[IMO] My view on 2015 Infinity Challenge Music Festival (무한도전 영동고속도로 가요제)

Out of all the music festivals “Infinity Challenge” offered, I found this year to be the most promising. Right from the start, the musicians performing alongside the members is already known to be very appealing with their music, so I was not worried. However, I wondered how the members of Infinity Challenge would be able to cooperate with the musicians’ individuality in music. Nevertheless, after watching the final products, my qualms were unnecessary.

황태지 (HwangTaeJi) _ 맙소사

HwangTaeJi was one of the collaborations that makes one go “huh?”. After watching G-Dragon’s participation on Infinity Challenge during 2011 and 2013, I had faith that he will not disappoint this time around, especially with Taeyang at his side. On the other hand, Kwanghee was one the members of Infinity Challenge I worried about, even though he is ironically a singer himself. Watching ‘맙소사’ (translating to “Oh my God!) proved me otherwise. G-Dragon and Taeyang really brought out the best of Kwanghee while keeping their trademark party sounds. 황태지 (HwangTaeJi) really brought the ‘Oh my God!’ factor of their performance; it’s definitely a song that brought excitement from the start.

 

이유 갓지 (God-G) 않은 이유 _ 레옹 (Leon)

Ever since I heard the bits and pieces of this song, I knew it would be one I will enjoy a lot. My only concern was the EDM Park MyungSoo was trying to force onto this song. Thankfully, it was added in the end as a bonus, and the track was satisfying as I wished for. Although their concept was a bit laughable, it matched quite well with ‘Leon’, displaying IU’s creativity very well.

 

으뜨거따시 _ $ponsor

This song proved to be the most trustworthy out of all the songs performed. Zion.T, along with HaHa, performed at a smooth pace, but it was still a tune one can easily jam along to. The word play in the verses was creative, along with the brave revealing of Zion.T’s phone number. The Michael Jackson tribute was nice to see as well. I mean, Zion.T’s dancing is a rare sight to see. Overall, kudos to Zion.T and HaHa for a great song and performance.

 

상주나 (SangJuNa) _ My Life ft. SISTAR’s Hyorin

Along with Kwanghee, the other member I was worried about was Jung Junha; I felt his goals to succeed(?) in rapping was getting in the way YoonSang’s beautiful ways of music. YoonSang managed to pull it off, even scoring a strong feature from SISTAR’s Hyorin. My only regret is the lack of YoonSang singing parts but of course, he did try his best to make the stage memorable. The hook did prove itself to be catchy and refreshing.

 

댄싱게놈 (Dancing Genome) _ I’m So Sexy

What was the most eye-catching to me about the performance was not the choreography, but the way Yoo JaeSuk was able sing along to the song like he has been performing all his life was very pleasing. Of course, the choreography proved itself as well. JYP displaying his unique image with Yoo JaeSuk at his side created a fun and entertaining stage that I will definitely be listening to from now on.

 

오대천왕 _ 멋진 헛간 (Wonderful Barn)

Last but not least was Hyukoh and Jung HyungDon’s country-inspired performance. Although their team name was created last-minute, the song shows off the hard work Hyukoh and Jung HyungDon has dedicated to create a perfect ending stage. Jung HyungDon especially fitted right in with his cowboy hat and antsy moves. With country as its main genre, Hyukoh greatly succeeded experiencing with new sounds and produced a song I will be listening to for a while. I do look forward to what new sounds Hyukoh will create as talented musicians in the future.

 

bonus:

HaHa  _ 키 작은 꼬마 이야기 (The Story of a Short Kid)

It’s been seven years yet the song still remains fresh and exciting 🙂