Gift Category: Share Music With Me
My Top 5 KEY Songs
Key (Kim Kibum) is a middle-child member of the South Korean boy Band SHINee, and my absolute favorite k-pop performer. I love his fashion, his music, his music videos, his dances, and his album packaging, all of which come together for well-coordinated album experiences. I just think he's neat. Anyway, it's pop music, and I love pop music. I also love a singer who's a little. You know. Extra. He's an icon. His fans are called "Little Freaks."
1. Burn
Burn is a b-side from the GASOLINE album that just...has a hyperfixative grip on me. I've written a whole zine about this song alone. About the layering, the jazzy bassline, the build up, the lyrics, and the clever voice crossing in the last chorus. Put on headphones and soak this one in.
2. Imagine
A B-side off of his debut solo album FACE, Imagine is an English language track that's really very simple but also really pumps me up and reminds me that we can imagine a beautiful world, too. My favorite lyrics are:
I feel magic, even when I'm tired and overwhelmed;
Just imagine, every heart in all the world;
Pulling me right-side-up;
Find a way to see through all this madness;
I feel magic.
and
Like a dream in every heart and mind;
Or song we need to play just one more time;
Tell the world just what you're dreaming of;
Tell 'em all we really need is love.
3. Bad Love
Listen here on Youtube music or watch the music video on Youtube here, or embedded:
Bad Love is the song that I think really made me fall in love with Key's music. First in Key's "retro trilogy" it's a fantastic, dramatic song written by the same person who wrote Imagine (Adrian McKinnon.) Adrian know's Key's range and how to play to his vocal strengths (Key has said as much in interviews) and that collaborative ability really shines in this song. It also features his most iconic custom costume, the red, strappy sci-fi stage piece (you can't miss it!) that shows that beyond his good sense of general fashion, he knows how to commission a costume that will compliment and show off specific choreography and create immaculate silhouettes as he dances. Stay for the drop - the best part is
4. Killer
Listen here on Youtube music or watch the music video on Youtube here, or embedded:
Killer is a gem, the final entry in Key's "retro trilogy" of albums. It's instant fun, super dramatic, thick with 80's synth; it's an action flick theme and a sad love song all together. Great costuming and choro too. I don't think I'll ever get tired of this song.
5. Tongue Tied
Listen here on Youtube music or watch the music video on Youtube here, or embedded:
The music video is kinda weird, but there are some good dance breaks and outfits in it. Weird CG and nonsensical narrative, but I digress, the song is a BANGER. This is actually Japanese-language track and it was absolutely my song of the summer last year. A sick jazzy bassline is always gonna get me. it's just got a lot of nice, sultry sway, a good beat, fun mixing, and a catchy melody.