Whilst the name 'K-Pop' defines and catagories the genre that is Korean Pop, the term is more generalised, for it doesn't truly explain the musical style of a certain group. This is especially evident in Girls' Generation's musical style.
Concepts
Girls' Generation's musical style can basically be classified as either 'bubblegum pop' or 'electro pop'. However, there are a range of styles and concepts which can be pulled off. For example, songs like "Gee", "Kissing You" and "Oh!" represent cute and fun concepts, whilst songs such as "The Boys" and "Mr Mr" showcase the mature side of the group.
Their style of music has changed since their debut. This is evident when looking at relatively recent releases, (such as "I Got a Boy" or "Catch Me If You Can"), in comparison to some of their classic songs, like "Baby Baby", and their debut song, "Into The New World".
Despite the differences, it is clear that the group is able to execute a wide variety of concepts. It just shows how much they have changed, as the maturity is also translated in their music.
Their style of music has changed since their debut. This is evident when looking at relatively recent releases, (such as "I Got a Boy" or "Catch Me If You Can"), in comparison to some of their classic songs, like "Baby Baby", and their debut song, "Into The New World".
Despite the differences, it is clear that the group is able to execute a wide variety of concepts. It just shows how much they have changed, as the maturity is also translated in their music.
Gee
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Watch Girls' Generation's music videos, and see the change in the style of music over time.
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Ballads
The group offers more than just pop music though. Their ballads are another area which has received high praise. From mid-tempos to gentle, soft tunes, the genre itself has its own range of musical styles. Becoming memorable tracks along with their 'pop counterparts', Girls' Generation's ballads also highlights the vocal range and talent from the members.
Adaptations and arrangements of songs as ballads can show how different a song can truly be, through the change of music and style. One of the most memorable examples would definitely be the ballad arrangement of their debut song, "Into the New World". What once was an energetic song, now a calm, slow ballad, it shows how the tone of music can drastically change, as it showing the maturity and change of style in the group's music over time.
Adaptations and arrangements of songs as ballads can show how different a song can truly be, through the change of music and style. One of the most memorable examples would definitely be the ballad arrangement of their debut song, "Into the New World". What once was an energetic song, now a calm, slow ballad, it shows how the tone of music can drastically change, as it showing the maturity and change of style in the group's music over time.
Complete
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Girls
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Remixes
When it comes to concerts, Girls' Generation is known for performing a strong lineup of their songs. That being said, the group sometimes even present remixes of some of their more popular songs, such examples being "Kissing You" and "Genie". In addition, the group also made a remix of Lee Seung-chul's 1989 classic, "Girls' Generation", in 2007.
Korean and Japanese
Although Girls' Generation was formed in Korea, they also have Japanese releases. They made their Japanese debut in 2010, with remakes of three of their Korean songs; "Genie", "Gee" and "Run Devil Run". In 2011, they released their first original Japanese single, "Mr Taxi". With more albums that followed, Girls' Generation started to create a difference in their style of music, when compared to their Korean songs.
The Lyrics
Though there are a variety of different concepts seen throughout Girls’ Generation’s albums, they all share similar ideas, evident in the lyrics. Songs explore/revolve around ideas of female empowerment, as the lyrics can impact the execution of the song, and the overall concept.
Writing Your Own
Along with their many talents in singing and dancing, the girls have also learnt about song-writing, during the many years of being in the group. The members of Girls' Generation have written some their own songs, (more than those which have been included in their albums). They have learnt a lot, to the point where some of the members have become solo artists.
"We believe that the level of participation in the creative process has increased over the years. In the beginning, we did our best to express and work on the concepts that were given to us. But over the years, we came to understand our music styles and how we can best express ourselves through the songs and concepts. And through this we were able to discuss our opinions more on what genre will sound best for our group and also write lyrics for the songs." - Seohyun
TaeTiSeo
TaeTiSeo is known for having more focus on the members' vocal ability, therefore creating a difference in musical styles, when compared with Girls' Generation.
Twinkle
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English in K-Pop
"Kpop, by design, is made to be successful abroad. To create that effective hook, it better be in English so that the worldwide audience can really sing along" - Dr. Suk-Young Kim, Korean Culture Expert.