Champion, June 17, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnqF-BThg88]“Lies” is a song that needs to be performed live in order to truly shine. The retro-jazz instrumentals and Seo In-young’s voice meld to form the more lush aura than can be heard on the studio master. The back and forth between her and Kanto is also elevated by the live stage.
“Lonely Funk,” Kim Tae-woo, KBS Music Bank, June 19, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_cIfWfMAWc]The world needs more funk, and it’s good to see that Kim Tae-woo has accepted the challenge with his latest release. “Lonely Funk” is pure fun and guaranteed to put a smile on the face of whoever hears it. The looseness of his vocals contrasted against the tightness of the song is glorious.
“Um Oh Ah Yeh,” Mamamoo, MBC Show! Music Core, June 20, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDf705LlGc0]Mamamoo is a perennial favorite of just about all of us here at Seoulbeats, and their latest, “Um Oh Ah Yeh,” is no exception. As amazing as their jazz and Motown-inspired songs are, this turn towards ’90s bubblegum pop is a refreshing change of pace, one that proves stellar vocals and upbeat pop can mesh just fine.
“Might Just Die,” History, Arirang Simply K-pop, June 19, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvovKWei9Ck]“Might Just Die” is overdramatic, turning a break-up into a melodramatic, over-the-top mess that I cannot help but love. There is elegance in the exaggeration, a cleverness in the pain that shows more intelligence and self-awareness than most boy groups dabble in.
“#LoveMe,” Melody Day, SBS MTV The Show, June 16, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg2CaRU1VXs]Melody Day has long been on my radar, with their strong vocals and quality arrangements, but their use of ballads for title tracks has held them back. The more upbeat and quirky “#LoveMe” gives them a chance to shine vocally without giving up personality as it’s bursting with sass and charm.
“Odd Eye,” Shinee, SBS Inkigayo, June 21, 2015
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPp9da0-Q_E]Shinee’s “View” promotions came to an end, but it was “Odd Eye” that really wowed me. Everything about this performance works. The vocals are seductive, the energy is driven yet focused, the styling should be a hot mess but it really makes the panties drop. This is amazing, end.
Well, those are my favorites of the week, readers. Any that you think I missed? Leave them in the comments.
