1st Gen Female Soloists - The Rate - Who paved the way?

[Ana Raquel]

If it's the end of a page, it's the start of a new one.

An 11 and a 10 back to back...

I hope you are ready for another mention then! x






#14
(TIE)

Score: 8,182

Paved the way: 10 x 2 (me, @Slice of Life)
Brought to naught: 6 x 2 (@Empty Shoebox, @FunkyButChic)
Me: above

Peak: #02
Nadir: #14

At least it's because of a low score! Good for you, but not for me as I lose another 10.

"If It's The End" is one of the singles from her sixth album, "Hit For 6ix". I think this era was when her album sales started to tragically drop, which is pretty disappointing as I think it's her best single. For those who are fans of eurodance and/or the typical 1st gen sound, it's a must. I think it was the most consistent song of hers on the leaderboard as well. It was around the lower end of the top 10 for most of the voting period. Good for her!

The video though dddddd its editing gives me

vibes. It's basically a story of her catching her boyfriend cheating on her....... in several angles? My favorite part is when she looks at the bf kissing the other girl while walking side to side for no reason whatsoever??? Even her exit is lowkey a toned down

It pretty much has no conclusion other than her adopting her motorbiker persona and following the couple for no reason. I love it!!!

Anyway, I'm delighted to see it's come so far and it's her second highest-rated song. Will she be able to survive until the top 10? We will found out #later this week.
​

★★★


@berserkboi (9,5): She gives her all to her bops, hey?

@Kneehigh Girl (9): I’ll admit, I’ve been waiting for this song to show up in the rate. I stanned this so hard back in the day! An early K-pop song for me. It’s still good! I still stan!


★★★



​

 

[Kneehigh Girl]

This song! It's so good!

 

[Ana Raquel]

Will she be able to survive until the top 10?

#14
(TIE)

Score: 8,182

Paved the way: 10 x 1 (@RUNAWAY)
Brought to naught: 6,5 x 1 (@Empty Shoebox)
Me: 7

Peak: #14
Nadir: #64

This song dddddddddd it gave me a headache when I picked it. In her fifth album, "Diet", there are two versions of it: the acoustic version and the dance version. I was torn between picking the one that was the actual single (acoustic) or my favorite version (dance). I ended up picking the former.

Now it should be the time where I bash acoustic music for ruining true talent as always!!!! but the acoustic version is not bad? Which ended up getting a 7 from me - it's basically a 11 in the Ana-rating-acoustic scale, as my average for guitar-driven songs is usually............ 2 or something.

That being said, I prefer everything on the dance version. I find it way more powerful, memorable, and pleasant to listen to. Remember when I said "If It's The End" was my favorite single of hers? This one is my favorite song of hers, as it wasn't a single - well, kind of.

Also, you can find this song as: Dankal, Single stroke, and Cut At Once. I've seen Knife once, and now I can't find it named as "Sword" anymore. fffffffff anyway, both versions are available below so you can decide on your favorite one!

All in all, I'm pleased to see Kim Hyun Jung make the top 15. I was sure she would be the first to lose all the songs for being the most unknown main girl on the rate. I'm glad I was wrong (sadly, at the expense of Hyori ff). And as I mentioned before, her discography is now available on Spotify so you can delve into it if you want to!
​

★★★



@RUNAWAY (10): this is more disco than acoustic, but I’m living for it!

@berserkboi (9): The boppiest acoustic song I’ve ever heard! Dddd

@FunkyButChic (9): This acoustic mix is far superior to the real thing. So funky!

@Kneehigh Girl (7): Parts of the arrangement gives me 70s vibes – must be the bass. The song is definitely a grower. It gets better as it progresses.


★★★



​

 

[Ana Raquel]

1 (#14). Sword (Acoustic) - 8,182
2 (#14). If It's The End - 8,182
3 (#20). You Who Left - 8,032
4 (#28). Bruise - 7,909
5 (#31). Declaration of Freedom - 7,818
6 (#33). Breakup With Her - 7,795
7 (#35). Be Strong, Hyun Jung - 7,773
8 (#63). Solar Energy - 7,182
9 (#66). Funky Town - 7,114
10 (#72). Lonely Love - 6,800

ARTIST AVERAGE: 7,690​

 

[Ezz]

I love your acoustic hatred. As the goddess Alice Deejay said, who needs guitars anyway!

#14
(TIE)

Score: 8,182

Paved the way: 10 x 1 (@RUNAWAY)
Brought to naught: 6,5 x 1 (@Empty Shoebox)
Me: 7

Peak: #14
Nadir: #64

This song dddddddddd it gave me a headache when I picked it. In her fifth album, "Diet", there are two versions of it: the acoustic version and the dance version. I was torn between picking the one that was the actual single (acoustic) or my favorite version (dance). I ended up picking the former.

Now it should be the time where I bash acoustic music for ruining true talent as always!!!! but the acoustic version is not bad? Which ended up getting a 7 from me - it's basically a 11 in the Ana-rating-acoustic scale, as my average for guitar-driven songs is usually............ 2 or something.

That being said, I prefer everything on the dance version. I find it way more powerful, memorable, and pleasant to listen to. Remember when I said "If It's The End" was my favorite single of hers? This one is my favorite song of hers, as it wasn't a single - well, kind of.

Also, you can find this song as: Dankal, Single stroke, and Cut At Once. I've seen Knife once, and now I can't find it named as "Sword" anymore. fffffffff anyway, both versions are available below so you can decide on your favorite one!

All in all, I'm pleased to see Kim Hyun Jung make the top 15. I was sure she would be the first to lose all the songs for being the most unknown main girl on the rate. I'm glad I was wrong (sadly, at the expense of Hyori ff). And as I mentioned before, her discography is now available on Spotify so you can delve into it if you want to!
​

★★★



@RUNAWAY (10): this is more disco than acoustic, but I’m living for it!

@berserkboi (9): The boppiest acoustic song I’ve ever heard! Dddd

@FunkyButChic (9): This acoustic mix is far superior to the real thing. So funky!

@Kneehigh Girl (7): Parts of the arrangement gives me 70s vibes – must be the bass. The song is definitely a grower. It gets better as it progresses.


★★★



​

 

[Ana Raquel]

I love your acoustic hatred. As the goddess Alice Deejay said, who needs guitars anyway!

If talent said that who am I to disagree!!!!

 

[Ana Raquel]

We had the cursed #17, but who is the blessed #13?













































































I don't know!!!!!!!!

#13

Score: 8,205

Paved the way: 10 x 3 (me, @berserkboi, @Slice of Life)
Brought to naught: 6 x 1 (@Kneehigh Girl)
Me: above

Peak: #02
Nadir: #45

Well, first of all, I first heard this song as "Molla" and was never able to call it something else. Molla is right, though! It's the Korean name.

"Don't Know" is a track from Hwa's fifth album, "005.1999.06", her best-selling album to date. It was also her worked that established her as a huge name in Korean dance music. It was also the follow-up to both "Invitation" and "Poison" and topped the charts. It was featured in the first ever Pump It Up game, along with artists like Fin.K.L, Turbo, and Sechskies.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, it was the iconic <3 space <3 era:

I'm a sucker for this dated space theme, so no wonder it's one of my favorite eras?

The song is another dance hit, but it feels quite melancholic/heartbreaking at the same time? Take a look at the lyrics:
​

How do I say I have someone else
To you who always cherished me just for me

The shock will be great, if you disappoint me, you will feel betrayed.
But the thing that my heart has already changed

I don't know, why am I doing this

I don't know, I can't know, you loved me like that
I don't hate you for why I'm shaking

I really don't know, I can't know

What the hell was love, who only cherished me
I don't know why I'm leaving you

I had nothing to say so I just said hate me
Maybe it's me to forget a girl like me quickly

But you took my hand and told me to be happy
Asking you to understand yourself, saying it's because of your lack of charm

I don't know, I can't know, you loved me like that
I don't hate you for why I'm shaking

I really don't know, I can't know

You loved me like that but why am I shaking
I didn't hate you

I really don't know, I can't know

What the hell was love, who only cherished me
I don’t know why I’m leaving you

She did that while inventing the scene girl from 2007? Not everybody has that. And to those who prefer to listen to a gloomy song in a slower tempo, Taemin did a ballad cover of it and it's available below!

The video is so nostalgic in its own way because it reminds me of when I first started using Photoshop............ 15 years ago................. so that I could make pretty signatures for forums... and I exaggerated just a little bit on the outer glow. I can definitely bring the excuse that it was an obscure Uhm Jung Hwa inspiration!!!

​

★★★


@berserkboi (10): Another wonderful song!

@Kneehigh Girl (6): With that title I was expecting a ballad, so this was a nice surprise.



★★★




​

 

[Slice of Life]

FFFFFFFF my heart sank when I got the tag because I thought my 11 was eliminated!

 

[Ana Raquel]

Time for an elimination that is not being posted at 4 am for once!

#12

Score: 8,250

Paved the way: 10 x 2 (me, @Kneehigh Girl)
Brought to naught: 6 x 1 (@soratami)
Me: above

Peak: #02
Nadir: #21

Miss AVA is now with one song left as her techno hit "Ari Ari". It wasn't as popular as "Come" and "Change", but it's among her most popular songs. It's a single from her fourth album, "I Love Natural".

Song-wise, it's a banger with some traditional elements. Not as evident as "Dara Dara", but they are still there. That being said, I'm not a fan of how she is dressed as a white girl going to Coachella? I mean, it's my favorite album of hers and I know there is this "wildlife" (?) kind of theme but...

Uhhhh, limits It's not my place to comment and I have no idea how much this subject was talked about in South Korea in 2002, but I just hope at this point she doesn't do something like this again. I might be wrong as there aren't many articles or interviews from that time that are available online so I don't know what her thoughts were back then, but afaik she has no native origins. I just found something on Wikipedia about her adopting a "wolf girl" persona, but she still wears native American costumes.

Anyway, problematic fave moment aside, the song is still fantastic so let me just hope it's ignorance and anachronism from her side, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
​

★★★

@berserkboi (7,7): Aggressive bopping ensures!

★★★




​

 

[Ana Raquel]

So.................. one song will miss out the top 10.

Will Uhm Jung Hwa keep her four songs lead?

Will Baek Ji Young be remembered and lose one of her three songs?

Will Lee Jung Hyun or Park Ji Yoon miss their remaining songs?

Will one of the two extras get the chop?

Will somebody lose an 11?

We will find out #tomorrow

 

[Ana Raquel]

It took so long but after this elimination we will reach the top 10! i'm so emotion













































































hihihihi

#11

Score: 8,259

Paved the way: 10 x 1 (@Slice of Life)
Brought to naught: 6 x 2 (@Kneehigh Girl, @Empty Shoebox)
Me: 9,5

Peak: #11
Nadir: #42

Baek Ji Young takes another hit after some time. Her last elimination was in #32 so congrats to her!

"Emotion" is a single for her third album, "Tres", it's a dance track without her signature latin elements, and................................ I don't know anything else!!!!!! This was her first album after the sextape scandal so even the Korean comments on Youtube are referencing the case. In the video, she basically showcases the routine of your favorite male idol when he is serving!!! What a #humble queen. And, uh, there is a dog. So go enjoy the doggo.

I personally would have switched both "Emotion" tracks as I prefer Yoo Chae Young's... by quite far, even though the scores were similar. I'd have placed a few other songs by her higher than this one, but I don't think it's a massively overrated placement either.
​

★★★

@berserkboi (8,6): Really liking the vibe of this release! This track is giving me GALS soundtrack realness!

★★★


​

 

[Ana Raquel]

TOP 10

Sad Expectation
Poison
Invitation
Eternity

Come

Burden
Smile

Coming of Age Ceremony

So Chan Whee: Tears
Bada: Music​

 

[Kneehigh Girl]

My first reaction was that the Top 10's insane. Upon further reflection, I've concluded that it mostly makes sense. There are 2-3 songs that are great, but maybe not Top 10 material. Can't wait to see the outcome!

 

[Ana Raquel]

Instead of eliminating songs on weekdays and resting on the holiday, let's do the opposite!!!













































































As I can't really be relaxed with this SCANDALOUS exit!!!

#10

Score: 8,282

Paved the way: 11 x 1 (@Attis)
Brought to naught: 6 x 1 (@Empty Shoebox)
Me: 10

Peak: #02
Nadir: #11

I'm glad this made the top 10 (and it was always in it except the time it got 11th), but HOW is this not her last song standing???????

"Burden" is Baek Ji Young's second single, following "Choice". While the first single leans on the mix of dance music and latin sounds, the second one focuses on dance music and "classic" sounds, i.e. the violin strings. And honestly? They are fabulous.

The song is also featured on DDR 3rd Mix. A fun fact for DDR nerds (aka me and 11-point giver Attis): there are two distinct Korean versions of the game: V1 is the one where "Burden" is featured (along with Lee Jung Hyun's "Come" and "Change"); V2 had some FIN.K.L, s#arp, Goofy classics. What makes me confused is that I think mine had songs from both? Like, I remember the first song when you open the song list was the Goofy one, but both Lee Jung Hyun's songs are there? so whatsthetruth.gif???? I think this video shows the most similar songlist to mine (even its order). All in all, I can't say for sure whether "Burden" was available in the machine I used to play or not, as the video linked above doesn't really show all the songs. That being said, I don't really remember it? However, "Starian" is available, and I don't remember playing it on DDR either - I do remember playing it on PIU. Life is confusing, I know??????

Anyway, this track is kind of lush in a 1st gen way?? I blame the strings. They truly add some charm and power to the song. Mix it with Baek's also charming and powerful vocals and *mwah*. I don't remember if it was the first song of hers I've ever listened to, but I'm sure it's my favorite one.
​

★★★


@Attis (11): It's a tough call between this or So Chan Whee's Tears, but I'm gonna pick this one. The chorus is amazing, the production especially that string opener is stellar and the dance move (head-banging to the side?) is so catchy and easy to learn dd. Truly legendaric.

@Kneehigh Girl (9): Another early K-pop song for me. Still holding up well!

@berserkboi (7,1): A good example of a bop that builds but does not go as far as it could!


★★★





​

 

[soratami]

Well, there goes one of my few 10s. Only have one left now, plus my 11.

 

[Kneehigh Girl]

I'm so happy Burden made it into the Top 10, but Smile topping it? Really? I mean, I love Smile (in face, I think it was the 2nd Baek Ji Young-song I heard), but... better than Burden????

 

[Ana Raquel]

I'm crying over my mini easter eggs who were already eaten by dad and I



















































sadly nothing is eternal!!!!!!
























hihihihihi

#9

Score: 8,386

Paved the way: 10 x 1 (@FunkyButChic)
Brought to naught: 3 x 1 (@Empty Shoebox)
Me: 8,5

Peak: #09 (2x)
Nadir: #42

I actually lost my write-up because I went to the kitchen to have dinner and when I came back WHERE WAS THE TEXT this is a case for FBI

"Eternity" is a single from her 8th album, "Self Control", which was praised by the critic for "reinventing her sound". She drifts away from the eurodance style and goes towards the electronica one, and kind of r&b as well. It's a nice album, just a bit too long as there are two discs. I'd recommend it as well.

As for the song... I think this is a case of I should like this more than I do? I adore the video!!! It's kind of futuristic which it's a theme I'm a sucker for and I do enjoy the electronic elements in the background, but I find the chorus quite underwhelming. That being said, it does sound like the type of song that is more immersive when using good headphones, and I don't wear headphones at work unless I'm working or recording.

Ah, this was the last Hwa track from the 2000s remaining, which means her top 3 works are from the 90s. Congrats to them!!
​

★★★

@Kneehigh Girl (9): Self Control was such a good album, and this song is no exception.

@berserkboi (9): This is very American Life by Madonna in parts, hey?

@Attis (8,25): Experimental queen



★★★




​

 

[Ana Raquel]

Today is a sad day...


















































Not only did BBB prove to be a lost cause...























I also lose a 10!

#8

Score: 8,500

Paved the way: 11 x 1 (@Ezz)
Brought to naught: 6 x 1 (@Crisp X)
Me: 10

Peak: #02 (2x)
Nadir: #27

The same way I think "Burden" should have won Baek's section, I believe "Tears" should have won the Extras. Sorry, Bada! You are legendary, but this is on another level.

So Chan Whee started her music career back in the 80s as a member of the rock band Eve. She debuted as a solo singer in 1992, and her first album came out in 1996. However, it was in her 4th album where she reached her zenith, popularity-wise. "Tears" became a massive hit that is still highly remembered to this day. It was also part of the songlist of rhythm games!

She switched between rock hits and dance hits throughout her career. her latest song, for the 2021 show "Red Shoes", leans on the rock side. The raspiness of her voice suits the heavy side but also sounds refreshing on her dance side. I'm not a super fan of raspier voices myself, but I completely adore hers?

While I think I would 10 it based on the melody alone, I can't deny that the chorus is where it shines the most. It's powerful and it's build-up perfectly. When she starts singing, I'm already

She deserves a lot of praise for that as well, because it's an insanely hard chorus to sing. That high note................................. for real............................................ I wish I had talent! Some blessed soul made a compilation with several idols from popular groups (from Red Velvet to GFRIEND to EXO to BTS) covering the chorus. Has your bias excelled it as well? You have to watch and see (it's a fun video, anyway).

While she is still active in singing, she is also teaching! She has worked as a professor for over a decade now. Currently on Daekyung University, she has been promoted as the head of the K-pop modern music department (according to Google Translate!). In response to that, she commented that: “I want to focus on nurturing talented people who will lead K-pop and be a guide for students who want to become musicians. I will work with a sense of mission to share the future of Korean popular music." What a star.
​

★★★

@Attis (10): What a legendary song, singing the chorus is a stress reliever

@berserkboi (10): What is this amazing Sash meets Gloria Estefan MOMENT???

@Kneehigh Girl (8): What trickery is this? Fooling me into thinking it’s a ballad and then slapping me with THAT instrumental!

★★★






​

 

[Ana Raquel]

The last tie of the rate will show up in #5, which means the next song will be the last one to leave before we unveil the top 5!

 

[Ana Raquel]

#7 later tonight but I'm delighted to announce that











@Kneehigh Girl our prayers were answered!!!