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.

In writing about The Wind’s H! TEEN earlier this week, I wondered if the song’s exuberance would grow tired quickly. That hasn’t happened yet, and I continue to be charmed by its cartoonish zeal. We can’t have enough pop songs about youth and running and friendship and rainbows, and luckily the group’s entire album is in this vein.

As much as e.one’s production suits the boys, their music is still at its best when spearheaded by that core KZ, Nthonius, Dint & Meisobo team. These guys craft two songs on the mini album, and both are great. They tease out that bold, early-GFriend sound so well, delivering open-hearted melodies and robust production that feels layered and fresh.

Friendship (우정) is a stellar example of this form, squeezing multiple ideas into its taut three-minute form. We have the rollicking dance pop of verse one, the triumphant refrain of the chorus and an incredibly effective guitar rhythm breakdown that fuels verse two. The song even vaults into an unexpected old-school hip-hop beat before segueing into its effusive bridge. The whole package is bolstered by a tonal optimism that’s guaranteed to get your blood racing. I hope The Wind continue to collaborate with this team for years to come.

Grade: B+