K-Pop A-Z

K-Pop A-Z Review: f(x) – Rum Pum Pum Pum

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Rum Pum Pum Pum (from Pink Tape – 2013)

Rum Pum Pum Pum is my favorite f(x) title track, and arguably the group’s crowning achievement. The song has everything I look for when it comes to f(x): a great melody, off kilter production and a unique lyrical conceit. In this case, the group compares first love with a first wisdom tooth being pulled.

The track opens with an addictive loop of plucked bass guitar, which forms the backbone for much of the instrumental. This is joined by two blasts of percussion – first an insistent kick and then something more akin to a marching band drumline. Over the top, we get a gorgeous pre-chorus that sees the girls performing in a harmonized round. The chorus fleshes things out by bringing most of these elements together as the vocal arrangement becomes more robust. Quirky refrains pepper the backdrop, and the track only grows more adventurous as it goes on. Its final moments transform into a rousing clap-along free-for-all, bringing a great sense of climax to the song. The fact that this all occurs in just over three minutes’ time is astounding.

 Hooks 10
 Production 10
 Longevity 10
 Bias 10
 RATING 10

~ Rest in peace, Sulli. We will forever be grateful for the incredible music and spirit you left behind ~

16 thoughts on “K-Pop A-Z Review: f(x) – Rum Pum Pum Pum

  1. One of the few songs I’ve heard that doesn’t really remind me of anything else (k-pop or not). It’s just so… wonderfully weird.

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  2. Whoa, than how did Rum Pum Pum miss out on the top 100? I guess the bottom half of the top 100 is semi-settled, with the songs their occasionally moving around.

    Also Nick, I saw that you did not add AB6ix’s special album to your album review page despite you reviewing every track on that, was that on purpose?

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  3. I remember when this came out and everyone thought it was weak in comparison to their more successful song electric shock, but here I am years later and still can’t get enough of this song.
    Seeing it get a 10 from you makes me weirdly happy lol

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  4. This is one of those songs that I respect, but don’t really like. It’s cool, it’s different, it’s fun, but I just don’t end up listening to it. The prechorus I like, the chorus puts me off. I’ll have a look at the lyrics though because that comparison sounds interesting!

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  5. I am oddly upset at looking at this , probably because of that fact I was hyping for that one “Legendary B-side”but nonetheless this is a strong track.

    One question though. Why wasn’t it in the Top 100?

    One More question: Is their a B-side which will score 10/10 for you?

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  6. I never really enjoyed the full song, the chorus just puts me off, is just a song i would listen to only if it comes on shuffle. Red Light is my favorite f(x) title track, i find it more exciting that this one

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  7. There’s a couple other singles of theirs I prefer, but RPPP will always be f(x)‘s most “representative” track for me. I think it really distills their overall energy and sound through the years down into one streamlined three-minute experience. It also has one of Amber’s strongest raps!

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