Red Velvet are queens of vibrant and whimsical concepts. Throughout their music career, their energetic pop songs have always topped the charts, but their versatility across different genres is another thing.
With the group’s boldness exploring diverse musical styles, we have curated Red Velvet R&B sets and songs with jazz influences. Get your speakers ready because these gems are worth playing on repeat!
‘Automatic’
A laid-back R&B and smooth tempo from this song marks the departure of the group from their usual upbeat style. “Automatic” is one of the lead tracks, together with the title song, for their first mini-album ‘Ice Cream Cake’ in 2015, which consists of six songs.
The overall concept of the song screamed sophistication from the five girls, accompanied by their emotive storytelling through their soulful vocals. It evokes the feeling of being drawn to someone effortlessly, which can be comparable to a poet’s expression of admiration.
Whenever you’re feeling lonely and have someone you sing this song for, you might wanna listen to it on a long ride or while looking out the window!
‘Be Natural’
Incorporating jazz elements with a sultry and seductive vibe, the girls have definitely owned their version of their S.E.S. sunbae’s famous track in 2000, “Be Natural”.
The mature and sensual sound was mostly built from the thudding percussion, prominent bassline, and smooth saxophone melodies, which added depth to the song’s lyrics. Aside from the sexy concept of the music video, the story represents self-fulfillment from finding another version of oneself.
In the latter part of the song, former SM rookie, NCT Taeyong’s verse comes in. His rap is not just a unique approach to convey the message of the lyrics but it also complements the entirety of the track’s vocals. This one-of-a-kind jam is about to blow your senses.
‘Milky Way’
Truly, calm songs are perfect to appreciate the velvety side of their vocals. The song “Milky Way” from their digital single, ‘Our Beloved BoA #4’, is another successful remake of K-pop classics. Their own rendition of the song added layers of harmony, syncopated rhythm, and impromptu piano riffs, which is a little far from the original song’s pop vibe.
If you are hearing this version first, it is dreamy and soft to the ears. The song’s theme tackles hope and yearning for someone from the past. The message of the song was accompanied by the girls’ blending vocals in sync, justifying how the lyrics should sound like— it’s dreamlike!
Whether you can resonate with the same sense of longing or not, you should not miss listening to it during your soft hours for a K-drama feels!
‘LP’
Fun bop from Red Velvet’s B-side awaits to be heard from their mini album, ‘The Reve Festival: Day 1.’
A contemporary urban pop, its finale track features a touch of bossa nova and jazz rhythms. “LP” is a song with a catchy melody to sing, but the surprising part was the bridge’s saxophone solo. Beware because you might catch yourself grooving to it!
With its lyrics about love being linked to the sound of a record playing, it explores the theme of a blossoming romance and the old-fashioned ways to express love. It is also timely for young couples to listen, in search of a more meaningful connection in today’s digital age.
‘Perfect 10’
From loud traditional percussion to a distinct use of electronic instruments, name it— there is no music style Red Velvet cannot pull off.
“Perfect 1” is an electronic R&B track from their second full-length album ‘The Perfect Velvet’ which was released in 2017. The song highlights the use of synths, layering of vocal harmonies, guitar riffs, and percussion accents that exude a feeling of gentle groove that unconsciously makes your head bang softly when listening.
Its lyrics have a unique metaphor of perfection through the lens of a camera, capturing the perfect moments in a relationship. The entirety of the song’s creative interpretation and musicality appeals to celebrating love and perfection in mundanity.
‘Eyes Locked, Hands, Locked’
Just one ballad song to conclude this playlist and your day would be all set. One of the underrated gems from the B-side can be found in the second ReVe Festival series!
“Eyes Locked, Hands Locked” is a romantic R&B and the final track from ‘The ReVe Festival: Day 2’ album. As the story tells an early stage of an intimate relationship, the song sounds like a memory of blossoming romance. Aside from its lyrical message, the girls’ heavenly voices are to blame for this!
This one sweet music can get you all giddy with its engaging narrative and melody!
From their “Happiness” debut to their future albums and singles, Red Velvet’s discography is a roller coaster ride of emotions. As we celebrate their ten years in the music industry this August 1st, your listening experience to these jams can bring you to another level.
We all hope to hear more of the Red and Velvet tracks in the following years. But for now, let us not miss their 10th-anniversary track, “Cosmic” and the whole album release consisting of songs: Sunflower, Last Drop, Love Arcade, Bubble, and Night Drive.
Wishing you all a happy listening!
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