For K-Pop fans who have a history and background knowledge of the genre, Girls’ Generation were undeniably pioneers of this relatively new and varied genre of music. K-Pop has its roots in the 1980s, but especially since the boy band BTS emerged on the scene in the early 21st century, it has experienced a surge in popularity both internationally and in Korea. Still, if anything, Girls’ Generation do need a mention given that they were present before BTS and were a staple of K-Pop radio rotation. Otherwise known in Korea as SNSD, the group itself consists of eight members: Taeyeon; Sunny; Tiffany; Hyoyeon; Yuri; Sooyoung; Yoona and Seohyun. Jessica was also part of Girls’ Generation but departed after this compilation release. The group were massive in Korea but met their demise as they attempted to crack into the Japanese market on their own, a rather odd venture for a K-Pop group. All the same, this is interesting and historically relevant music for those fans of K-Pop who know more than just PSY’s 2012 release Gangnam Style. This compilation differs slightly from the main compilation released in the same year. The difference? Two new extra songs are present to listen to. This compilation was released on 15 October 2014. It has 16 tracks and runs for 56 minutes in length. Let’s take a listen to this compilation, and we shall hear if it is any good.

1. GENIE begins with the sound of footsteps, girls chatting in Korean and a car starting, with a male voiceover stating for the listener to, “Turn it up! Just turn it up!” This quickly launches into an upbeat listening experience that is surprisingly good. This sounds surprisingly fresh and unique throughout. A pretty and awesome listen. Bear in mind that this is cheesy K-Pop Music designed mainly for ladies and men who cherish their effeminate side a lot. Still, there is no denying that this is a very good song. This may sound a little dated today, but it still makes sense to listen to if you have an appreciation musically for a sort of glossy, female Pop Music from the Far East. Absolutely awesome to hear, in its own way. Worth listening to, even if you know very little about K-Pop and Korea itself. The vocals in the outro are blissful.

2. Gee (Japanese Version) is a version of the fabulous Pop song…but in Japanese. It makes little sense that the group, probably under instruction from their management, recorded this in Japanese. Even so, it sounds as good as the Korean version, just different. In any case, this music is super cheesy, but very lovable in its own way. This is polished K-Pop Music that works very well throughout. A gorgeous and interesting song that, in actual fact, is miles ahead of any of the garbage that BTS ever made. The breakdown in the second half is magical, as is the song construction. A joyous and sweet tune to listen to, even if you don’t like all-female K-Pop with an EDM edge.

3. Mr. Taxi begins with some gritty electronic sounds and launches into a song with lyrics about the most famous cities in the world, before launching into a laughably cheesy but totally enjoyable tune to listen to. This music is good for what it is. It is a plastic, fantastic yet quirkily listenable song that has some appeal to those of you who want to warp back in time to the 2000s and listen to music that has a Poptastic edge to it all. The second half has a wacky breakdown with a dramatic song structure change. All in all, this music is sweet and tasty, like a cocktail drink on a warm summer night. This is not going to appeal to most people out there, but it is definitely good music. A niche sort of listen that sounds awesome.

4. Oh! (Japanese Version) is a cool listen, but again, it poses the question of why this was re-recorded for a Japanese audience. This sounds fantastic for what it is, all the same. Easy to please, cheesy Pop Music is present, and it does sound quite interesting and sweet for what it is. A fabulous tune that, even with the Japanese lyrics butchering, works very, very well. If you need a serious introduction to some of the best Pop Music of the Far East from an earlier time, this is a great starting point. Cool, colourful and exciting, this is as if Aqua made an East Asian lovechild musically. Great to hear from start to finish. Totally cool.

5. Run Devil Run begins with punchy beats and launches into a really energetic and exciting K-Pop song. Again, this is rather difficult to take seriously, despite the fact that it sounds really quite good for what it is. The chorus in particular is very anthemic and magical throughout. Still, especially for most males, this music is very difficult to take entirely seriously. Nonetheless, compared to most K-Pop today, this is seriously magically enjoyable. Most K-Pop is notably very trashy at the time of writing, whereas this music is far from that. A superb tune with lots of professionally Electronic Music styled production, this is by far one of the best sonic representations of early K-Pop. Very neat.

6. HOOT (Japanese Version) begins with some tripped out guitar, and quickly launches into a rather odd sounding piece with guitars, beats and rather aggressive sounding vocals throughout. This is a divine-sounding tune that has Japanese lyrics again. Honestly, it puzzles one to think about it. The music and sounds throughout are very sweet and magically wonderful. Yes, this is Pop Music aimed at teens made some time ago now, but it all serves a great listening purpose throughout. With a driving bassline, carefully constructed sounds and joyous singing, this does sound quite sweet, like strawberries with cream. A good song, even if this is not Girls’ Generation’s best listen. Enjoyable enough to listen to, all the same. Top music to hear throughout, this sounds energetic and exciting.

7. The Boys (Japanese Version) points out, again, the oddness of mixing K-Pop with Japanese lyrics. Even so, this stunning tune sounds futuristic, upbeat and fun to listen to. One of the better songs by Girls’ Generation, no doubt, this is the sort of song a guy in his mid-twenties would put on to amuse his friends at a house party. In all seriousness, this does sound sweet, upbeat and fantastic anyway. No doubt that for many young males, the sexual appeal of these nine Korean ladies is irresistable, and would have led to many units being sold in retrospect for this reason as well. Seriously, though, this sounds top and cleverly mixed and arranged. In the second half is a dynamic breakdown of sounds that are extremely cool. The singing sounds rather natural as well, with less autotune and processed electronics on them than you’d expect. A great song, no doubt. It ends nicely.

8. PAPARAZZI begins with some interesting electronics and harmonies, before launching into a sweet and decent tune to listen to. This music is certainly interesting and surprisingly consistent throughout. The chorus is really awesome and sung in English. This tune is likely a reflection on the expectations, hopes and promises of being in the spotlight. The EDM-styled production and groove throughout are sensationally sweet. Indeed, although this is fairly retro music, it does sound really polished, professional and listenable to this very day. The sounds and singing, in particular, are worthwhile to hear. There is a musical interlude with speeding cars and screaming sirens, followed by a nicely textured arrangement. Another breakdown follows with a punchy, energetic and passionate message. One does not need to know the Korean language to understand the lyrics, nor be heavily into K-Pop to enjoy these songs. Mint.

9. FLOWER POWER begins with some cyber noises entering into, before launching straight into a joyous, crunchy and percussive listen that is darker and more interesting than you’d expect. This still sounds really fantastic to listen to. Once the chorus hits, one can hear how insanely catchy and uplifting this music is. A really powerful and interesting piece of music, although it does lift from the Spice Girls lyrically and fairly obviously. No big matter, this is outstanding K-Pop that is electric, eclectic and with a twist. Thoroughly enjoyable, this track in particular deserves to be put on repeat. The music present is fabulous, and Girls’ Generation were ahead of their time. Nowadays, K-Pop and K-Dramas are a global phenomenon, and these ladies were paving the way. Nice tune.

10. LOVE & GIRLS begins with some wacky percussion, handclaps and a count-in. This tune is a little unorthodox for Girls’ Generation; it doesn’t sound as musically straightforward as what came before it. Even so, this romp and stomp tune is extremely interesting and catchy. This is unlikely to be considered great music by those outside of K-Pop. However, the truth of the matter is otherwise. This is exciting and eclectic, with an unmatchable and quirky energy to it all. This makes most of today’s K-Pop acts pale in comparison quality-wise. The whistle call-and-response irregular chorus section is absolutely fun and interesting to listen to. A very sweet tune to hear, for all music fans. It ends with a scream and a sonic conclusion that sounds animated and fresh. Very good.

11. GALAXY SUPERNOVA begins with some excellent electronic patches, an electronic breakbeat and confident singing by Girls’ Generation. This tune sounds very futuristic indeed. Singing about the galaxy, in a very Poppy way, these ladies know how to impress even the most casual music fans out there. This music has a better quality than even most mainstream acts today. It just sounds simple, enjoyable and like music from a future that we haven’t really experienced yet. Nonetheless, this sounds vibrant, energetic and awesome. In the second half is a very sweet and lovely breakdown, with some pounding beats that pound this tune back into action. Brilliant, this music is sensationally wonderful for what it is. It ends with an explosion.

12. Mr. Mr. (Japanese Version) begins with some loud, electronic melodic patches, launching into a gritty, energetic tune that again, doesn’t make sense with Japanese lyrics for a K-Pop song. All the same, this is a fantastic song that certainly is worth repeat listens. A very, very cool tune. This is a great compilation that is not just important for Girls’ Generation fans, but fans of K-Pop and early 21st-century music in particular. This sounds moving and wonderfully enjoyable. The chorus is simple, but ridiculously good to listen to. The sounds and singing together sound youthful, sweet and full of girl power. A voice counts up to four, then we launch into an instrumental section that sounds divine. A very pretty and loveable tune, this music builds up to a terrific key change right at the end, which sounds really enjoyable. Wonderful to listen to.

13. Chain Reaction begins with some very intelligent and interesting sounds, launching into a wacky and rather unusual tune for Girls’ Generation. The song is seemingly about breaking up with a lover. The music and sounds perfectly match the digitised vocals. This tune is a good listen, although understanding Korean is likely an advantage on hearing this album. Even so, the music and sounds throughout are fresh, interesting and fun. A really cool and stylish tune. Yes, this is girl group Pop Music, but it is so well done that many out there will dig this. A good listen, although hinting at darker emotions beneath the surface. The outro sounds tripped out, with cut-up vocals.

14. Indestructible begins with wind chimes, piano and smooth, sweet singing. This sounds extremely Poppy and romantic simultaneously. This is one of the newer tracks from this album, and it sounds absolutely majestic and beautiful. This is a song that is not a million miles away from being in a K-Drama, potentially about a love story that sounds gorgeous. Extremely moody and introspective throughout, this is sung mostly in Korean, but sounds absolutely joyous and fantastic regardless. This is a moving and standout tune from the group. This is not the sort of music that macho men would enjoy. However, having said that, this is consistent, appealing and Poppy enough to show that the world of music can embrace its feminine side. Sweet.

15. DIVINE is one of the additional new tracks for this album. It begins with some moody and sad piano, followed by some soft harmonies, in ascending registers. This sounds extremely sad and melancholy. Not exactly a happy, upbeat Pop song, this music shows a different side to Girls’ Generation than you’d expect. It sounds like a breakup song of sorts musically, and is mostly sung in Korean. This music and vocal performance is a heartbreaking listen throughout. A great tearjerker performance, the sonic intricate structures and beauty of this song sound really amazing. This music is certainly lovable, even for a moody downtempo piece like this. This is a beautiful ballad that sounds like a pretty breakup song. Another solid tune that is worth listening to from this album. It finishes after four minutes in length with acoustic guitars and sweet singing. Nice.

16. Show Girls is the final track on this compilation album, and is one of the newer additional tracks added to it. It launches into a voice-over intro introducing the show girls, Girls’ Generation themselves. It is a good listen with multiple sections of vocals, instrumentation and changes at the drop of a hat. This song seems a little sexist in orientation, to be frank. This music is great, once again, but fairly cheesy on this song. A quirky, frenetic and listenable tune that deserves your attention. The saxophone and horn sections illuminate this tune nicely, and it is a fine conclusion to the first part of these ladies’ career. A really sweet and interesting tune to listen to, which ought to grab your ears for attention. Again, very, very cool. It ends this compilation sweetly. It ends with some weird looped sounds.

This is a very, very good compilation that is an essential piece of music history at hand. Unfortunately, it was the end of the first, and most successful, part of these ladies’ careers. However, do not be fooled into thinking that this is at all bad. Completely the opposite. The mixture of EDM-style textures, K-Pop sensibilities and some English lyrics means that Girls’ Generation will continue to have a popularity for those who live in Seoul in particular, and globally as well. Should you listen to this compilation? Give it a whirl if you want to hear what a piece of music history of K-Pop sounds like. Fans of heavy guitar music should not bother with this release, however.

Cute.

9/10