This year is a special year for FANTASY globally as SF9 finally launched a new world tour in two and a half years. After kicking off the “LOVE DAWN” tour in Seoul in June, SF9 is set to perform in Hong Kong on August 30, followed by over 20 shows across Europe and the US from October to December this year. Not only will SF9 perform some of their best tracks and special solo stages, but they will also hold fan signs and photo sessions to interact with FANTASY closely, which make the tour even more unique and memorable for FANTASY.
Since their debut in 2016, SF9 has released numerous hits covering a wide range of genres impressing FANTASY with their diverse images, including songs with summer concept or giving out a summer feeling. As we get ready for the long-awaited world tour, let’s revisit 5 of SF9’s summer-vibe tracks from different albums that you should keep in your summer playlist!
1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy (2023)
‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ is a lighthearted dance-pop that is about the members trying to let go of their past relationship with a person who has lost interest in them, singing that although they will try to let go of her and never look back, while wishing her all the best in the future. The funky arrangement and cheerful melody radiate a playful vibe, which portrays the carefree emotion of the members after the breakup, and at the same time creates an interesting contrast with the sad story of the song. This song is a go-to track that heals the soul of every FANTASY after a painful breakup.
The group’s main vocalist InSeong performed a short acoustic version of the song on “Leemujin Service”, and his solo version elicits a laid-back feeling completely different from the upbeat original version, turning the song into a soothing summer lullaby.
2. Summertime Bounce (Don’t Kill My Vibe) (2022)
‘Summertime Bounce’ is a summer party song that is about the members inviting their crush to escape from the repetitive daily life and enjoy a nice party under the rising sun. This song is both fun and pleasing to listen to as the trendy synth arrangements and guitar bass pour in extra dynamics to the freewheeling melody, which make everyone groove along with the catchy beats. In ‘The Wave of 9’ comeback showcase, the members performed this song while sitting on beach chairs as if they were taking FANTASY along with their summer vacation, which accentuates the relaxing summer holiday vibe of the song.
3. Summer Breeze (2020)
As SF9’s first-ever title track with a summer theme, ‘Summer Breeze’ is a house pop that is about the members inviting the listeners to dance with them in the beautiful summer time, singing that the fragrance of summer makes them dance. The whistle melody at the opening and brisk guitar throughout the song elicit a refreshing vibe that illustrates the free-spirited theme of the song, while the drum arrangements add energy to the song, bringing out the energy of summer. All these create a dynamic arrangement and enriches the texture of the song, making it one of the most iconic summer K-Pop title tracks of all time.
4. Fire (2020)
SF9 is best known for their mature and sexy image, and ‘Fire’ is one of the b-side tracks that best prove so. This tropical house pop illustrates the members getting dazzled by the captivating aura of their crush, and their desire to get closer to her and win her love. The reggae beats give this song an exotic Latin flare that suits summer, which captures the members’ feeling of accentuating the sensual atmosphere of it. The members singing “one, two, three” with their shouty voices at the bridge builds up the tension of the song and portrays the burning flame perfectly. The choreography also blends alluring gestures and powerful punching movements together, which highlights the masculine charm of SF9. The live stages of this song literally sets all FANTASY’s hearts on fire!
5. Play Hard (2019)
‘Play Hard’ is an upbeat EDM song that is about the members urging the listeners to throw away their stress and worries from their everyday life and bring their friends along and “play hard” all day. The intense drum beats and piano arrangement radiate strong energy like the scorching summer sun, and the choruses of the song are dance breaks with addictive saxophone sounds, making it a perfect party song on a Friday summer night which celebrates a week of hard work. This song demonstrates SF9’s bright and cheerful side, different from their usual mature concept. You can see the members enjoying themselves in this live performance, just as if they are throwing a party on the stage!
Which of the above songs is your favorite, and are there other SF9 songs that you always have on repeat? Let us know in the comments!