The Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has gone viral, and the soundtrack has taken over the charts and breaking K-Pop records around the world. With songs performed by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X and their rivals, the SAJA BOYS, is the OST one of the best K-Pop projects ever?In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, featuring hits like “Golden,” “How It’s Done,” “Your Idol,” “SODA POP,” “Free,” and more. We dive into the vocals, production, concept, and cultural impact of the soundtrack - how will this affect the K-Pop industry moving forward?
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- 0:00 - Intro
- 1:01 - "KPop Demon Hunters" Soundtrack Info
- 1:39 - "How It's Done"
- 6:22 - "Soda Pop"
- 12:07 - "Golden"
- 18:38 - "Takedown"
- 21:38 - "Your Idol"
- 26:42 - "Free"
- 29:51 - "What It Sounds Like"
- 35:40 - Cut or Keep
- 36:13 - Final Rating and Overall Thoughts
References:
- Kevin Woo interview on CCTV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DljiH8eytPA&t=1207s&pp=ygUpa2V2aW4gd29vIGNjdHYgbm9uc3RvcCBwb3Agc2hvdyBpbnRlcnZpZXc%3D
- “How It’s Done” Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGsevnbItdU&pp=ygUYa3BvcCBkZW1vbiBob3cgaXQncyBkb25l
- “Soda Pop” Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=983bBbJx0Mk&pp=ygUTa3BvcCBkZW1vbiBzb2RhIHBvcA%3D%3D
- “Golden” Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yebNIHKAC4A&pp=ygURa3BvcCBkZW1vbiBnb2xkZW4%3D
- “Takedown” Lyric Video (TWICE) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8Dr7vzMSVE
- “Takedown” HUNTR/X Audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve_a9CXjlQc
- “Your Idol” Song Clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWppAbqm9I8
- “Free” Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjOeJssZX_Q
- “What It Sounds Like” Song Clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug_pv5-r1js&pp=ygUea3BvcCBkZW1vbiB3aGF0IGl0IHNvdW5kcyBsaWtl
00:00:00 --> 00:00:14 For years, the K-pop industry has been trying to break into the Western market. And finally they have, with animated fictional idol groups. That's right, we're here to discuss the K-pop Demon Hunter soundtrack.
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00:00:59 --> 00:01:26 Yes, so K-pop Demon Hunters on Netflix has not only become one of Netflix's highest streamed original animated projects ever, but the soundtrack itself and the songs on it have also broken a ton of records and charted all over the world and it has become a phenomenon. But are the songs worthy of all this success? Let's discuss. Yes.
00:01:26 --> 00:01:48 Yeah, so we're going to give you our in-depth thought about the production, the vocal, the songs, and the roles in the movie, and then drop our individual ratings. So just know that viewer discretion is advised, your fave will be criticized. Starting with How It's Done by Mark Sonnenblick, Danny Chung, EJ24, Ido, Teddy Park, and Ian, Eason Draft.
00:01:52 --> 00:02:11 And this serves as the film's introduction to the girl group Huntrix. Yes, not Hunter X, who every person that premieres it on a radio station. I get it. The slash is confusing. But also you can do some research. Or watch the movie. Right, without letting TikTok tell you it was hot.
00:02:11 --> 00:02:36 Okay, I'll say the side. This one. So guys, if you don't know what a brief is in music, it's like, hey, it's like a summary of what we want the song to sound like, the vibes, the atmosphere, things like that. So each song, we're gonna kind of just give you guys an idea of maybe what the brief may have been. What we think it is. What we think it is. Yeah, like I said, what it might have been. We don't know, we weren't in the room, you know?
00:02:36 --> 00:03:04 um but we have been in many rooms so if you're like how do you know all this people worked in the industry again backside story for y'all who are new here so i'm thinking blackpink everglow it's very third gen girl group girl crush concept it's super big yeah super i mean the dun dun dun be it's so many girl groups that have done something a similar hook to that i mean literally there literally is an everglow one yeah yeah which then that one feels based on blackpink
00:03:04 --> 00:03:34 you know, so. I mean, it's not a bad thing, right? Because I don't, yes. So you have, you have 24, you have Teddy and you have Danny Chung. Danny and Teddy were in one time together. Teddy is YG, now Black Label, Isna, all that stuff like that. So the whole like girl crush concept fitting in for a group of literal demon hunters, it makes sense. They can't go out like, you know, like, oh my girl with like, you know,
00:03:36 --> 00:04:06 Some G from S&S. Yeah, you know, like... You can't do that, so it has to be... Powerful. Yes. Nice! Yeah, it has to be. That's the word. The percussion throughout the song is probably my favorite part, because there's also brass behind a lot of the drums. Like the dun-dun-dun is drum, it's vocal dun-dun, and then it's also like the brass. I don't know what instrument right now. But yeah, I think it sets the scene for the movie. It's a great thesis statement of this is how we do what we do. We're getting ready to actually kill it in
00:04:06 --> 00:04:27 you know them um the second verse i think is probably like my favorite because it comes so fast it's a great breakneck the flow is really fast but then it slows down for like their makeup uh fit check for the napalm era i think that's great that line gets you like oh my yes you gotta go off and it's nice to hear the voices right so the movie has the actresses who do the voice over
00:04:27 --> 00:04:44 And then the singers that do the actual vocals, very Disney, early Disney-esque, which I appreciate. So you have Ray, Amy, you have EJ, and then you have Audrey Nuna. And I've listened to both Audrey and Ray. And to hear them actually kind of, I mean, Ray will always kind of like yell and scream and sing. But Audrey's more laid back with her. Yeah.
00:04:44 --> 00:05:05 approach so it's nice to kind of hear them really get into it the harmonies really blended really well together and i'm pretty sure they weren't all in the same studio recording so i appreciate the vocal production on this one the most i'm pretty sure they're probably all like phoned it in in terms of recording um it's good the high notes are epic everything's really big and bold and very yg-esque at the end
00:05:05 --> 00:05:22 Oh yeah, that outro is pure Blackpink inspired, for sure. Yeah, I like this one. I agree that the vocals are just so well executed. All the three singers are super capable. There's so much dimension to their voices. And they can really show off a lot of that in this song, I would say.
00:05:22 --> 00:05:47 And yeah, I think the build and the pre-chorus and how the verses have all the different moments, I really, really like that. I would say the chorus itself is actually only okay for me. It's catchy. Again, the hook just feels a little derivative of those groups you were mentioning earlier. I will say the bridge works in the movie, but just listening to the song, it does throw me off a little bit. It feels a little like it was written correctly.
00:05:48 --> 00:06:12 separately like it was like they they were they were doing the movie board you know the storyboard and it was like oh wait we need a slow moment and they kind of got thrown in there just melodically it doesn't really fit with the rest of the song for me um and it gets very warm when the rest of it is not that so again i get it for the movie but just listening to it as a song it's a little jarring for me um but yeah i like the song definitely not my favorite on the soundtrack
00:06:12 --> 00:06:42 Ooh. Ooh. Yeah, there's much better to me. I agree. Yeah. Okay. So I give it a 7.5. I will match his score and give it a 7.5 as well. Okay. Up next is Soda Pop, and this was done by Vince, Kush, Danny Chung, 24, Da Min Sook, and Ian Ainsdraft. And this is a super catchy intro to the evil boy band, the Saja Boys. I had to do the pose.
00:06:43 --> 00:07:01 Yes. Oh, man. Okay, so we were thinking for the brief, we hear some NCT Dream here. Yes. We hear some BTS with, you know, their lighter songs. Astro. Yes. So the more, again, kind of third gen, third gen, bordering fourth gen, kind of more the bubblegummy,
00:07:03 --> 00:07:32 Boy band. Yes. Yes. Not what we have now with like the noise music of Stray Kids, ACs. Yeah, it's not as much that. Yeah. This song is so catchy. And the whole scene, this is one of my favorite scenes in the entire film. Because it's just so silly, right? Like not, first off, the performance itself is already great. But like the hearts being formed and actually like hitting people. Even that very first scene when he like does his little body roll and the grandma flies back.
00:07:32 --> 00:08:01 It's all just so good. Oh my gosh. So I think watching the film made me like the song a lot more. Because I think if I just listened to the song with no visual or context of the movie, I think I would just be like, oh, it's fine. But I think because I enjoy that part of the movie so much, it made me love this song so much more. And the hook, it is so catchy, right? When the girls are like, they can't help but bop to it. I get it. I get it.
00:08:02 --> 00:08:22 And yeah, the song is just perfect for the summer. Like if this was done by a real boy band, I could see like a beach video, you know, them dancing inside a giant cooler or something, or a giant vending machine with soda pop in it, you know. Can you see that? Absolutely. Because Aster actually has a music video.
00:08:22 --> 00:08:47 There you go. Melodically, vocally, it does give me SM for sure. With the harmonies, like it is a group vocal for that chorus. You get that big note in that bridge with the huge build. It is very SM in the sense that it is, it does have layers of the classic boy band of the 90s, right? Which is what SM is very much based on, I feel like musically.
00:08:47 --> 00:09:10 It even has that key change for that final chorus. I do kind of wish it was a little more dramatic, but I appreciate a key change for sure. But yes, I really like this one. I have added this to my playlists. Like, it's pretty great. Shamelessly so. Oh yeah, I'm not ashamed at all. Yeah, because it's actually a good song. I think it's the bounciness, the brightness. We don't have a song over the summer and somehow...
00:09:10 --> 00:09:37 It's soda pop. Hey. Sure. But think about it. I think it's golden, though, probably, actually. Oh, yeah, it might be golden. But in terms of, like, what sounds like summer. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll say that, right? So, yeah, I think it's something that I would use for a commercial, for sure. Like, I used to work in sync. And this is something that the little tab being popped open. There's the way the music vamps in the beginning. Everything is...
00:09:37 --> 00:09:53 they're describing what soda does. It's like, you know, I was like, oh my God, this is perfect for a commercial, but it's also very commercial pop. And I think it's formulaic in the best way. Everything goes right into...
00:09:53 --> 00:10:16 the soda pop analogies about how it feels when you drink and going down and like every job I, you know what I'm saying? Like, I think that's great. And also we actually did have one of the Saja boys on our show. So if you guys are new here or if you're just didn't realize, Kevin Wu plays Mystery. Mystery was a purple haired character whose face we never really saw, but apparently was, um, Zoe's type, but he,
00:10:16 --> 00:10:43 so yeah kevin woo was on our show he did not go into complete detail because i guess this was a huge huge surprise i can see why he didn't like it's tightly under wraps but honestly i appreciate the rap breakdown that danny does um because that is once again very much like you i think you said can you imagine a young chan yul doing this and i'm like uh i mean here xo could do this um i love that they focused on the singing i think that was their biggest biggest like um
00:10:43 --> 00:11:01 win for the whole soundtrack no one was thinking about rapping really until it needed to be there it wasn't just throwing all let's just rap over everything which i appreciate but also brings back that concept of oh it's an actual boy group because no one here in the west really thinks rapping in a boy group is usually like a oh there's a rapper here
00:11:02 --> 00:11:27 And I think they really did capture that perfectly. And yeah, the scene in the movie was great. Abby. Oh, who's your bias when you saw Alden? You're like, okay, hang on. Which one do we like? Which one we don't like? Did you feel like, okay, he didn't get into that. But I mean, Genu is the clear star. Okay, we get that. But like, who is your bias record? Like, Genu and Abby and maybe Baby. Those are the types that I usually gravitate towards. No, Genu is the star.
00:11:28 --> 00:11:57 No records here for me. Okay, well, listen, if you guys are watching, I don't know what the Saja fans were called. I don't know what they're called. Oh, no. Is there a fandom name? Let us know. Yes. But if you love the Saja boys, please let us know in the comments which one was your favorite because some people might not like Gino. I mean, like, he's a little intimidating. Some people like the whole mystery. Some people like romance. I can't stand romance's face. But, you know, that's beside the point. Let's get back to these scores. Drop it in the comments. Let us know who you like. All right. Okay, so what do you rate this one? Okay.
00:12:00 --> 00:12:28 I'm going to give it an 8. I don't dislike the song, but I feel like I have better songs I like. Okay, I will go 8.5. Next up is Golden, done by EJ, Mark Sonnenblick, Ido Zmishlany, 24, Teddy Park, and Ian Isendroth. And of course, Golden has become that huge crossover hit, hitting top chart positions all over the world. Even number one in the UK.
00:12:28 --> 00:12:45 Yeah. Yeah. This is a song I've been hearing on Z100 here in New York. And they keep saying Hunter X, but whatever. So for this song, I definitely hear Ive. I remember singing in the car and I kept singing, I'm going up.
00:12:45 --> 00:13:08 and i was just like oh it's my life and and i think it's kind of obvious uh the girls of i've i think is it yunjin yunjin yunjin covered this song um they did the i am dance to golden they never they didn't get reposted so there's a little bit of tea there um but yeah i feel like this song the build-up is really good um
00:13:08 --> 00:13:23 that tells the story of each of the members. You have Rumi hiding her truth, Korean-American Zoe, like, not knowing where she fits in, and then you have the wild child, Mira, who's like, I'm gonna follow my dreams, and her family's like, girl, you better go to school. So I think that really does help you introduce...
00:13:23 --> 00:13:39 introduced the characters as individuals with their, you know, how it's done is kind of just like, we as a group of demon hunters do this, but this is, here we are as people, and this is why it works for all of us. The bridge really tugs at your heartstrings, I must say.
00:13:39 --> 00:14:09 And it explodes with a crescendo that gives me my feelings. I think the outro is what really keeps me from thinking this sounds too much like Ives' song. So I think it's fun. The way the cadence is. I think it's really good. I think throughout this album soundtrack, excuse me, they've done a really good job of navigating the Korean and English where you don't even actually care about what it is.
00:14:09 --> 00:14:38 like an American pop or Western pop consumer, you might hear and be like, what? But not actually realize that it's not English because it's so interwoven, like very interwovenly, like it's in there really nice. It's interwoven really nicely. There we go. But yes, I feel like this is a really good song. It's the heart of the song, a heart of the movie, I think in a sense, where you're trying to figure out who they are. You kind of have an idea of what they think they are. It's like what you perceive them to be until you get...
00:14:38 --> 00:15:04 further along and you find out more so i think this is pretty good kind of just giving you the just face value about the group yeah yeah yeah yeah it's interesting i didn't i didn't know enough about kind of how this song kind of became the star one like did they push this one and it became the song or was it organic that this one was the one that got the most attention um yeah i i don't know as much about how this all happened but it's amazing
00:15:04 --> 00:15:31 Like, the fact that it's hitting the top chart positions all over the world is wild. And if I worked for Ives' record label, I'd be mad. I would be mad right now. And I would do everything I could to try to capitalize on it if I could. Because, again, you know, we were... It was a funny statement that we made at the beginning, but it's true. You know, K-pop... We've both been in K-pop as fans for...
00:15:31 --> 00:15:59 Years now, like since before, you know, since when YouTube started, essentially, which is, you know, how it got, you know, a bit more international interest. We've seen these record labels have been doing everything they possibly could to break into the American and Western markets. And the fact that it's happening now with these fictional groups. And look, these songs are good, but are they so much better than what's already out there from these real groups? I don't know. Yeah.
00:15:59 --> 00:16:27 It's interesting. That's debatable, I think. It's interesting. And so I feel for the people who work with real K-pop artists, because seeing this, it's hard not to be a little bit annoyed when they put so much effort into trying to break. But anyway, little rant aside, I definitely hear the eye of comparisons as well. Like even the music video that Huntrix is that you see in the first part of the song in the film is...
00:16:27 --> 00:16:43 The scenes are literally, they look like Ive music video. Like the plane and everything. And yeah, the production, I mean, it's very, it's up there. It's on par with those types of songs. These kind of empowering...
00:16:43 --> 00:17:03 very synth-heavy songs. But yes, the vocal is just absolutely insane. That chorus is so high. It's up, up, up. Yeah. And honestly, I think we'll be hearing this on talent shows stuff till the end of time now. Ew. This has been added into the rotation with what, like...
00:17:03 --> 00:17:33 rolling in the deep yeah never yeah never enough never enough yes it's out there now the vocalists are gonna are gonna do this one um but yeah actually i love the second verse of this i love the way it pulls back it's a great reflective moment in the movie and then it just makes the build into that chorus again just super impactful um so yeah this is a fun one i i'm gonna be honest i'm a little bit baffled at how successful it's been but i'm not mad at that
00:17:33 --> 00:17:56 Because again, I think if you just listen to the song without the context of the film, how does it hold up amongst the other girl groups out at the moment? Ew. You know? Yeah, it's tough. I'm trying to figure out if it's the movie or if it's the song. But the thing is, we're K-pop fans and we know that K-pop is good, but the general public in the West is kind of like, oh, K-pop? And they think Soda Pop.
00:17:56 --> 00:18:19 They don't think like songs like this would come from it, you know? Yeah, yeah. So I think it just depends on like what your impression is. Like this is just Demon Hunters. What does that sound like? I think there's a lot of curiosity around it, but maybe they did push this song. I feel like this one sounds like the most Western. I mean, it sounds like an Ava Mack song. Yeah. Ives, I am Ava Mack. Yeah, yeah. Like let's be real here. So it does sound more Western. So I think this one made sense in terms of that, but I don't know.
00:18:19 --> 00:18:43 We don't know for sure, so we're speculating, having a good time about it. But yeah, I think this song is good. It's when I hear it on the radio makes me very, like, yes. I love this. I'll play the whole thing. I don't skip. So, I give this one... I'm going to sit at a nine. I will also go for a nine, yes. Up next is Takedown. This is done by Michael Lindgren-Schultz and Ian Eason-Draft.
00:18:46 --> 00:19:04 With a version done by a few members of TWICE, including Ji-ho, Jung-yeon, and Tae-young, the song has also achieved chart success in its own right. So Takedown has done its thing. So if you're not familiar, or if you're not a K-pop fan, I guess, Lim Grin has worked with TWICE quite often, and I kind of said that I can hear it.
00:19:04 --> 00:19:20 So Twice has a Japanese single called Perfect World. And that kind of, it sounds like a Bond film song, if anything. But that has that same kind of aggressive but pretty situation going on. And Take Down kind of does that. But then also sounds like, it just sounds like JYP, like Tomboy Girl Group.
00:19:20 --> 00:19:36 Itsy or Blackpink if you want to kind of just go for that. But yeah, definitely. I definitely hear JYP, but I do hear a bit of aespa influence as well. Yes, I will say. Yes. Yeah. So I'm going to be honest. I think this is actually my least favorite of all the songs from this soundtrack. Yeah.
00:19:36 --> 00:19:58 Not that I don't like it. I do think this is a strong group of songs. But I think there's something about it that doesn't feel as full as everything else. Like, I like the start of the chorus, but then the whole post-chorus breakdown and stuff, it's not my favorite. And then the verses...
00:19:59 --> 00:20:21 aren't as memorable compared to some of the other songs on this. I do like the bridge a lot. Like the whole build of that is super satisfying. Yeah. Yeah. I just, I think this song, again, I'm thinking of, I'm trying to separate the song itself from the scene in the film. Cause I think that does affect the score as well, but just listening to the song, this is one of the ones I never really go back to.
00:20:21 --> 00:20:39 Oh, that's so valid. I think if it were, if you're looking out for like listening to what it's about, it's about, it's like a breakup anthem in a sense, but also a disc record toward an ex. So I'm like, it does that, but at the bare minimum level, like we've heard a lot of, like we had a lot of better, like Run Devil Run.
00:20:39 --> 00:21:04 by Kesha the demo version is a breakup song and was translated into Korean still hits still great like melodically it's there the top line is solid but then you get to take down it's not bad but something about it is just kind of like it's okay um I have a melody in my head I have the top line in my head of what it is but it's almost just like album track for any k-pop group for me um
00:21:04 --> 00:21:32 It doesn't mean it's bad because there's some good album tracks. But yeah, I can understand why it's a little bit weaker. In the context of the movie, it makes sense. You're trying to expose your competition for being demons or being terrible people. So it makes sense. And it goes with the context of them having to take them down, literally. So I think it is not bad. But since you have that ending that does rev up and it's like a chant, you're back to that Blackpink-esque-ness. But again, it's just a recall of how it's done, which is not bad. But it's like...
00:21:32 --> 00:21:50 It's okay. Yeah, so I'll give it a 7. Yeah, I'll match your score with that 7 for sure. Okay, moving on to Your Idol. Done by EJ, Mark Sonnenblick, Vince, Kush, 24, Ito, Zmishvleni, and Ian Isendroth.
00:21:51 --> 00:22:03 And despite the Saja boys being fictional, the song hit number one on Spotify's US Daily Top Songs chart, becoming the highest charting K-pop boy band song in Spotify history.
00:22:03 --> 00:22:24 Like, are they actually, like, do they count? I mean, I guess they count. People say, I'm sure, are ARMY mad about this? Well, I'm sure, honestly, when BTS comes back, they're probably going to break this record themselves, right? Yeah. But it has also cracked the top 10 in multiple countries charts as well. So this song has also made its own impact, for sure.
00:22:24 --> 00:22:50 You know, I think about what you're saying. I think the tough thing about K-pop is it's like there's such a high expectation because of the fandoms like fandoms. We're a lot of I think business minded people would be like, we're expecting you as the fans to bump this song up. What's really shocking about this is there is no fandom. It was just we watched it. We happened to like it because we like K-pop or you like, oh, this song is actually really good. Yeah. And that's why it's so shocking. Yeah.
00:22:50 --> 00:23:10 So yeah, BTS do it. Wow, amazing, great. We all know that the fans are gonna do it. It's not me showing any hate, but it's one of those things where it's like fans are gonna show up for that because fans are gonna do what fans do. This came as a shock, and why I keep giggling, is because it came out of effing nowhere. It's like... A bunch of guys talking about...
00:23:11 --> 00:23:34 I don't want to sing it right now, but this song is hysterical because it's hysterical to me because it's so dark. It's so typical K-pop. It sounds like AT's, Monsta X, but also just generically like EXO. Like this is by the numbers EXO for sure. Like a lot of newer K-pop fans don't even pay attention to EXO, which is a little annoying. But they've had songs like this. Obsession. Sama.
00:23:34 --> 00:24:01 Yeah, look, the writers have actually specifically called out that Exo was an inspiration for this, especially that operatic stuff is inspired by Mama. Yeah. Very clearly. Yeah. And even the whole kind of creepy cult thing going on, Exo has done that already. Yeah. But people don't know them for that. You know what I'm saying? And Kai is Genu. Yes. So. Well, a mix of Unwu and Kai, but more Kai performance wise.
00:24:02 --> 00:24:19 Right. So you have that whole thing. The song sounds ominous and eerie. And I think production-wise, it does have that kind of sound as well, which is really nice. Lyrics like, your obsession, fees, or connection is like, it's a sick line, you know, because it's fans. Like I mentioned before, we'll do what fans do and we'll show up
00:24:19 --> 00:24:41 unapologetically unconditionally almost to a toxic level and that's what this song is about it's like you know everything i do everything i am doing you're gonna love me regardless and i will feed into that and it's very again to the context of the movie and the concept of k-pop fandom or any fandom if you're freaking in love with sports or video games it's kind of it gets a little obsessive after a while
00:24:41 --> 00:25:08 And it's like, how far will you go from me? And it's like, give me your soul in the context of the movie. They're giving them the, you know, so all of it's really, really good. Cult-like. I think the chorus box, the ha, the ha. I can't sing it. I can't do it. Yeah. But I think all of that is really good. And it sounds great. Like, I would listen to this song on its own. I would listen to this song in the context of the movie. Yeah.
00:25:08 --> 00:25:34 It's, yeah, no other notes. I just like this one for sure. Yeah, definitely one of my favorite scenes in the movie as well. Because the performance is so cool. Like the way that they fly around, even the way they made them look scary, but still hot. Really well done. Cindy? Yes, as a huge EXO fan and XOL. Of course, I love this song because I totally hear it for sure. And yeah, there's an epicness to it.
00:25:35 --> 00:26:03 The whole build of the melody is really well done. There's a ton of harmonies here. The chorus itself, melodically, is so satisfying. The bridge as well. The intensity of that is just... It's so perfect. And yeah, I think what I do love about it is the kind of commentary on idol culture that it's about. Because yeah, you're right. It can get to a scary level. Especially now.
00:26:04 --> 00:26:34 Especially because there's just so many parasocial relationships with the way social media and everything is done now. So, yeah, I think I kind of love that it's a commentary on that while also fitting the idea of them being demons in the movie. But yeah, I think the song is great. Like, honestly, from the second I watched the film, so I tried not to listen to anything until I watched the movie. And I knew everyone was talking about the songs and I was like, no, I want to see it in the movie first. But this was one of the ones where I was like, oh, immediately.
00:26:34 --> 00:26:47 I like this song. Yeah. It's up an alley. Yeah. So I definitely give this a 10. Yeah, I gave it a 10 as well. Let's get it. Up next is Free and Done by Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Mark Sonnenblick, and Ian Eastendrath.
00:26:52 --> 00:27:18 And this was performed by the characters Ruby and Jin. And this is the most heartfelt song on the soundtrack. And fun fact, Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk have worked with BTS for Dynamite. And if I'm not mistaken, Butter. So yeah, they're American songs they've done. So when I heard this, I was like, this sounds like a Hybe. Hybe entertainment track. The contemporary hip-hop.
00:27:19 --> 00:27:34 R&B but not but light version of music yeah I don't it's not like specifically R&B but it has that influence and it has that kind of groove to it this is this song does a good job of making duets yeah
00:27:34 --> 00:27:53 cool again, I guess, in a sense. Because I was like, oh, oh, they're going to sing together? I love a good duet. I mean, how are you going to have a little subplot of a love story and not actually capitalize on it? I appreciate that. The song is very conversational, which I appreciate, and explores the possibility of the love interest figuring things out.
00:27:53 --> 00:28:19 But I think the song would have been so elevated if there was an actual bridge instead of just a consistent free, free part. Like, I think a bridge to kind of bring the conversation together with our back and forth really building tension and then realizing it's not going to work. Oh, honey, that would have sent me into orbit. But yeah, I'm not mad about the song, but I think a bridge would have taken it somewhere. Like, how do you have all these other songs with these crazy strong bridges and you get here and it's just like...
00:28:20 --> 00:28:44 We did our job. We're done. You know? So, yeah. Yes. I could definitely hear some of the BTS members singing this. Like, imagine Jungkook singing this. He would sound really, really good here. Yeah. And yeah, a lot of the K-pop girls as well. Like, they would kill this song. So I can also see this song now being included whenever they're forced to do duets, you know? This will be in the rotation for sure.
00:28:44 --> 00:29:13 Oh, yeah, yeah. It's actually funny. Yeah. I like this one. I like the melody of the chorus for sure. I will admit the verses are kind of only eh to me. It's a bit monotone. I get that it's kind of more internal and kind of conversational. I think that's kind of what they were going for. And I guess having it be kind of, I guess, less melodic makes the chorus stand out a bit more. So as a writing choice, I do, I get what they were going for. But, you know, I love a ballad.
00:29:14 --> 00:29:36 And, you know, if you look at the classics, the verse melodies are just as important. This is true. I mean, the whole new world. That was very conversational. Yes. Perfect example. Yes. So, yeah. Do I need to listen to this all the time? No. Do I skip it when it comes on? No. But are there better songs that are similar to this? Yes.
00:29:36 --> 00:30:03 So, but it is a nice moment in the movie for sure. Yeah. And yeah, I like it. But is it on my playlist? No. Yeah. So I'll give it a seven. Yeah, I too. I'm sitting here with a fat seven on my palm. Okay. Seven. Okay. The final song that we're going to talk about is What It Sounds Like. This was done by Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, and Mark Sonnenblick. And it is the powerful final battle in the film.
00:30:08 --> 00:30:18 I was watching this movie and that was my friend and we were on the couch and we were just watching it. And I was like, my throat burning. Yeah.
00:30:18 --> 00:30:38 Why does my throat feel a little warm? This song made... I think everyone who's reacted to it has started sobbing a little bit. I don't know what it is about the song. And that says a lot to what sonically it's doing. Like, visually, you can see it and, like, feel something there. Like, if you've watched Sailor Moon or any kind of show where, like...
00:30:38 --> 00:31:06 character girl, any kind of show where people rally, like even Dragon Ball Z, give me your spirit bomb bull crap. But like, it's one of those things when you have a group of friends, especially if you're really friend oriented, or if you're like your chosen family and they're rallying together to give you strength. There's something about this very poignant, but I think just sonically listening to it outside of the movie, it is well produced. So shout out to, um, was it Ian and, um, Steven for sure. Um, and it's so interesting cause I was watching a show called hit makers on Netflix and Steven was playing games. Um,
00:31:06 --> 00:31:23 when he was doing whatever the heck they were working on. They had briefs. They had to stick to it. I get it. But this right here is actually like, I was sitting there like, dang, this is solid. The strings are awesome. They're gorgeous. The harmonies provided by Audrey and Ray around EJ.
00:31:23 --> 00:31:41 They were really good. They weren't too much, but when they put all the voices together, it was like, wow. I think EJ's tone of voice in this song is perfectly emotional. I can hear her voice break. So she's really good at vocal production. I mean, she's written for a lot of SM artists, artists in general, but SM, if you were thinking Psycho by...
00:31:41 --> 00:32:07 Psycho by Red Velvet and then Armageddon by Aespa. So if you need that reference, that's where that's from. Yeah, so she's really good at vocal production. She understands what needs to be done on a track. And I think she articulates it really well. And I think the song, although super amazing, it does sound like Icona Pop all night, which has now been covered by Ives. So every time I sing it, I go, you know, and it feels like we can do this all night.
00:32:07 --> 00:32:31 This is what it sounds like. It's kind of the same. Maybe I'm off by like one ish note or half of a note. But I think when I hear this song, it's kind of one of those just towing the line of is it should we look for copyright infringements or not? I don't want to air anyone out, but it does sound like that song. But it's a good song. Regardless, it's a great song, actually. If I can cry, I think you've done your job.
00:32:31 --> 00:32:48 Yeah, I mean, it's a perfect moment in the film, for sure. The whole build of the song is just so good. There is so much inherent emotion built into the melody itself. But then, yes, you build in the strings and they really made it as dramatic and emotional as they possibly could in the production of it. Yeah.
00:32:48 --> 00:33:10 What I do love about the song is the focus on the harmonies, right? The whole thing is about the three of them coming together and fighting together. And you hear that, like when they sing together is when they're at their most powerful. And that's when the most impact is made. Right. And so I do love that. Yeah.
00:33:10 --> 00:33:25 If you've listened to our show before, you know I love harmonies. And I know with a lot of the K-pop idols said the biggest thing wrong with this movie was that they would never do a joint fan sign or fan meet. But also what they get wrong is that K-pop groups don't harmonize.
00:33:28 --> 00:33:41 Yes. K-pop fans, say what you want to say. They mean, there's harmonies on the track. On the track. On the track. On the track. But when you sit there and watch people sing live, they're sitting on stoops waiting for their turn. Yeah. Exactly.
00:33:42 --> 00:34:10 That is our biggest gripe with K-pop. And that's where K-pop kind of falls short, I think, of delivering performances. Like, yeah, they're dancing. But if these people weren't dancing, can they stand there and sing? Because at the end of the day, we are singers. So beyond the spectacle, that's what we're saying. That's where K-pop is lacking. Not actually presenting forward as like we're a vocal group. It's more like we're a performance group. Which is fine. Not a big deal. But this is why this song is so good. Yeah. Yeah.
00:34:10 --> 00:34:13 Is that they're singing together.
00:34:13 --> 00:34:43 Like, think about, okay, Into the New World gets me my feelings every time. I was in, like, an indie film, and I needed to cry for the scene. I played Into the New World. Why? Because of the harmonies in that chorus. I'm like, yes, I'm young. It gets me my feelings every single time because of the harmony. Because it sounds like we're singing about girls going into the world. We're girls' generation. We're hunters. We're friends. I don't know why the heck we were separated. We just love each other. Damn it. This is the true love story of this damn movie. Yeah, so I think that's really important. And the harmonies just kind of...
00:34:43 --> 00:35:06 literally encapsulate their harmony as a freaking group and as hunters yeah let's say the k word yeah but yeah so this is a perfect song perfect pop song um i do not like that it does sound like another song but i like the chorus moments of this is what it sounds like everyone's chanting it almost is on par like i said this soundtrack
00:35:07 --> 00:35:22 is almost on par with turning red. If not, they're kind of the same, but like just different kind of fonts. Like they're both really good, but one's more like 90s Western pop. And this is more like 2010s K-pop. So yeah, I like it. 10.
00:35:23 --> 00:35:52 Yes, I have to give this a 10 as well. I think we matched almost on every song this time. Yeah. But yes, definitely a good track. And I wish it was getting as much attention, actually, as Golden is. But I think this is one where you do have to watch the film to really feel the whole impact. So, yeah. Okay, so, cut or keep? If you had to cut a song from this soundtrack, which one would you cut? I'd say down. It's okay. I mean, I kind of spoiled it already that that's my least favorite on this album. Yeah. Keep? Keep?
00:35:53 --> 00:36:19 Oh, dang it. Okay. Hey, your idol is amazing. I thought I was going to pick a girl group song, but your idol is so good. And I sing it all the time. Yeah. It's something between those last two, right? Between your idol and what it sounds like, I think. Yeah. So, yeah. I guess I'll go with what it sounds like then if you chose the other one. Okay. Overall thoughts on the soundtrack. Final rating. Yeah. Yeah. So, going back to what I was saying about...
00:36:19 --> 00:36:42 this being impressive because it was a movie and not geared by the K-pop fandom. Because I think, unfortunately, I don't think K-pop fans realize that there's so many of us, yes, if we're buying the albums en masse, like there's five members, you're buying five sets of albums. So a lot of the numbers, a lot of the streaming, it's like streaming parties, let's do it, let's do it. So it's very, very pumped up. I'm not saying they're not real. I'm not saying that.
00:36:42 --> 00:37:11 But a lot of it is like, we got to make sure this is going to work. We're going to make sure that our boys, our girls hit number one. This one was like, the crap was really good. People are realizing, I say crap, but not really. But this stuff is really good. People are just gravitating to it naturally. If you are K-pop fans, you recognize the Sonics that are present here. So again, it's really impressive that this movie that has no affiliation in terms of recognizable vocalists.
00:37:12 --> 00:37:35 Go so large. I mean, I think, what was it? How It's Done? No, Takedown has twice, but that's not the hot song. It's golden, it's soda pop. There's no strong affiliation to any current K-pop group that would drive these songs up anywhere. So I think it's really good. It's solid. I think it's, again, it's funny that they're not real.
00:37:36 --> 00:37:59 But the meaning of the songs are real. The lyrics are real. The impact is real. And that's what's impressive about it. So I think it's good. I hope they don't make this into like a whole universe situation. Like, yeah, I heard it's like a werewolf situation or a zombie situation. I'm like, babe, leave it where it's at. Move on to another project. It's okay. It's, again, the K-pop Demon Hunter's terrible title. No offense to anyone.
00:37:59 --> 00:38:18 But it's so on the nose that when I finally watched the movie, I was like, dang, the title is different. I wonder if I would, you know, the title is not terrible. It's just so on the nose. I thought the movie was going to be bad because of the title. I know it's not fair. But, you know, it did a good job. Everything is great. I get that. I also, when I read the title, I was like, what? Yeah.
00:38:18 --> 00:38:39 But I think it also piques people's curiosity as well. So I get it. I will say the impact of the soundtrack has been pretty fascinating to watch. At least twice. Strategy did chart due to its appearance in the soundtrack. I do wish Love Me Right from Exo ended up on that soundtrack. That deserves some attention. But it'll be interesting to see...
00:38:40 --> 00:38:59 if this makes any impact on K-pop as a whole in the Western world, like does this actually get new fans involved in the actual K-pop industry or not? I think will be interesting to watch. Cause I feel like if you do like these songs, it's a pretty easy transition.
00:39:00 --> 00:39:27 Mmm. Okay. You don't think so? Okay, so here's my thing, right? When K-pop idols release music out here, it's so westernized. Like, strategy, that does not... It sounds like K-pop. I will say it sounds like K-pop. But, like, the rest of the album, the new album for Twice, was just kind of, like, not giving what their usual is. Even with 80s, they kind of went for, like, this early 2000s thing for their whole album. But, like, Lemon Drop or, like, what was the other song? I forgot. I forgot.
00:39:27 --> 00:39:45 That might do okay, but again, it sounds like U.S. hits from yesteryear. Stray Kids with like freaking Maniac out here. Hmm. English translation? Hmm. I don't know. So I think it depends on the approach. People might be open to it, but all these songs are in English with Korean in it.
00:39:45 --> 00:40:03 So it sounds like Korean Americans, you know what I'm saying? Like, I know it sounds weird, but it sounds like, hey, we're trying to make a Western film, but they're Korean, as opposed to, hey, we're a K-pop idol group trying to make Western music. You know what I'm saying? Because it always switches. Seventeen has a distinct sound. They made a song with DJ Khaled completely stricken.
00:40:03 --> 00:40:19 you know what I'm saying so I think I don't know I think it just depends on how they approach it for sure okay so then maybe actually the the right question might actually be how will this affect the k-pop industry and what they do sonically to try to attempt to okay fit in with the new fans of this movie yeah okay
00:40:19 --> 00:40:43 So yeah, I loved the movie. I've now seen it twice. I would gladly watch it again. I mean, we essentially watched it again yesterday because we were trying to just make sure we understood the context, you know, the songs in the film. It's so entertaining. You're right. I hope they don't do too much with it. I think they already announced that there will at least be one or two sequels. But I hope that they don't rush it and they really put thought into...
00:40:43 --> 00:41:08 everything because it sounds like this project was they put a lot of work into it and so i just hope they don't ruin the legacy of it um yeah but yes i thoroughly enjoyed it i would give the soundtrack an 8.5 oh that's a solid square i would give it an 8 yeah okay cool let us know what you all thought of k-pop demon hunters the film and the soundtrack
00:41:08 --> 00:41:36 And what are you hoping for with the sequels? And how do you think this will affect K-pop moving forward? Let us know in the comments below. You can also hang out with us and the crew on Patreon. And message us at CCTV Pops on social media. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for our YouTube channel. And if you're enjoying the show on a podcast platform, please give us a follow, rating, and review. Until next time, that's Chantel. That's Chris. And we're signing off from CCTV, the nonstop pop show.