Is Oh! By Girls' Generation Considered a Retro Song?
Retro music describes a style that brings back the sounds, rhythms, and aesthetics of a past era, often with a modern twist. The term is relative and depends on the context and comparison made. In this article, we'll explore whether the pop anthem "Oh!" by Girls' Generation can be considered a retro song.
What Is Retro Music?
Retro music can be defined as the revival of past sounds and styles, infused with a contemporary flair. The “nostalgic cycle” typically involves styles from 20-30 years ago, relative to the current decade. This means that what was considered retro 10 years ago might no longer be so, as it has entered the cycle of revival.
Bubble-Gum Pop and Oh! by Girls' Generation
"Oh!", released by Girls'Generation (also known as SNSD) on January 28, 2010, is a prime example of a bubble-gum pop track. Bubble-gum pop is a genre characterized by upbeat, catchy melodies and light-hearted themes, often reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s. The term "bubble-gum pop" itself was coined in the 1960s to describe the cheerful, poppy style of songs that were catchy and easy to dance to, much like chewing gum.
The music video for "Oh!" features a cheerleader concept, very much in line with the upbeat and energetic style of the music. Released during the early 2010s, "Oh!" was not considered a retro song in the mainstream sense when it was released. However, its retro-leaning style could be seen as a nod to past trends, particularly in comparison to other K-pop groups of the time.
Nostalgic Cycles and Modern Retro
The term "retro" is relative and depends on the objects being compared. In the context of music, a song from the late 1990s or early 2000s might be considered retro when compared to more modern trends. The 1990s saw the peak of bubble-gum pop, with iconic tracks like "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls and "Barbie Girl" by Aqua making significant contributions to the genre.
Typical nostalgic cycles often involve decades that are 20–30 years prior to the current one. So, if a track from the 1990s is released in the 2020s, it might evoke a retro vibe due to its style and themes. A good example of this is Taeyeon's song "Weekend," which has a nostalgic Y2K fashion vibe and an 1980s city-pop music style, greatly contributing to a retro feel.
Comparison with The Wonder Girls
The Wonder Girls were known for their strong 1960s Mo-town performance concept. Their music and style were deeply rooted in the soulful, rhythmic sounds of the 1960s, making them a standout in the K-pop scene of their time. When compared to the more pop-oriented, bubble-gum style of Girls'Generation, "Oh!" does not necessarily bring to mind a past era, despite its cheerleader concept.
Conclusion: Is Oh! Retro?
While "Oh!" by Girls'Generation is not exactly a retro song in the strictest sense of the term, its bubbly and nostalgic style could be seen as a nod to earlier music eras. However, it is more aligned with the bubble-gum pop of the late 1990s and early 2000s, rather than a full-fledged retro revival. The use of past styles in contemporary music is a common practice in the industry, and it’s fascinating to see how these styles influence modern pop culture.