AOA have been quiet on the front ever since Choa's departure from the group. Personally I've kept any hopes about their return at a minimum, because Choa was literally carrying this group on her back with her voice (and I guess Jimin and her army of "hey"). Some comeback will probably happen but the writing is on the wall. With their end nearing, it's time to take a look at their discography and pick the best of their best.
#7. Elvis
Kicking us off is the song that kicked AOA off. While "Elvis" has not aged particularly well the song accomplished what it needed to: give us an early taste of what this group had to offer. Back in these days there was still legitimacy points in AOA going after that band concept. The band rocks (heh) and despite the raw sound of every member - even Choa - you could see the potential in her, Jimin, and Yuna.
#6. Moya
A year later, AOA Black (rest in peace for this subunit) would make their debut, flaunting the core trio of Choa, Jimin, and Yuna. Mina made a support appearance as did Youkyung (shoutouts to this girl for putting up with all the bullshit over the years) but really the former three were the star of the show. "Moya" is laid-back and that element lets the band instrumentals shine through. It also lends to Jimin's performance in the rapping department, which to this day is still one of her best showings. Ultimately "Moya" was a treat but the failure of FNC to follow on this concept is a crime.
#5. Flame
With formalities out of the way here's where we get to the really good tracks. Choa's one and only solo track was a ballad and a powerful one at that. By this point in 2015 everyone already knew she was the one that kept AOA relevant in terms of their music. Seolhyun might have skyrocketed into superstardom but you still needed to release good music, which Choa certainly did her part. "Flame" is delightfully sorrow and Choa's emotion is contagious as she runs through the chorus and bridge. Yet another crime (or is it shame) that we won't have anymore Choa in our futures.
#4. Heart Attack
"Heart Attack" is the most recent great track from AOA. That might not sound like much as there's only been three group releases since but that was over two and a half years ago. Even though the choreography had some...interesting moments, it put the focus on their gorgeous legs and the linked choreography version shows this might be the song that is closest to rivaling Girls' Generation's "Genie" in the leg focus. Choa does more work as usual, What slows "Heart Attack" down is the barrage of "hey"s and male backing voices. The instrumental is dope and would've been better without those two things. Sidenote: I didn't know they recorded a Chinese version of this song. It sounds awful in Mandarin though.
#3. Confused
There's nothing confusing about it. "Confused" is one of AOA's best songs in multiple aspects. The addictive hook is there, Jimin's flighty rapping is there, and more vocal strength from Choa is there. This might actually be the top choreography AOA has ever sported, and although that's up for debate, what isn't is the foundation "Confused" set for their iconic 2014 run. "Miniskirt," "Short Hair," and "Like A Cat" all capitalized on the formula that made "Confused" a great song. For that, leaving it outside of the top three spots would be disrespectful.
#2. Get Out
If "Get Out" was released after their 2014 run I think they'd have pulled in even more fans. "Get Out" fused the new-age AOA with the debut era AOA, emphasizing the choreography for the first time while keeping Youkyung and the band around for that instrumental goodness. Jimin delivers another solid rap performance and Choa's work towards the end of the song is underappreciated. The various character motifs portrayed by each member in the MV were a cute touch.
#1. Miniskirt
When you look the best and sound the best, you are unquestionably the best. That is what AOA found in "Miniskirt" in 2014. Sultry vocals from the whole team, a complimentary rap game from Jimin (featuring Mina and Chanmi), and off-the-chart visuals across the board (members, dance, MV) made "Miniskirt" a masterpiece. The song is one of the best from that year for a reason. Bonus, the choreography as extremely eye-pleasing, and the entire group never looked better both individually and as a group. This was AOA at the height of their powers, therefore the song that really started everything for them earns the top spot.
No comments:
Post a Comment