Music analyst Hanteo revealed that the top digital songs for January were IU’s “Good Day” and GD&TOP’s “High High“, which ranked first and second respectively.
While these two tracks are of different genres and attract different fanbases, they share something in common – they demonstrate the artists’ grip on their music, and their natural flair for their craft.
IU took charts by storm with her impressive vocal talent, playing up to the music fans’ desire of wanting to hear an artist’s voice ‘as is’. MR removed videos, a popular ‘tool’ amongst fans, allowed listeners to scope IU’s natural voice and talent.
What’s ironic about success is that she secured it in an industry where auto-tune is considered ‘trendy’ and ‘modern’. IU went back to the roots of music with her famous ‘three high notes’, and many are of the belief that if “Good Day” didn’t feature those high notes, IU wouldn’t have earned the explosive popularity she enjoys today.
Meanwhile, GD&TOP went the complete opposite direction by immersing themselves in the electronic hip hop genre. They debuted as a sub-unit group of Big Bang in order to fully express their personal musical tastes.
Having earned a bit more freedom in both style and music, the unit came up with an interesting blend of club sounds that ‘revolutionized’ the image of idol groups. Instead of strict choreography, the two moved about on stage freely, to the ‘feel of the music.’
T.O.P expressed earlier that they wanted to “break the stereotypes of idols,” and the duo managed to achieve just that.
Though they focused on different aspects, they managed to accomplish their goal of showcasing true musicality. The two broke out of the molds that idols are often enclosed in by performing and creating music that doesn’t restrict their liberties as musicians.
Source + Photos: Osen via Daum
Credits: Allkpop
