October 15th, 2016 marked the seven year anniversary of popular boy group BEAST (stylized as B2ST). Throughout the years, members Yoon Doojoon, Yong Junhyung, Yang Yoseob, Lee Gikwang, Son Dongwoon and Jang Hyunseung have sung their hearts out and left lasting impressions on the hearts of fans all over the world.
In the news lately, we have all heard the rumors that BEAST is leaving Cube Entertainment once their contracts run out in a few days. WE have also heard that BEAST will be setting up their own label, although a Cube representative was quick to respond and say nothing was confirmed yet. In light of their seventh anniversary and the subsequent uncertainty concerning BEAST’s future, it’s hard not to travel back in time to when it all began, and see how far they’ve come since then. So hold on to your hats, B2sties. Here are our top seven (promoted) BEAST songs of all time!
No one can deny the power of an amazing debut song. With its upbeat instrumental, catchy chorus and memorable dance moves, “Bad Girl” will always remain a beloved memory to anyone who ever stumbled upon BEAST when they first performed it at their debut showcase. Besides, wwho doesn’t love those flamboyant white outfits?
“Shadow” exemplifies everything BEAST is good at: somber, melancholy concepts, strong vocals, black-and-white visuals and smokey imagery. Entranced by the changes between light and dark, fans will always get teary-eyed for this MV as BEAST sing about lost love and the pain of saying goodbye.
A slight change from their “metallic colors and serious concepts” routine, “Beautiful Night” is one of those BEAST songs that anyone would recognize from the chorus alone. Member Yoseob’s “I’m yours neomani*” will get stuck in your head and you’ll find yourself humming it for days afterward. Combined with colorful night-scenes and members’ bright-colored hair, this song earns its place in the top seven.
*only you
With its blue, black and purple hues, “Good Luck” surprises viewers with a funky beat and strong intensity both in vocals and choreography. This song is best at combining a darker concept with the more sarcastically optimistic chorus, “Good luck, baby good luck to you!”
From “Bad Girl,” to “Ribbon,” it’s amazing to see how much BEAST have grown. In this most recent comeback, the boy group shows off an artsier, more mature image. After having recently lost Jang Hyunseung as a member of the group, BEAST’s MV suggests feelings of remorse and sadness, as well as rekindling hope with the line “tie up a ribbon.” The line directly refers to preventing the loss of a lover, but also represents the idea of moving on.
Arguably one of their most well-known songs, “Shock” is a mix of BEAST’s familiar techno beat and darker concept, with a fresh dose of powerful and iconic choreography. The added rock influences made this song all the more memorable. What’s really significant about “Shock,” however, is the fact that it got the group their first ever win on Mnet’s M! Countdown, as well as their first Golden Disk Award from Singapore, Malaysia. The MV will forever send a fierce “shock” through every fan’s heart!
“Fiction” could bring any unsuspecting Kpop fan to tears through its tone alone. It’s repeating piano-inspired instrumental, emotional singing (especially by vocalist Yoseob and rapper Junhyung), and sad storyline place it on a level above any other song they’ve ever promoted, as well as most other Kpop songs out there. Most importantly, “Fiction” incorporates one of the most legendary Kpop dance moves ever, the “pendulum walk” that the members do during the chorus:
It won Best Dance Performance by a Male Group at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2011, even beating out boy group Infinite, who are famous for their “knife-dance.”
In the end, “Fiction” represents everything noteworthy about BEAST songs: meaningful lyrics, impressive choreography, and a dreamy, unforgettable melody.
Looking back at the past seven years of BEAST’s career, we see a long list of hit songs and dances that have been influential in the world of K-Pop. Limiting ourselves to choose seven songs, this list can obviously only begin to scratch the surface when it comes to brilliant BEAST tracks. Honorable mentions would include “Breath” and “12:30,” both of which are iconic songs in their own right.
As mentioned before, rumors have been circulating that BEAST may form their own agency. There have been several social media posts by some of the members that seem to suggest these rumors are true. But regardless of what happens in the future for BEAST, fans like us can look back fondly on some of their most momentous music videos and remind ourselves that the members will always be there, in one form or another, to forever inspire us.
What The Kpop wishes BEAST a very happy seventh anniversary and many years of continued success in the future.
Saleha (StarlightSora) is a WTK writer who hails from Northern Virgina. She’s an avid fan of VIXX, EXO, BTS, SEVENTEEN, B.A.P (and counting). An otaku and a gamer, when she’s not writing fanfiction for one fandom or another, she can be found binge-watching anime or playing through The Last of Us for the twentieth time. She hopes to be a published writer one day—after seeing all her faves live, of course.
Media: Cube Entertainment