1. Mia
Because it is her anniversary, the very first song on our journey is her debut song ‘Mia’. This tends to be the song that shocks everyone upon discovery— how did a 16-year-old manage to handle such a ballad? Unfortunately, her first album was not very well received, but Mia is truly a diamond in the rough and has proven over and over that it is a debut song that only our leading lady possesses the capability of pulling off.
2. L’amant
‘L’amant’ is one of IU’s more experimental songs. With its jazzy element that is accentuated by the simplicity in the instrumental combination consisting mainly of cymbals, trumpet and piano, it creates almost an imitation of a Louis Armstrong track. The softness of the background accompaniment directs most of the attention to IU’s mellow voice, and even without knowing what the lyrics are saying, one can immediately feel the heartbreak and desperation behind the words. Songs like this are incredibly hard to find in K-pop, and is an absolute jewel for those who appreciate the blues.
3. Because I’m A Woman
This is one of IU’s many OST tracks, and is definitely one of her earlier most successful ones. It was featured on the OST for ‘Road No.1’, an MBC drama that aired in 2010, featuring So Jiseob, Kim Haneul and Yoon Kyesang. It is the story of two young soldiers and the woman they both share feelings for, and their lives during the Korean War. The positive reception of this track may also be attributed to the change in song style that ‘Because I’m A Woman’ offered. Previous to this, IU’s promoted songs were a line of bubbly dance songs such as ‘Boo’ and ‘Marshmallow’, and her power vocals wowed her audience, leaving a deep impact in the world of ballad royalty.
4. The Age of the Cathedrals
The legendary representative song of the hit musical ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’ was covered by IU, and was presented as a bonus track in her Japanese EP “Can You Hear Me”. ‘The Age of the Cathedrals’ showcases a more whimsical yet chilling tone to IU’s voice and skills, as she sings about how the human race has developed along with the building of the cathedrals. Though it was released in a Japanese EP, her English doesn’t prove to be a bother or a barrier in the way of feeling the sentiments that Richard Cocciante has intended on portraying to his audience for the original musical. If you haven’t experienced chills in the beginning of the song, you are sure to experience them upon hearing the last line: “In two thousand, this world ends.”
5. It’s You
One of the biggest joys of being an avid listener of IU’s music is that she has a voice that complements just about every other voice, which can only mean one thing— duets. ‘It’s You’ is a duet sung by IU and Sung Shikyung in 2010, the last of a long line of heartwarming duets she partook in in that year alone. The opening line, in which IU proclaims that “it’s you, it’s really you”, already guarantees that this is going to be a heartwrenching sing, which is then exemplified by Sung Shikyung’s mellow vocals that mingles with IU’s in a way that is almost impossible to describe. It is definitely the best of IU’s duets by far, and a must for those whose guilty pleasure is drowning themselves in tear-jerking ballads.
6. Atreia
Being probably the only upbeat song in our journey, ‘Atreia’ is definitely deserving of its position in these 10 songs that you must absolutely listen to. IU is a popular choice for gaming endorsements, and ‘Atreia’ is the song she performed for Aion, an online RPG fantasy game. A song that was similar to this one and a strong competitor for ‘Atreia’s spot was ‘Alicia’, a song IU performed for a horse-riding game which also goes by the name of Alicia. Both of these songs are incredibly uplifting and encouraging, but in the end, ‘Atreia’ succeeded due to its major goosebump factor. The highlight of the song is definitely IU’s power note at the end that could compete against her 3-octave-note in terms of power and accuracy, the source of the goosebumps that are guaranteed to engulf you, sending a surge of energy and strength all throughout your body. Who knew a song could pump you up so tremendously?
7. Uhuya Doongi Doongi
“Flower Bookmark” is definitely one of IU’s most successful albums, with all of the tracks reaching within the top 16 spots on Gaon Charts for digital downloads only. However, when her limited edition LP was released, there was a special bonus track that goes by the name of ‘Uhuya Doongi Doongi’. Originally released by Hongsam Trio, the sense of love and nostalgia for one’s hometown is expressed through the lone guitar accompaniment and IU’s soft vocals, as she sings about her “flower village”. This track is truly a precious gift to all those who find it, as listening to it with closed eyes transports you back to the place you love most; a place where no troubles or worries can get to you.
8. The First Break Up, That Night
Out of all the songs on IU’s “REAL” album, ‘The First Break Up, That Night’ is probably the most sentimental track, and a song that most listeners are able to relate to easily. As the title suggests, it’s a song about the night after someone experiences their first break up. We are reminded of the thoughts, the tears, and the overwhelming emotions that we are all inevitably to experience in our lives, and whether or not it’s a figment of our imaginations, the indication of what seems like a lump forming in IU’s throat as she sings farewell to her ex-lover reminds us that we are not as alone as we think, and that is the reason why this track may possibly even be the best in her mini-album.
9. Bad Day
IU is undoubtedly one of the best singer-songwriters in the industry, with her song-writing having gone back to days of middle school and high school. There are some really well-known compositions such as ‘Friday’ and ‘Peach’, but the most underrated one is definitely ‘Bad Day’, which was released as part of her “Modern Times” album. What makes it such a beautiful song is the progression in the intensity of the tempo, layers and power in her vocals which accentuates the accumulation of loneliness and almost a sense of desperation that is being sung about.
10. Last Fantasy
The best was saved for last, with the “best” being ‘Last Fantasy’, from its eponymous album. It has a whimsical, almost dream-like feeling to it, created by the orchestra that opens and concludes it. When I first heard it, it sounded like the summary of a Disney movie, with the famous Disney castle also being the first image I recalled upon hearing the opening sequence. I think there really isn’t much to say about this masterpiece, besides listen to it. There is no other way to express the true magic of ‘Last Fantasy’.
You can pop off your red shoes now, for our journey through 10 of IU’s songs that you absolutely must listen to. Or maybe you feel like keeping them on and continue your journey through 6 years’ worth of absolute masterpieces. Either way, we wish IU a belated happy anniversary, and all Uaenas congratulations for sticking by her side!
