There are certain songs that best fit with rainy days. Maybe it's because of the pitter patter of the rain or the chilly breeze that blows the fallen leaves away, but there comes an aura with a specific melody, tone and voice that just fits so well with the environment. Everyone surely has an iconic song or two that they replay over and over again, especially when fall comes around. To commemorate the end of this season that approaches us, here are some of my Korean favorites, old and new alike.
1. "Rain" - BTS
BTS (shortened for Bangtan Boys) turns the idea of rainy weather into a rather bleak reflection of the self. On a particularly exhausting day, these lyrics can speak to your soul, both through the group's resident singers and the rappers' verses. The words just meld together incredibly well and, of course, the audio of rainfall is a nice touch.
2. "Empty" - WINNER
WINNER's debut song was such a hit that they won first place on music shows during their very first performances and were #1 on the charts for weeks. This was all within good reason; the melody and instrumental are soothing, making it a strong entrance into the Korean music scene. Again, the lyrics are relatable during specific points in life that you may currently experience or may look back on.
3. "Apology" - iKON
I'm starting to see a trend in these song choices...but let's face it: Somber ballads fit perfectly with the gloomy weather. iKON's most recent song takes you through the aftermath of a break-up. It's nothing particularly special or unique in its subject matter, but it's easy to enjoy regardless. Actually, the one defining point about this song is that it actually has choreography!
4. "Melted" - AKMU
This brother-sister duo swept the charts with their debut album last year, with "Melted" being one of their double title tracks. There isn't much to explain about the words because, well, it's pretty much open to interpretation. Take a look for yourself!
5. "Rain Drop" - IU
The "happier"-sounding song out of the entire bunch and yet its lyrics are everything but. Love can be cruel and fleeing, much like how raindrops disappear shortly after they fall. Despite her sweet voice, IU captures that dreadful feeling very well. In fact, she makes it sound a lot more ominous than it first seems to be.
6. "Hyukoh" - A Little Girl
Hyukoh's modern-day rendition of this Korean classic (of the same name, of course) is so new that the English subtitles have yet to be released. But because music transcends boundaries and languages, there should not be a problem with enjoying this song.
