Musical Monday – No Chemical Reaction

There really aren’t enough adjectives to accurately describe kpop groups and idols. I mean, how many times can you say ‘he’s gorgeous!’ or ‘She’s stunning,’ when trying to differentiate between members of the same group? I’ve tried to have a solid conversation saying things like ‘he has the voice of an angel’ and ‘she’s so insanely talented,’ but those statements are somewhat meaningless when they can be used to describe nearly all of the artists we get all swoony over. Knowing this, recognizing the sheer breadth and depth of beauty and skill in the industry, I am flabbergasted that we are ever able to choose favorites – that we can bias groups let alone members. 

What is it about some groups that connect with us as individuals while others just don’t make the cut? 

Alix and I decided to talk a little this week about groups that we don’t actually feel a strong connection to. Well, to be honest, my suggestion was that we each write about a song we like by a group that we don’t like. Unfortunately, neither of us could really come up with a group that we actively dislike, so the topic shifted to this kinder, gentler version that is, quite frankly, more palatable to me anyway. 

I, obviously, have a general type when it comes to aesthetics and genre, we all do, that’s why we’re here.  But there are plenty of groups that fit that bill. This begs the question of WHY do we have chemistry with some and not with others. I spend an inordinate amount of time pondering this mystery, but I don’t have an answer. I only barely have theories and they involve red strings and past lives and parallel universes. 

For this week’s theme, I have chosen to talk about a group that for some inexplicable reason just doesn’t do it for me – GOT7. I’ve written about them before because, while they don’t turn my crank, they are just as gorgeous and talented as any of the groups out there – even more so than some. They’ve obviously got some sticking power as they’ve been around the block a few times, have some great songs, put out some fab sub unit songs and solo work, and do some pretty neat-o choreo. But for whatever reason, they aren’t for me. I don’t count down to their comebacks and I don’t go out of my way to watch their variety. I don’t have a bias member. But you know what, lots and lots of people do and I’m glad that’s the case. The group deserves all the love they receive.

That all being said, their most recent release, Not By the Moon, is a damned delight. The heavily synthed backing track behind crisp vocals is super pleasant and reminiscent of some of my other fav songs in the past year. There are tiny sounds and notes in the music that you miss if you’re not paying very close attention that adds some richness and texture to the song. The track is very danceable – and for a group known for their dancing, that’s a solid point in the good column. The whole thing feels a little like a story trying to be told – like a prince going off to battle something vicious for the honor of his kingdom – or something like that. That is STRAIGHT up my alley. So as a fan of a good musical story, I’m enjoying it immensely. But while I, with other songs by other groups, might draw pictures in my mind about the artists living some grand experience with their song as the soundtrack, for this group, and a hand full of others, I’m prone to thinking about something else because…who knows why. 

Not By the Moon, GOT7