Ok-Pop’s first technology is commonly referenced as the muse for the trade we get pleasure from now, however there aren’t sufficient good English-language sources that give its music the main target it deserves. I’m hoping to vary that with a unbroken flashback sequence, spotlighting private highlights from the period – each iconic and obscure.
The period in query is commonly thought-about to run from the debut of Web optimization Taiji & Boys in 1992 to the emergence of TVXQ in late 2003. The music featured on this sequence will largely match inside that timeframe, give or take a number of years on both facet.
It was a time of bonkers track buildings, wild style, slamming techno beats, unhealthy reggae impressions, flagrant use (theft?) of American hip-hop samples, hearty energy ballads, foul language, the growliest rapper tones you’ll be able to think about and an anything-goes scrappiness that’s not possible to pigeonhole. To borrow the title of a preferred second-gen act, these years had been the “massive bang” of an rising musical powerhouse, nonetheless discovering its footing and throwing every thing on the wall.
Try different “Again to Ok-pop’s First Technology” critiques right here.
Whereas techno was a passing development within the States, it was an enormous musical period in each Korea and Japan. For a number of years within the early 2000’s, it looks like each Ok-pop act was swept up within the techno craze. This style isn’t for everybody, however I’ve at all times beloved it and it’s enjoyable to have a treasure trove of music to discover.
Duke have an extremely stable discography. And regardless of their debut with the techo-tastic Starian, their work is definitely fairly diverse. From rock to ballads to funk to excessive power dance, their albums cowl the style gamut. It’s all held collectively by nice songwriting and the completely unbelievable vocals of Kim Ji-hoon (R.I.P). He began as a vocalist for the short-lived Two Two within the mid-90’s however actually discovered his footing right here. His howling energy notes on Starian are arresting of their undiluted confidence.
Starian occupies an area I like in Ok-pop. It’s a second the place ambition outstripped expertise, as evidenced by its hilariously over-the-top music video with its quaint pc graphics. Nevertheless, these had been the constructing blocks of the grand, high-budget Ok-pop we now know and love. Extra importantly, Starian’s insistent thump is such a delight. It’s nearly trance-like in its continued depth, providing distinction between speed-rapped verses and lighter pop melodies. Then, there’s that refrain and its elongated, goosebump-inducing vocal bombast. This group might by no means be accused of being too subdued!
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9.25 |
Grade: A
