Gayo Daejejeon 2024 Review
Reflections on noteworthy performances that did not secure a spot on my list:
Considering MBC's highly unusual choice to broadcast their Gayo Daejejeon across two nights this particular year, my summary and tiered listing will consequently be bifurcated into two distinct segments. It is imperative that you consult the initial portion for my overarching impressions of the event, alongside a personal assessment of the premier acts from the inaugural night.
At this juncture, it is appropriate to turn our attention to the artists who graced the stage on the second evening! Generally speaking, a considerable number of truly commendable showcases were presented this night, yet none quite reached a level that profoundly astonished me.
ATEEZ - Ice On My Teeth
An absolutely stunning overture, however, the composition itself continues to strike me as rather lacking in impact—even more so when its presentation is preceded by such a masterfully crafted visual arrangement.
BOYNEXTDOOR - Dangerous + Nice Guy
A perfect score is deservedly awarded for their use of stage props. The incorporation of a mobile bus proved to be quite an impressive element.
NCT Dream - Flying Kiss + When I'm With You
The majority of this presentation adhered to their typical standard and failed to fully captivate my attention. However, upon transitioning into that brief excerpt from My First And Last, I was reminded of the truly exceptional music they were once capable of producing.
RIIZE - Impossible + Boom Boom Bass
Two of the most outstanding tracks from the year 2024 nearly earned a position within my compilation. Nevertheless, as you are aware, I consistently favor those renditions that offer a novel interpretation of the original songs. This particular performance was rather conventional, a characteristic often observed in SM's end-of-year productions.
Yoon & J (STAYC), Rei & Liz (IVE) - Rock You
It is my perception that this particular track has become somewhat of a forgotten gem in KARA's discography—at the very least, when contrasted with their more universally recognized hits. The song possesses a distinctively kitschy charm and, surprisingly, sounded quite contemporary given the more restrained arrangement employed here.
9. (G)I-DLE - Super Lady + Neverland
While the song Super Lady does not particularly resonate with me, their unwavering commitment to its delivery, enhanced by a rock-infused arrangement, proved highly effective for its grandiose presentation. Neverland, on the other hand, did not leave a significant impression upon me.
8. Doyoung - The Story Begins
Ballads seldom find their way onto my rankings. However, the inclusion of a choral ensemble and a string section augmenting a truly exceptional vocal performance is guaranteed to capture my undivided attention.
7. ENHYPEN - Brought The Heat Back + No Doubt
These gentlemen have consistently delivered strong performances at the year-end galas. The staging employed for Brought The Heat Back was genuinely engaging, and the revised rendition of No Doubt effectively resolved numerous issues I encountered with the original by imbuing it with greater dynamism and textural depth.
6. Ni-Ki (ENHYPEN) & Taemin - Guilty
Witnessing a devoted admirer have the opportunity to perform alongside their idol invariably proves to be a source of immense enjoyment. Young Ni-Ki must have been experiencing an overwhelming sense of elation!
5. ZEROBASEONE - Yura Yura + Good So Bad
Good So Bad has maintained an astonishingly lengthy presence on my personal music collection, to the extent that I am now thoroughly convinced it stands as ZB1's magnum opus. I found immense pleasure in this slightly funkier rendition of the track.
4. Yezi (ITZY), Giselle (aespa), Julie (Kiss Of Life) - Toxic
While I am not consistently an admirer of covers of Western popular music, Toxic represents a truly inspired selection. Ah, if only contemporary K-pop girl groups would release material possessing a sound comparable to this! The charisma displayed on this stage was truly abundant.
3. TXT - Deja Vu + Growing Pain
It remains quite peculiar to observe them performing as a quartet. This particular presentation has earned a spot on my compilation because I have a strong affection for Growing Pain, and I have never witnessed them execute it during one of these typical televised showcases. Their suitability for the rock genre is undeniable.
2. IVE - Accendio + HEYA
I am captivated by both the attire and the dramatically enhanced stage arrangements. The conclusion of Accendio was absolutely breathtaking. It is imperative that IVE explore and present more concepts of this nature.
1. Taemin - Sexy In The Air
His mastery is truly on a distinct level. Even though I don't particularly favour this song to a great extent, the elaborately dramatic remix endowed it with the necessary impact—and, more crucially, the sheer force required to complement Taemin's performance!