#7. Would U
The problem with deciding on seven or ten songs as the standard for these posts is that sometimes a group only has so many songs I'd classify as good. In this instance, "Would U" barely beats out "Dumb Dumb" for the first appearance. "Would U" is not a traditional song as it sort of blends a mid-tempo beat with beautiful ballad vocals, but I like it. If you didn't think every member in Red Velvet could sing, this would be the introductory course. They also have an actual good rap break that is both not awkward and transitions in and out of the track. Lastly, Irene is a natural visual treasure. She's flawless as fuck in the MV.
#6. Be Natural
Truth be told, I want this song to be way higher up on the list. This strong performance showcasing their dual threat (even though their dance track capability had not yet been fully realized) has significant weight in their history. Doubly so when you realize this was their first comeback. Sensual vocals and chair choreography should be more than enough to propel this song towards the top. But ultimately I cannot give it that honor. First and foremost, this song isn't a new creation, but a cover of S.E.S. Plus they didn't really alter the song much either - just kept it up to modern times. And of course we have to talk about the disaster of a feature in Taeyong's rap break. We now know he's a solid rapper from his NCT material but this was not a pleasant start for him. It's all over the place and the cringe English doesn't help. Promise you that the "Be Natural" in my library has the rap edited out.
#5. Red Flavor
Last summer during a Blitz piece I gave "Red Flavor" a 90 but upon further review, I had to knock the song down a couple pegs. For starters that instrumental really can be jarring at times, and out of all their dance tracks - besides their debut which shall not be named - this definitely has the weakest one by far. Then they double down on that weakness by letting it run between chorus and verse. Lord knows what those noises are supposed to be. Nonetheless the strengths of the song still exist: a short but succinct rap break, emphatic vocals from Wendy and Seulgi, and an energetic choreography make for quite the...flavorful track.
#4. Ice Cream Cake
S.M. were so smart. If you add a new member to Red Velvet and then have everyone be blonde, they'll be difficult to spot! Also when are they all going to be redheads? Jokes aside, "Ice Cream Cake" would be the best dance track / aspect of the group for a couple years, and is only beat by their slow jams and the successor to "Ice Cream Cake." The rapping is extremely forgettable but that's been the standard rather than the exception for Red Velvet's material. All that matters is the song is catchy and the choreography is excellent, which ICC delivers on both fronts. It may still actually be the favorite Red Velvet dance out there.
#3. Automatic
Ahh, this is what "Be Natural" would be without the aforementioned problems. R&B vibes are off the chain, sublime vocals, and no awful rapping. It's the music like "Automatic" that showed Red Velvet had staying power no matter which direction they chose. Granted the song doesn't really go anywhere but does it need to? This is a gorgeous lullaby and another important milestone in their career with Yeri's addition. Again, even though her dynamic as a supporting vocalist had not yet been utilized correctly. Honestly who even complained when Yeri got added to the group when they released songs like this and "Ice Cream Cake." People can be so cruel.
#2. Peek-A-Boo
Like I said, "Ice Cream Cake" used to be the best dance track of the group. It withstood three challengers ("Dumb Dumb," "Russian Roulette," and "Rookie") before finally losing out to "Peek-A-Boo." The Best Of 2017 post already covers my thoughts on the song: a splendid vocal performance from the whole team joins a cute and exciting instrumental in pretty much perfect fashion. Then as a bonus you have the best rap they've ever had by a mile (still salty that Yeri got it and not Irene). They even murder a pizza delivery guy in the music video and we all know pizza is unhealthy so Red Velvet are promoting healthy eating.
#1. One Of These Nights
Straight up one of the most beautiful songs I've ever laid eyes (ears?) on. Beautiful from start to finish. Beautiful in the strings and instrumental. Soothing and relaxing to the point where if you have anger management issues and I was your therapist I'd put this on and expect you to be cured. This was when I keyed in on Seulgi's wonderful voice and started to appreciate what Wendy could do more. All the praise I had for this song back in 2016 still stands, and time has aged it even better. In my review I even noted how Yeri's ability would be refined as she and the group matured and two years later we've seen the fruit of their efforts. If "Peek-A-Boo" showed Red Velvet elevating their dance side to new heights, I can only hope something will be released in the future that will be just as good if not better than "One Of These Nights."
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