What do you think of SuperM's 'Jopping'?
Get some popcorn ready for a stellar performance in Neverland. There is no song in existence more fascinating in its chaotic brilliance than SuperM's debut single, Jopping. When I think of songs, I typically sum up their essence with a single word: Answer by Ateez is ldquo;triumphantrdquo;; Replay by SHINee is ldquo;wholesomerdquo;; while Focus On Me by Jus2 is ldquo;pristine.rdquo; With Jopping, a million contenders exist, but fascinating encapsulates everything about the song and the entire SuperM project.
Lee Soo Man of Capitol Congress 2019 stated that SuperM was born to display the strongest synergy between the West and the East, consisting of seven exceptional artists. The project's explicit goal was to produce quality music that stands out, defined by dance, vocals, rap, and fashion. This balance of Eastern and Western influences was a deliberate choice by SM Entertainment to capitalize on the growing global interest in K-pop, with BTS as a shining example of that potential.
The Comprehensive Goals of SuperM
Breaking into the American market and rivaling BTS were key goals for the group, evidenced by their performances on The Ellen Show and in a Nickelodeon's All That video. Every K-pop group strives to expand in the Western market, and only certain songs resonate with the general public (GP). Typically, these songs are safe, with strong vocal or instrumental melodies, catchy hooks, and minimal risk-taking. Jopping, however, is a textbook example of how not to appeal to the general public. It's a chaotic mess of noise, intense dark tones, and boastful lyrics, making it difficult for mainstream Western audiences to appreciate.
Lyrics and Lyrics, Lyricale
Beyond its chaotic nature, Jopping's lyrics are an inherent declaration of omnipotence and dominance. The repeated line ldquo;when we jumping it's popping we joppingrdquo; is both stupid and dorky, a quirky tribute to the song's theme of victory and supremacy. Despite the lyrics' lack of conventional appeal, Jopping achieves a grandiose and larger-than-life atmosphere, fitting for a supergroup comprising SM icons. The authenticity and sincerity of the members in performing such a silly song are what make it endearingly ridiculous to listeners.
However, Jopping's numerous moments of brilliance shine through. From the distorted ldquo;LET'S GOOOOOOO!rdquo; at the beginning to the final, elated chorus, the group delivers a series of satisfying individual moments. From Taeyong's iconic ldquo;I'm a sight to seerdquo; to the high notes that elevate Baekhyun's vocals, Jopping is a collection of memorable and joyful experiences. Despite the song's controversial nature, it defies categorization as good or bad, providing a unique and original experience.
The Impact of 'Jopping' and SuperM
Jopping isn't merely a single; it's a cultural artifact. Its divisive nature and the sheer joy it brings to listeners make it a significant part of the K-pop landscape. Moreover, SuperM comprises talented members who can navigate the complexities of Western pop culture while retaining their unique K-pop identity. Their other songs, such as Infinity and 2Fast, further solidify the group's potential, demonstrating their versatility and the promise of long-term success in both Eastern and Western markets.
Ultimately, whether you love it or hate it, Jopping from SuperM brings a level of entertainment and excitement that few songs can match. It's a piece of art that, despite its flaws, has left an indelible mark on K-pop history and will continue to be a subject of fascination and debate for fans around the world.