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The 10 Best EVERGLOW Songs

EVERGLOW took the K-pop world by storm when they made their debut in 2019 with 'Bon Bon Chocolat', overpowering airwaves (and our hearts) with empowering, synth-heavy songs. The six-piece forged a paradigm shift in the way female acts approached the world of K-pop by adopting a soundscape that co-opted typically masculine conventions and developed a boundless oeuvre of experimental, genderless music.

Now, as EVERGLOW tick the five-year mark off their career bucket list, NME takes a look back at their discography and highlights the best the group have had to offer in this diverse space of music called K-pop. With gems ranging from crowd favourite title tracks to lesser-known B-sides, here are the gems from EVERGLOW's catalogue you need to know.

'Nighty Night' (2021)

This B-side from 2021's 'Return of the Girl' gets straight to business with dissonant, almost distorted synths that culminate into a chant-like procession. 'Nighty Night' is a warped mixture of popular sounds such as hip-hop trap beats and contemporary electro-pop, but somehow manages to tie all these various layers to emerge as a charismatic siren cry beckoning listeners to traverse through dimensions and embark on travel through time.

'Bon Bon Chocolat' (2019)

Would this even be a valid list if the song that started it all isn't included? During a brief period where new acts were being pumped out on a near non-stop basis, EVERGLOW brought something new to the table with their edgier introduction. With a formula more commonly observed among boyband, 'Bon Bon Chocolat' felt like the fresh breath of air and opened new avenues for others to venture outside of their comfort zones.

'Gxxd Boy' (2020)

When the '-77.82X-78.29' mini-album dropped in 2020, it felt like a fully realised version of EVERGLOW had finally emerged. Another unassuming track on the record, 'Gxxd Boy' evokes a low-key swagger, characterised by suave whisper-raps, catcall whistles and a barebones instrumental that highlighted their theatrical, attitude-infused vocal performance. 'Gxxd Boy' oozed with female power.

'Make Me Feel' (2023)

'Make Me Feel' is energetic and nostalgic in a way that evokes music of the recent past – set your minds to the dramatic pop anthems of Ellie Goulding and Tove Lo in the early 2010s. The kind of music that dominated our local radio stations. No track could ever be a hit for everybody that listens to it, but there is something about 'Make Me Feel' that is very comforting.

'Moon' (2019)

As a track on their debut album, 'Moon' was a sign of the times, when dance and synth-pop gained traction among female musicians in K-pop. But 'Moon' most certainly stands out as a home run in the category, with sophisticated production that clearly received some tender love and care. Add the fact that rapper E:U had her part to play in the lyrics of the song and you have yourself an EVERGLOW classic.

'Don't Ask Don't Tell' (2021)

The girl group dip their toes in '80s synth-pop on this hidden gem of a B-side, and completely set aside their usual kick-ass disposition to fully indulge in their playful, girlier sides. 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' is flirty in an unmistakably youthful way that doesn't ever feel inauthentic. There is something so vividly infectious about the way EVERGLOW perform this song, because of the sheer amount of fun they obviously have whenever they do.

'Don't Speak' (2021)

We like to think of 'Don't Speak' as 'Don't Ask Don't Tell''s more mischievous younger sister. They incorporate a dreamy Japanese city pop panache into a solid base of bubblegum pop and completely dive into a kind of whimsy that's hard not to love. It feels like a peek into an alternate universe where EVERGLOW had TWICE's discography, but it is still very much EVERGLOW at its core with maximalist production and soaring vocals by Mia and Siyeon.

'Untouchable' (2020)

Is anyone really surprised that another '-77.82X-78.29' B-side made an appearance on this list? Characterised by a Donna Summer-coded electronic melody, 'Untouchable' has a deep-set groove that refuses to be denied. The usual brashness of public-facing EVERGLOW songs is forgoed for a cleaner, smoother sound – the band most definitely hit the nail on its head with 'Untouchable''s funk and refined, old-school glamour.

'First' (2021)

Although admittedly ironic that this is not ranked first on this list, 'First' has cemented itself as a one of EVERGLOW's must-listens. Many criticised the song for employing a large amount of tropes from boybands in terms of concept and sound, but we believe that's what gives it its beauty. 'First' is a gender nonconforming, theatrical, maximalist masterpiece with one of the most spine-chilling choreography introductions we've witnessed in recent K-pop, which could not have happened without Onda's fierce presence.

'LA DI DA' (2020)

This was the actual peak of the K-pop retro-futurism wave. It's towering, majestic and unafraid to put pedal to the metal with a sweeping chorus and rich production. The sextet's wide vocal ranges intertwine perfectly with the song's xxx synth line, that it all comes to a head with chants of "EVERGLOW forever, let's go!". Dynamic from start to finish, the girl group put the cherry on up with a music video that draws from neo-noir films and Catwoman, making this cinematic number EVERGLOW's undisputed best song to date.

The 50 Best Carrie Underwood Songs Ever

Carrie Underwood's best songs weren't necessarily radio hits. Sure, top songs like "Before He Cheats" and "Jesus Take the Wheel" rank high on this list of her 50 best, but so too do album cuts that fans can't forget two, three, five or 15 years later.

In fact, you'll find three songs that barely cracked country radio inside the Top 10, and four more to round out the Top 20 Carrie Underwood songs. Her biggest hits may have soared to No. 1 and sold millions of digital copies, but the American Idol winner's best songs left an indelible impression on the hearts and souls of fans. In sharing her stories, she's often giving a voice to your story. Indeed, the very best of these songs are tearjerkers, but that's not to say all (or even any) are sad.

Find a few collaborations sprinkled throughout this list, but we stuck to songs that feature Underwood as the primary vocalist, so "Remind Me" with Brad Paisley and "The Fighter" with Keith Urban are out. A forgotten Sam Hunt duet cracks the Top 50, as does her early career partnership with Sons of Sylvia and her once-in-a-lifetime recording with Randy Travis. In fact, "I Told You So" is one of our absolute favorite Carrie Underwood songs, and you seem to agree.

To ignore commercial performances would be selfish, but to assume her best songs are among her 15 No. 1 singles or 28 Billboard Country Airplay Top 10s would be naive. We asked, we listened and then we poured through dozens of Carrie Underwood songs to create a definitive list of her best songs. Songs she emphasized on tour earn an edge over some others, as you'll soon see. No. 1 is a live phenomenon.

Hey, Mama! 13 Best Rap Lyrics About Mothers

A child's love for their mother runs deep, which is why it's no surprise that there are so many fiery rap songs and lyrics about moms. We wouldn't exist without them, so of course they deserve all the recognition and acknowledgment — and what better way than through a heartfelt song?

Though the child-mother relationship isn't always easy, it is one to be respected, cherished and handled with TLC. Through their lyrics, rappers often pay homage to the sacrifices, guidance and unwavering support that mothers provide, encapsulating the complexities and depth of this unique bond.

Check out 13 of the best rap lyrics about mothers below.

In a moving ode to his mother, Afeni Shakur, 2Pac raps about navigating all their hardships together — including her battle with addiction. This famous line in "Dear Mama" perfectly captures 2Pac's feelings about his mother, even in the face of their issues. He portrays her as a ray of strength in the face of misfortune by highlighting her sacrifices and resilience with an unvarnished honesty.

Kanye West preserves his unbreakable bond with his mother, Donda West, in this heartfelt tribute. "Hey Mama" stands as a poignant acknowledgment of all the trials they endured together, including moments of heartbreak and struggle. In the song's lyrics, West passionately describes seeing his mom's suffering and expresses a dedication to relieving her of any burden.

"Soundtrack 2 My Life," is a testament to the strong connection between a mother and child, and how it can withstand any adversity. In this track, Kid Cudi offers a glimpse into the troubles his mother faced, especially during Christmas time. He expresses his gratitude and amazement at how she managed to provide him with everything he wanted despite their circumstances. These lyrics showcase her strength and resilience as she worked tirelessly to make ends meet and provide for him.

Drake expresses his deep love for his mother in "Look What You've Done," and acknowledges their hardships before fortune and fame. Despite their simplicity, these lyrics convey a deep emotional meaning about the relationship between mother and child. They serve as a reminder that a mother's love never wavers, and that ultimately, it's the two of them against the world.

From Kendrick Lamar's eponymous 2009 debut EP, "Wanna Be Heard" is a powerful representation of the perseverance and determination that drives many artists to chase their dreams. These lyrics highlight the sacrifices that Lamar's mother made for him on his journey to stardom. Her level of selflessness reminds us that family support is an essential element in achieving our goals.

In this track, JAY-Z opens up about his mother, Gloria Carter, coming out to him as a lesbian. The New York rapper reveals his earnest wish for her to maintain her joy despite facing societal scrutiny and condemnation for her sexuality. Expressing his love and support, he encourages her to ignore any hate with the same indifference as when Marie Antoinette allegedly said, "Let them eat cake" regarding the peasants of 18th-century France.

The lyrics to "Cleanin' Out My Closet" paint a moving picture of Eminem's complex mother-son relationship, rife with regret and a desire for reconciliation. The act of "cleaning out my closet" represents the rapper's attempt to confront his past and find closure. The "Lose Yourself" hitmaker expresses a genuine regret for the pain he's caused his mom. Despite the tumultuous emotions, there is an underlying sense of longing for forgiveness and understanding.

"Smile Mama, Smile" by Rick Ross captures an important turning point in his relationship with his mother, marked by a life-changing realization and her unwavering support. These lyrics focus on a moment when Ross — possibly after a period of struggle or self-destructive behavior — realizes how the consequences of his actions have affected his matriarch. Her guidance and concern for her son's well-being demonstrate her unconditional love and dedication to her son's health and happiness.

In these touching lyrics, Mac Miller vividly depicts his relationship with his mother, encapsulating a deep connection based on loyalty and unconditional love. With tender reassurance, Miller's mom instilled in him the belief that the world was his oyster, affirming his ability to accomplish anything he set his mind to. Despite their physical distance, she stood as a steadfast beacon of strength and guidance for him through life's storms and sunshine.

21 Savage thoughtfully considers the profound impact of his mother's unchanging strength and sacrifice in these emotionally charged lyrics from "letter 2 my momma." She taught him the invaluable lesson of resilience and determination. Despite financial limitations, she prioritized his well-being above all else.

"Anxiety" captures a daughter's remorse and longing for her mother's forgiveness, even in her absence. Megan Thee Stallion expresses a burning desire to communicate with her deceased mom. In these lyrics, Megan recognizes her past mistakes and reflects on the missed opportunities to follow her mother's advice. With regret for her negligent actions, the Texas rapper demonstrates a deep sense of self-analysis and progression. These lyrics emphasize an enduring mother-daughter bond that transcends earthly existence, and Megan's heartfelt desire to make amends and honor her mother's memory.

In "All Things Go," Nicki Minaj reveals her profound love and longing for a better relationship with her mother. Minaj passionately verbalizes the unalterable love and respect she has for the woman who birthed her. The willingness to sacrifice everything to restore their relationship speaks volumes about Minaj's deep regret for any past disputes. These lyrics highlight her sincere wish to treasure and mend the bond between them.

The lyrics to 2 Chainz's "PROUD" are a raw depiction of the intertwined lives and experiences of a son and his mother, especially in the face of adversity. These lyrics demonstrate 21 Savage and his mom's closeness and shared struggles, emphasizing their bond in navigating difficult circumstances. The discovery that they were both in legal trouble at the same time exhibits their unity and loyalty to one another. "PROUD" effortlessly captures the deep sense of solidarity and resilience that can be found between mother and son.

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