Feeling something different airborne? The spring equinox took place last week on March 20, and with it a new astrological season also started. Aries, the initial sign of the Zodiac, brings a much welcome energy shift soon after a month under Pisces’s hazy influence (not to say Mercury Retrograde) and fires our engines for a blooming new start.
Aries are known for being energetic, assertive, encouraging, adventurous, and attuned to physicality. They love to get things going and are rendered the pioneers of the Zodiac for their relentless enthusiasm and bold attitude.
However, all that flaming energy can burn. Aries is represented by the ram, and often embodies the animal’s heads-on approach to anything crossing their path. Several natives of the sign are known to act on impulse, and their infamous short temper can burn bridges in the blink of an eye. It’s not that they do it on purpose, although Aries — in their swift, ready-to-go mindset — has a tendency to run over crucial steps, and leave the impression of being confrontational and tactless.
The next couple of weeks allocate a brilliant possibility to channel Aries’s enthusiasm and begin manifesting our desires with their aspects boldness and charm. Nevertheless it’s also a time to tune in to our anger and think twice before setting entire rooms ablaze. Here's a K-pop playlist to ignite their powerful energy within you:
Bom, "Spring"
Right after years in hiatus due to an alleged "
drug smuggling" controversy, Bom (whose name also means "spring" in Korean) couldn’t have chosen a higher class of time for her comeback. The singer, a Aries herself, holds the sign’s aspects drive despite adversities and right now adores well-deserved recognition in this new phase of her career. While shaded with winter melancholy, the soft R&B track brings proper Aries wisdom: No matter how much you suffered, a new starting can routinely blossom.
Biggest mood: "Spring will be there for me / Cute ferns / Once this cold wind passes / Once my heart melts down / Spring again / Will Spring come to my heart again."
B.A.P, "Warrior"
The recently disbanded B.A.P had two Aries in its lineup: Yongguk and Himchan. The former worked as a writer and producer for a significant segment of the group's discography, and several of the sign’s characteristics shaped B.A.P’s unique sound. Yongguk was also a skilled leader — another Aries trait — and nowadays develops his talents through a soul-baring solo career. "Warrior," with its aggressive mix of hip-hop, socially conscious lyrics, and groundbreaking choreography, was a unforgettable K-pop debut, and it also still influences boy groups today. Aries isn't only referred to as a trendsetter, however also as a warrior, and this release couldn’t translate it better. There really is no time to catch a breath because the song’s hard-hitting elements put us right in the battle ring, willing to fight for our beliefs like Aries natives do.
Biggest mood: "Warrior / Lose yourself under the sun / Begin a fire in my heart / Warrior / a little bit faster than a bullet / Pierce into your heart."
Blackpink, "Playing with Fire"
Blackpink is residence to Lisa, a fiery Aries whose confidence and charisma never cease to amaze. In "Playing with Fire," the sort streams the sign’s blazing energy quite literally to exhibit a more enthusiastic side of the rams. Between fire pillars and risky rendezvous, the females sing about the dangers of a burning love. While Aries might seem careless at first, they do hold intense feelings that can rapidly set a metaphoric arson. Hence, the warning not to play them is fitting — without cautious management, everything might get caught up in flames.
Biggest mood: "My love is on fire / Right now burn baby burn / Playing with fire / My love is on fire / So don’t play with me boy."
SF9, right now or Never"
Is there a higher class of motto for Aries impulsiveness than right now or Never"? In this dark and mysterious club anthem, SF9 eagerly place all their bets on a heated passion. The use of gambling dice and backgammon boards while in the visual reinforce the competitive lens through which Aries often visualize the world. Aries hate to lose, especially as soon as something — or someone — they want is on the line. Naturally, that behavior leads to unpleasant repercussions that the rams will inevitably have to face — however that’s a whole other story.
Biggest mood: "I did it / Oh, there was no time so I did it / Baby, I did it right there / Oh, I put everything on the line, I did it."
Kara, "Lupin"
Kara’s "Lupin," one of 2010's greatest hits, marked the group’s introduction to a more mature concept. With its unforgettable synths and brisk tempo, the song galvanizes a hope to take over the world in the most Aries way. The rams love to be No. 1, no matter what it takes. That’s any time their inner warrior comes out and, equipped with laser focus, relentlessly works to claim what they want. (As the chorus says, "It’s mine.") This powerful drive is definitely one of the sign's most inspiring blessings, and we can all use some of that energy in our day-to-day lives.
Biggest mood: right now go out cautiously, one by one / Put the pieces of the world with each other / Do you want something special, do you want it to be yours? / Begin now."
Pentagon, "Runaway"
With three Aries in their lineup — Jinho, Hongseok, and Yeo One — Pentagon is another sort that radiates the sign’s energy. "Runaway" builds up slowly however confidently, in preparation to "run into the fire." The choreography is another highlight of this release, powering up and taking space to fill the subdued instrumental chorus. Case in point, the very need to get mobile by running is quite Aries, as they can’t stand on the sidelines for also long and yearn to do things. While "Runaway" isn't exactly a battle chant like B.A.P’s “Warrior,” it revels in being a compelling build-up to the clashes Aries loves to partake in.
Biggest mood: "I’m a player that goes high / I don’t need pressure / Although even in the event you block me / I stand up / Live, live / I’m living the life I wanted."
Yezi, "Cider"
Yezi, who was segment of the girl order Fiestar, gained popularity for her raw performances and blunt personality while in Mnet's Unpretty Rapstar 2 in 2015. Following her elimination, she released the single "Cider" and might not have depicted a more accurate Aries tantrum (despite being a Virgo). The mad lyrics boast about the dishonesty of the industry, and the music video is supposedly a jab towards the network, with the rapper tearing scripts and throwing paint at Unpretty Rapstar's neon logo sign. Anger is a key emotion to Aries, and Yezi has no constraints tuning in to it to set fire with heated verses — all in the name of her true beliefs.
Biggest mood: "Who cares about others? How come I have to be cautious? / I’m the one who gets the results and the compensation / So I’ll do what I want."
Mino, "Body"
Mino is another mighty Aries to spice up the K-pop landscape. His solo single "Body" is a '90s-inspired hip-hop track that oozes sensuality, just like his own persona. As said before, Aries is a fire sign, and several of its natives let that heat drive them to lascivious indulgences. The music video for "Body" depicts these "drunk in lust" vibes through red hues, actual fires, steamy showers, and daring kiss scenes that you don’t visualize often in K-pop — a truly Aries way of making an impression.
Biggest mood: "I’m talkin’ about your body / Talkin' about your legs / Talkin' about your lips / Talkin' about your / From your head to your toes."
After School, "Bang!"
If there's one thing that the rams can be overjoyed of, it's that they don’t shy away from challenges. Immediately after School appears to have learned that lesson, as they’ve notoriously exceeded themselves time and again in the name of audacious concepts. It took the categorize five months to correctly execute "Bang!"'S marching musical group concept, although the result definitely paid off. The release is a honest remark of their dedication, plus a display of their strong leadership and mood-setting abilities. The usual Aries confidence of this song is contagious, and it's impossible not to feel a little more encouraged soon after listening to such a passionate track.
Biggest mood: "T.R.Y. Do it right now / Can you follow me? Yes, uh-ha / T.R.Y. Pick it up / You’ll never catch me, oh no."
BTS, "Danger"
One of Aries’s most lousy traits is their tendency to talk before thinking. This can result in harmful misunderstandings. For some, "Danger" is a rather
controversial BTS single, as its lyrics call to mind an aggressive past image the order abandoned long ago. Nevertheless, the single effectively depicts a Aries reaction whenever they don’t work on their emotions before firing a stream of words. In “Danger,” dark, dynamic sounds mixture with the group’s sharp choreography and angsty acting — much like a bomb prepared to explode. Fortunately, while Aries is quick to burn, they’re also quick to regret, apologize, and try to do it better next time.
Biggest mood: "Are you joking? What am I to you? / Am I easy to you? Are you playing with me? / You’re in danger now, why are you testing me? / Why are you testing me? Stop confusing me."
2Ne1, "Fire"
Almost 10 years prior, YG's 2NE1 had one of the most iconic debuts in K-pop. With its powerful electro and hip-hop mix, "Fire" was a bold shot so skillfully produced that it remains fresh even right now. The quartet’s aspects girl-crush charisma shines through as if they were seasoned performers, and it’s evident why their contribution was so remarkable to the industry. "Fire" is a caffeine shot guaranteed to wake you up and begin things with a bang — just like a Aries would.
Biggest mood: "I have a rather big dream dream dream / Cause I can do whichever I want with the world / For the excellent freedom tonight, tonight."
Ateez, "Desire"
Ateez is a fierce order, and most of their releases fit well with the blazing energy of Aries. Yet, it’s the b-side "Desire" that owns the sign’s ardor in a rarely seen way. Beginning unassumingly with a futuristic groove and Yunho’s cute falsetto, the track gradually develops into a soaring inferno, bursting with Hongjoong and Mingi’s ravenous raps as a metaphor for the all-consuming nature of longing. It’s a masterpiece that acknowledges how crucial it is to honor and love our own desires.
Biggest mood: "My eyes are full of desire / My heart is full desire / The end of this tremor is unpredictable / I love my desire."
Seventeen, "Getting Closer"
Seventeen are better known for their bright releases than for unleashing their dark side. Yet, the 13-member categorize excels in both, and "Getting Closer" is a fresh example of the latter. The multiple clocks in the visual foreshadow a sense of urgency: The single is an exciting journey sure to leave one breathless, like the song's Korean title. From the literal room on fire to the lyrics tinged with desperation and the powerhouse choreography, the energy of Aries is infectious on this release, shooting us closer to anything we want with indelible power.
Biggest mood: "Breathlessly, breathlessly / Breathlessly I want you / This dance, you’re getting closer."
Monsta X, "Fighter"
Monsta X are another categorize that fits Aries’s tough archetype. Their discography is filled with hammering beats and intense raps, yet there’s also a touch of drama and then some good old heroism for good measure. "Fighter" embraces all of these characteristic for a key cause: love. The release is a sundry combination of '80s rock and aesthetic influences like Netflix’s Stranger Things and The Matrix. While this experimental profusion can border on also much, Monsta X make the ideal of it with their charming narrative and get-going attitude. At their best, Aries can truly be the relentless heroes we need, trailblazing and setting trends with authentic leadership — and it’s that same energy that will motivate you to fight for your desires this season.
Biggest mood: "I laid everything down / I have nothing to lose / I’m ready, from right now on, fight for love / This heat is getting hotter and hotter."