Volume 4 2012 Chapter 850: The Heyday of Youth
In fact, this year's trip to the United States allowed the nine members of Girls' Generation to gain some personal experience of the American market.
On paper, the results are good.
"The Boys", which was produced specifically for the European and American markets, debuted at number two on the World Albums Weekly Chart and allowed Girls' Generation to rank 22nd on the US New Artist Chart.
"Twinkle" released by TTS, a sub-group consisting of Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun, entered the Billboard Top 200 (126th) in 40 hours based on sales without any promotion. It also topped the World Albums Weekly Chart, setting a record for the highest ranking for a Korean singer on Billboard.
At the same time, the song ranked fourth on the US iTunes album comprehensive chart, breaking the highest record in the history of Korean singers on the US iTunes album comprehensive chart, and ranked second on its sub-chart POP TOP ALBUM.
It also won first place on the Japanese iTunes album comprehensive chart, and Girls' Generation was featured on the official homepage of the American Grammy website with this song.
Everything seemed to be successful.
In order to achieve such results, SM company was well prepared.
Not only did they invest a lot of resources and money, but they also specially invited well-known American producers to be responsible for the production of these two songs, hoping that they could be as close to the preferences of the American market as possible.
The final result, I can only say, looks pretty good.
Although there are achievements to be mentioned on various charts, these charts are not actually American achievements. They are just various Korean or Asian sub-charts on the American music charts, which are not considered mainstream music at all.
Rather than achieving excellent results, it is better to say that this wave of "entering the US" actually used the influence of the American market to promote Girls' Generation, and did not truly occupy the American music market.
The result was just as Yi Haoyan said.
This trip to America when I was young. I went, but I didn’t go completely.
Although it has won various awards, which is better than WG's situation, the gap is still obvious compared with the songs that truly conquered the American market.
After all, there is a song that has become popular all over the world this year.
"Gangnam Style".
Compared with this song, Girls’ Generation’s so-called “adventure in America” has little presence.
Although it’s not that no one likes it, it’s still a long way from truly gaining a foothold in the US market.
Although they are top idols in South Korea and Japan, Girls' Generation's fan base in the United States is not currently sufficient to support their success stateside.
The songs produced by American producers at great expense did not achieve the expected results.
On the contrary, songs like "Gangnam Style" produced by Korean music producers can sweep the world.
So everyone thinks that in the American market, compared to the idol’s gorgeous appearance and charming personality, the quality of the music itself is still the decisive factor.
This is also the fundamental reason why the two lead singers are still focusing on the quality of music even though Girls' Generation has reached this stage.
In 2012, Girls' Generation did not conquer the American market and were not accepted by the world's largest music market.
They just went for a stroll, gained some fame and came back.
But it doesn’t matter.
Because SM didn't expect Girls' Generation to fight to the death in the United States like WG did, and they have much more patience than JYP.
Thanks to the previous development route planning, Girls' Generation's roots in Korea, Japan , and even in Asia are much deeper than those of WG back then. The US strategy is only a development direction, not all of Girls' Generation now.
They can still go back to Korea to promote their songs, make money in Japan, and then continue to try to impact the American market.
This song "I GOT A BOY" follows this approach.
This song was co-produced by the European and American composition team Dsign Music and domestic and foreign producers such as Pixie Lott, Yu Yongzhen, and Kenzie. The style is diverse and bold, taking into account the Korean and Asian markets, and adding American elements, which can be said to be comprehensive.
If any other combination was used, it would probably not be able to support such a bold plan.
But who made them Girls’ Generation?
…
…
"Splicing music styles is not a bad thing. If it is done well, the song will be very special. This song is actually very suitable for you. I think that so far, this song should be the most suitable song for you since Girls' Generation became famous."
Yi Haoyan thought about it carefully and gave this song a very high evaluation.
"Oh? Such a high rating?"
"Really?"
"Isn't there going to be another twist?"
The members of Girls' Generation were whispering among themselves, somewhat surprised.
“First, the songs have good stage styling, which is important in Korea, Japan and other Asian markets.
“The overall style is derived from the hip-hop style of American streets. Baseball jackets, peaked caps, dazzling metal accessories and sneakers are all elements of this style, but the styling scale has a bit of candy punk feeling, not so wild, and is much more restrained than pure hip-hop. It is a bit more chic, cute and handsome, which is more suitable for the orthodox idol personality.
“To put it simply, they are not as outstanding as 2NE1, but they will be more accepted, have a wider audience, and are more in line with Girls’ Generation’s positioning.”
Ignoring the chattering of his nine sisters, the boy continued with his analysis.
"Secondly, the music style is diverse and varied, which is very suitable for the nine-member, nine-color Girls' Generation. The strengths and characteristics of the girls can all be reflected.
"Whether it's cute, sweet, handsome, charming, sexy or cool, almost every characteristic has a clip showing it. This song gives almost every member a chance to show their strength.
"As for the dance, there are cute designs for Seohyun's nuna, parts for Yuri's nuna and Hyoyeon's nuna to show their skills, and an overall powerful group dance.
"For the singing part, there is the smoky rock voice that suits Tiffany Nuna, the soulful high notes of Taeyeon Nuna and Jessica Nuna, the sweetness of Sunny Nuna and the playfulness of Sooyoung, and even a cute rap for Yoona Nuna who can't sing. It can be said that a hundred flowers bloom..."
"Mo! Why can't I sing?"
Yoona had been listening very seriously, but suddenly she found herself the victim.
"Hahaha, I knew he would be like this. He never forgets to criticize Yoona when he praises others. So mean!"
"It's not that bad, Yoona doesn't really sing anyway."
"Ah! Unnie!"
"Hahaha, even if you know it, don't say it out loud. Look how grand Yoona is."
"Is it not okay to tell the truth?"
"Ah! Unnie! That's not the truth!"
Although the comments about Yoona caused her to protest, which interrupted Yi Haoyan's comments for a while, he still continued his analysis with a smile.
“Thirdly, although this song emphasizes the characteristics of each of the Nunas and also incorporates many completely different styles, the integrity and consistency of the song are guaranteed. The rhythm of the whole song is very compact and coherent. After listening to it, there is a sense of continuity that is lingering. It can be said that the integration is very successful.
“Also, although it is a song that is only suitable for Girls’ Generation to perform, like ‘The Boys’, ‘I GOT A BOY’ is better and more difficult. ‘The Boys’ has a momentum and lyrics that can only be adapted by a girl group like Girls’ Generation, but ‘I GOT A BOY’ is a cute song, but the difficulty of performance and the strength of the members can only be supported by a top group like Girls’ Generation.
"This song may become a standard song exclusively for Girls' Generation, and no one else can perform it. Such a song can better show the comprehensive strength and charm of Girls' Generation, and it can be said to be the best choice while being close to the needs of the American market and taking into account the preferences of Asia. After all, with Girls' Generation's current status, it is difficult to release a song that surpasses the charm of the group members themselves.
"You have entered your heyday."
