Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

A few of the b-side tracks on CLC’s 2018 Black Dress mini album were celebrated on various end-of-year lists around the internet, and I can see why. To The Sky, in particular, was a rousing dance-pop anthem that managed to sidestep trendy EDM/trap breakdowns and go straight for the pop jugular. I’ve yet to feature a CLC “buried treasure” on this site, but that ends now. Their title track No is still as fun and charismatic as it was a week and a half ago, but I think Show is even better.

The song is a great example of how to operate within current trends without being overwhelmed by them. At its core, Show is a stomping dance-pop track, and could have been ornamented with any number of instrumental aesthetics. Its bones are strong, highlighted by a multi-pronged chorus that overcomes its chant-focused simplicity with fleshed out production and a sense of self-generating energy. There’s a bit of tropical influence, but it’s funneled through a barrage of sophisticated synths that feel much more timeless. Show actually would have made a fantastic single for fellow Cube Entertainment artists (G)I-DLE. In many ways, it feels like Latata‘s more propulsive sister. At the very least, CLC should consider spotlighting it as a follow-up promotion to No.