ISSUE 5
The ‘Bohemian Rhapsody Effect’ in K-pop
MUSIC
WORDS + SONG GRAPHICS | Catalina Nuñez Elevancini (she/her) ILLUSTRATION | Yi Jong (she/they)
When Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was released in 1975 it welcomed mixed reviews. But now it’s one of the most iconic songs ever written and a karaoke-must. It’s a glorious six-minute song that’s changed the face of music. With an unusual song structure featuring five different genres, three key changes, and a range of vocals, it feels like a mix of several songs put together. These elements are key when it comes to defining the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody Effect’, and K-pop has proved to be a genre that will always play with your expectations of what a popular song can be. So, let me give you a little lesson on the best experimental bops in K-pop starting from 2010.
Nu ABO – f(x) Released in 2010 by girl group f(x), ‘Nu ABO’ would be the group’s first experimental hit. With a tense and textured foundation that carries the song, bubbly and boisterous vocals and chants, ‘Nu ABO’ makes for an interesting first listen. It’s a banger, nonetheless, that cemented f(x) as one of the most unique and experimental girl groups within K-pop.
Sherlock (Clue + Note) – SHINee While this 2012 banger is known for its iconic ‘marching dance’, ‘Sherlock (Clue + Note)’ is quite literally a mix of two songs – ‘Clue’ and ‘Note’. Because of this, it’s often considered K-pop’s first “hybrid remix”. These songs feel unfinished as separate tracks. But when layered together, it creates a confronting, brassy hip-hop and EDM tune. Paired with a Sherlock Holmes-themed video and a slick performance from SHINee, ‘Sherlock (Clue + Note)’ is always an exhilarating listen.
I Got A Boy – Girls Generation Most stans will instantly say ‘I Got A Boy’ is the ultimate ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ of K-pop, with 9 different genres making an appearance in four minutes. It is the final boss and patient zero of the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody Effect’ in K-pop. Without it, a lot of the songs below might not have escaped the demo stage. ‘I Got A Boy’ showed that unusual song structures with various key and tempo changes could be crowd favourites too. And of course, Girls Generation sold it like the rent was due. P.S. When you listen, take note of Jessica literally summoning a tempo change with “Lets bring it back to 140”, meaning back to 140 in BPM and 1:40 in time. Her power, undeniable.
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