Ok-Pop’s first technology is commonly referenced as the muse for the business we take pleasure in now, however there aren’t sufficient good English-language sources that give its music the main focus it deserves. I’m hoping to vary that with a seamless flashback collection, spotlighting private highlights from the period – each iconic and obscure.

The period in query is commonly thought-about to run from the debut of Search engine optimization Taiji & Boys in 1992 to the emergence of TVXQ in late 2003. The music featured on this collection will largely match inside that timeframe, give or take a couple of years on both facet.

It was a time of bonkers track constructions, wild style, slamming techno beats, dangerous reggae impressions, flagrant use (theft?) of American hip-hop samples, hearty energy ballads, foul language, the growliest rapper tones you possibly can think about and an anything-goes scrappiness that’s unimaginable to pigeonhole. To borrow the identify of a well-liked second-gen act, these years had been the “huge bang” of an rising musical powerhouse, nonetheless discovering its footing and throwing the whole lot on the wall.

Try different “Again to Ok-pop’s First Technology” critiques right here.

After H.O.T disbanded in 2001, some members stayed with SM Leisure and others left for various pursuits. Woohyuk, Tony and Jaewon joined forces to turn out to be JTL – a metamorphosis that will be mirrored by the formation of JYJ from the ashes of TVXQ almost a decade later. The trio launched a number of profitable albums underneath this identify, and I’d prefer to characteristic their remaining title observe right this moment.

Home music may now be thought-about a staple style in Ok-pop, however again in 2003 this sound was fairly uncommon and novel. Due to this, With out Your Love was a pioneer of types — a minimum of inside this business. It’s very a lot of its time, bouncing alongside an up to date disco sound that was fairly widespread in 2003 – particularly in Europe. This association is given a Ok-pop makeover, making room for a fast fireplace rap verse. The track does an amazing job mixing boy group tropes with its sprightly tempo. I like the strings that accent every refrain. They add such a way of richness to an already efficient melody. Hooks like this are simply timeless, whatever the underlying style.

Grade: A-