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.
Perhaps my favorite aspect about SuperM’s mini album is that it feels distinctly SM, down to the producers and composers selected to craft the music. Rather than twist themselves to fit within the American music market, it’s like Lee Soo Man decided he wanted to show the world what SM Entertainment history was all about — warts and all.
While lead single Jopping fits firmly within the agency’s self-created SMP genre, I Can’t Stand The Rain tugs in new directions. My eyes lit up when I saw that the song was a collaboration between legendary producers Kenzie and Thomas Troelsen, each of whom are responsible for some of my favorite K-pop tracks ever.
I can’t even tell you how refreshing I find Rain’s percussion. In a K-pop world that’s flush with trap, EDM and tropical, the big drums here feel so vital and exciting. The track plays like a piece of theater, fusing traditional instrumentation with an arrangement designed for visual performance. The balance between rap and vocals is much better than Jopping, and the song takes fuller advantage of the members’ individual talents. Baekhyun’s vocals get plenty of spotlight, delivered in a high register that works surprisingly well during the chorus. Taemin is even more entrancing during the bridge, which builds to a stirring blend of drum beats and chanted backing vocals.
I’ve seen more people raving about the (also solid) album track 2 Fast, but I’m all about Rain’s big, bombastic drama. SuperM’s unique configuration gives them license to go over the top in a way that few other K-pop groups would. I Can’t Stand The Rain takes this freedom and runs with it.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
Be sure to add your own rating by participating in the poll below!
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Dammit, I need to stop opening these boy group reviews and clicking on the video links because I’m seriously starting to question the exclusivity clause of my “Girl Groups Only” lifetime membership.
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So, you’re saying you *can* stand the rain? 😉
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I’m 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 {shh, they may be listening} that when it comes to boy bands, I usually don’t care whether the weather is bitter or better, but if these posts continue to affect me, then I’m going to need a bigger umbrella.
P.S. The above is code-speak for “maaaaybeee?!?!?”
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Join us multi-stan here, we have all the good boy group AND girl group
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I wish i could delete an accidental comment…..
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Deleted it for you… at least I hope it was the one you wanted deleted!
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Also the instrumental to this song is QUALITY, that’s another way you know it’s good.
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I remember recommending this song on other site too. I’m a sucker for the thundering “war” drum
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I hate how fans keep comparing this song with Ten’s Dream In A Dream and slandering the former. Ten’s solo was more mellow while this b-side is more ambitious with its instrumental. I think both songs aren’t meant to be compared with each other or to compete; they’re both good, let them be jeez.
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This absolutely nails every aspect of this song that I enjoy. Namely, one aspect… which is the drums. There’s such an organic sound to them, even the instrumental for it stands on its own as a hypnotising piece of pop. Less 808s pls kpop. More like this.
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I knew you’d pick this one as your buried treasure (we have similar tastes)! The drums and low, tribal vocalizations gave me the epic vibes of El Dorado. I love the inclusion of the melancholy (Chinese? Korean?) string instrument in the pre-chorus/chorus. All in all, I’m a sucker for theatricality, and this song has plenty of it.
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I believe the instrumental really hard-carries this song. It’s fresh and different from most of what’s popular among kpop boygroups now, so that is definitely a plus. However, I believe the vocal performances were some of the weakest of all those involved – Baekhyun and Taemin especially. The chorus is so unpleasant and grating that I have made it through the entire song only about 4-5 times. I don’t think I could ever venture back. The first time I heard it, I was wondering if perhaps recommending they re-record was an option. I’d give this song a 7 at best, and only because of the compelling instrumental.
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