A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. 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.
I’m one of those weird people who listens to pretty much every major K-pop album, regardless of whether I enjoy the title track or not. However, I know not everyone is that insane! This makes title tracks very important, as they offer a gateway to the rest of the project. In playing things too safe with Killin’ It, P1Harmony may have turned off some potential fans.
Their full album is much stronger and more varied than Killin’ It would suggest. To me, they promoted one of the worst songs on the entire project. I’m much more enthused by the genre hybrids that come later in the track list. In particular, the stretch of songs from Countdown To Love to Let Me Love You is pretty stellar. I could have easily featured any of these songs as a Buried Treasure.
I decided to go with the track that kicks off this winning streak. Countdown To Love is a cool rock/hip-hop hybrid that takes advantage of the group’s great vocal textures and playful energy. There are a few jarring breakdowns I’m not crazy about, but the rollicking chorus compensates with a series of strong hooks. The vocal performance is particularly fun, bringing an extra flair to help the track stand out. I’d love to hear P1Harmony pursue this upbeat sound on future title tracks so a wider audience can appreciate what they’re capable of.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I used to think that I wanted them to do another title track like Scared (which I still think is their best title track) but that sound is pretty dated now. Something like Countdown to Love would also show that they’re able to take on a more sophisticated sound, now that the two youngest members are almost out of their teens. I thought this was a really strong album, hopefully it’ll chart on Billboard like the last one.
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I totally agree. Killin It was good and fun but I feel like it makes sense that it’s the title track because I feel like kpop right now is very… strange? So many songs aren’t hitting 2:30, some songs are missing a catchy bridge and it all feels really safe. Still loving this kpop generation though. I crave something risky.
I expected the whole album to be similar to Killin It though, and then I heard Countdown to Love and it just hit different, in a good way. I’m glad the album as a whole feels like they found their sound that works for them and I hope this gives them the recognition and fans needed because stanning P1HARMONY is just so much fun.
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Could you do a Top 50 K-Pop Songs list for 2014? I really like your Top Songs of the Year posts but noticed that one for 2014 didn’t exist. 2014 definitely deserves a post considering the year had great releases like PLAY by AKMU, CRUSH by 2NE1 and 2014 S/S by WINNER, to name a few.
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It’s honestly been on my list for years and I’ll get to it eventually I’m sure. It was a great year!
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Thank you so much for making a buried treasure on this because I would’ ve missed out on a great song otherwise.
The difference between this song and the title track is STAGGERING.
I am baffled, flabbergasted, bamboozled etc. as to why on earth you would pick Killin’ It as a title track when you have this?! It has plenty of energy and ‘showy moments’ (for cool MV shots) to be a title and is far more memorable.
Is someone trying to sabotage these guys’ career?
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Didn’t hate Killin it, but wasn’t going to return to it either. Now this, this deserves returning definitely. When I look at it, Killin it is such an unsurprising title track for current trends, while Countdown would have had people scratching their head a bit..
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I love Killin It (didn’t they just get their first music show win with it?), but Everybody Clap is probably my favorite song from the album.
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