From the moment their debut single ‘LA ChA TA’ landed in 2009, SM Entertainment quintet f(x) led the charge towards experimental, boundary-pushing music in K-pop, paving the way for the groups we know and love today. Formed by Victoria, Amber, Luna, Krystal and the late Sulli, f(x) have cemented their status as one of the most iconic K-pop acts of all time, becoming muses and inspirations for creatives in the music industry and beyond.
Though it’s been years since they were last active as a group, f(x)’s impact continues to ripple through K-pop today. Even outside of music, each of the members remain icons in their own right in the world of acting and fashion. In commemoration of their 15th anniversary, here are the 10 best f(x) songs to date.
Honourable mentions:
‘Dracula’ (2014)
‘Chu~♡’ (2009)
‘Paper Heart’ (2014)
‘Airplane’ (2013)
‘Vacance’ (2014)
‘4 Walls’ (2015)
Sophisticated and subdued, ‘4 Walls’ is a stylish deep house number that sidesteps the more hard-hitting approach of other EDM-influenced K-pop tracks of its era. Often attracting comparisons to labelmates SHINee’s ‘View’ from the same year, its sleek, hypnotic groove makes it impossible to resist putting on repeat – and it’s no surprise that the two tracks were some of the most fiercely contested fan-favourites of 2015.
‘Pinocchio (Danger)’ (2011)
One of f(x)’s earlier – and dare I say, most underrated – singles, the infectious ‘Pinocchio (Danger)’ is an electrifying opener to the group’s first studio album, leading the charge with its whimsical soundscape and music video, filled with alien-inspired motifs.
‘Ending Page’ (2013)
While a little less experimental than a lot of the group’s music, ‘Pink Tape’ closing track ‘Ending Page’ is a dramatic journey that cycles through the anxieties of realising that a relationship is burning out. Opening with moody rock guitars, it quickly bursts into a melodic, cathartic chorus, a shimmering oasis emerging amid its turbulent subject matter. After all, isn’t there some comfort to be taken in the certitude of turning over that final page?
‘Spit It Out’ (2014)
One of the more unorthodox tracks on ‘Red Light’, ‘Spit It Out’ boasts a hyperactive flurry of electronic blips and syncopated beats as they brashly order an ungrateful lover to return the heart that he so shamelessly swallowed. Surging with unbridled energy, it’s a perfect example of the frenetic chaos f(x) are so known and loved for.
‘LA chA TA’ (2009)
From the very beginning of their career, f(x) were armed and ready with an unforgettable debut single. Boasting the very best of their edgy, off-kilter production and impressive harmonies, the quintet made their sound, intention and talent clear from the get-go, paving the way for a career that would go on to spawn some of the most musically innovative K-pop hits of all time.
‘Butterfly’ (2014)
Another ‘Red Light’ B-side, the hauntingly beautiful ‘Butterfly’ is an moody electropop track visualising the bloom of a new romance as the first spread of a butterfly’s wings. Lulling you deeper with its alluring, almost psychedelic chorus, this is one of the group’s most captivating songs.
‘Signal’ (2013)
Nobody does retro like f(x), and this song is absolute proof of that. Its light disco groove acts as a palate cleanser between some of ‘Pink Tape’’s more unorthodox tracks which, as much as we love, call for an occasional breather to be able to better appreciate. Even so, they certainly don’t skimp on the fun factor in ‘Signal’ which, between its enigmatic verses and strikingly catchy chorus, is a certified bop.
‘Electric Shock’ (2012)
Anyone who has the slightest clue about f(x) would know: this list simply would not, could not be complete without the mention of ‘Electric Shock’. As its name suggests, it likens the thrill and danger of love to an electric shock, and god does this song feel like one. A lively blend of electro-pop and EDM, this textural masterpiece is unarguably one of their catchiest songs. Though of course, the group’s stuttering chants of “E-e-e-electric shock” alone is more than enough for this track to worm its way into your brain and build itself a permanent home.
‘Red Light’ (2014)
Perhaps the most theatrical of f(x)’s discography, ‘Red Light’ is a tense, unrelenting electro number that does exactly what it sets out to do. Its packed instrumental helps realise the song’s vision of frenzied maximalism, landing a powerful assault on the senses at every turn. And as ‘Red Light’ reaches its climax, the chaos quietens, giving way to that dramatic, commanding bridge that no SM title track is complete without.
‘Rum Pum Pum Pum’ (2013)
There’s a good reason this song still manages to resurface through cover performances by newer acts whenever festival and awards seasons roll around. A perfect blend of catchy, percussion-heavy pop and the group’s signature quirky production, ‘Rum Pum Pum Pum’ is unquestionably the quintessential f(x) track.
The song cheekily compares the nagging pain of a first love to that of getting their first wisdom tooth plucked – a wonderfully silly but apt metaphor as the members came of age when the song landed in 2013. Musically and lyrically, the timeless ‘Rum Pum Pum Pum’ truly encapsulates the very essence of f(x): fun, strange and undeniably iconic.
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