From fancy hotels to urban cities, this month’s Unsung Artists is a mixed bag. Whether it was for choreography or special effects, there was something special enough in these MVs that helped them stand out.
Here are a few of the MVs that we did not get a chance to review but that deserve a shoutout:
Babymonster – “Forever”
It is both a blessing and a curse to live in the shadow of two iconic girl groups like Black Pink and 2NE1. On the one hand, you can be confident that your company knows the right formula that will lead to success. But on the other side, you do not want to be seen as a copycat. This is why “Forever” is a great change of pace for the members to differentiate themselves from their predecessors.
The members of Babymonster turn into posh personas for their MV centered around the concept of luxury. Throughout the MV, they show off expensive hotels, jewelry, and shoes—all symbols of success. The heavy use of ivory with pops of baby blue gives the MV a lavish vibe. While luxury concepts were popular with Black Pink, the use of a different color scheme gives them a completely different vibe. Instead of black, silver, and pink, their concept uses ivory and baby blue giving them a classier aesthetic. However, a simple color change will not always work in their favor so hopefully, the concepts of their MVs continue to evolve.
“Forever” is a melodic pop song that allows each member to have their moment. The singers are allowed some high notes and verses that showcase their talents. However, it is in the second verse where the rappers take center stage. Although Ruka did a great job during her part, Asa steals the show when she flawlessly executes a tongue-twister of a rap. The song goes to show that the members of Babymonster have their talents that will, on their own, lead them to success.
StayC – “Cheeky Icy Thang”
StayC lean into their villain era with tantrums and arrogance for their latest single. Their personas show them as celebrities who no longer take anyone else’s feelings into regard. This might seem negative, but it is all in good fun, and becomes their way of conveying the “cheeky” part of their song.
With so much going on in this MV, it is really their choreography that earns them praise. At the beginning of the MV, the members sync up using all their core strength to lean back creating 90-degree angles with their legs. However, when it comes to their chorus, they keep things simple and cute with hand movements. As such, their fans can join in easily, which is likely the intention. When it comes to a fun summer song, this one will probably be on everyone’s playlist.
All(h)ours – “Shock”
Speaking of choreography, All(h)ours is another example of a dance routine that stands out among others. In this song, which is centered around electricity, the members use their hands to mimic electric shocks. The references to “shocks” in their dance are peppered throughout the MV, aligning with the lyrics of the song.
The dance routine allows each member the moment to showcase their talents. However, it is when they come together for the chorus that it takes the routine to another level. The way they all sync up perfectly for such a quick-paced dance showcases their ability to listen to the beat. During the chorus, it is not just their feet they have to worry about, but the angles of their arm movements. Any slight variation could mess with the look of their harmony. The group continues to rely on arm angles through the refrain of the song as well. As a new group and just their second single, All(h)ours is already showing great attention to detail when it comes to their choreography.
Xdinary Heroes – “Love and Fear”
For K-pop bands, sometimes an MV can look fairly plain with the members just playing their instruments. Especially when there is no choreography, sometimes the scenes can look one-note. However, for “Love and Fear”, the use of various camera angles, flashing transitions, and a dash of animation creates a dynamic and entertaining MV. On top of these techniques, sticking to a simple color scheme of black, white, and pops of red adds to the classic rock n’ roll vibe.
Even if it was the worst MV ever, the track itself would make up for all of it. “Love and Fear” is a bombastic rock song that charges through the melody and never slows down. Junhan’s solo, which occurs during the climax of the song, takes it to a whole other dimension. If you ever wondered if Xdinary Heroes were true rockers, then hopefully this comeback changes your mind. If you have not already done so, check out the rest of their discography after listening to this single.
Stray Kids – “Chk Chk Boom”
To point out the obvious, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds both make guest appearances for this single. The song is not only part of the Stray Kids album, Ate, but was included in the soundtrack for the film, Deadpool and Wolverine.
If you suspected the MV would be based on Deadpool, you are incorrect. The members dance about a deteriorating and rough-looking city. At first, you might think it is a city being attacked, but there is no hero or villain in this story. While we do see blasts of colors in the sky, we soon see they are from paintball guns that are being shot into the sky. The city simply serves as a dynamic backdrop for their choreography.
Per usual, Stray Kids have a fun and energetic choreography with lots of variations. For the chorus, the routine starts smoothly but then turns more chaotic as it flows through the chorus. One of the more noticeable parts is when Han walks down the streets, and the other members are crouching by him. The camera adds to the vision, by switching out the members and then switching them back in for parts of the verse. While this may not be a difficult part of the choreography, it shows how they take time to let each member have their moment.
The song itself has a Latin melody, with even a few Spanish words thrown in. Luckily, the MV stays away from any Latin tropes, nor do they try too hard to fit into the Marvel universe. Instead, they stick to their more urban aesthetic and focus on their choreography versus a plot for the MV. Even if this song was not included in the soundtrack for a blockbuster film, “Chk Chk Boom” is still another home run for Stray Kids.
(Youtube [1][2][3][4][5]. Images via Eden Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment.)
