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 want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
Gosh, K-pop’s delivered a lot of Run Aways this year, hasn’t it? Maybe idols are trying to send us subliminal messages or cries for help? Whatever the case may be, every Run Away has been solid to excellent, so I’m not complaining. You all know my weak spot when it comes to pop music is retro funk. I worship at the alter of Miss Janet Jackson, meaning a sinuous groove and feisty energy are always at the back of my mind. That’s why the chorus of GOT7’s You Calling My Name appeals to me so strongly. And that’s also what makes Run Away an album standout.
If I’m being completely objective, the song doesn’t really do anything special. But, it’s the rare chance for GOT7 to break free from the swaggy posing and moody angst that has characterized so much of their post-2016 work. Run Away heralds its intention with a funky bass guitar, soon joined by additional percussion that helps to establish an addictive rhythm. The melody remains nimble throughout, riding the groove with charismatic ease. The chorus is a bit repetitive, but it’s balanced by a standout pre-chorus that strips the instrumental back to its most potent elements. Best of all, there’s no blustering rap verse or skrrt skrrt diversions to dull Run Away’s energy. It’s simple and straightforward, and sometimes that’s all you want in a pop track.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Be sure to add your own rating by participating in the poll below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lID-Zz0xacc
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Me likey. GOT7 comes across as very a polar group. I either love their songs, or I loathe them; there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground with me.
I think that’s because I’m not attracted to the members, so it all boils down to the strength of each release. Now with girl groups.. ..some of them could release a 3 minute track of them farting in an echo chamber and I’d desperately try to find merits in the performance.
Examples:
“Wow, those girls really put everything into that.”
“Your stans would NEVA!”
“I love it when they perform in their lower register.”
“I smell a winner!”
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Yep, this is a straight forward uncomplicated solid pop song.
Actually, it sounds like it could be a b-side (or lead single) for any number of groups, but it landed with Got7 and they do a good job with it.
That is another special you could do in your “free time”, Nick: ranking the Run Away’s. Or ranking the Boom’s and Baams.
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And maybe throw some Bing Bings in there while you’re at it!
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omg I was buying the new Nature Ooopsie song just nonw, because I am a sucker for the smaller groups, and there it was, a b-side named Bing Bing!
… Its just OK as songs go.
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It could’ve landed with any number of groups, but at the same time, not really, since Jinyoung (one of the members, not JYP) has writing credits on this one. While we don’t know how big of a part he actually played in the creation process, the point is that he did play a part, and if it had ended up in the hands of another group, Run Away could’ve sounded like a completely different track, for better or worse.
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