The Cross-Section: TWICE

While the likes of BTS and Blackpink have quickly become the face of Korean pop music, 9-person girl group, TWICE has been building one of the most impressive catalog of songs in the K-pop scene over the past seven years. Formed out of a nation-wide singing and dancing competition put on by JYPE, one of South Korea's most influential production companies, TWICE immediately grabbed ears and hearts with their exuberant blend of candy-coated teen pop sounds, elaborate choreo, and sweet sunny dispositions. Over the past couple years, however, TWICE has undergone something of an evolution, transitioning their sound into something a little more grown, a little more mature. At this point, TWICE is one of the most polished pop acts on the planet, and you really ought to start throwing their work on your playlists.

So, in light of that, here's a quick cross-section of TWICE's catalog to get your feet wet.

The Feels (2021)

The best place to start on your TWICE journey in 2021. Out of the six (!) singles TWICE released this year, "The Feels" best represents what makes them such an appealing group. The chorus bursts with Nayeon's electric vocal, complemented by Jihyo's richer tone, and Sana's verses and bridge are the aural equivalent of a vanilla spice candle. It's energetic, sassy, and pure pop bliss.

I Can't Stop Me (2020)

Epic isn't the typical word I'd go to to describe TWICE's sound, but "I Can't Stop Me" is a juggernaut. The two-part verses are a perfect tease of build-up and propulsion before exploding into a chorus atop the oscillating synths. Pop all over the world have been returning to the 80s new wave well for inspiration constantly over the past couple years, but I'd put this track up as the most compelling single in that vein. CHVRCHES would be proud.

Signal (2017)

Though the music video for "Signal" is probably the most disliked of their discography on Youtube, you should take that as a sign of it's weirdo personality and not its quality. The song is the goofiest TWICE ever got, getting the most out of its alien boyfriend motif with spaceship noises and a slightly off key vocal hook before diving into yet another earworm chorus. It's easy to see why this cutesy sci-fi concept wasn't one the group would stick with, but it's also much more than a one-off novelty and showcases the group's endearing personality along with their tonal flexibility.

TT (2016)

As the lead single from their breakout album Twicecoaster: Lane 1, "TT" sees TWICE playing with the sophisticated sounds of Japanese city pop alongside a tremendously silly chorus about teenage heartache. This isn't TWICE's cleverest or catchiest song, but it is one of their most enduring and solidified the group as a force to be reckoned with on the K-Pop scene.

Alcohol-Free (2021)

This is TWICE's most recent entry into the longstanding tradition of k-pop beach songs in the summertime. As a rule, these singles are light, airy affairs that might soundtrack a beach volleyball scene or cabana happy hour montage, and this song is no different. At first blush this song is so lightweight you might be forgiven for characterizing it as background music, but it's the kind of background music you'll be humming days later, wondering where that tune even came from. It's a glamorous update to TWICE's signature cutesy vibe.

More & More (2020)

"More &More" was my first TWICE comeback which probably predisposes me to like it a bit better than a lot of TWICE's fans. Striking a compelling balance between boho, tropical, and house, this track is absolutely packed with ideas, only outpaced by its frenetic choreo and music video which, taken together, threaten to overwhelm the senses. It's TWICE doing their version of maximalist aesthetics, throwing everything into the production bucket and coming out with a surprisingly cohesive tune that I keep in regular rotation. It also has my vote for some of TWICE's best rap lines coming from Dahyun and Chaeyoung, both of whom show a lot of intensity coming out of the dubstep-influenced dance break.

Feel Special (2019)

Here we see TWICE really making that transition from teen crush aesthetics to something a little more glam, and while it isn't my favorite cut in the catalog, there's no doubting that this chorus is pure pop perfection. Simple chord progressions, focused production, and shimmering instrumentals are what make this energetic dance number an essential TWICE listen.

Don't Call Me Again (2020)

As TWICE's catalog gets deeper with each year, their B-Sides, in my opinion, begin to take up more of center stage. This cut off More & More, is a dynamic track that combines brass samples and a lively percussion section with some wonderful group vocal interplay. It's TWICE as assertive, jilted lover, almost approaching in its own bright and poppy way, the righteous, playful anger of American country pop stars like Carrie Underwood or Shania.

Perfect World (2021)

Speaking of TWICE as jilted lover, this Japanese single is one of the hardest hitting in their whole discography, going with a James Bond-esque instrumental for the chorus and floating a blisteringly-paced vocal performance along with it, "Perfect World" is maybe the most surprising track on this list. Sexy, a little bratty, and well, well over the speed limit, this single sees TWICE transforming their enduring high energy pop and reallocating that energy toward something a little more vicious.

Scientist (2021)

Finally, their most recent single, the lead track from Formula of Love O+T=<3, "Scientist." Musically, this is a sister track to "The Feels" but with a little more funk and the pining script of that other track flipped. It's a pretty girl anthem that sounds like what would happened if a mad scientist smashed early 90s jazzercize with the hero's song at the end of a Disney musical. Groovy, funny, and above all catchy as hell, this song is as good a reason as any to start paying attention to one of the greatest pop girl groups ever.

Playlist:

If you liked this format and want future installments of The Cross-Section, reach out at thecrossoverappeal@gmail.com or on Twitter at @CrossoverRecs with suggestions. And make sure to follow @thecrossoverappeal on TikTok too where a new video about what to listen to as you're coming down from a TSwift weekend.

Look forward to hearing from you!