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

I’ve never given N.Flying much attention before, and FNC Entertainment has made it particularly hard to do so with the band’s lack of promotions over the last two years. But new mini-album The Real has been a surprise summer standout — a jolt of rambunctious energy just when we need it. It’s a solid release from start to finish, but I especially enjoy when the band injects dance-influenced elements into their brand of teen power pop.

R U Ready is the last track on the album, and the best example of the guys taking a much more electronic approach than in the past. The song opens with its stickiest piece of melody, an easily chant-able hook that’s strong enough to stand on its own with minimal instrumentation behind it. The noisy verses are a different story, pulsing with a full-to-bursting blend of EDM and rap. They do a convincing job creating the kind of party atmosphere R U Ready is striving for. But more than that, the song feels like a template for the sound N.Flying should keep pursuing. The guys have the carefree, bratty charisma down pat, and could easily fill a specific niche of upbeat idol rock that groups like DAY6 aren’t really shooting for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRZ4xpHkOm0
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