Omona Original: 15 Best B-Sides From Male Artists in 2021
OMONA ORIGINAL
15 BEST B-SIDES
FROM MALE ARTISTS IN 2021
In the year 2021 b-sides were often better than the title tracks so let's celebrate them by exploring some of the best that were released in the last 12 months from male artists.
(As always, music taste is subjective and feel free to disagree in the comments!)
#15
SF9 - GENTLEMAN
With a similar vibe to 'Good Guy' SF9 were at it again with their take on polite seduction.
[💙]
Click to view#14
LUCY - ONE BY ONE
LUCY are a four member band more known for their use of guitars and violins but on this b-side its their use of synth sounds that stand out and set this track apart from the rest of their discography.
[💙]
#13
SHINEE - I REALLY WANT YOU
SHINee were back with their seventh album in February filled with great b-sides but it's this slightly retro and funky track that got replayed the most.
[💙]
#12
SEVENTEEN - 2 MINUS 1
Performed by the sub-unit of Vernon and Joshua and sung in English, this song hops on the current pop punk renaissance with success.
[💙]
#11
KANG DANIEL - DIGITAL
Largely overshadowed by 'Paranoia' and 'Antidote', Digital is a dark synth-pop inspired track that portrays his anger and struggles with online criticism and cyberbullying.
[💙]
#10
THE BOYZ - MERRY BAD ENDING
In contrast with the bright and noisy title 'Thrill Ride' this track is dreamy and melancholic.
[💙]
#9
ASTRO - FOOTPRINT
Astro are at their best with this bubbly and cheerful track that uses synthesised vocals well to give it a more mature edge.
[💙]
#8
CIX - OFF MY MIND
With a retro R&B vibe and a minimalist chorus Off My Mind is a great example of CIX's chic sound that sets them apart from most of their gen.
[💙]
#7
WOODZ - KISS OF FIRE
From one of the best albums this year, synths, percussion and a heavy bassline come together in this track to deliver a sultry vibe.
[💙]
#6
KAI - VANILLA
Vanilla features a lot of choppy instrumentals that could be jarring but with the use of Kai's soft falsetto throughout the track has a mellow and dreamy feel.
[💙]
#5
SEVENTEEN - ANYONE
Emotional vocals and guitar riffs make this a more mature and edgy take on Seventeen's usual music while still retaining their anthem-like sound.
[💙]
#4
PENTAGON - BABY I LOVE YOU
A funkier take on the bright and cute sound. Pentagon's usual dynamic vocal delivery means it has a light-hearted and playful vibe that's sometimes missing from similar bright offerings.
[💙]
#3
CIX - BAD DREAM
Dramatic from the beginning, Bad Dream uses a mix of synths, rock instrumentals and vocal distortions to mimic that nightmare feeling.
[💙]
#2
ONF - THE REALIST
Heavily featuring 80's inspired synths, electric guitar, falsettos and stylistically processed vocals, this song feels almost other-wordly and futuristic. The contrasting outro may not be for everyone though.
[💙]
#1
WOODZ - CHASER
This is probably the most heavily rock influenced song on this list. Including plenty of ad-libs, vocal layering, and a guitar solo at the climax, this track feels a lot like the 70s rock classics of the past but with a modern groove.
[💙]
HONORABLE MENTIONS
ATEEZ - TAKE ME HOME, KAI - COME IN, JEONG SEWOON - FINE, SHINEE - BODY RHYTHM, ONEWE - COSMOS, A.C.E - JINDO ARIRANG, WOODZ - SOUR CANDY, PENTAGON - THAT'S ME, SEVENTEEN - HEAVEN'S CLOUD, THE BOYZ - DANCING TILL WE DROP, TOMORROW X TOGETHER - FROST, ASTRO - MY ZONE, A.C.E - ATLANTIS, NCT 127 - LOVE ON THE FLOOR
omona, what have your favourite b-sides been this year?
(a gg version of this post is coming soon)
Sources: SF9, LUCY ISLAND, SHINee, SEVENTEEN (1, 2), Kang Daniel, THE BOYZ, ASTRO, CIX Official (1, 2), K-pop ASAP, LQKPOP, PENTAGON, ONF, WOODZ