Welcome back to another edition of OST Roundups! Last month was a rather slow month for OSTs, although the OST powerhouse drama of the month belongs to… My Lovable Girl, who released a whopping total of 12 tracks. Given that it’s a drama about the idol world, probably only 10% of its airtime is actually about idols. Despite that, it has still managed to squeeze in a number of cameos, as well as a few original songs, which is more or less what populates its OST album. Without further ado, let’s get to this month’s list!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2drMc1LVjPM]Kim Tae-woo‘s “I Only Want You”, My Lovable Girl OST
Lovable has been pretty consistent with releasing all the songs used in the drama as “genius compositions”, for the OST. In the drama, this track was initially rejected by L‘s character, Shi-woo, but was eventually picked up by Kim Tae-woo, who cameoed for a scene out of loyalty to his ex-labelmate, Rain. Eventually, the OST was released in real life by Kim himself, although it didn’t shoot up the rankings, as it did in the drama. Still, it’s a very solid love ballad, which doesn’t veer too sappy. And need I really say more about how his very gentle but sweet voice creates this atmosphere of being serenaded by this melody.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KV7G_wVYM8]In4mal‘s “Pray”, My Lovable Girl OST
Possibly my favourite track right now from this drama. It’s very snazzy use of synths, drums, and guitar-strumming gives a very modern feel to this track. The build to the climax is also something that makes this melody stand out even more, and it has a very catchy nature to it. The change in arrangement during the last chorus really draws in the listener’s ear for a bit of a mix-up, and I definitely welcome the female version of the same track, sung by RaNia‘s Joo-yi.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG1P1IvH2Fo]Fiestar‘s “Tight”, My Lovable Girl OST
Since Fiestar got to cameo as an idol group in Lovable, “Tight” was their promotion song in the context of the drama. Hence, that’s the reason it comes off more as a typical idol track than a drama OST. That’s also probably why the song suits their style and vocals so well, and it could actually pass off as one of their title songs.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY8lNdq6bSo]Woohyun‘s (Infinite) “When Love Comes On”, Modern Farmer OST
I’m a little surprised Woohyun’s solo OST debut came as late as it is, considering that Infinite has definitely starred in enough dramas for him to be tagged on the OST list. Nevertheless, his unwavering effortless vocals is very suitable for ballads such as the above, and I’m glad that he went for one that’s a little more upbeat than the usual emotional heartwrenching ones. His voice also has this smooth velvety texture to it, and his vibrato shines even more than usual in this toned-down track.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOQlVdlocPw]G.NA‘s “Password”, The Night Watchman’s Journal OST
This is another instance of how G.NA hasn’t been managed in this best way by Cube, considering that she’s fully capable of handling a song with minimal gimmicks. With the slow piano accompaniment in the first verse, her voice slowly builds from there and utilizes the full range of her vocals. I was definitely impressed with her powerful falsettos and high notes inserted here and there, and she can definitely do so much more than the material she’s being dished in Cube.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc2hEjtTNEI]Jisook & Hyunyoung‘s (Rainbow) “I Love You”, Blade Man OST
While the starting verse and title of the song strike listener as rather typical, the chorus is where the song really starts to find its footing. Their voices manage to come off sweet and pure, but not overly saccharine. While the overall melody is pretty simple, I think the way the melody flows easily with their soothing voices without venturing into snoozeville makes it work.
