Last Month's Hallyu Hits: U-KISS Blend Their Powerful Vocals With Passionate Guitar Playing On 'Playground' [VIDEO]

South Korean boy band U-KISS are back in the spotlight with their new single "Playground," released on Jan. 23.

Taken from the group's "Always" EP, the 11th in the U-KISS catalog, "Playground" is anchored around a silky smooth acoustic guitar part and powerful vocals in both Korean and English.

The "Playground" guitar part brings to mind the 1990s work of R&B producer Babyface or even the 1999 Backstreet Boys hit "I Want It That Way." At times, the guitar reveals a Spanish, nearly flamenco feel, always radiating an inviting feel that coats the whole song in a warm glow.

As the U-KISS band members meld melodic pop singing in their native language with ad-libs in English, they add some extra flavor to a ballad that could of otherwise felt slightly tepid. By the time the chorus kicks in, heavier drums and a techno trance synth line kick in, surging the track into the stratosphere.

This melding of smooth acoustic-tethered rhythm and blues and hard-hitting electronica synths help to turn "Playground" into something special.

Watch the music video for U-KISS's latest single "Playground" RIGHT HERE

John Chiaverina is a musician and journalist living in New York City. He has performed in over 18 countries, including two tours of South Korea, under the name Juiceboxxx.

Tags
U-KISS
Playground
Join the Discussion

Latest Photo Gallery

Real Time Analytics