Best of Weekly Music Shows: 6/30 - 7/6

Once more, it’s time for the Best of Weekly Music Shows, where we watch the bad performances so you don’t have to. It was back to basics this week with a comeback from f(x) and the solo debut of T-ara’s Hyomin. Meanwhile, Beast took first place at Show Champion, Music Bank, and Show! Music Core. Taeyang held his own though, with M!Countdown and Inkigayo under his belt. Here are a small handful of stages that I took particular shine to, but please comment with your own choices.

Wings‘ “Blossom”,  MBC Show Champion, July 2, 2014

Female duo Wings makes a triumphant return with “Blossom”. The two-part harmony sounds even better live. And, despite rookie status, the lovely twosome has a confidence on the stage that elevates their performance up quite a few levels.

Got7‘s “A”, Mnet M!Countdown, July 4, 2014

There are not enough words in the world to detail just how much of an improvement this is over “Girls Girls Girls”. “A” has a laid-back, chill vibe that Got7 just nails. They look like they’re goofing off and not really taking the song seriously, which is perfect for this comeback. Got7, feel free to continue not caring for the rest of your promotions.

Mamamoo‘s “Mr. Ambiguious”, KBS Music Bank, July 5, 2014

And the rookie love continues! 2014 has just been a good year for debuts. Mamamoo work the stage on Music Bank like old pros, not a freshly-debuted quartet. Mamamoo might have clinched the title of best rookies with “Mr. Ambiguous”. It is both fun and filled with vocal skill.

f(x)’s “Red Light”, MBC Show! Music Core, July 6, 2014

SM‘s red-headed step-children are back with the aptly named “Red Light”. I love everything about “Red Light”, from the badass choreo to the aggressive song to Luna‘s killer high note. Choosing just one performance was hard because f(x) slayed every time. And Amber looks like a tomboy and not an actual boy this cycle; may her stylist receive all the snuggles for this miracle. Yes, all of them.

Taeyang’s “Eyes, Nose, Lips”, SBS Inkigayo, July 6, 2014

Sometimes, all the flash of K-pop completely overrides the substance. Taeyang’s stripped down performances are a perfect example of why it’s best to keep it simple. A good song, a good voice, and a good performer. What could improve on this?

(MBC, Youtube [1][2][3][4][5])