Throwback Thursday: Iconic Bridges Part 3
Photo: SM Entertainment
Is there a bridge to a song that you can’t help but but sing along to? I know many. The bridge of a song is the build-up to the final chorus and therefore is a crucial part of the piece. Without the bridge, there’s no build-up: they make the song. So, let’s take it back and talk about some iconic bridges that we cannot forget.
NCT U - “BOSS”
On March 14, 2018, NCT subunit NCT U dropped their unforgettable track “BOSS.” This hit is featured on their collective album, NCT 2018 EMPATHY, and is a trailblazing track for K-Pop fans. With its signature NEO sound, this song is striking, featuring a bass-driven synth beat. The members all get a chance to individually showcase their talents, with each one having a verse in the song. The bridge is unforgettable. The members, Doyoung and Jungwoo give us beautiful, almost ballad-like vocals that many of us, to this day, sing with great passion. Members Mark and Taeyong’s raps during that part flow to the rhythm of the song, and fit the hard-hitting concept of the track. It’s a significant build-up to the final chorus, and will forever be memorable amongst any fandom.
ITZY - “Not Shy”
On August 17, 2020, JYP Entertainment's girl group ITZY released their dynamic EP Not Shy. This EP is jam-packed and starts off with their unforgettable title track “Not Shy.” This song is well worth listening to: you can’t help but sing, “Not shy, not me. ITZY” while blasting this track. In the bridge, the beat slows down, and there is this bass-induced sound that you can feel rattling in your chest. During the bridge, the members are singing the chorus at a slower pace and with a deeper voice. As the beat builds up, the singing gets higher and faster to match the tempo of the final chorus. The girls ate this song up and gave us a hit that is on constant repeat.
NCT Dream - “ISTJ”
On July 17, 2023, NCT sub-unit NCT Dream dropped their full-length album ISTJ - The 3rd Album. This album features a plethora of stellar songs, including the title track “ISTJ.” This track is powerful. With a mix of different genres, “ISTJ” is a forceful and danceable track. During the bridge, the beat undergoes a complete 180-degree shift, transitioning from an energetic beat to a slower R&B beat with intense vocals. This change-up is something we often hear in K-Pop, but this switch stands out because it not only alters the sound but the overall vibe of the song. The harmonies during the bridge are something that also stands out. The way the members harmonize on “Waiting for, I’m just waiting for ya” will make you feel like you are floating.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne