I've been obsessing over getting into K-Pop lately. I kinda tried it before and got some songs by EXO but I didn't really get into it like I am now. Once again I find that I like this foreign music just as much as English music, maybe more.
I Now Listen To:
- EXO/EXO-K/EXO-M : sounds really good and is really popular
- GOT7 : new, has only been around for about a year, easygoing sound/feel
- Bigbang : made a comeback YESTERDAY after 3 years of no new songs. More rap/party, probably closest to American music but they are awesome. Some members make solo songs & I listen to those too.
- VIXX : really catchy but underrated
- Girl's Generation: girly/popular
- 2NE1: pronounced 21, girl power
- TVXQ : more oldish style/sound but still modern
- B2ST : pronounced beast, more serious sound/feel
There's a lot and I plan to check them out when I have more time. Everyday this week I've had some K-Pop song stuck in my head, but since I love it so much it doesn't bother me.
CONTROVERSY:
One reason why K-Pop isn't that popular in the U.S. is because it's "manufactured". These groups don't just get together. The individuals train for years on singing and dance and then audition and are selected by different entertainment companies. The companies usually have huge budgets so the dancing ,choreography, effects etc. in their music videos are awesome.
This is looked down on in the U.S. because people think it's all about money and the performers don't do as much work ,but in Korea and Japan it's accepted.
I personally don't think it matters. Not all companies are bad. I'm sure lots of American pop artists are just in it for the money and fame. I mean how heartfelt are you really when 90% of your songs are about wasting your money on clubs and alcohol (Many American pop artists)?
Isn't One Direction "manufactured"?
And years of training sounds like tons of work to me.
I'm not trying to tear down American pop artists I'm just saying that in the end, whether you were recruited by a company or started by yourself, music is music.
Why is it that less people comment when I ask for a response? I'd REALLY like to hear what you guys think about manufactured bands.
Last Thing ~ Maybe I'm just weird but isn't this music video just wild- in a good way- and doesn't the blond remind you of Tsukiyama (Tokyo Ghoul) when he's in that suit?warning: mild male shirtlessness.
Of course they're not all like this, so don't be scared away. Like I said, BigBang has a party feel & I'm probably just a weirdo for thinking this is the best music video ever.
