WBW: Top 10 Songs from 10 Years Ago (October 2003 edition)
This week'sWay Back Wednesdaywill be my monthly look back at theTop 10 Songs from 10 Years Ago. We'll be visiting the songs that were at the top of the K-pop charts way back in October 2003 and the cool thing is, all of the singers on the list are still performing today in some form or another. There were some repeats from theSeptember listbut also some fresh additions which sound as good today as they did back then. Sit back and enjoy the tunes.
Lee Jung - "Never Again"
Lee Jung is one of the more respected singers and musicians in K-pop and this was his debut single way back in 2003. It took me a little time to really appreciate his talent but now I can be counted as one of his fans. I'm always looking forward to his performances and his appearances on 'I Am a Singer' and 'Immortal Classics' are always amazing and has helped make him a household name. By the way, the video below is of his infamous "ice chair" performance.
Lee Ki Chan - "Always"
One of the members of the famous '79 club, Lee Ki Chan hasn't had the broad success as his friends but most K-pop fans will recognize his voice and his many hit songs. This classic is an all-time favorite ballad for me and one the singer's most popular songs.
Wax - "Relationship"
Wax has carved out a place for her unique voice in K-pop. It has almost a nasally quality but instead of being a distraction, it somehow becomes the perfect vehicle to convey the emotion with which she sings. I'm a huge fan and this jazz-inspired ballad became just one in a string of hits for Wax.
Yoon Do Hyun Band - "I'll Forget You"
I said last month that this was one of my all-time favorite songs and as a coincidence, it was on my iPhone playlist this morning on the way to work. I need to update some playlists...
Baek Ji Young - "Smile"
I think I appreciate this song a little more after Baek Ji Young's recent appearance on the show 'Healing Camp'. Listening to her tell her story and the recent pain she's gone through makes the title 'Smile' very apropos.
Brown Eyed Soul - "Did We Really Love?"
MembersJung Yeop,Naul,Sung Hoon, andYoung Jooncomprise one of the most enigmatic and talented group of singers in K-pop. Four amazing voices who debuted in 2003 with this monster hit then taking a four year break until their next album. Brown Eyed Soul has released three group albums with each member has released solo ventures but it would be great to see these guys together again soon.
Cherry Filter - "Flying Duck"
One of the best songs to sing with a group of friends at anorebang(karaoke) after a few drinks and some food. Seriously… go try it because you'll feel better after.
S - "I Swear"
Speaking of '79 friends, three friends -Kangta,Shin Hye Sung, andLee Ji Hoon- formed a project group back in 2003 called S. At the time, fans were going crazy that three of the better male vocals and close friends were going to be joining forces to release an album together and sure enough, it was a huge success. Everyone's a little older now but if they came back for a 2nd album, old and new fans alike would probably have the same level of fervor that they did ten years ago.
Eun Ji Won - "Drunk in Melody"
Who thought that the opening to this performance was going to be a good idea? I like Eun Ji Won and he's obviously grown tremendously as a rapper and performer over the years but that was just weird.
Lee Soo Young - "Solitary"
Lee Soo Young's classic was one of the biggest songs in October of 2003 and it helped her to be a finalist for the grand prize at theKBSandSBS Music Awardsand winning theMBC Teen Popular Music grand prize.
Those were top 10 songs from 10 years ago but certainly not all the great music that was out then. Feel free to add your own and see you next month when we take a look back at November 2003.