IT’S BEEN an exciting time for Pinoy pop (P-pop) with new groups popping up that are looking to relish in the spotlight. P-pop is also slowly making appearances in the international scene—most notably SB19’s record-breaking seventh week at No,1 in Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs Chart last January 29.
With releases dropping so often, it might be overwhelming for the casual listener to settle into the growing P-pop world. Don’t worry; we’ve got you.
While P-pop songs certainly have their own unique flair, some aspects—from concepts and sounds, to the overall vibe—may be similar to popular Korean pop (K-pop) releases. To help you out, Vantage has prepared a list of P-pop songs to look out for based on the K-pop hits you adore.
ITZY’s WANNABE and KAIA’s Kaya
In the three short years since their debut, K-pop group ITZY has become known as the flag-bearers of self-love. We can’t think of better proof of this than the group’s second comeback WANNABE. From their iconic dance break to their monstrous stage presence, ITZY has proven to be even more explosive than ever on the live stage.
All these convince us that Midzys would love KAIA’s Kaya. Lyrics like “Be what you wanna be” emulate ITZY’s confidence. Moreover, the song parallels WANNABE’s formula of melodic choruses spliced with fierce raps, creating a dance-pop track that also includes a dance break. From the self-love message to the striking choreography, Kaya and WANNABE give teens the anthem they need.
GOT7’s Hard Carry and 1st.one’s SHOUT OUT
While GOT7 has released their fair share of bops, Hard Carry takes the cake in terms of timelessness, seeing as even other idols still cover the song. This is hardly a surprise as Hard Carry, with its powerful beats and dynamic performances, is truly hard to miss.
The same could be said for 1st.one’s SHOUT OUT. Right from the intro, the song bursts with energy, similar to how Hard Carry hypes its audience only seconds into the track. Both songs build up from rap-heavy verses to a calm before the storm, before bombarding us again with the chorus. Hard Carry and SHOUT OUT both leave us with lingering exhilaration—a feeling Ahgases definitely know and appreciate.
GFRIEND’s MAGO and BINI’s Golden Arrow
Speaking of lingering feelings, GFRIEND’s MAGO might just be one of the best (surprise) farewell songs of all time. A 1980’s disco style track, it offers a magical ride for listeners.
BINI’s Golden Arrow delivers similar disco elements wrapped in a groovy, empowering track. Nostalgia breathes in the hearts of these songs, emphasized with the mention of time in both their lyrics. Sabine Cerrado, the writer for Golden Arrow, based the song on friendship and prom nights—themes also found in MAGO’s music video. Managing to make you emotional and dance at the same time, MAGO and Golden Arrow serve as the perfect sentimental tracks to blast in your room in the middle of the night.
SEVENTEEN’s HOME;RUN and Adore U, and Press Hit Play’s Tell Me
The retro trend has been big in K-Pop and that does not exclude the boy group SEVENTEEN with their comeback HOME;RUN. However, as SEVENTEEN moves into a different sound direction, we cannot help but miss the group’s earlier pop serenades—most notably Adore U.
If HOME;RUN and Adore U were to have a love child, then it would probably be Press Hit Play’s Tell Me. The retro elements blend harmoniously with the cry to win someone’s love. The lyrics “Baby, I'm the one who loves you” will definitely remind one of SEVENTEEN’s “아껴 널 현기증 날 정도로 (I adore you, enough to get dizzy.)” For Carats who enjoy SEVENTEEN’s new sound but also miss their earlier love anthems, Tell Me is probably your best bet of finding a track that offers the best of both worlds.
Hwasa ‘s I’m a 빛 (I’m a B) and Mamay Entrata’s AMAKABOGERA
Despite being a soloist, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa has definitely had her own iconic moments. Although her previous releases like Maria and Twit are fan favorites, her bold persona is best embodied in I’m a 빛 (I’m a B).
Maymay Entrata’s AMAKABOGERA channels the same fearless aura as she says herself: “Umaapaw ang karisma (My charisma is overflowing).” Lines like this mirror Hwasa’s “I just want to breathe so I go no-bra.” From the strong vocals to Maymay’s in-your-face attitude, AMAKABOGERA goes straight into many empowerment playlists along with Hwasa’s hits.
Stray Kids’ 소리꾼 (Thunderous) and BGYO’s The Light
BGYO’s The Light might be the tamer version of Thunderous, but it still delivers the same angst and power to face the world head-on. As Stray Kids stay true to their identities and parade themselves “recklessly down the track,” BGYO takes this same strong will to try to “make it all better.” Both songs carry a soothing pre-chorus which fools you with melting vocals, followed by a sharp drop that almost makes you jump from your seat. This spontaneity is exactly what Stays and ACEs need to take action and “live in the moment.”
For K-Pop fans who are looking for something new, this guide makes it easier to segue seamlessly into enjoying local music. Like it or not, these new P-pop groups are beginning to leave their mark on the music industry; the P-Pop explosion keeps on expanding, and there’s no telling that it will fizzle out anytime soon.