This week’s releases dive headfirst into the ‘90s soundscape, from J-pop dance music with a more pop-focused drive to nostalgic R&B that’s both intrinsic to the decade and also exists beyond it. Additionally, summer has officially arrived with the help of an enchanting synth-pop track from rookie group VAYONN, a new pop-rock turn for Super Junior veteran Ryeowook, and a late-night trip to the convenience store with the band AxMxP.

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NCT Wish - “Boy Meets Girl”

It seems Japanese-Korean group NCT Wish is on a ‘90s kick lately. After sampling The Cranberries’ 1994 hit “Ode to My Family” with their title track, “Ode to Love,” NCT Wish is back with a special remake of J-pop group TRF’s ‘90s hit, “BOY MEETS GIRL.” While the original is heavily inspired by Eurobeat – a style of dance music that originated in the UK and Italy around the mid-1980s – NCT Wish’s version highlights the group’s signature sugary pop style with elements of house mixed in. Considering the song was originally sung by TRF’s primary female vocalist, YU-KI, Wish’s remake maintains most of those higher top-line melodies while still adding a boyish charm in its vocals and opening rap verse.

VAYONN - “Watta Day”

Despite recently debuting their first idol group, KEYVITUP, back in April, Kim Jaejoong’s label, iNKODE, is already set to launch their second boy group, VAYONN. Counting down to their highly anticipated debut in July, the six-member boy group released their first pre-release track, “Watta Day,” a shimmering synth-pop number written by popular Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter Giriboy. With a refreshingly retro feel, “Watta Day” sounds like summer nights and picnics on the beach, as the members croon over the nostalgic synths as if they haven’t a care in the world.

AxMxP - “24 Hours (편의점 불빛)”

While idol groups have dominated the K-pop scene since its inception, the industry has never been short of instrumental bands, as the concept has become increasingly popular over the years. This week, FNC Entertainment’s rising band, AxMxP, dropped a surprise single titled “24 Hours (편의점 불빛)” or “Convenience Store Light,” a musical mash-up of hip-hop, R&B, and bossa nova. With the combination of smooth vocals and ear-catching raps from the band’s lead vocalist and rapper, Ha Yoo-joon (with additional vocals provided by bassist Ju-hwan), the track is both playful and calming with a midnight-drive sort of aura.

PRIMROSE - “Cosmic”

Debuting under A.O Entertainment in 2023, four-member girl group PRIMROSE has returned with its first title track of the year, “Cosmic” – a velvety ‘90s R&B-inspired single that glides across the genre with ease. The overall concept hinges on a retro-futuristic celestial vibe, merging the song’s vintage sound with an ethereal presence that showcases the group’s more mature take than some of their previous material.

RYEOWOOK - “Runaway”

In his first comeback in over two years, Super Junior member Ryeowook’s latest single, “Runaway,” marks his 10th anniversary since debuting as a soloist in 2016. Known for his soothing ballads, he steps into an uplifting pop-rock direction that encourages listeners to pause and breathe amid daily stress. The track emphasizes emotional release and slowing down in an overly fast-paced world.