B-Side Quest: Weki Meki and IZ*ONE

Hello, k-dreamers! Today’s article is dedicated to former survival show contestants apparently. While I haven’t been able to stomach another survival show since Girls Planet 999, I have to admit that many of these trainees are super talented. So let’s check out “Kiss, Kicks” by Weki Meki and “COLOR*IZ” by IZ*ONE.

Weki Meki – Kiss, Kicks

Released: 2018
Standout Single: Crush (#6)

To this day, “Crush” is my favourite Weki Meki song. It follows the typical format that kpop songs like to use, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I genuinely never get tired of listening to this song. From “Crush” we move onto “True Valentine.” This song is the kind of high energy music I gravitate towards. It reminds me of “Coloring Book” by Oh My Girl or “Heart Attack” by Chuu. Also, I love how ever since their debut, Weki Meki are always singing songs about being bold. “True Valentine” is about not wanting to wait until Valentine’s Day to confess your feelings to someone. However, we still get glimpses of vulnerability, such as in the closer “Dear.” It’s a twinkly ballad about friendship that highlights the members’ vocal colours well. Even though it’s only 3 songs, I would honestly listen to this entire album again.

IZ*ONE – COLOR*IZ

Released: 2018
Standout Single: La Vie en Rose (#8)
Listening to “Colors” straight after “Dear.” is quite the experience. The two songs just blend so nicely into each other. The melody when they sing “I’ll show you my colors” has to be my favourite part of the opener. After “Colors,” we get the bubbly “O’ My!” When I first heard this song, I honestly thought it was a bit over the top, but I can’t deny how infectious their energy is (and Yuri’s high note is still insane). Next up is the lead single, “La Vie en Rose.” This song will forever be legendary. My favourite part is the pre-chorus because it always hypes me up.
Things then slow down when we get to “Memory.” This song from the COLOR*IZ album has the lowest energy, so it probably isn’t something I would seek out. Even then, I related a lot to the lyrics. The energy kicks into high gear once again with “We Together” and “You’re In Love, Right?” Between these two songs from the Produce 48 final, I like “We Together” more. It’s New Jack Swing! How could I not like it? I will say for “You’re In Love, Right?” that I like when Sakura sings in Japanese. She has a nice low tone. Finally, we close the album with “As We Dream.” I’m embarrassed to say that I still cry 5 seconds into listening to this song. This is why I can’t watch survival shows anymore. It plays too much with my heartstrings.