EXO M vs. EXO K Showdown (Unfair)

Unfair - EXO

I know, I know. I wrote about “Unfair” in my last Kaja Kaja post, but I had to write about it again! I usually don’t compare the lyrics of the Chinese and Korean versions of EXO songs, but I did it for this song. Well, it’s cuz this song is still my jam. It’s still on repeat 20 million times a day. 

Let’s compare the sound first. The Korean version wins in my book for the sound. It’s more upbeat and the words seem to flow better. This version is more playful, while the Chinese version is a bit toned down and is more like a thought process. I might just be use to hearing Chinese music with solemn and/or sad themes. I can’t seem to fit Chinese into other genres of music. 

Now, let’s go to the lyrics (my favorite part). In my analysis, I said the lyrics painted a story of a guy interested in a woman with a boyfriend. It’s unfair that the girl can’t be his because a relationship is in the way. That’s so scandalous right? But the Chinese version paints a different story and it may explain why the feel of the song is different. But the Chinese version illustrates a different story and it may explain why the feel of the song is different. The EXO-M version depicts a man unsatisfied with his current situation. He’s in love with a girl but he can’t be with her because she’s a God-given woman who’s perfect. I, without a doubt, prefer the Chinese version. 

I like the Chinese version so much better because I can’t handle the stress of knowing that my relationship is forbidden and I could be punished any second. I prefer the bittersweet feeling of forbidden love that requires me to prove myself. I kept thinking throughout the EXO-M version, “You are worthy, EXO! You’re also perfect! Just prove it to the girl!” But, not really. Cuz, I need to prepare my heart for my bias to be in a relationship. 

The difference between the Chinese and Korean versions makes me wonder if the lyrics of all the other songs paint different pictures as well. Are they depicting completely different stories like both “Unfair”s? I know it would be challenging to find the right words for each language for both songs. Though, I wouldn't think they would convey different feelings. I guess that’s the difficulty that comes with translating songs. 

Let us know which you version you prefer? Or do you like both versions? 

-Kristine 

OR

The Most Scandalous Song Yet (Unfair - EXO)

Unfair - EXO

EXO is slaying! Their music gets better and better with each album. I still think their last album was the best, but the “Sing For You” album is still pretty amazing. They tore apart my feelings in both albums. 

For once the title track is my favorite upon its first release. SO MUCH EMOTION IN THE SONG THOUGH. I get that bittersweet feeling of loving someone and not being able to confess (mostly towards KPOP and YouTube stars lololololol)

I want to introduce everyone to “Unfair.” My initial thoughts were that this is a song complaining about how unfair it is for the girl not to reciprocate feelings. I feel like it’s a journey towards eventually convincing a girl to notice the guy. I was thinking of the movie, Playing it Cool with Chris Evens when I first listened to the song for some reason. Was it because I watched it about a week ago? Idk. 

This song is so scandalous! (For my standards) I was in utter shock when I read the English translation. 

“Unfair” paints a picture of a guy falling in love with a girl, who isn’t single. GASP! But the girl is “selfish” and “unfair” because she’s a flirt. She advances on him when her boyfriend, who also happens to be his friend, isn’t around. His friend would curse and cuss him out if he knew the guy was having a secret, weekly rendezvous with the girl at the coffee shop. 

The guy knows it’s wrong, evidenced by the nervousness and several drinks of coffee. However, his feelings are strong. He desires her eyes, nose, and lips. They even talk on the phone too. OMG. What if she calls him while she’s over at her boyfriend’s place?! 

Since the song often mentions slowing down, I was also thinking maybe the girl just broke up with the boyfriend? The guy in the song doesn’t want to break the bro code and wants to wait a while before asking her out. 

Whatever their situation is, it sounds more like lust to me, EXO. Why don’t you fall in love with sweet girls, like Rhea and me? 

Haha jk. Let’s be real. This guy probably only feels like this way because he wants a little danger in his life. He wants excitement and a secret love affair would bring it. He is also interested in her cuz the girl is giving him attention. I remember reading somewhere on the interwebs that person A only likes person B because B initially had a crush on A. So basically, most of the time a person only likes another because there are already feelings established. And, who wouldn’t like it if someone gives you attention and flirts with you? 

The only thing I hate about this song is that the guy is putting all the blame on her. It’s her fault because she decided to cheat on her boyfriend. BUT, he’s in the wrong here too, you know!  He’s the one who decided to give in and doesn’t want to stop their rendezvous. He’s also become addicted to the situation saying “the trembling feelings tell me nothing else is important” and then he immediately calls her. Yo, you need some help! 

Even though this song is scandalous and the situation irritates me (I really can’t stand cheaters), my respect for SM composers and songwriters has shot up even higher. SM, YOU’RE DOING YOUR JOB WONDERFULLY (when it comes to the songwriters and composers). They are really communicating the message through the feel and beat of the song. Who would have thought that he song made me think of the “friend dates” turned something much more or situation with a guy being a home wrecker in Playing It Cool even though I didn’t understand a bit of Korean in the song? 

These composers and songwriters really showed me and maybe even you that music is a universal language. It communicates and expresses emotions and thoughts without any barriers. 

Please check out the song and read the translation, then let us know your interpretation or what you thought of the song. 

-Kristine

Everyday (What happens after GOT7’s Confession Song?)

Everyday - GOT7

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!! GOT7 is preparing us for the best time of the year with “Confession Song” and two more songs on the Winter edition of “MAD.” “Confession Song” is super cute, describing the process of telling a crush your feelings. The song has bells jingling in the background and an occasional piano phrase paying homage to Christmas. It makes you want to confess to your crush this holiday season, doesn’t it?

But what about the other days of the year? What about everyday? 

GOT7’s got you covered! 

I listened to “Everyday” right after “Confession Song.” I thought it was a followup to “Confession Song” because of the sequence and the similar background music. It’s even the second track on the album right after the promotion song. I was thinking that “Confession Song” established the feelings between the two parties, making them clear, then the guy can love the girl everyday. 

Upon my first listen, I would not have known it was a song meant to be on a winter edition album. The bells in the background sort of hint at a Christmas theme. Though, it made me think more of “Till There Was You” by the Beatles. I was reminiscent of the opening of the song, “There were bells on a hill, but I never heard them ringing… I never head them at all till there was you.” The bells also gave me a bubbly feelings, so this song had to be about falling in love. 

Since the title was “Everyday,” the song had to express falling in love everyday and doing it all over again each time. Like I mentioned earlier, I got a bubbly feelings from the song. I recalled the feelings I get when my crush (more like my bias) does something cute or when my OTP finally gets together in a drama. I smile all day and and think back to the memory. I also thought of young love during my initial listen since I associate bubbliness with falling in love for the first time. On the other hand, the song also had some snaps or claps. This made me think that the song was praising the feeling of being in love and also the girl as his love. 

I had to check if my interpretation of song with listening alone was right because I was very wrong about VIXX’s “Stop It Girl.” 

From my interpretation of the English lyrics, the two were friends first. She is his best friend and the most important person in his life too. I would like to think that he was slowly falling in love. He was slow to realize the meaning she had in his life. He has now come to realize that he is so lucky to have and be around her. He doesn’t deserve a girl like her. (Isn’t that the cutest love story?) 

I could tell that this girl is very kind towards him because she’s even there when he’s crippled or hurt. This girl is the reason for him to go on in life, and the thought of her gives this guy strength. Since he’s very lucky to have her, he will return the favor (for lack of a better phrase) and promise his loyalty to his love. 

The lyrics doesn’t say if they are actually together, but I really think they are. This has to be a song about best friends turned lovers. 

I really like this song. I might like it more than the “Confession Song” one. Though I might be biased because this is sort of an illustration of how I want my future husband to think of me. 

Please give this song a listen and let us know what you think! Please also let us know what you think of the English translation too! 

-Kristine

The Perfect Confession Song (GOT7 Review)

Confession Song - GOT7 Review

OMG GOT7 IS BACK WITH THE CUTEST SONG EVER JUST IN TIME FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON! To tell you the truth I was so excited for this repackaged album that I kept listening/watching their teasers over and over again and once the MV released, I was very excited and I knew that GOT7 does not disappoint! Everyone can probably guess what this song is about just by looking at the title. This song is about having the courage to finally confess to someone he/she really cares about. With the help of GOT7, they were able to help high school students confess to the people they had crushes on for awhile, but did not build enough courage to tell him/her. I really thought that this concept was very cute for GOT7 and they were very successful to break the awkwardness between the couples. I absolutely loved the whole concept, with the reindeer and bear heads and of course the whole Christmas feel (just because I am in LOVE with the Christmas season). 

As usual, GOT7’s vocals and rappers are on point! BamBam surprises me all the time, he is either a vocal or a rapper, either way he does a very good job in all their songs. Omg, the chorus though … doesn’t it just sound like angels from heaven!? Actually the whole song sound like angels from heaven just because everything about this whole song is PERFECT! The lyrics are just so adorable (even though it might be a little cringe-y to some people), but its just so cute and it makes me so happy! hahaha Words cannot explain how much I love this song, its just to great and I am so proud of GOT7! This year is most definitely their year because they released 3 albums all with amazing songs. I really hope they have the chance to perform this song because I am curious on how they would dance to this song. If they don’t have any choreo, its okay they will still look good standing in front of mics and singing. 

Overall, this song is just amazing! From the concept to the lyrics, this song is pure perfection, which I can’t stop stressing haha. They looked like they enjoyed planning this whole thing and I think they also took a part in writing the lyrics in their album, which includes 3 new songs! So if you haven’t already, go check out GOT7’s MV for “Confession Song” and listen to their other songs included in the album! Let us know what you think about the song and if you loved the concept as much as we did! hahaha Don’t forget to show your support for them by buying their album on iTunes or the physical album (they have 2 versions so just buy both)! Congratulations to GOT7 for another successful album release! 

- Rhea

Flashback Friday: I Just Wanna (F(x) Amber's Love Story About To Happen)

I Just Wanna - Amber

I am a huge fan of Amber. Tbh, I want to be best friends with her. I was really proud of her when she released her own album and wrote all the songs on it. 

My favorite song on the “Shake That Brass” album had to be “I Just Wanna.” I was waiting for that song for FOREVER. Ever since I found out that “Goodbye Summer” was actually the Korean version of “I Just Wanna” I desperately wanted to hear the English version. 

This song is so sweet. It’s about two people falling in love and just wanna be together. Both parties have mutual feelings, but they’re pretty shy about it. That’s so cute! The two probably complement each other and know each other very well because this song is about finding the one. They have been searching for each other for a long time! It’s adorable that they knew that they were destined to be with each other since the moment that they met each other. 

I enjoy the beat of the song. I always seem to sway from side to side when I listen to the song. It adds to the sweetest of the lyrics. I also like that the song along to is easy to sing to since it’s in English. I try to sing along with K-POP songs, but I only sing the English parts since that is my native language. haha 

When I listen to the song, it makes me hope I can find my future lover soon. I want to listen to this song with my future husband as we share our earphones and listen to my iTunes. 

Please check out the song, then let us know your interpretation or what you thought of the song. 

-Kristine

Flashback Friday: There is a Place (Where’s the place?)

There is a Place - Kris

Today is Wu Yi Fan’s (or Kris as he is known in the KPOP and Western world) birthday. What a better way to celebrate his birth 25 years ago than to write about one of his own songs. 

Even though he produced a song just for today, I wanted to talk about his old song.

I know that “There is a Place” is not a Korean song, but Kris was a former KPOP star. AND I believe that he took songwriting classes while he was training in SM. So, I guess this Mandarin song is sort of like a product of the KPOP industry. (That’s basically the same thing I said about Luhan when Reloaded came out haha)

I was really excited when I heard this song was coming out. I was waiting patiently for it even though I was having a very stressful week at school during the time. I remember I was with Rhea and our other friend when the song came out. We were walking from Target to school haha. I wanted to rush back so that listen to the song for proper wifi. Then, I listened to it in the cafeteria. 

I was not disappointed in him and I was really proud that KRIS FINALLY WROTE A SONG. I’ve been waiting for him to write lyrics for a song for a very long time! He mentioned that he liked to write lyrics in variety shows and maybe EXO Showtime. When I initially listened to it, I melted when I heard him sing in English. 

“There is a Place’” is the title song for his movie Somewhere Only We Know. The song is supposed to encompass the whole film. I don’t think that it does really since I have some problems with the movie. That’s another topic of conversation though and involves a lot of a bias from my views of writing films. Even though the song does not exactly match the feeling of the movie, Kris’s song is nice and heartwarming. 

It opens up with a few soft chords, which is reminiscent of the film, and is slow. I’m sure the song is a ballad and the slow tempo is similar to someone contemplating. In this case, it’s a person reminiscing about a place that is very special in this man’s heart. It is a place that only he and his loved one both only know about. The loved one doesn’t necessarily have to be a lover, the person could be a family member or any one special, really. Though it leans more towards the lover since the movie was a romantic one. 

In conclusion, “There is a Place” is a song about the sweet song that slowly warms my heart. I believe the place that Kris sings about is not a physical place, but the memories that a person has of a loved one. 

Please check out the song and read the translation, then let us know your interpretation or what you thought of “There is a Place.” Also check out Kris’s movie Somewhere Only We Know. Maybe it’ll give more perspective on the song. 

Finally, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRIS WU YI FAN!! I hope you have an amazing day.  

-Kristine