Album Review: f(x) Take Listeners On A Unique Journey With Their New Album ‘Red Light’ [AUDIO]

On July 7, f(x) released their third album entitled “Red Light.” “Red Light” reflects the changing sound of K-Pop and a shift in the overall esthetic of f(x).

Although, f(x) is one of the most popular female acts in K-Pop, the SM Entertainment group has often struggled to emerge from the shadow of Girls’ Generation.

“Red Light” is a testimony to the fact that f(x) is not attempting to replicate the musical style of Girls’ Generation and is a group that is setting forth into uncharted territory within K-Pop.

The five member group is one of the most diverse K-Pop acts. The leader of f(x), Victoria, is Chinese. Amber is Taiwanese-American and Krystal is Korean-American. Luna and Sulli are Korean members within f(x).

The emerging globalization of K-Pop is evident within “Red Light.”

The album capitalizes on the popularity of musical sub-genres such as electronic dance, experimental house, and witch house. Standout tracks like “Rainbow” evoke the global vagabond sentiment which characterized indie dance songstress M.I.A.

“Red Light” contains eleven tracks, with the album length coming in at a little over thirty-five minutes.

The album opens with the title track. The title track “Red Light” plays on a similar sentiment as “Rainbow.”

The track is as danceable as the 2013 single “Rum Pum Pum Pum” but without the sugary sweetness. This journey towards a more mature sound aids f(x) in their quest to win over new listeners.

“Red Light” is followed by “MILK.” “MILK” fluctuates from a track which would normally be considered bubblegum pop, but the inclusion of samples such as cat, dog, and gun clicks make the track aurally disruptive.

The third track on the album is “Butterfly,” which is a deceptively light title. “Butterfly” draws influence from synth pop and incorporates a very grimy backbeat. The overall effect of the track is more sensual than other songs on “Red Light.”

“Rainbow” is a track that places f(x) on par with their contemporaries 2NE1, more so than label mates Girls’ Generation. While the pervasive musical focus of Girls’ Generation is upbeat bubblegum pop, f(x) has taken a trip into the darker side of world music and dance.

“Rainbow” is reminiscent of the infectious nature of the M.I.A track “World Town,” which reflected the universality of music and a worldwide audience.

The album transitions from its upbeat dance vibe to the slower, 70s inspired track “All Night.” The track highlights the vocal capabilities of f(x). “Vacance” incorporates similar musical elements, which is unfortunate considering that the track immediately follows “All Night.” This makes “Vacance” sound a bit redundant in nature.

“Spit It Out” helps to bring the album back to its original dance music sentiment. The track interestingly incorporates aspects of EDM without utilizing a full-fledged drop.

“Boom Bang Boom” is another standout track on “Red Light.” Both “Boom Bang Boom” and “Rainbow” would be interesting tracks if performed on a stage with a male group like f(x) label mates EXO.

It appears as though Korea is currently fascinated with Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The fictitious vampire is currently the subject of two Korean musicals and is included as a track on “Red Light.” Horror-inspired K-Pop dance tracks have always been a bit odd.

“Dracula” plays on the same sentiment as the zombie remix of the T-ARA song “Lovey Dovey” and the 4Minute song “What’s Your Name?” “Dracula” is a track which could have remained off of the album.

“Paper Heart” is an infectious song which is reminiscent of a Taylor Swift jingle. The track captures a sweet sentimentality which helps to lead “Red Light” to its conclusion. “Summer Lover” is the final track on the album, providing a cohesive conclusion to “Red Light.”

The album is definitely worth checking out as “Red Light” may be one of the best K-Pop albums to be released in summer 2014.

Listen to the newest f(x) album “Red Light” HERE.

Tags
f(x)
SM Entertainment
Krystal
Amber
Victoria
Luna
Sulli
Red Light
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