K-Pop Songs That Take Us To The 1980s

Dal Shabet, Wonder Girls, Son Dam Bi, Tablo

1. Dalshabet - B.B.B (Big Baby Baby)

"Big Baby Baby" is a jamming tune that draws heavy inspiration from 1980s synthpop superstars the Eurhtymics' hit song "Sweet Dreams." Dalshabet make the sound their own, with a fierce and sexy update that would be right at home alongside vintage 12" remixes.

2. Son Dam Bi - On A Saturday Night

Son Dam Bi's "On A Saturday Night" is one of the most popular K-pop songs of the late 2000's, and for good reason. It's an earworm with reverb-heavy drums and an equally airy vocal performance from Dam Bi, who sounds like a sultry modern cross between Paula Abdul and Stacey Q. The song has become a staple for idols to cover, with Twice putting on a hit performance of it last year.

3. Wonder Girls - Baby Don't Play

The entirety of Wonder Girls' "Reboot" album is a tribute to the 1980s, with the girls using a band concept as a vehicle for what might be the most distinguished music of their career. "Baby Don't Play" is a highlight, somewhere between a ballad and a banger. The slap bass give the song an extra edge and authenticity, proving that Yeeun had some serious songwriting and composition chops.

4. Nine Muses - Miss Agent

Although Nine Muses has worked for a long time without any major hit singles, they've always brought music to the table that stood out from the crowd. This song was an album track from "Prima Donna," and it's perfect for any '80s playlist. Nine Muses are truly underrated pop princesses!

5. UV - Itaewon Freedom (featuring JYP)

This song and its hilarious music video are true gems. J.Y. Park brings out the best of his cheesy side with a funny sing-along rap, and the UV boys (Yoo Se Yoon & Muzie) sing of the fun things that only Seoul's neighborhood of Itaewon can offer. If there's one thing you can take away from this, it's probably the location of Nam Sam tower!

6. Incredivle - Oppa's Car (feat. Tablo & Jinusean)

Show Me The Money is more than just a competition show - it actually challenges artists to create a bunch of original music over the course of each season. Part of this has always been the signature "finale song," which is usually performed with a contestant's team leaders. This one finds Tablo and Jinusean alongside Incredivle, spitting rhymes about the cars they got to celebrate their hard work.

7. A Pink - Boy

Although A Pink usually does songs with cute bubblegum pop themes, "Boy" is a sassy '80s-style track that took the girls outside of their comfort zone. It's a standout from their 2012 "UNE ANEE" album.

8. f(x) - All Night

This track from f(x)'s "Red Light" album sounds like a long lost gem from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" sessions. The group sounds bubbly and excited, and Amber provides a sultry vocoder-rap in the middle eight that makes fans swoon. Although the "Red Light" album was the group's last as a five-member unit, fans will always have this lush production and its fellow tracks to fondly remember.

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