Meet Girls On Top: A Look Into Their Debut Single

Written by Chelsea Tiso

Graphic by Rebekah Witt

Making their debut during SM Entertainment’s 2021 Winter SMTown show, Girls On Top (GOT) the beat’s “Step Back” combines the forces of four generations of K-pop. Girls On Top, as announced by SM, is an all-girl project featuring soloist BoA, Girls Generation members and solo artists’ Taeyeon and Hyoyeon, Red Velvet members Seulgi and Wendy, and aespa members Winter and Karina. 

Known for their experimental instrumentals, SM’s new venture features trap beats and the track’s signature orchestral chorus. Layered on top of this instrumental, powerful vocals ring out some seriously impressive high notes. As well as being technically impressive, the combined talents of these artists showcase themselves through their spine-chilling harmonies, even with their distinctive tones.

Shifting our focus to the stage video, attention should be paid to the way the camera interacts with their dance moves. As the cinematography and production of performance videos are some of my favourite elements of K-pop’s creative output, the stage video for “Step Back” definitely did not disappoint. Two moments, in particular, added immensely to the feel of the song. I must first point out the key hook of the song where the lyrics “내 거에서 손 떼 너/ (Step back, step back)/ 다시 태어나도 안될걸/ (Step back, step back)”* are satisfyingly choreographed and filmed. Secondly, where there is a complete shift from the track’s instrumental in the bridge, BoA’s section has the camera follow her intricate hand movements, a key staple of girl group choreography, as she curves her fingers making the shape of an ‘s’ before creating the same shape through body rolls.

Aside from the visuals of the artists, their outfits, and the technicality of their choreography, the distribution of talent on this track is a brilliant start to the group’s debut. The key strengths of each member are clearly showcased and draw sufficient attention to their abilities, especially for those who may be unfamiliar with them. As mentioned before, the track features brilliant high notes and harmonies, but I must also point out the raps of both Hyoyeon and Karina throughout the song, specifically the transition between the two during the first post-chorus, which I would describe as nothing other than an enjoyable earworm I’ve been unable to get rid of. 

I look forward to more songs from Girls On Top as we will continue to see smaller units. You can listen to the song on your favourite streaming platforms and watch the stage video below. 

*lyrics provided by genius.com.