In the past month or so, we’ve all been guilty of it. You hear that beat start and immediately you launch into a familiar, hilarious horse dance.
Yes, I’m talking about Psy’s massive crossover hit “Hageshisa to, Kono Mune no Naka de Karamitsuita Shakunetsu no <span data-scayt_word="Yami" "="" data-scaytid="12">Yami”; “Cage”; “Myaku”
Wonder Girls
Country: Korea
Genre: Pop, electronic, hip-hop
Their sound: Wonder Girls is a solid girl group with a fun, modern sound. The band opened for the Jonas Brothers in 2009 and is working toward crossing over into the English speaking market. Many of their more recent albums offer tracks in English, along with Korean, Japanese and Chinese.
Download: “Nobody,” “Like Money,” “Tell Me”
Michael Wong
Country: China
Genre: Pop, particularly ballads
His sound: Wong is notable for a catalog composed of almost entirely love songs, some of which rocketed up the charts in his native China. He is a talented pianist who pours emotion into each song he releases, and that talent truly shows in each and every track.
Download: “Fairy Tale,” “Commitment”
Do As Infinity
Country: Japan
Genre: Rock, pop
Their sound: Do As Infinity produces a variety of pop-influenced rock tunes that are pleasing to any ear. Vocalist Tomoko Van has a husky voice that blends beautifully with each style the band pursues. Do As Infinity is notable for contributing to soundtracks for a number of different shows.
Download: “Fukai Mori,” “Tangerine Dream,” “Tao”
BoA
Country: Korea
Genre: Pop
Her sound: BoA is one of the biggest names in pop music in Korea, with huge appeal abroad in both Japan and the United States. Her clean, clear voices goes well with lighter pop ballads and more aggressive, electronic-influenced tunes. BoA performs in her native Korean, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and English.
Download: “Amazing Kiss,” “Rock With You,” “Eat You Up”
S.H.E
Country: Taiwan
Genre: Pop
Their sound: S.H.E is one of the premiere girl groups in Asia, and each of the members have pursued side and solo projects as well. The band is also known for frequently covering other songs in their own style.
Download: “Super Star,” “Chu Dian,” “H.B.O”
Paige Minemyer is a senior majoring in print journalism and political science and is the Collegian’s copy desk co-chief. Email her at pem5068@psu.edu
