Awesome Music / Girls' Generation

With seven Korean albums, three Japanese albums, four mini-albums, and multiple stand-alone singles, to say Girls' Generation has a few good songs is an understatement. Here are just a few highlights presented in order of release date:

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• "Into the New World" is often cited as one of the greatest debut songs in K-pop history. It's about gaining hope from camaraderie while facing an uncertain future. While it might not be their most famous song internationally, it's their signature song in South Korea. Expect new girl groups to perform it at year-end shows. It's also been sung at political protests as a symbol of solidarity. Needless to say, it's kind of a big deal. They debuted a ballad version at The Best Live At Tokyo Dome, which was so powerful that even the members themselves couldn't hold back their emotions. Sunny was barely even able to sing her own lines through her tears.
• "Gee" is their best known song, and for a good reason. It's a melodically complex, hyperactive piece of bubblegum pop that's practically bioengineered to be the ultimate earworm.
• "Genie" has synths that slowly build up through the verses to a chorus with majestic harmonies. Right before the final verse, the music stops, with Tiffany demanding "DJ, put it back on." Cut back into the hook, and Taeyeon sings a powerful solo during the last chorus.
• "Star Star Star" gives all the members (except Yoona) a moment to shine in a gorgeous ballad with almost no auto-tune. It's become almost irrefutable proof that these girls can SING. See it live.
• "Run Devil Run" was the first song to show a more mature side of Girls' Generation. It's also one of their first songs to feature rapping, performed by Sunny, Hyoyeon, and Sooyoung in the bridge.
• "Hoot" has a gritty instrumental reminiscent of psychedelic rock, with a bright horn section filling out the hook. The song is complemented by the "dangerous spy girl" concept in the video and performances, complete with 1960s-style haircuts and fashion.
• "Paparazzi" is a dynamic pop track, fitting for the theme of the flashy life of a celebrity.
• "T.O.P" is a celebration of their own success that doubles as a female empowerment anthem. The girls sound tough and confident while rapping the chorus, and the brass synth sounds downright intimidating.
• "I Got A Boy" was controversial at the time of release, due to the jarring changes to completely different sections with different instruments and different tempos throughout. It's because of that experimentation that the song is now lauded for its influence and creativity, and has earned the nickname "the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' of K-Pop."
• "Lips" from their third Japanese album, Love & Peace, manages to be soft and sensual over the energetic drum sample from "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" by Bob James^note which has been sampled several times, perhaps most famously by Run–D.M.C. on "Peter Piper". The mood is complemented by the hook, which sounds what it feels like to fall in love. It's simple, but it works wonders:
  Can't stop thinking about you
  This must be what crazy feels like
• "Goodbye" allows each member a moment to shine over a slick bassline. It's a song about ending a relationship that was was overdue for a breakup, leaving the ex with a "really really good goodbye." Taeyeon herself stated that it was one of her favorite songs they had recorded.
• Lion Heart has Girls' Generation experimenting with a diverse styles spanning multiple genres:
  • The title track is a light doo-wop song reminiscent of '60s pop.
  • The dual single "You Think" is a powerful, confident hip hop track with a booming 808 bass drum and a rap break from Sooyoung and Hyoyeon.
  • "Party" is a more standard pop song, but the bassline is too funky to ignore.
  • "One Afternoon" is a relaxing Bossa Nova track.
  • "Show Girls" sounds like it could be straight out of a Broadway musical. And no, it has nothing to do with the infamous movie of the same name.
  • "Talk Talk" is a lovely quiet storm ballad with elements of trap drums. This is not to be confused for the song of the same name on I Got A Boy.
  • "Check" is reminiscent of the R&B Sub-Genre New Jack Swing, and is perfect for getting ready for a night out.
  • "Bump It" begins sounding like it's going to be a ballad, but switches to a lively pop jam, and it works perfectly as a closing track.
• The entire Holiday Night album. At the time of its release in 2017, it was the most mature and focused album of their career. The dual title tracks "Holiday" and "All Night" barely even scratch the surface. A few more highlights:
  • "Girls Are Back" starts the album off with a bang. The funky bassline is perfect for a song announcing that they have returned.
  • "Fan" has a majestic string section and Taeyeon belting in top form. The result is a classy pop song that is far more grown-up from the catchy teenybopper pop songs they're known for.
  • "One Last Time" is a genuinely heartbreaking pop song that gives each member a moment to sing, climaxing with an emotional bridge sung by Seohyun.
  • "Love is Bitter" is a catchy swing tune using the imagery of old coffee and dried cola to describe a relationship that ended poorly. Hyoyeon's husky vocals perfectly match the jazzy feel of the song, and her singing on the first hook is among the best she's done on record.
  • "It's You" was written by Yuri as a letter of appreciation to their fans. The Korean title translates to "Longtime Sones," and it references the pink ocean^note the nickname for the appearance of an audience holding pink lightsticks as a point of pride.
  • "Light Up the Sky" is an incredible power ballad with lyrics about appreciating a relationship and wanting to stay together through thick and thin. Considering that they went on a 5-year hiatus after its release, it comes off as if they're saying goodbye but promising they'll return.
• "Forever 1" was written to be a sequel to "Into the New World." Both songs were composed by SM Entertainment's in-house songwriter Kenzie, who interpolated the latter into the bridge. If "Into the New World" is about finding strength in others while facing an uncertain future, "Forever 1" is a celebration of the group harmony that led to their 15 years of success.
• "Villain" was the first song to be produced by a member, with Tiffany taking the helm. She also participated in composing the song, and Sooyoung wrote the lyrics. Being a great performer doesn't necessarily mean you'll be a great songwriter, but Tiffany knocked it out of the park, and it's quickly become a fan favorite.
• "You Better Run" brings an experimental edge to the album with electronic synths that create a super dynamic beat, making the song sound unpredictable and exciting.