What makes a song sound 80s? I've been looking for answers and I can't seem to put finger on it. I looked at legendary Michael Jackson and Prince's Top rated song to see if there is formula. Coming the disco era where and funk music was still evolving see dance-pop become theme for crazy era of drugs and partying. The top songs of that era set stage by Marvin to Chaka. Some say the bass line and synthesizer or nothing, but the repetition of the drums and keyboard with a guitar solo make it classic. Currently, K-pop has been having throwback trend for songs with an 1980s flair. Again I will not bring up artists or songs like EXO or Bravegirls that I've already talked about in the pass. When I was doing research I found that english was used highly in these song lyrics. So without further adieu here the top K-1980s from your truly.
"Alone" is the first EP by Korean girl group Sistar. The EP was released on April 12, 2012 with "I Choose to Love You" and the title track as the promotional singles. The song gives off vibes of sexy but lonely in a club with the Hooing...Wuuing... that gives off that icon sexy iconic repetitive whaling. The song repetitive piano, squatting synths, and drums rift that make a very good jazzy R&B track.
2. Got7 - If You Do
Off their 4th mini Album MAD released on September 30, 2015 by JYP Entertainment. The song "If You Do" was used to promote the EP. This song starts off slow with very 1980s synthesizer sound with electric guitar that later picks up tempo with drums that highlighting the ups and downs of the track. It is essentially a dance-pop song or what today we like to call EDM. It's kind of gives off mature vibes of that of Prince's Purple Rain or just that 1980s teenage angst.
3. EXID- Hot Pink
On November 17, the music video for "Hot Pink" was released. Following the success of their previous singles, "Hot Pink" was nominated for a first place award on various music programs, and the group clinched their first win with"Hot Pink" on November 25 on Show Champion and their second win on December 6 on Inkigayo. The song heavily funk influenced of the 1980s with its groovy chorus and iconic James Brown "Hit Me!." However, it's 2000s hip hop style and repetitive bell makes it modern rendition.The arrangement is little different than their iconic hit "Up and Down" of which the song was influenced by. The song is very jammed packed with layers from bass guitar to the vocals that ends the song on an high note.
4. GFriend - Me Gusta Tu
The "Me Gusta Tu" was released on July 25, 2015 of their second mini-album Flower Bud. The song starts off slow with chirping birds and outdoors atmosphere along with a piano solo and synthesizer that is broken with a rad electric guitar. The song may be comparable to their Unnies Girl's Generation's "Into The New World." But the song is in your face vocals are floating around the instruments of strings and repetitive drums that make song sound very 80s. The song closes with synthesized beat back to chirping birds.
5. BTOB - WOW
Press Play is the second mini-album by the South Korean boy band BtoB. It was released on September 12, 2012, with the track "Wow" as the lead single. Cube Entertainment, said that the concept of Press Play is “a idea of the "play" button on a cassette tape player and the meaning of the title is derived from the indication that "BTOB play time is about to begin"”. The second track, "Wow", also first title track of the EP, was written and composed by Kim Do-hyun, Seo Yong-bae and Seo Jae-woo. The song is described to be of "new jack swing" style that fit the group's hip hop rapping style. New Jack Swing has repetitive drums, added recorded sound effects, and chorus that is highly addictive. The song could featured in an 80s throwback action packed movie because of it's high tempo and baseline.
6. MAMAMOO - Um Oh Ah Yeh
Pink Funky is the third extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Mamamoo. It was released by Rainbow Bridge World on June 19, 2015 and distributed by CJ E&M Music.It contains six songs, including the single "Um Oh Ah Yeh". The album was produced by Rainbow Bridge World's CEO Kim Do-hoon. "Um Oh Ah Yeh" was written by Kim and three of the Mamamoo members Solar, Moonbyul, and Hwasa. It is a "funky" R&B dance song with elements of 1990s synthpop. Lyrically, the song is about a girl who is in love with a man who is actually a girl.
7. Beast - Bad Girl
"Bad Girl" is the debut single South Korean boy group Beast, coming from their debut mini-album Beast is the B2ST which was released in South Korea on October 14, 2009. During 2009-2012 auto tune was highly used for vocals but because of the repetitive electric guitar and synthesizer it makes song sound very Neo-pop version of 80's songs. In addition, to it very slow to up tempo baseline makes it fit the current theme of 80s inspired Kpop songs that start with an introduction from one or more of the members.The video begins with the members dancing in a black room with blue lights (on the walls and ceiling). When it is Kikwang's verse, the screen switches to the members where they dance in a white room, also there were solo scenes of the members, at 2:24 the song stops and the members do a dance break what were set in a brown night dessert.
8. Wonder Girls - I Feel You
Reboot is the third studio album by South Korean girl group Wonder Girls. It was released on August 3, 2015 through JYP Entertainment. The Wonder Girls were more involved in the composition of this album, with each member having some writing and/or production credits on each song. This is the first album in years to feature member Sunmi and the first since the departure of members Sunye and Sohee. The lead single, 80's inspired "I Feel You" was a number one hit, released on August 2, 2015.The album musically conveys a 1980s-inspired style, incorporating genres including synthpop, hip hop, pop rock and dance-pop. It was well received by music critics, who praised its 1980s-inspired theme as unique for a K-pop artist and compared its music to that of Madonna.Its lead single "I Feel You" was released on August 2, 2015. It was mostly inspired by 1980s dance music. It peaked at number one on eight single charts in South Korea. For this concept, Sunmi plays bass guitar, Yubin plays drums, Hyelim plays guitar, and Yeeun plays piano. Despite the concept, none of the members actually recorded instrumentals for the album, despite learning to play the instruments and performing songs with their instruments live."I Feel You", which served as lead single for the album, is a K-pop/rock song heavily inspired by 80's music, just like their 2008 hit single "So Hot". The music video for the single was directed by Lumpens and premiered on August 2, 2015. It takes place in 1987 and is inspired by 1980s. It shows each member playing her own instrument and other scenes.
9. Seventeen - Mansae
On September 10, Seventeen's second EP Boys Be was released in two versions together with the music video for the title track, "Mansae". The song has very modern guitar and baseline at the beginning but fades out towards the mid point of the song. However, the vocals from this group is always great throughout the song with the rapping that was very well put together with the rest of the song. Chorus seems to be of recycle old and current arrangements. The baseline has a very groovy feel throughout the song. At a points of the song there is definitely a modern interpretation of an 80s artist's song. Please check out their debut song "Adore U" that also has a 80s vibe as well.
10. Infinite - Last Romeo
Season 2 is the second Korean studio album (third overall) by the South Korean boy band Infinite. It was released on May 21, 2014 by Woollim Entertainment. The album features thirteen tracks with "Last Romeo" serving as the title track. Infinite has become an icon group that has unique footwork that could be compared to that of their hyungs U-kiss but with the beats of the 80s sound in almost all their songs that could be from 80s soundtrack or TV show. It seems they have started a craze once again for that sound. Just like any of their songs synths, pianos and horns are very present in this here as well.
11. Kara - Damaged Lady
Full Bloom is the fourth and final Korean studio album (eighth overall) of the South Korean girl group Kara. It was released on September 2, 2013 with the song "Damaged Lady" used as the promotional track. The second track, "Damaged Lady" is an uptempo song that features influences from pop-rock and R&B. The music video for the song features scenes from the group's upcoming Korean TV drama Secret Love. The promotional track "Damaged Lady", was written by Song Soo-yun and composed by musical duo Sweetune, composed of Han Jae-ho and Kim Seung-soo. The duo has composed many singles for the group since "Rock U". Group members Nicole stated that it was about a girl who isn't mature enough to handle a break-up in a relationship and that many women can relate to the song. The song was released on September 2, 2013. The song starts off with funky beats with Ha Ra soft vocals than a repetitive guitar rift and piano than a strong vocals from Seungyeon which cause slowdown which continues throughout the song to create tension. It ends with a strong chorus vocals from the members with Jiyoung ending out the song.
12. B.A.P - Stop It
"Stop It" (Korean: 하지마) is a song recorded by South Korean idol group B.A.P. It was released as their third single album, on October 23, 2012 under the label of TS Entertainment. The song was produced by Duble Sidekick, who also produced Sistar's "Loving U" and MBLAQ's "It's War." The song is filled with synths, horns and good vocals.
13. Fiestar - One More
On July 1, the music video for the single "One More" was released. The song starts of with a funky beat that being mixed on turn table and an repetitive chorus of "Han Deo" [One More]. Yezi introducing the mid range track of which each member's vocals has a part in with repetitive baseline and other musical motifs like la la la la la la... The song ends with a fade out instrumentals leaving the vocals to continued in their repetition chorus.
14. Stellar - Vibrato
First let me say Please support this group they just came out with a new song 2 weeks ago called "[Cry]ing."
On July 20, Stellar released the single "Vibrato" and another controversial music video, gaining more recognition. The group responded to criticism of their revealing performance outfits with the explanation that "Vibrato's" sexy music video was merely meant to be an expression of the group's unique identity. While promoting "Vibrato", Stellar released a virtual reality clip of a July 27 performance. The video – created by virtual reality company Moovr that allows viewers to use their computer mouse or move their smartphone to scroll around a 360-degree rotating view of the stage as the four members perform. The song has very modern funky jazzy 1980s vibe that supported by the strong use of synths and strings. The vocals and production are probably one best I've seen from a group from a small company like this. But to be honest I've been follow Stellar [Stella] since their debut and their performances are always top notch. The song has nice twist with it's instrumental transitions in the bridge section and leading up to the chorus. Also, the vocals really hit you making you feel the robust sound.
15. Jinusean - Tell Me One More Time
Jinusean (Korean: 지누션) is a South Korean hip hop duo signed to YG Entertainment. The duo, which is made up of Kim Jin-woo (also known as Jinu) and Noh Seung-hwan (also known as Sean), debuted in 1997 and rose to fame with the single, "Tell Me." They are considered pioneers of Korean hip hop. On April 15 2015, Jinusean released "Tell Me One More Time". The song has old school but brought into modern day so that it's for every generation. Song starts off with an heavy synth sound that moves from 70s-80s to the 90s-00s.It has a very electro funk beat and smooth baseline.
Enjoy the Playlist.
~Seeya
1. Sistar - Alone
2. Got7 - If You Do
Off their 4th mini Album MAD released on September 30, 2015 by JYP Entertainment. The song "If You Do" was used to promote the EP. This song starts off slow with very 1980s synthesizer sound with electric guitar that later picks up tempo with drums that highlighting the ups and downs of the track. It is essentially a dance-pop song or what today we like to call EDM. It's kind of gives off mature vibes of that of Prince's Purple Rain or just that 1980s teenage angst.
3. EXID- Hot Pink
On November 17, the music video for "Hot Pink" was released. Following the success of their previous singles, "Hot Pink" was nominated for a first place award on various music programs, and the group clinched their first win with"Hot Pink" on November 25 on Show Champion and their second win on December 6 on Inkigayo. The song heavily funk influenced of the 1980s with its groovy chorus and iconic James Brown "Hit Me!." However, it's 2000s hip hop style and repetitive bell makes it modern rendition.The arrangement is little different than their iconic hit "Up and Down" of which the song was influenced by. The song is very jammed packed with layers from bass guitar to the vocals that ends the song on an high note.
4. GFriend - Me Gusta Tu
The "Me Gusta Tu" was released on July 25, 2015 of their second mini-album Flower Bud. The song starts off slow with chirping birds and outdoors atmosphere along with a piano solo and synthesizer that is broken with a rad electric guitar. The song may be comparable to their Unnies Girl's Generation's "Into The New World." But the song is in your face vocals are floating around the instruments of strings and repetitive drums that make song sound very 80s. The song closes with synthesized beat back to chirping birds.
5. BTOB - WOW
Press Play is the second mini-album by the South Korean boy band BtoB. It was released on September 12, 2012, with the track "Wow" as the lead single. Cube Entertainment, said that the concept of Press Play is “a idea of the "play" button on a cassette tape player and the meaning of the title is derived from the indication that "BTOB play time is about to begin"”. The second track, "Wow", also first title track of the EP, was written and composed by Kim Do-hyun, Seo Yong-bae and Seo Jae-woo. The song is described to be of "new jack swing" style that fit the group's hip hop rapping style. New Jack Swing has repetitive drums, added recorded sound effects, and chorus that is highly addictive. The song could featured in an 80s throwback action packed movie because of it's high tempo and baseline.
6. MAMAMOO - Um Oh Ah Yeh
Pink Funky is the third extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Mamamoo. It was released by Rainbow Bridge World on June 19, 2015 and distributed by CJ E&M Music.It contains six songs, including the single "Um Oh Ah Yeh". The album was produced by Rainbow Bridge World's CEO Kim Do-hoon. "Um Oh Ah Yeh" was written by Kim and three of the Mamamoo members Solar, Moonbyul, and Hwasa. It is a "funky" R&B dance song with elements of 1990s synthpop. Lyrically, the song is about a girl who is in love with a man who is actually a girl.
7. Beast - Bad Girl
"Bad Girl" is the debut single South Korean boy group Beast, coming from their debut mini-album Beast is the B2ST which was released in South Korea on October 14, 2009. During 2009-2012 auto tune was highly used for vocals but because of the repetitive electric guitar and synthesizer it makes song sound very Neo-pop version of 80's songs. In addition, to it very slow to up tempo baseline makes it fit the current theme of 80s inspired Kpop songs that start with an introduction from one or more of the members.The video begins with the members dancing in a black room with blue lights (on the walls and ceiling). When it is Kikwang's verse, the screen switches to the members where they dance in a white room, also there were solo scenes of the members, at 2:24 the song stops and the members do a dance break what were set in a brown night dessert.
8. Wonder Girls - I Feel You
Reboot is the third studio album by South Korean girl group Wonder Girls. It was released on August 3, 2015 through JYP Entertainment. The Wonder Girls were more involved in the composition of this album, with each member having some writing and/or production credits on each song. This is the first album in years to feature member Sunmi and the first since the departure of members Sunye and Sohee. The lead single, 80's inspired "I Feel You" was a number one hit, released on August 2, 2015.The album musically conveys a 1980s-inspired style, incorporating genres including synthpop, hip hop, pop rock and dance-pop. It was well received by music critics, who praised its 1980s-inspired theme as unique for a K-pop artist and compared its music to that of Madonna.Its lead single "I Feel You" was released on August 2, 2015. It was mostly inspired by 1980s dance music. It peaked at number one on eight single charts in South Korea. For this concept, Sunmi plays bass guitar, Yubin plays drums, Hyelim plays guitar, and Yeeun plays piano. Despite the concept, none of the members actually recorded instrumentals for the album, despite learning to play the instruments and performing songs with their instruments live."I Feel You", which served as lead single for the album, is a K-pop/rock song heavily inspired by 80's music, just like their 2008 hit single "So Hot". The music video for the single was directed by Lumpens and premiered on August 2, 2015. It takes place in 1987 and is inspired by 1980s. It shows each member playing her own instrument and other scenes.
On September 10, Seventeen's second EP Boys Be was released in two versions together with the music video for the title track, "Mansae". The song has very modern guitar and baseline at the beginning but fades out towards the mid point of the song. However, the vocals from this group is always great throughout the song with the rapping that was very well put together with the rest of the song. Chorus seems to be of recycle old and current arrangements. The baseline has a very groovy feel throughout the song. At a points of the song there is definitely a modern interpretation of an 80s artist's song. Please check out their debut song "Adore U" that also has a 80s vibe as well.
10. Infinite - Last Romeo
Season 2 is the second Korean studio album (third overall) by the South Korean boy band Infinite. It was released on May 21, 2014 by Woollim Entertainment. The album features thirteen tracks with "Last Romeo" serving as the title track. Infinite has become an icon group that has unique footwork that could be compared to that of their hyungs U-kiss but with the beats of the 80s sound in almost all their songs that could be from 80s soundtrack or TV show. It seems they have started a craze once again for that sound. Just like any of their songs synths, pianos and horns are very present in this here as well.
11. Kara - Damaged Lady
Full Bloom is the fourth and final Korean studio album (eighth overall) of the South Korean girl group Kara. It was released on September 2, 2013 with the song "Damaged Lady" used as the promotional track. The second track, "Damaged Lady" is an uptempo song that features influences from pop-rock and R&B. The music video for the song features scenes from the group's upcoming Korean TV drama Secret Love. The promotional track "Damaged Lady", was written by Song Soo-yun and composed by musical duo Sweetune, composed of Han Jae-ho and Kim Seung-soo. The duo has composed many singles for the group since "Rock U". Group members Nicole stated that it was about a girl who isn't mature enough to handle a break-up in a relationship and that many women can relate to the song. The song was released on September 2, 2013. The song starts off with funky beats with Ha Ra soft vocals than a repetitive guitar rift and piano than a strong vocals from Seungyeon which cause slowdown which continues throughout the song to create tension. It ends with a strong chorus vocals from the members with Jiyoung ending out the song.
12. B.A.P - Stop It
"Stop It" (Korean: 하지마) is a song recorded by South Korean idol group B.A.P. It was released as their third single album, on October 23, 2012 under the label of TS Entertainment. The song was produced by Duble Sidekick, who also produced Sistar's "Loving U" and MBLAQ's "It's War." The song is filled with synths, horns and good vocals.
13. Fiestar - One More
On July 1, the music video for the single "One More" was released. The song starts of with a funky beat that being mixed on turn table and an repetitive chorus of "Han Deo" [One More]. Yezi introducing the mid range track of which each member's vocals has a part in with repetitive baseline and other musical motifs like la la la la la la... The song ends with a fade out instrumentals leaving the vocals to continued in their repetition chorus.
14. Stellar - Vibrato
First let me say Please support this group they just came out with a new song 2 weeks ago called "[Cry]ing."
On July 20, Stellar released the single "Vibrato" and another controversial music video, gaining more recognition. The group responded to criticism of their revealing performance outfits with the explanation that "Vibrato's" sexy music video was merely meant to be an expression of the group's unique identity. While promoting "Vibrato", Stellar released a virtual reality clip of a July 27 performance. The video – created by virtual reality company Moovr that allows viewers to use their computer mouse or move their smartphone to scroll around a 360-degree rotating view of the stage as the four members perform. The song has very modern funky jazzy 1980s vibe that supported by the strong use of synths and strings. The vocals and production are probably one best I've seen from a group from a small company like this. But to be honest I've been follow Stellar [Stella] since their debut and their performances are always top notch. The song has nice twist with it's instrumental transitions in the bridge section and leading up to the chorus. Also, the vocals really hit you making you feel the robust sound.
15. Jinusean - Tell Me One More Time
Jinusean (Korean: 지누션) is a South Korean hip hop duo signed to YG Entertainment. The duo, which is made up of Kim Jin-woo (also known as Jinu) and Noh Seung-hwan (also known as Sean), debuted in 1997 and rose to fame with the single, "Tell Me." They are considered pioneers of Korean hip hop. On April 15 2015, Jinusean released "Tell Me One More Time". The song has old school but brought into modern day so that it's for every generation. Song starts off with an heavy synth sound that moves from 70s-80s to the 90s-00s.It has a very electro funk beat and smooth baseline.
Enjoy the Playlist.
Honorable Mentions
~Seeya
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