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.

I’m in the market for a fun, frothy girl group summer smash. In fact, I’ve been stuck in this damn market since Sistar disbanded. K-pop summers used to be synonymous with their sound, and no current group seems willing to consistently pick up that mantle. I mention this because Weki Meki’s Moya Moya (enough with the repetition, girls!!) comes close to rekindling these same sparks. It’s not quite as buoyantly upbeat as classics like Loving U, Shake It or Touch My Body, but it employs that same hazy pop goodness.

Moya Moya fixes almost every issue I had with Weki Meki’s latest title track Oopsy. Where that song turned to sing-talk phrasing rather than actual melody, Moya is all melody. From its verses to the shimmering, sunny chorus, the track thrives on a sense of purposeful construction. There are no wasted moments – just catchy hook after catchy hook. The girls sound great, freed from the constraints to act overly cute or bratty. Even the expected chants feel more natural than usual.

The entire track grooves on a synth-fueled rhythm that becomes especially sticky during the chorus. In between, Weki Meki deliver some great vocal moments, highlighted by perfectly placed falsetto that’s every bit as airy as you’d hope for. Moya Moya is yet another song to add to 2020’s long list of b-sides that are far superior to their accompanying title track.

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