Ever feel like going into hibernation for a while? Just closing yourself away from the outside world and the complexities of life and going full-force into lazy mode? Everyone feels this way every now and again, but unfortunately, life often doesn’t allow us the chance to give into these urges. Music can be a vital source of support for many of us during these times. It can pick us up and give that motivation and push we need to get going. K-Pop is a genre that offers so many songs to get you pumped up and ready to go. Here are just a few.
1. B.A.P – ‘Warrior’ or ‘One Shot’
B.A.P are a group that have given us more motivating songs than you can count (okay, maybe not THAT many). This is why we have chosen two songs, their debut track ‘Warrior’ and the later track ‘One Shot’. Both are about being tough and meaning business. Grr!
Plus, if you only have one shot at something, you need to get up and give it your best no matter what, that way you can live with no regrets.
2. 2NE1 – ‘Can’t Nobody’ or ‘I Am the Best’
Yes, we have included two songs from 2NE1 too! You have to admit that these girls release some very cool and tough songs. “Can’t nobody, can’t nobody hold us down” is a line that exudes confidence, pair this with the equally awesome ‘I Am the Best’ and you can’t help but feel like you can take on the world.
3. TEEN TOP – ‘Rocking’
This song is actually about the end of a relationship where both feel quite frustrated at how things have been, but knowing that they will probably get back together in the end. Not a very upbeat narrative, but the song itself has a crazily energetic sound. It is incredibly fast-paced and the beat makes it a great clubbing track. The choreography is also very fast and fun, making you want to get up and go.
4. Dynamic Duo – ‘Fireworks’
Dynamic Duo give us a very speedy beat here. This song is all about letting yourself go and exploding like a firework, just play and go crazy and don’t worry about the tough world around you. Choiza and Gaeko’s vocals are the kind that contrast each other completely and yet, still go so well together. They both keep the pace up in this infectious track, their rapping skills make many Western rappers pale in comparison. Just turn it up and enjoy!
5. BIG BANG – ‘Fantastic Baby’
This one doesn’t really have a message of encouragement as such, but of course, no one can help but get up and dance to this track. Come on, even if you are not a fan of BIG BANG, you at least sing along to the “boomshakalaka!” part, right? Get up and have a dance!
6. TVXQ – ‘Catch Me’
This song is all about breaking up with your boyfriend/girlfriend after feeling trapped and frustrated with them for a very long time. It really gives you the feeling of releasing all your pent-up energy at once and just running free. They tell the person to try to catch them, that they are done with being the one to try. As with many SM songs, the beat changes frequently from heavy beats to tuneful harmonies, much like the next song on our list.
7. KARA – ‘Lupin’
Fast-paced and catchy K-Pop at its best here. KARA show us a very cool and sexy style in this MV and the constant changes in the song from thumping beat to uplifting vocals really gives keeps you on your toes.
8. G-Dragon – ‘Crayon’
“Get your Cray on!” of course means to go crazy and have fun. This is probably a go to song for all G-Dragon fans when they are in need of a little lift. It might be a little like marmite for others, though the silly video must make everyone smile, right? This is a typical party track in that it offers a great beat and a chorus that everyone can sing along to.
9. T-Ara – ‘Roly Poly’
T-Ara are well-known for their often disco-inspired dance music, but this particular track arguably catapulted them into the forefront of the modern K-Pop genre. Unfortunately, scandals, rumours and the loss of one member meant that there have been many difficulties for them to surpass since this time. However, one gets the feeling that this will be a track that will be danced to for many years to come. Here is the first version of ‘Roly Poly’, which based its theme on the John Travolta film ‘Saturday Night Fever’. This version was then followed by ‘Roly Poly in Copacabana’, which gave a slice of nostalgia for the older generations in South Korea.
10. Kim Hyun Joong (ft, Jay Park) – ‘Unbreakable’
A perfect song to help you get through the tough times and carry on. SS501 member Kim Hyun Joong tells us that he will always keep going no matter what comes his way. The MV is steeped in masculine symbolism with the cars, fighting, Korean drums and images of dragons. Jay Park’s rap part is equally full of his confirmation that he is determined and strong. You really feel that these guys will get up and fight whatever bad situations come their way.
We really hope this playlist has left you feeling pumped and motivated to get on with life. Of course, it can be very hard to maintain this mood all the time and we all need lazy days, but for the times when you can’t, K-Pop can pick you up!
What are your opinions of this playlist?
Are there any other K-Pop songs you would recommend?
Please do let us know!
