Welcome to MAMAMOOSIC, a blog project which focuses on the incredible music of MAMAMOO, a 4-member Korean girl group created in 2014 by Kim Do-Hoon of RBW (Rainbow Bridge World). The music of MAMAMOO employs elements of jazz, soul, funk, lounge, urban R&B, hip-hop, EDM and world music to produce a unique modern style which, although highly musical, ultimately still aims primarily for fun and excitement. Each post on this blog project will closely examine one of MAMAMOO's albums, and also include links to secondary non-album releases, exclusive online tracks, and live covers. Although MAMAMOO's accomplishments also extend into video production, dance, and fan engagement (of course), for now this blog will only concentrate on their musical achievements.

Melting

Mamamoo's Melting era essentially began with the release of “Girl Crush”, a bubbly, jazz-inflected pop-anthem recorded for the mobile game "Innisia Nest". This song was released for the game soundtrack on September 16th, in the midst of Mamamoo's Fall 2015 promotional tour for Pink Funky. In late October, Mamamoo continued their successful streak of hits on Immortal Songs 2 with “Backwoods Mountain” (which was followed by “Love Story Of A Girl” a few months later in 2016). In the same month, Solar began releasing her Solar’s Emotion series, comprised of singles and mini-albums featuring solo covers of classic songs, usually in softer, more acoustic settings than those found on Mamamoo's albums. The rest of 2015 also featured the other Mamamoo's members guesting on outside projects, often in duet settings or in spotlight segments. 
 
The title of the album ("Melting") celebrates the "melting together" of contributions between Mamamoo and their production team. While Moonbyul continued to contribute her own rap lyrics, the other band members also began to add lyrics to a few songs (Solar and Hwasa also contributed to the music arrangements in songs “My Hometown” and “Recipe”). As before, Kim Do-Hoon functioned as the album's main producer but, with eSNa no longer part of the RBW team, Park Woo-Sang had more of an opportunity to make an impact. A third RBW member, the female producer Cosmic Sound, rounded out the main musical support behind this album. 
 
Melting

Early 2016 saw the band explore softer sounds highlighting Mamamoo's vocal range in pre-release singles like the ballad “I Miss You” and the bossa nova-inflected “My Hometown”. These tracks were quickly followed up by the more confrontational (but catchy and good-humored) “Taller Than You (1cm Pride"). All of this activity eventually led up to the Feb 26 release of Mamamoo’s first full length album, Melting, which featured eight brand new tracks (along with the four singles released earlier). "You're the Best" was featured as the title track and the MV for this single was released a day before the album release.

The album title also reflects the broader variety of emotional colors presented on the album. Overall, Melting continued to develop the expanded palette of styles introduced in Pink Funky. In addition to the electro-R&B sounds explored on earlier albums Hello and Piano Man, the band also embraced rock, dance, lounge (bossa nova) and pop music of the 60s, 70s and 80s. These styles were brilliantly "melted together" with modern production techniques such as sampling, turntablism, modern electronic beats and digital signal processing (effects). Additionally, Moonbyul’s unique rap segments continued to insert a post-modern hip hop aesthetic into the proceedings (and also allowed the producers to take greater chances in their underlying music tracks). These elements all combined to make Melting much more than simply a "retread" (or homage) of older styles. However, the original idea of "music by musicians" was maintained through the presence of outstanding vocals and live solo instruments (like guitar and saxophone).

1. "Taller Than You (Pride of 1cm)" (1cm의 자존심) (from 160212 single) (lyrics by Kim Do-Hoon/Moonbyul/Solar/Hwasa, music/arrangement by Kim Do-Hoon/Park Woo-sang): This tongue in cheek rap-anthem has each member challenging each other in various comic shout-outs, with each chorus characterized by an infectious "Ma-ma-moo" refrain. Employing a '00s West Coast hip-hop vibe with a twisted trap beat and split rhythms, this broad approach is also reminiscent of the music of the Beastie Boys in the '90s. The ending chant becomes an especially rowdy "challenge" lyric. In the lyrics, the band members tease each other over their relative heights, which are separated only by about a centimeter from one member to another (Moonbyul is 162.8~163.4cm, Solar is 161~160.5cm, Hwasa is 160.1cm, and Wheein is 158.9cm.). English lyrics.

0:00: "Is there anyone taller than me?" (Hwasa), opening groove, chorus (w. Wheein, Solar)
0:29: 1st verse (Hwasa, Solar), with commentary from other band members
0:48: 2nd verse (Moonbyul) with added harmony (Wheein)
1:07: Chorus "Mamamoo"
1:27: 3rd verse (Moonbyul), 4th verse (Mamamoo, Hwasa) with added harmony parts
2:05: Chorus
2:25: Bridge (Wheein) with vocal adlib (Solar)

2. "Words Don't Come Easy" (우리끼리) (lyrics by Kim Do-Hoon/Park Woo-sang/eSNa, music/arrangement by Kim Do-Hoon/Park Woo-sang): This is a somewhat "lounge jazz" song in the modern R&B “quiet storm“ style. Driven by a minor key bossa nova acoustic guitar riff, it allows the singers to express their sultry sides. Moonbyul's "jazz rap" style is accompanied by some tasty tremolo guitar, and Jang Hyo-Seok's tasteful sax keeps things heated. In the song arrangement, each verse builds on the previous one, until the tune finally ends in a string coda. The sultry lyrics describe such an embrace so passionate that the speaker has no words. English lyrics.

Guitar: Hong Jun-Ho, Bass: Choi Hoon, Saxophone: Jang Hyo Seok (장효석)

0:00: Opening guitar groove joined by sax, organ, bass, drums
0:32: 1st verse (Hwasa, Wheein, enhanced with male background vocals in 2nd half)
1:03: Chorus (Solar, Wheein)
1:36: 2nd verse (Hwasa, Solar)
2:07: Chorus (Wheein, Hwasa)
2:40: Rap bridge (Moonbyul, with added tremolo guitar arpeggios), instrumental break (piano/sax solo)
3:11: Outro chorus (Hwasa, Solar) drums/bass lay out in first half, string tag

3. "You're the Best" (넌 is 뭔들) (title track, 1st No. 1 single) (lyrics by Kim Do-Hoon/Moonbyul/Solar, music/arrangement by Kim Do-Hoon/Duble Sidekick): This boisterous "strutter" builds in some ways on the blues-honk groove approach used in eSNa's "Ahh Oop!" (from Pink Funky). The fearless vibe of this song is carried over through gutsy sax blasts and funky guitar riffing layered over a big beat electronic groove.  In this song, the singers declare to the listener that he is a perfect fit for her in every way (the lyrics in the last chorus also mention "Mr Ambiguous" and "Piano Man"). English lyrics.

Guitar: Hong Jun-Ho

0:00: Sax sample intro, vocal strut (Hwasa, Solar)
0:22: 1st verse (Wheein, Solar)
0:38: Pre-chorus (Hwasa, Wheein)
0:49: Vocal strut (Hwasa, Solar)
0:57: Chorus (Solar, Wheein)
1:29: 2nd verse (Hwasa, Moonbyul), pre-chorus (Hwasa, Solar), vocal strut (Wheein, Solar, Hwasa)
2:04: Chorus (Solar, Hwasa)
2:36: 3rd verse (Moonbyul, Solar), pre-chorus (Solar, Wheein), vocal strut (Hwasa), cadence break (Solar)
3:15: Chorus (Solar, Wheein)

4. "Friday Night" (금요일밤) (feat. Junggigo) (lyrics by Park Woo-sang/Moonbyul, music/arrangement by Park Woo-sang): This gentle pop song highlights the singer Junggigo in the first verse and chorus. Musically, it has a light, cheerful '70s pop/R&B vibe featuring a sweet electric piano texture similar to that found earlier in "Love Lane" (also composed by Park Woo-Sang), but here with more developed string embellishments. Lyrically, the singer expresses his/her romantic interest for the listener, especially on this particular Friday night. English lyrics.

Guitar: Jung Jae-Pil
Background Vocals: Park Woo-sang 
0:00: Piano intro, 1st verse (Junggigo)
0:30: Pre-chorus (Junggigo)
0:40: Chorus (Junggigo)
1:00: 2nd verse (Junggigo, Wheein), added synth melodies
1:40: Pre-chorus (Hwasa)
1:50: Chorus (Wheein, Solar)
2:10: Rap interlude (Moonbyul) - groove opens up, bridge (Junggigo, Hwasa)
2:37: Chorus (Wheein, Solar)     
2:58: 3rd Verse (Junggigo, Hwasa, Wheein)

5. "My Hometown" (고향이) (lyrics by Kim Do-Hoon/Mamamoo, music/arrangement by Kim Do-Hoon/Solar): A gentle, accented guitar riff drives a whispery, major key bossa nova rhythm. Each verse finishes off with a rap break, with Hwasa and Wheein in the first (both from Jeonju) and Solar and Moonbyul (from closer to Seoul) in the last. There is no brass on this track, but extra guitar tracks provide a shimmering layer of ornamentation. The MV for this song was released ahead of the album on 160204. The lyrics, partially written by Mamamoo themselves, describe the singers' memories of good times back in their hometown when they were young. English lyrics.

Guitar: Jung Jae-Pil/Kim Do-Hoon

0:00: 1st verse (Wheein)
0:25: Rap break (Hwasa, Wheein)
0:41: Chorus (Solar, Hwasa)
0:57: 2nd verse (Solar), rap break (Moonbyul)
1:28: Chorus (Wheein/Hwasa)
1:45: Guitar lead break (Solar outro)
2:00: 3rd verse (Wheein), rap break (Solar & Moonbyul)
2:32: Chorus (Solar/Hwasa, Wheein/Hwasa), joined by guitar lead

6. "Emotion" (lyrics by Cosmic Sound/Cosmos/Moonbyul, music/arrangement by Cosmic Sound/Cosmos/Kang Min-hoon (강민훈)): Starting out with “vintage vinyl” strings, this track soon turns into a mid-tempo piano-driven R&B groove with string accents. The bridge opens up into a more straight-ahead groove before the final chorus. This track was composed and arranged by one of RBW's female producers, Cosmic Sound, and thus uses a different set of musicians on it to produce a sound subtly distinct from the rest of the album. The song lyrics express the singer's unfamiliar sense of confusion after strong emotions arise for a romantic partner. English lyrics.

Guitar: Park Ki Tae (박기태), Bass: 임기범, Piano: Cosmic Sound, Cello: 감인훈
Background Vocals: U
0:00: String sample intro
0:22: 1st verse (Solar, Wheein, Hwasa, Wheein) with piano accents
0:59: Chorus (Solar, Wheein, Hwasa) with added electronic trap drums
1:28: Rap verse (Moonbyul) with leaner instrumentation
1:48: 2nd verse (Hwasa, Wheein)
2:07: Chorus (Solar, Wheein)
2:26: Bridge (Solar, Wheein) with even rhythm groove
2:46: Chorus (Solar/Wheein, Hwasa), extended

7. "I Miss You" (from 160129 single) (lyrics by Cosmic Sound/Hwang Yoo-bin (황유빈)/Moonbyul, music by Kim Do-Hoon, arranged by Lee Hyun-seung (이현승)): This piano-driven R&B ballad also highlights Mamamoo's vocal prowess. Many passages in the refrain sections are ornamented with melodic variations and highlighted with string textures. Moonbyul raps over an interlude section which is supported by some outstanding trap rhythms. There is no brass on this track and only very minimal guitar. In this song the speaker expresses her inescapable sorrow for an ex-lover. English lyrics.

Piano: Lee Hyun-seung (이현승)/Gen Neo, Guitar: Hong Jun-Ho, Organ: Lee Hwa (이화)

0:00: Percussion intro, 1st refrain (Wheein, Hwasa) (ensemble response: "So much I miss you") with piano
0:41: Pre-chorus (Solar)
0:48: Refrain (Wheein, Hwasa) (extended)
1:39: Pre-chorus (mix, Wheein)
1:47: Refrain (Solar) with thicker arrangement (bass, strings/organ)
2:20: Rap break (Moonbyul, Solar) with trap drums
2:38: Pre-chorus variation (Wheein, Hwasa, Solar)
2:50: Refrain (Solar/Hwasa, Wheein) with modulation and added rhythm cadences (buried guitar lead)

8. "Funky Boy" (lyrics by Yoon Hye-joo (윤예주), music by Daniel Palm/Ellen Berg Tollbom/Park, arranged by Park Woo-sang): A gentle piano/synth & vocal harmony intro leads into a lively funk rock workout spiced with brass hits, tight guitars and thick synth pads. The bridge opens up into an open texture before digging back in to a "dirty funk" groove. Lyrically, the singer demands respect from her lover (a "Funky Boy") and warns him not to misbehave. English lyrics.

Guitar: Jung Jae-Pil

0:00: Harmony intro with piano
0:18: 1st Verse (Wheein, Solar, Hwasa, Solar)
0:58: Chorus (Wheein/Solar, Hwasa)
1:20: Chorus outro with accented beats (Solar)
1:28: 2nd Verse with added harmony parts (Wheein/Hwasa), rap (Moonbyul), Solar
1:58: Chorus (Wheein/Solar, Hwasa), Chorus outro (Solar/Hwasa)
2:34: Bridge (Solar, Wheein, Hwasa, based on intro, groove opens out)
2:49: 3rd Verse with rap (Moonbyul)
3:04: Chorus (Hwasa/Solar, Solar/etc)

9. "Recipe" (나만의) (lyrics by Solar/Hwasa/Moonbyul/Park Woo-sang, music by Kim Do-Hoon/Park Woo-sang/Solar/Hwasa, arranged by Kim Do-Hoon/Park Woo-sang): This tune is built from samples of swing jazz records, but the singers counter this modern technique with a warm, "bubbly" vocal approach. Tasty, authentic jazz guitar is also layered amongst all of the turntable scratching to create a nice contrast. This humorous song describes the speaker's promise to cook something and lists the steps taken to prepare her meal. English lyrics.

Guitar: Hong Jun-Ho 

0:00: Intro samples (Wheein?), 1st Verse (Wheein), rap (Hwasa)
0:49: Chorus (Hwasa), outro (Solar)
1:13: 2nd verse (Moonbyul rap, Solar)
1:36: Chorus (Solar, Hwasa)
1:59: Bridge (Wheein) with added guitar ornaments
2:22: Chorus (Hwasa, Solar)

10. "Cat Fight" (고양이) (lyrics by Hwang Yoo-Bin (황유빈)/Lee Hoo-sang (이후상)/Moonbyul, music/arrangement by Lee Hoo-sang/S2REN): This tune revisits the charged "electric swing" style featured in some of the first two releases, but has a more notable "big band" feel, employing multiple layers of brass. Always outstanding, Moonbyul's "backpack" rap in this tune is supported with some fascinating collaged saxophone layers. The end abruptly slows to a "fireside" coda. In this song, the cocky singer warns another girl off away her boyfriend and promises violence if she doesn't comply. English lyrics.

Guitar: Lee Kun-min (이건민), Piano: MeariNam (남메아리), Saxophone: Jang Hyo-seok (잠효석)

0:00: Piano intro, scratch, band enters
0:20: 1st verse (Solar, Wheein)
0:40: Pre-chorus (Hwasa)
0:49: Chorus (Solar, Wheein)
1:09: Chorus outro (Moonbyul, Hwasa, Solar), piano break
1:26: Verse variation (Hwasa, Solar) with string/brass lead breaks
1:46: Pre-chorus (Wheein)
1:56: Chorus (Hwasa, Solar)
2:15: Chorus outro (Moonbyul/Hwasa)
2:25: Rap bridge (Moonbyul), initially over a straight beat
2:45: Chorus (Wheein, Solar)
3:04: Chorus Outro (Moonbyul, Hwasa)
3:14: Coda (acoustic) (Hwasa)

11. "Just" (lyrics/music/arrangement by Park Woo-sang): Here, a relaxed '70s R&B groove is supported by strings, piano and tasteful guitar ornamentation (especially in the latter half). The only album track with a real string section on it, it is intended to evoke the slow jam '90s ballads of En Vogue. The ending verse features solo string parts by the Yung Strings. Although Moonbyul does not perform on this track, Wheein's vocal prowess is highlighted in the song's bridge. In the lyrics, the speaker is heartbroken over an ex-lover but denies it when in front of him. English lyrics.

Piano: Park Woo-sang, Guitar: Jung Jae-Pil, String Arr.: 권석홈, Strings: Yung Strings (융스트링)
Background Vocals: Hwasa
0:00: Intro with piano & strings, 1st verse (Wheein, Solar, Hwasa)
0:45: Chorus (Wheein, Solar)
1:19: 2nd Verse (Wheein, Hwasa, Solar)
1:52: Chorus with thicker arrangement (Hwasa, Solar)
2:24: Bridge with accented strings, guitar lead and modulations (Wheein)
2:50: Chorus (Hwasa/Wheein, Solar) with string leads, guitar ornaments, piano coda with final string swell

12. "Girl Crush" (from Innisia Nest game OST, which also includes an instrumental version) (lyrics by Jang Yoon-seo/Park Woo-sang, music/arrangement by Park Woo-sang): This is another "retro" swinger like "Mr Ambiguous", "Piano Man" and "Cat Fight", but has more of a '50s “hot-rod boogie” attitude. The track features many tasty guitar fills and ebullient brass riffing throughout. The song itself describes the singer's un-self-conscious pride in being hot, cute and sexy, and dismisses her boyfriend's criticisms. English lyrics.

Guitars: Jung Jae-Pil

0:00: Piano intro
0:09: 1st Verse (Wheein, Solar), pre-chorus (Hwasa/Moonbyul)
0:39: Chorus (Solar, Wheein, Moonbyul), "Go Girl Crush" refrain after 1st section
1:13: 2nd Verse (Hwasa (groove cools out for beginning), Solar), pre-chorus (Hwasa, Mamamoo)
1:43: Chorus (Solar, Wheein, Moonbyul)
2:13: Rap bridge (Moonbyul) with added turntable scratching
2:28: Chorus (Solar, Wheein, Moonbyul), outro

13. "You're the Best (Inst.) (digital edition only)    


From an international standpoint, Mamamoo also increased their profile with their U.S. debut at an LA event in October 2015. On March 6 of 2016 Mamamoo earned their first number 1 win on Inkigayo (which was soon followed by wins on several other TV programs). At the end of March, Mamamoo performed a short set with a live band on SBS, a progression in their sound which would ultimately blossom in the shape of Mamamoo's refreshing "MOOSICAL" stage production from later in the year (which would also feature live stage musicians, as opposed to taped background tracks). 

Releases and exclusive online performances (tracks)

150915 “Girl Crush” [Innisia Nest OST] (on Melting)
150924 “Girl Crush” MV
151001 “Star” (별), Kim Minjae, Solar [Twenty Again OST]
151004 “Call Me” (연락해), Basick & Lil Boi (Feat. Hwa Sa)
151013 “Nothing”, U Sung Eun (Feat. Moonbyul)
151022 “Lived Like a Fool” (바보처럼 살았군요), Solar [Solar Emotion Part1]
151028 “Love Talk”, Kisum (Feat. Hwa Sa), (Live MV on 151104) 
151030 “Please Just Go” (그냥 가요), Louie (Feat. Whee In)  
151031 “Backwoods” (“Backwoods Mountain”/ “Doume Valley”) (두메산골) [Immortal Song 2 OST]
151125 “Like Yesterday” (어제처럼), Solar, Moonbyul  [Sugar Man Part 6 OST]
151125 "Don't Want You To Enlist" (군대보내기싫은데, ZIN of D-Unit cover), Moonbyul (web) 
151201 "Pizza Maru" CF
151210 “Only Longing Grows” (그리움만 쌓이네), Solar [Solar Emotion Part2]
151228 “I Will Survive” (난 괜찮아), Solar, Luna, Ailee, Eunji [2015 SBS Music Festival OST]
160129 ”I Miss You” (pre-release single for Melting)
160204 “My Hometown” (on Melting) & MV
160211 “Taller Than You” (1cm의 자존심) (on Melting) & MV (day before)
160221 "I Won't Let Go", Solar ("I Love Too" early ver., Fan cafe)
160225 "You're the Best" MV, (also Media Showcase)
160226 Melting 1st Full-Length Album, “You're the Best" single
160227 “Love Story Of A Girl” (어느 소녀의 사랑 이야기) [Immortal Song 2 OST]
160228 “My Recipe” MV
160307 "I Won't Let Go", Hwasa/Solar ("I Love Too" early ver., Fan cafe)
160307 "Synchronization 100%" (Block B), Moonbyul (web)
160317 "You're the Best" "1-Take " MV
160329 “Love Again”, Yang Da II (Feat. Solar)  

 
TV/Radio Songs (debut appearances)

150925 “Short Hair”, Whee In, Jo In Woo [MBC Duet Song Festival]
151031 “Backwoods” (“Backwoods Mountain”) (두메산골) [Immortal Song 2]
151124 “Like Yesterday” (어제처럼), Solar, Moonbyul  [Sugar Man Part 6]
151227 "Um Oh Ah Yeh brass ver. w. Uptown Funk intro" [SBS Gaya Daejun 2015]
151225 “All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)/Um Oh Ah Yeh” [KBS Music Bank Special]
151226 “After This Night + Every Night”, Mamamoo, Song So Hee [KBS Entertainment Awards]
151227 “I Will Survive” (난 괜찮아), Solar, Luna, Ailee, Eunji [2015 SBS Music Festival] 
151230 “I Will Give You All My Love”, Solar, Solji, Cho A [2015 KBS Song Festival]
151230 “Pink Lipstick”, Whee In, Bomi, Hyejeong [2015 KBS Song Festival] 
151230 "Um Oh Ah Yeh (Uptempo jazz ver)" [KBS Song Festival]
151231 "Single Ladies + Um Oh Ah Yeh Mash Up" [2015 MBC Music festival]
160208 “She Was Pretty”, Whee In, Song Hanhee [MBC Duet Song Festival]
160211 “Irreplaceable” (Beyonce cover), Hwa Sa (w Mamamoo) (Melon Star DJ Radio]
160221 “You Let Me Go With A Smile”, Solar, Luna, Ailee, Eunji [SBS Inkigayo DIVA Special]
160225 "I Miss You"/"You're The Best" Comeback Stage [MNET MCountdown, media showcase)
160225 "Taller Than You" First Stage at Melting Fan Showcase
160227 “Love Story Of A Girl” (어느 소녀의 사랑 이야기) [Immortal Song 2]
160302 "Taller Than You" Comeback Stage [MBC Music Show Champion]
160303 "You're The Best" / "Taller Than You" SBS Radio Cultwo Live
160304 “Innocent Girl Group Medley” [Yoo Heeyeol's Sketchbook] 
160306 "You're The Best" First No. 1 win [SBS Inkigayo]
160329 "You're The Best" Moobong celebration [SBS MTV The Show]
160331 “Sunset Glow” (BigBang) [MNET Mcountdown Special]


Concert Songs

"Um Oh Ah Yeh", "Love Lane", "Man of Yellow Shirt", "Piano Man", "Mr. Ambiguous (Normal & with Hit Medley)", "Peppermint Chocolate", "Flying Deep Into The Night", "Stand Up" (with Basick), "I Miss You"

Notable Concert Activities

"Piano Man"
"Love Me"
"Freakin Shoes"
"No No No"
"Gentlemen" (w eSNa)
"AHH OOP!" (w eSNa)
"Some" (eSNa solo)
"Gee" (SNSD cover)
"Pink Panties"
"Peppermint Chocolate"
"Um Oh Ah Yeh"
"Love Lane"
"Flying Deep Into the Night"
"Mr Ambiguous (w. Medley)"
  • 160119 Mamamoo perform in Vietnam.
  • 160318 Mamamoo perform at SXSW in Texas: "Mr. Ambiguous, "I Miss You", "Um Oh Ah Yeh", "You're the Best", "Taller Than You", "Piano Man". (Interview)

Melting-era interview with producer Kim Do-Hoon (English translated)

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