Feature

The Most Epic Weeks in K-Pop: August 18-22, 2014

The Most Epic Weeks in K-Pop - August 18-22, 2014In this feature, I zoom into some of K-pop’s most legendary weeks — short periods of time that delivered multiple classics.

K-pop is usually a Monday through Friday affair (at least in my time zone), with some weeks stuffed to the brim with releases. But, not all include multiple 9+ rated songs. Here, I’ll through some of these blockbuster weeks, day by day.

Other Epic Weeks: March 5-9, 2012 // May 6-11, 2013 // July 21-25, 2014


August 18-22, 2014


MONDAY: Kara – Mamma Mia


Still a staple on my workout playlist, Mamma Mia is one of my favorite K-pop singles ever. That crystalline synth riff is iconic, with producers Duble Sidekick somehow outdoing Sweetune at their own schtick. I miss this sound so, so much.

 Hooks 10
 Production 10
 Longevity 10
 Bias 10
 RATING 10

MONDAY: Orange Caramel – My Copycat


While not as strong as some of their earlier work, Orange Caramel continued to elevate their quirky dance song with this ridiculous earworm. Brass was all the rage in 2014, and My Copycat finds the perfect riff to ride.

 Hooks 8
 Production 9
 Longevity 9
 Bias 9
 RATING 8.75

MONDAY: Taemin – Danger


Taemin reunited with frequent collaborator Thomas Troelsen for this MJ-esque banger. It’s still one of my favorite solo SHINee singles. I love the way the chorus blossoms from its more constricted, beat-driven verses. This is another definitive classic.

 Hooks 10
 Production 10
 Longevity 10
 Bias 10
 RATING 10

WEDNESDAY: BTS – Danger


This was the week of Dangers! And somehow, they were both instant classics. This is around the time when my BTS fandom started to climb, which brings back many good memories. It’s still one of their most potent singles, perfectly blending hip-hop and rock. In fact, I think it’s time to upgrade it to “legendary” status from my previous review.

 Hooks 10
 Production 10
 Longevity 10
 Bias 10
 RATING 10

THURSDAY: JJCC – BingBingBing (Oneway)


I don’t know if many people remember this track, but it’s a good example of how even lesser-known groups were delivering quality during this era. The verses are a little unfocused, but that smooth chorus is a great throwback to boy group sounds of years past.

 Hooks 9
 Production 8
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.5

THURSDAY: Sunny Hill – Monday Blues


They really should have released this on Monday, right? Nevertheless, it’s a fun exercise in retro sounds anchored by off-kilter melodies and a crunchy electro beat.

 Hooks 8
 Production 9
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.5

OTHER RELEASES

Alphabat release a pleasant slice of frothy pop music:

Lipservice milk the brass trend with this catchy hip-hop track:

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7 thoughts on “The Most Epic Weeks in K-Pop: August 18-22, 2014

  1. Enduring such a bummer kpop 2023, it’s near unfathomable that all these smash hits were in one week. And geez Taemin’s “Danger” still sounds so cutting edge and fresh. The other tracks have a timeless, glouriousness but you can hear the datedness. for me “danger” is just all forces go.

    anyways I also am really happy Taemin is back from military service this week and hopefully soon we will have some new Taemin and Shinee singles to enjoy if SM doesn’t utterly drop the ball.

    Like

  2. It’s been a while since I listened to either danger , forgot how awesome they are. Mam ma mia never really leaves my rotation. I know the whole dance. Orange caramel’s my copycat is one of the best mv’s ever in my opinion (I like the song too). Lipservice’s too fancy is a very interesting piece of kpop history. I still find Anna’s addition to the group confusing, the video (that I look at with a side eye), and the humorous nature of the song. Granted, I don’t think there is another group like lipservice. Not to my knowledge at least

    Like

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