On Loop with Lauren

  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)  ---------------------------------------- "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...