Buried Treasure: SF9 – My Fantasia

A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

Overall, 2024 has had a solid record of title tracks. My “buried treasures” are down because most of my favorite tracks have been promoted rather than left to languish on an album. But every once and awhile, there’s still a killer song that screams for promotion. I like SF9’s Don’t Worry, Be Happy just fine, but b-side My Fantasia blows it out of the water.

Part of this is due to tempo. You all know I tend to prefer more energetic tracks, and My Fantasia fits the bill. Right from the start, it charges forward with bounding intensity. Even as most of the instrumental drops out for the pre-chorus, a sense of momentum lingers to bridge us into the pounding chorus. Better yet, the song grows more intense and compelling as we hit the second verse. This is the strongest segment of the entire track, upping the stakes rather than reverting to a more typical downward shift.

The only aspect that keeps My Fantasia from perfection is the generic melody of its chorus. The songwriting here is perfectly competent and works well with the instrumental, but isn’t able to deliver a melodic counterpoint that stands on its own. This is a small but important quibble, and keeps My Fantasia from rating higher. It’s still a banger, though!

Grade: B+