An Ode to CNBLUE: Our Top 10 Songs by the Band

CNBLUE — the South Korean pop-rock band — is credited for some of the genre’s most successful hits. A little backstory here: I came to know of and adore CNBLUE through an OST from the popular K-drama, Heartstrings. Jung Yong-hwa fans, anyone? Well, I am a big one. His lusciously funky “You’ve Fallen for Me” had me hooked thanks to its musicality and distinctive characteristics. I was in love with that tune and its solid symphony streaming beneath Jung’s potent vocals, let alone the breathtaking guitar solo in the end.

There’s something insanely good about his sexy, husky voice that stuck in my mind, and in an attempt to know the artist more, I landed on the realm of CNBLUE. I sampled one song, then another, then yet another, and… you get the drift. It’s been a pattern ever since. They are all quite varied pop songs, which is a defining aspect of their music. And great lyricism, compositions, and instrumentation aside CNBLUE songs [I’d like to put it this way] are typical “jingle-jangle” terms used amongst music critics to signify guitar pop with passion. Know what I’m saying? If not, go through the list of my top ten CNBLUE songs below.

“I’m a Loner” – Bluetory (2010)

Years ago, a younger me was in love with this song. And now, a more mature version of myself still feels the same way. What was once a beguiling rhapsody, introducing a band of exceptionally good-looking Korean boys with incredible musicianship, is now an emotion I resonate with. And every time Jung sings “외톨이야 외톨이야” equating to “I’m a loner, I’m a loner,” I recall catching a whiff of Korean funk-rock for the first time and it taking my breath away. Technically coined as a classic funk-rock ballad, the track has fantastic guitar licks, harmonic key changes and an awesome groove. And while the song has a melancholic strain, melancholy has never looked or sounded so beautiful.

“Love” – Bluelove (2010)

The music video to this track opens with CNBLUE walking into a low-lit public bar full of people who appear bored and weighed down. The band thereafter steps up to the podium, hits the drums, strums their guitars, and belts out “Love.” As the song advances to “Tell me why why why I am only wanting you/ No bye bye bye don’t ever say those sad words again,” the audience is seen growing energetic in line with the vibrant mood of the song. “Love,” a mainstream rock track, “has a fresh feeling with a metallic twist,” according to Jung. My affinity for it, however, stems from the rhythms delivered on the acoustic and electric guitars. It sort of liberates the soul, because it is music meant to be felt.

“Love Girl” – First Step + 1 Thank You (2011)

CNBLUE is one of the main reasons I turned to K-pop. And while pop-rock’s impact has dwindled over time, the influence of CNBLUE’s rock music remains. “Love Girl,” for instance, has had a profound impact. It is a super-cute upbeat rendition of sentiments choreographed in CNBLUE’s distinctive style — brilliant song structure and hooks, and strong vocals powered by an eclectic soundscape — employed through drums and guitars and voiced through endearing verses: “I want you, oh my love, please look at only me/ Even if the world changes, I will only love you/ Oh, my love, my heart beats whenever I see you/ I will cherish only you.”

“In My Head” – Code Name Blue (2012)

I’m also a burning soul when it’s CNBLUE. Their music can practically ignite your passion or elicit feelings for more. Jung Yong-hwa, as I said, is a sight to behold when he sings with his guitar, as is the entire band. Their skills and abilities to create fantastic music and perform are enthralling. A great example of this could be “In My Head,” CNBLUE’s breakthrough single in Japan. It’s worth noting that the group has a devoted and massive fan base in that country, which inspired them to constantly release a slew of Japanese singles. A Korean version of the song was released on the band’s third mini-album Ear Fun in 2012.

Watch them perform “In My Head” live. It’s a transcendental track, to say the very least, and has frequently been requested during their stage shows. The boys are reputedly beasts at live concerts, which I’ve always wanted to experience but have not yet been able to make it to. I really hope to see them live at least once in my lifetime, even though they aren’t very active these days.

“Still in Love” – Ear Fun (2012)

This timeless hit’s fundamental theme is love and living in love, making it perfect to play when you’re overcome with emotion and aching for that warm feeling. You may mourn a little while listening to this narrative of a broken heart, but feelings beyond words, accompanied by a gorgeous arrangement, an excellent guitar riff and dramatic transitions will keep you hooked and coming back to the song again and again.

“I’m Sorry” – Re: Blue (2013)

“I’m Sorry” adopts a tone more akin to “I’m a Loner.” It is a killer composition in terms of domestic and international sales and is essentially a track about breaking up that, ironically, broke all prior records. You can’t escape its allure, and you also can’t escape the song’s sonically compelling influence. With powerful orchestration, a catchy beat and, of course, tremendously intense images, I like how the music video constantly switches between desaturated tones and black-and-blue color palettes. “I’m Sorry” will always be a radio hit for me.

“Can’t Stop” – Can’t Stop (2014)

A guilty pleasure with “a bit of Brit rock meets melodic pop rock and Latin melodies” in Jung’s words, “Can’t Stop” was included in Billboard K-Town’s list of ‘The 10 best K-pop albums of 2014.’ It’s been eight years since the song was released, and it remains a classic. With breathy vocals, the composition effectively communicates the sensations of love and longing. The melody multiplies, as does the passionate mood, in unison with the profound lyrics: “With your one word/ I laugh, I live day by day/ Like a mirror/ My day is yours/ Can’t stop me now, can’t stop me now/ I still smell your scent of spring/ Can’t stop me now, can’t stop me now/ I can’t stop, I can’t stop loving you.”

“Radio” – Wave (2014)

There is more to CNBLUE’s music than meets the eye. They have continually dabbled with styles including pop-rock, emo, alternative rock, soft-rock, rock ballads, electronic rock, and more. Therefore, putting together a listicle that covers all things CNBLUE is a tough ask. On and off throughout, they have done a great deal of musical experimentation. “Radio,” for instance, acoustically embodies distinct traits much enhanced with alluring beats and booming music to the effect that when the volume is turned up, “it will resound all the way to the high heavens above.”

“Cinderella” – 2gether (2015)

The self-penned title song “Cinderella” by Jung is an up-tempo pop-rock tune with electronic components. It reinterprets the traditional fairy tale through a contemporary perspective and promises to be “pleasant to listen to.” Together with its great hook, I adore how the song builds to its exploding crescendo. According to the Korean media, Jung had the idea for the song while lounging on a sofa at his recording studio when the term “Cinderella” suddenly crossed his mind. It was at first an “interesting keyword,” but later he came across it in a story about women wishing to live like the character. He was certain he had to compose a song about it.

“White” (2015)

Put on your headphones for “White” to blow your mind! This one is a headbanger with an electrifying music video. In terms of the concept and how the music is used, “White” deviates from the band’s usual musical approach. Pay close attention to the rock style in fusion with repetitive synthesizer notes to get a sense of this. The video’s transitions between neon lights, colors, and black-and-white tones enhance its intensity. The band’s innate qualities are combined in “White,” a Japanese single that spreads a message of optimism.