007. baby v.o.x - change

Change

Korean 3:33
Europop, Hip-Pop, K-Pop

from Baby V.O.X II (1998)

South Korea is one of the few countries today that still seems to churn out numerous gender specific pop groups.  America and Europe have mostly dropped the formula.  One of the longest running Korean girl groups was a quintet known as "Baby V.O.X" (Voice of Xpression).  Debuting in 1997 on the coattails of other successful female group acts S.E.S and Fin.K.L, Baby V.O.X started off with a different roster.  The first album was a flop, and three members were replaced for the second album.  However, only two of the three new members were retained (the removed girl lied about her age).  Despite this little drama, the sophomore album was a minor hit and had some successful singles.  In the end, another girl was brought in for the rest of Baby V.O.X's lifespan - seven studio albums and a compilation - before their official disbanding in 2006.  A second incarnation, Baby V.O.X Re.V, was formed soon after.  "Change", the second single from Baby V.O.X's second album, was a hint at the new direction the girls would be taking in the future.  While the label had the girls adopt a saccharine image, "Change" incorporated elements from two continents west of Asia - Europe and the grand U.S.A.  It wasn't a secret that popular Korean music at the time was being influenced by music on the other side of the globe.  In fact, by the time Baby V.O.X had rolled around, hip-hop had already taken its minor toll on Korea.  Almost every song on the radio incorporated a "rap" of some sort, and it wasn't uncommon for vocal groups to feature a rapper member.  Of course, hip-hop was watered down into more of a staple or even gimmick.  Combine that with a casual Europop dance vibe, and voila, "Change".  Dissection aside, it's a fun song and doesn't take itself seriously.  Baby V.O.X's forthcoming albums would dial the style up to varying degrees, as well as have the girls shed some clothes.