Classical Musicians React: Red Velvet 레드벨벳 'Cosmic'

Summary

In this reaction video, a group of music reactors discusses Red Velvet's 2024 title track 'Cosmic,' celebrating the group's 10th anniversary. The song explores themes of cosmic love and fate, blending disco, pop, and mysterious undertones. Reactors analyze the song’s intricate harmonies, unexpected chord progressions, and retro influences, drawing comparisons to ABBA. The visually striking music video, inspired by *Midsommar*, adds a surreal, dark layer to the track. The group appreciates the track’s dynamic shifts, lush vocals, and intriguing blending of the familiar and unfamiliar, ultimately declaring it a captivating and unexpected hit.

Takeaways

• 😀 The song 'Cosmic' by Red Velvet was released in 2024 as part of their 10th anniversary EP.
• 😀 The music video draws heavy inspiration from the horror film *Midsommar*, featuring ritualistic and eerie visuals.
• 😀 The song's theme explores a cosmic connection between two strangers, with elements of love, curiosity, and adventure.
• 😀 The music features unexpected chord progressions, blending major and minor keys to create an otherworldly atmosphere.
• 😀 The chorus has a disco influence, with lush basslines and a retro vibe that recalls ABBA's music.
• 😀 Joy's breathy, dreamy vocal technique sets her apart from typical K-pop vocals, contributing to the song's ethereal feel.
• 😀 The song uses contrasting elements between the verse and chorus, creating a sense of unpredictability and surprise.
• 😀 There are moments in the music video where the reactors associate the visuals with a cult-like, sinister energy, similar to *Midsommar*.
• 😀 Some reactors note the song's balance between **familiar** pop elements and **unfamiliar**, complex musical choices, keeping it both catchy and intriguing.
• 😀 The track features a blend of different genres, including pop, disco, and synthwave, adding layers of complexity and appeal.
• 😀 The song’s use of strings and bass helps create a lush, immersive sound, with certain moments of instrumental complexity being reminiscent of vintage pop music.

Q & A

What is the main theme explored in Red Velvet's song 'Cosmic'?

The main theme of 'Cosmic' explores a chance meeting between two strangers that feels destined, as if written in the stars. The song reflects a cosmic connection sparking curiosity, adventure, and a desire to explore the unknown together.

How is the concept of 'Midsommar' incorporated into the music video of 'Cosmic'?

The music video of 'Cosmic' incorporates elements from the movie *Midsommar*, including references to cult-like imagery, eerie visual effects, and a somewhat unsettling atmosphere, such as the use of dresses hanging on trees and the Maypole dance.

What musical influences can be heard in 'Cosmic'?

The song features influences from disco, especially in the chorus, with strings and bass reminiscent of ABBA's sound. There's also a noticeable shift between major and minor tonalities, adding to the cosmic, otherworldly feel of the track.

How does the song 'Cosmic' play with harmony and tonality?

The song uses a variety of harmonic shifts, including modal mixtures and rapid transitions between major and minor chords. For example, it moves from F minor to A-flat major and plays with borrowed chords, creating an unexpected yet satisfying harmonic landscape.

What did the panelists think about the vocals in 'Cosmic'?

The panelists praised the vocals for being soft yet clear, with a dreamy, breathy quality that sets the song apart from other K-pop tracks. They noted how the vocal decisions were not just technical but also emotional, giving the song a unique and ethereal feel.

How did the producers' names influence the expectations of the song's sound?

The involvement of producers like Kenzie and the duo Moonshine (Kenz-Shine) led the panelists to expect a mix of familiar sounds, with the potential for unique production techniques. Kenzie is known for creating catchy K-pop hits, and Moonshine brings a vintage, disco-inspired element to their work.

What specific musical elements stood out in the chorus of 'Cosmic'?

In the chorus, the song features a bright, catchy melody with unexpected chord progressions, including the use of lush bass and strings. These elements create a sense of tension and release, balancing familiarity with surprising shifts, which the panelists found both satisfying and captivating.

How did the music video contribute to the overall mood of the song?

The music video enhanced the cosmic and mysterious atmosphere of the song, with visuals that matched the lyrics about cosmic connections. It also drew parallels with *Midsommar*, with unsettling scenes and a surreal vibe, adding to the sense of both wonder and tension in the song.

What was the panel's reaction to the blend of musical styles in 'Cosmic'?

The panelists appreciated the blending of different musical styles, especially the contrast between the dreamy verses and the disco-inspired chorus. While some found the transition a bit jarring at first, most enjoyed how the song kept evolving, creating a dynamic listening experience.

What were the panelists' thoughts on the song's emotional tone?

The panelists noted a bittersweet undertone in 'Cosmic', particularly in the final chorus. While the song starts with a sense of wonder and joy, there are moments of sadness and mystery, creating a complex emotional landscape that mirrors the theme of a cosmic, fateful encounter.