Hey Subbies,
It's been a while but this post has taken me the longest to create. I had basically breakout my web design skills to code up this post because of Google added image restrictions even thought some of image are in the public domain. Also I've talked about being busy with a work project that has taken longer than usual to get down which has reached the finalizing step thankfully. Also I'm kind of restricted to my iPad and my Logitech keyboard finally retired after my constant use for my coding project from my web development coarse so I brought a new keyboard for my birthday to able to continue to work on this post. I actually listened to more breakout albums this year and artists that finally were able to break their creative slump and the multiple back to back tour announcements happening are stressing me out.
As for K-pop I could barely keep up with the new releases so I had to basically speed run some albums and some were close so you'll find them in my Honorable Mentions as usual. We have officially entered the Mcbling era and some themes I saw and visuals effects trends is basically encapsulated in BadVillian's Zoom M/V. Space/Earthly Bodies (BP inpso), Counter Culture, Silver "Gentle Monster" Eye Wear, Siren Makeup/ Saturated Blush placements; Video Game Graphics (Young Posse), Low ISO Digital Film Grade editing; Falling off buildings/ Floating (aespa), Crashes (aespa & IVE), Gum (YeonJun), Parking lot, Playing with Perspectives (Key), Realty Breaking (Stray Kids), and different forms of transportation like the back to the future car DeLorean(aespa &Jeanie). I forgot to mention the curly hair was getting a lot of idols noticed during their solo work meanwhile let's pray for girlies who have to constantly dye their hair for us.
I was going to talk about Loosemble (the other half of Loona or the new 1/3) since they were on too something sonically with this last album and I went two there tour but they decided to disband unfortunately so now orbits will see wonder what's next for them. I was also hoping they would have brought their (signed) albums to sell since the rest of Loona were doing this which would have helped boost their sales and popularity.
First, I went to see aespa's Parallel Synck tour which I came to appreciate their solos. As for the M/V with the Daft punk influence for Licorice and Supernova samples Planet Rock which I adore so I left a comment and someone responded to my appreciative comment with "That's because this western producer worked on the Album" mind you I had watched a interview of this producer with a well known song K-pop writer which was funny. Also Mine is def Can't Tell Me Nothing Inspired when I first heard it due to the swing chains synth, high hats, deep pitch vocal chop and of course "Woah ho ho ho." On the Whiplash album Pink Hoodie is basically the female counter part to NCT's Baggie Jeans. Also Kill It used a sample that's interpolated from F(x)'s Red Light.
Le Sserafim's Pierrot which took me time to get too because I was still coming off my high from Crazy house remixes and JP version. Pierrot remind me of 2015 music that had that mix of Trap and Chip Tunes but it's pretty much a homages and vocal samples Kim Wan Sun's The Pierrot Laughs at Us. I can't wait for next comeback which is next month and the Title Track is HOT is probably a referencing rock track from Crazy apply titled 1-800-HOT-IN-FUN and lyrics state wanting to hear Beyoncé which quick possibly be Heated track on Renaissance.
IVE's HEYA used a popular No Diggity sample from with Korean Folklore should make some K-Youtubers happy since it's not the usual Greek influences. Starship will probably continue using well known samples for IVE since that's what garners them views and show wins along with double features M/V. I already discussed Accendio in the K-Halloween post so you can also check that out.
Taeyeon last two comeback definitely got me thinking about Bear vs Man discussion that was going viral on social media last year. I really enjoyed the funk elements and theatrics of Heaven and definitely based in the SMCUniverse with the fish which callbacks to Naevis, the woodlands garden with hairy apples, the bear harken back to Super Junior/Red Velvet's Bear, and the last supper tables/round tables which I talked more in-depth on my Wordpress deep dives. The part of the video where she's staring into the eyes made me think of Twilight Breaking Down Prt 2 Michael Sheen performance as Aro when he meets Renesmee (His excitement lives rent free in my head lol).
Lisa's Rockstar sampled Tame Impala's New Person, Same Old Mistakes which Rihanna also covered/sampled it heavily years ago. Also if you don't know Rihanna is Blackpink's idol that goes back to their introduction dance practice a Rihanna Remix. I enjoyed NewWomen since it such an ear warm.
I watched Megan Thee Stallion's documentary with my mom after she dropped MEGAN: ACT I&II and I wasn't expecting the Strategic collab TWICE that it made Nayeon Blush from Mamushi Remix to Strategy. I was already happy with Megan Thee Stallion three acts Hiss, Cobra, and BOA which sample's Gwen Stefani's What You Waiting For. I really enjoyed Bigger In Texas, Bourbon, He Thinks I Love Him, Neva Play Ft RM of BTS, Otaku Hot Girl, Mamushi ft Yuki Chiba, Where Them Girls At, Rattle, Down Stairs DJ, Motion, Roc Steady ft. Flo Milli, and Number One Rule which I hope these songs make it to the Coachella set list and we get surprised guests.
Kendrick dropped Grammy winning songs from GNX for his latest performances which is under his new label that I'm literally ready to Squabble Up we marketing his next chapter and this is one of 4 top tracks from the album some people are up in arms about his recent performance at same time you can't make everyone happy at the end of the day (If you want to get into Kdot's work I highly recommend listening to Dissect Podcast by Cole Krishna and it all started with Kdot which really appreciate current West Coast hip hop thru To Pimp A Butterfly which is one of my favorite albums). Kdot never water down your message because it's not for everyone and it will always be "too deep" for them but never lacking in soul. Also so now Halftime shows Performers are supposed to represent the culture of that state now!? When did that become a thing (when the two teams, Philly vs Kansas aren't even from there either)!? Isn't that why the Super Bowl has Opening ceremonial performances that highlight performers from their for that reason!?
Doechii's Alligator Bites Never Heal with "DeNail is a River" and CATFISH made me an official Swamp Puppy plus I had been silently waiting for Deochii's since just clicking for Music Recs and I landed on Persuasive since it was going viral then I checked out Yucky Blucky Fruitcake and I automatic added them to my playlist and then What it is, Alter Ego and NISSAN ALTIMA became her next viral hits. Then she dropped Alligator Bites Never Heal that got CATFISH finally noticed for her Nosebleed Grammy status (she was interviewed by Cole Krishna if want learn more about her). Also she's been on Complex for her viral tracks. I hope Doechii gets a feature in the new Vice City GTA game. Also love that she's a fan of Busta Rhymes and probably Missy Elliot so Doechii will definitely continue the theatre kid legacy in Hip Hop. Also Baby Tate feat in Denial is a River sitcom series is just chef kiss because I seriously missed her.
Charlie XCX comeback was polarizing with brat which is in 2000s PC Music inspired EDM club scene music which captures that time period especially with Von Dutch, Club Classics, and 360 makes me think of my 360 line up number I got from aespa first showcase that they went on to do Whiplash while getting Cozy with Beyoncé's Cunty Silvery accents. I even had my mom dancing out to it at the gym. Her grammy win was also not televised or was presented during the red carpet which has happened with on occasion at award shows. Then my friends were reposting the toxic reactions from X that was basically pitting women against each another and the added factor intersectionality being at play as well even though they both won Grammies.
Let's talk a little about Beyoncé there's definitely a culture divide and people think she's "overrated" when her career spans close to three decades from CDs to Streaming became valued, multiple Grammies winner. Also saw some people White Wash her contributions to the Half time show specifically forgetting 2016 Super bowl performance of which the mainstream were calling it "too Political" since people have so much smoke for Kdot's performance when there was already precedence. And on a personal note she and Destiny's Child are pretty much apart of my music history growing up. I feel like Renaissance should have received a Grammy for Album of Year and I happy Cowboy Carter won a 3 Grammies (that's what Miley was referring too when she was presenting) but only main two were televised because that will reopen more doors that were closed intentionally.
I'm so happy for Aya Nakamura for being able to perform at the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris but I know so many French purest weren't having it but I hope for more success in future projects. I'm also waiting for Lous and The Yakuza's comeback but I know she's walking the runways so no rush.
Tinashe dropped Quantum Baby that ran lapse with Nasty then finished with No Broke Boys but the whole album really showcases her signature sound that I was over here still waiting on that BTS Collab that was brought up again with this album dropped but my other favorite track from the album is Red Flags.
Lastly, as for Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter and because I'm a native Angeleno so I hear them on socials and when I'm out and about. Chappell's Pink Pony Club is my personal favorite song since I've been to that West Hollywood Club. Good Luck, Babe! and HOT TO GO! feel especially nostalgic and HTG! harkens back to Hey, Mikey! As for Sabrina I think I've following her since Girl's Meets World and just waiting till she found herself musical voice with Feather, Please, Expresso, even Bed Chem and my personal favorite Taste. I really happy both are gaining more accolades and recognition.
Top 5 Predications for 2025
- Primary Years of Influence 1985, 2005; Secondary 1995, 2015.
- Artists: Quincy Jones, U2, Alanis Morissette/ Seal and Taylor Swift
- Genres: Electro Pop, Alt Rock and Ballads
- Fashion: Cargo, Bermuda Shorts, Tracksuits, Low Rise and UGGs
- Theme: Neo McBling Era - Colorful, Bold, and dramatic
- Pop Culture Highlights: Simple Life, Green Day at Coachella, The Ring II, The OC, Miss Congeniality, The Nanny, LG Flip phones, Toyota Prius S, VHS, Sony, Panasonic, Classic Rock, American Express, Volkswagen, The Original Girls Bosses of the 80s
My 2024 Top Western Taste
MVs of the Year
Long Plays (Minimum 23 mins)
Extended Plays (Maximum 22 mins)
Honorable Mentions
AB6IX - THE FUTURE IS OURS: FOUND
ATEEZ - GOLDEN HOUR: PART. 1
CHUU - STRAWBERRY RUSH
ITZY - GOLD
IVE - HEYA
KEY - PLEASURE SHOP
NCT WISH - WISH
OCEANFROMTHEBLUE - PAINTING
P1HARMONY - COUNTDOWN TO LOVE
J-HOPE - HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1
LISA - ROCKSTAR
RM - RIGHT PLACE, WRONG PERSON
ROSE - ROSIE
SF9 - SEQUENCE
SOOJIN - RIZZ
STAYC - ...I
STRAY KIDS - GIANT & HOP
SUHO - CHEESE
TAEYEON - LETTER TO MYSELF
TEN - TEN
XIKERS - HOUSE OF TRICKY
YENA - GOOD MORNING
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