What I’m Listening To: “Kkum (Dream),” Big Mama

Ever so often, I like to share what’s on heavy rotation on my iPod. It isn’t always the newest thing, or the most popular thing, but for some reason this is the stuff that I’m grooving to.  I make no distinction between idol and non-idol Kpop, popular and obscure, mainstream and indie. It’s just what I like, and some info about it. Maybe you might like it too.

What I’m Listening To

Recently, Big Mama released their final single, “Cleaning Drawers,” but I’ve been listening to their debut album, Like the Bible, and “Kkum (Dream)” in particular.

Who Does It

Big Mama consisted of Shin Yeon Ah, Lee Young Hyun, Lee Ji Young and Park Min Hye.  So named because they were curvier than other singers, Big Mama gained and maintained a reputation for being stellar and consistent R&B vocalists from 2003 to 2012.  Most people remember their hit, “Breakaway,” with the slick video that places critiques about appearance in the forefront.

The female group consistently delivered powerful performances on the album with “Breakaway” and their cover of “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” but my favorite is “Kkum (Dream).”  All of the members of Big Mama are great singers in their own right, but they give you goosebumps when they join their voices together.  This song gets even better when they perform it live here:

Why I Like It

I think I like “Kkum” because it is a song that really showcases their strong vocals. This live performances is especially great when they break it down at the end.  It reminds me of old school R&B.  It’s no wonder.  Jangta reminds us:  “Instead of finding inspiration from American pop stars – such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera – they’d rather pattern their music to Soul/R&B legends Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston.”

BONUS: Did you know that Solid does an acapella version of the same song on their album Solid? Go listen!

Image: BigMamaKr

Sources:

Big Mama, “Dream.” Uploaded by cho3515. YouTube. 2 Jun 2007. Web. 1 Mar 2013.

Jangta. “Seoul Singers.” Green Tea Graffiti. 9 Feb 2010. Web. 1 Mar 2013.