On Loop with Lauren

      Korean artists often promote in Japan, release Japanese versions of their songs, and/or release original Japanese songs. Between Japan being the second largest music market behind the USA and being so close by, it makes sense for k-pop artists to participate in the Japanese music scene.       I have to admit that the majority of the Japanese releases from k-pop artists didn't really appeal to me in 2022, which is the main reason this post category didn't exist on my blog last year. However, 2023 had a number of good songs, so I wanted to highlight some of my favorites! This category will only have 2 parts, by the way.      Often times, the Japanese releases get overlooked or completely missed by the average fan, as it can be difficult to even find out about these albums if you don't closely follow the social media accounts of every artist. Also, these songs are usually performed and promoted only in Japan and nowhere else. K-pop ar...

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best) ---------------------------------------- "Zinnia" - 9001 co-composed by Jogon (vocalist, guitarist), Kim Junhyeop (former guitarist) written by Jogon             Music video             Live studio performance      I just discovered this band last year thanks to this single. "Zinnia" was originally created prior to 2022, but it had an official studio album release in 2022, so I don't count this as cheating. I was obsessed with this single for a number of months, and it was one of my most listened to songs on Spotify last year.      Zinnias , which are featured on the album cover, are a type of flower that symbolize steadfastness and lasting affection. The narrator of the song uses them as a symbol of their love for another person, however, the other person does not ac...

  Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best) ---------------------------------------- "Sparkling" - CHUNG HA co-written by CHUNG HA             Music video (English subs available)             Music show performance (the graphic liner though?! 😍)      Chungha is back for the singles list, as are 3 other artists! "Sparkling" is catchy, upbeat synth pop goodness. When I first heard this single, I didn't think it stood out much, but after watching her perform it a few times, it really grew on me.      I really like the guitar, bass line, and percussion on this track, which complement the synths really nicely. I think "Sparkling" is a nice addition to the "new-tro" (new+retro) k-pop trend with its mix of modern and 80s inspired synths/percussion. Chungha’s vocals are also great (as always) on this single. ...

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best)  ---------------------------------------- "Simulation" - KWON EUN BI                  Eunbi made her solo debut in 2021, and while I thought her previous albums were solid, I didn't really connect with them. Third time's the charm though, because I really enjoyed several songs on the Lethality mini album! "Simulation" wasn't originally this high on my list, but because of its high replay value, I decided to bump this up into the top part of the list.     "Simulation" has a sophisticated funky, retro vibe, and it really stands out from the rest of the songs on my list. What I really love about this song is the mid-song change up; it fits the concept of being in a simulation while also adding an interesting feature. I think the change up was implemented well, as it doesn't disrupt the flow/vibe of the song entirely. ...

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best)  ---------------------------------------- "Song of Songs" - W24                  I discovered this band in 2021 and I immediately fell in love with Jung Howon's vocal tone. However, Aaron, W24's keyboardist, is the one who composed and wrote all the lyrics for this b-side. I love how this b-side starts out quietly, with just the piano and Howon's beautiful lower register. But this isn't just a slow ballad; this is a power ballad. The other instruments trickle in during the pre-chorus and chorus. Howon's higher register kicks in at the start of the chorus, and it's one of my favorite moments in the song. After the first chorus, there is a wonderful crescendo of an instrumental break instead of a second verse. Before you know it, the song ends as quietly as it started. All I can say is, this song gives me goosebumps every time I lis...

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best)  ---------------------------------------- "Unpainted Canvas" - Wonpil                    Wonpil is the keyboardist and one of the main vocalists for Day6, one of the most popular idol bands. They're also Xdinary Heroes' seniors from the same company. I've tried to get into Day6 in the past, but never really vibed with their sound. Surprisingly, I ended up really loving this b-side! Funnily enough, this b-side is the most Day6 sounding song on the entire album. Somehow, I never really noticed Wonpil's beautiful vocal tone in the band's material, but it really shines in "Unpainted Canvas." The lyrics are quite poetic, and his vocals really bring out the mixed emotions of the lyrics beautifully.  "Unpainted Canvas" English translation "= (Equal Sign)" - j-hope                ...