It’s been a long time since I’ve written one of these top ten lists. (Okay… it’s been years.) But what better excuse to dive back in than a tenth anniversary celebration? Red Velvet celebrate their tenth year this summer and now it’s finally time to take a look at my favorite album tracks and b-sides from their illustrious career.
* I promise not to take so long before publishing the next one! Most of the old lists need updating, too…
10. I Just (2017)
We’ll kick off with something slightly more downbeat since the majority of this countdown will feature energetic bangers. I love the warped vocal flourish that forms I Just’s hook and the halting verses set it up perfectly.
9. Cool World (2015)
You can never go wrong with an It Takes Two/Think (About It) sample, and that familiar sound brings us into this cool synthpop gem. It’s a late standout in the group’s incredible The Red album.
8. Hit That Drum (2018)
This reminds of what I assume a Zumba class would be like, and that could easily make it too silly and appropriative to work. However, I’ve always been a fan of intricate percussion and Hit That Drum has too much energy to ignore.
7. Aitai-tai (2018)
One of Red Velvet’s most straightforward dance tracks and the only Japanese song to feature on this list, Aitai-tai is a blast of cute, summery house music.
6. Bing Bing (2019)
Over an Edge Of Seventeen style guitar chug, Bing Bing exemplifies the colorful “red” side of the group. It sounds like a carnival, exploding with an ever-increasing sense of pop joy. (full review)
5. Look (2017)
I love when Red Velvet go full-on synth-dance. Look is a slick 80’s throwback in the best way, serving icy vocals and a percolating beat that’s retro without simply becoming a pastiche.
4. Body Talk (2017)
A stately synth-pop dreamscape houses one of the group’s most affecting melodies. I don’t usually go for slower tracks, but I’ll make a big exception here. This is simply gorgeous. (full review)
3. Huff n Puff (2015)
The Red is Red Velvet’s most consistently upbeat album and many of its tracks could have easily featured on this list. Huff n Puff goes one step further than the rest with its ultra-percussive sound and catchy chanted chorus.
2. Zoo (2017)
I count Red Flavor and Happiness among my all-time favorite Red Velvet songs, so it should surprise no one that the colorful, zany Zoo ranks this high. Everything about it — from the animal noises to the trumpeting synth to the escalating “Zoo! Zoo! Zoo!!” — is my kind of bonkers K-pop. It’s a total summer classic. (full review)
1. You Better Know (2017)
I often wonder why more K-pop groups don’t embrace this kind of big-voiced EDM anthem. I’ve come to think it’s because many of them just don’t have the vocals needed to pull it off. You Better Know is surging and cathartic and absolutely massive. And at a whopping 4+ minutes, it allows itself to luxuriate in its extended rush of euphoria. The second half goes absolutely off. (full review)