How NCT 127's Superhuman Transcends Harmonically | Classical Composer Breaks Down the K

How NCT 127's Superhuman Transcends Harmonically | Classical Composer Breaks Down the K - Ep.4

Рет қаралды 54,836

5 жыл бұрын

Welcome to our new series in which a classical composer, Sean William Calhoun, breaks down some of his favorite musical moments in KPop.
Ep. 4 focuses on the use of harmony, both tertian and not, in NCT 127's Superhuman, composed by Adrian McKinnon, TAK, and 1 Take
Listen to NCT 127's Superhuman here: • NCT 127 엔시티 127 'Super...
Watch more Classical Composer Breaks Down the K here: • Classical Composer Bre...
To reinforce what you've learned about music theory in Sean's video, you can also watch Umu & Kevn's videos on music theory terms here: • MUSIC THEORY Lesson 1:...
Video filmed, audio recorded, and pun assistance by Umu:
IG: @_emcha_
Twitter: @reacttothek
Tumblr: @attack-on-dango, @omg-horns, @kpop-favs
Script written, graphics prepared, and video edited by Sean
IG: @swccomposer
Twitter: @DoThMusicyThing
Tumblr: dothemusicything
KZfaq: SWCcomposer

Пікірлер: 430

@kikilala9371 5 жыл бұрын

I don't understand anything but I can feel that that was a great explanation -Mark

@sun9169 5 жыл бұрын

Kiki Lala same, but I’m Spanish speaker, so I will understand less tha this

@ivoryblack3366 5 жыл бұрын

Second this Need to watch this video twice for better understanding

@iseethevision4686 5 жыл бұрын

meme on point

@thethelife1260 5 жыл бұрын

I can relate

@kenzies.9325 5 жыл бұрын

Kiki Lala I was in band for 6 years and i still don’t understand what’s going 🤷🏾‍♀️

@ellyoddle 5 жыл бұрын

9:36 EVERY CLASSICAL MUSICIAN WHEN THEY HEAR ANYTHING MORE COMPLICATED THAN A 7TH

@joanna1825 5 жыл бұрын

this is the most accurate thing i’ve ever read

@winwinnie4905 5 жыл бұрын

^^^ lmao

@piliredondo2661 5 жыл бұрын

It feels superhuman! 😆

@alexandrau4841 5 жыл бұрын

I dont understand anything but i'll click on anything with NCT

@notyouraveragedreamrr9606 5 жыл бұрын

SAME👏😂

@largemarge857 5 жыл бұрын

This song solidified NCT as the best boy group of their generation in my opinion. Please make more videos about superhuman, I can’t get enough of this song.

@jrpunkin1 5 жыл бұрын

Honestly all of their music is so intelligently and uniquely composed and written. It's catchy while being different and it makes you want to listen over and over.

@jaymeerenee2357 3 жыл бұрын

RIGHTTT I still get mad that koreans boycotted the song so it was underrated as fuck even though everything about it was AMAZING still I am glad the boys are a lot more popular now

@joeykornegay4587 2 жыл бұрын

That makes two of us. As a naturally musically gifted person myself, it’s great know someone else notices harmonies and Melodies like this. If you don’t know what I mean, listen to this song with headphones or an acapella and you’ll realize how ridiculously good the backing vocals are on this song. Thanks so much for this video!

@wawawaawwa 5 жыл бұрын

As someone that studied music all his life but has no friends to talk about k-pop I find this channel very rewarding, I just keep nooding as if im finally talking with one :) fun video

@Pizzapie398 5 жыл бұрын

Someone Somewhere sameeee lol

@sehunniioppa6872 5 жыл бұрын

Heyy same!!!

@cd6572 5 жыл бұрын

I enjoy the random “YEAAH” being inserted and the music references lol.

@yumpop3676 5 жыл бұрын

as a music student, i understand better than most people, but i’m not good at picking features out of a song by simply listening to it, so these explanation videos are really helpful and interesting! i love finding out how complex modern songs are, despite the simplicity that most of them appear to have. i also loved superhuman and KNEW there was something funky going on.

@SunlightBeauty 5 жыл бұрын

Same. I can't do that just by listening either. Maybe if I tried to play it, it would help 🤣😅😞

@malsnakamoto 5 жыл бұрын

This channel always gives a fresh perspective on music, kpop or otherwise, and I love it so much, esp as someone who just enjoys music so much.

@crownprince8786 5 жыл бұрын

Im engineering student so i don't understand a thing but watching this because of nct. ps. Thanks, this helped me a lot to understand other side of my world.

@yoitsphulla5686 5 жыл бұрын

I can relate tho..

@lailatulmaghfiroh8818 5 жыл бұрын

Omg. Same with me

@maximumsky 5 жыл бұрын

Same, it's like me watching NCT speaking Korean, which is pretty much all the time 😂

@GeorgiaStuff 4 жыл бұрын

Saame but I still kinda watch 😆 sorry but math does not make music whatsoever 🗿

@user-hs7bv6on5j 4 жыл бұрын

a lot of engineers make great musicians! There are a lot of crossovers in terms of the concepts you need to know, especially in understanding how sound works. Being good at math can also help you a lot with rhythm... Speaking from personal experience, as I'm an engineer (electrical and computer) and a casual violinist/bass guitarist.

@violetplum 5 жыл бұрын

Love the editing and I can see the work and effort you put into these break downs. Awesome work!

@quaremoritor 5 жыл бұрын

I get drunk on people praising superhuman

@doreenl.4007 5 жыл бұрын

"System for naming chords is messy and poorly designed, but we're stuck with it." Yup.

@aurelijs8891 5 жыл бұрын

These videos are just so packed with jokes, memes, insiders and of course knowledge! Keep it up!

@kaitlynhutchins2076 5 жыл бұрын

I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT CHORD THAT WAS SO BADLY BUT COULDN’T FIGURE IT OUT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

@SWCcomposer 5 жыл бұрын

I'm guessing you're meaning the YEEAAAH chord (in which case you're welcome), but in case you're meaning the prechorus - Another commenter has a different analysis of the prechorus chords - I don't 100% agree with theirs, but I think they got some things better than I did, so check out their analysis as well. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hNJdZLma3bSYZ58.html&lc=UgxSov3gFAArvnMa7eR4AaABAg

@astrifex 5 жыл бұрын

I’m proud of Umu’s pun assistance

@miyabihyatt 5 жыл бұрын

I've done a lot of musical theory/Solfège years ago, because my language isn't English, I didn't skipped the basic introduction. It was so well explained, I don't think people have no musical background would be lost while seeing the video. It was really an interesting video and I really hope there will be more videos like that in the future (it's also an excuse to see more musical theory about Superhuman and NCT).

@bamboozled7776 5 жыл бұрын

i understood more about 7th and 9th chords from this video than i did for the past two years from my shitty music teacher 💀

@missyjanelle7 5 жыл бұрын

Go listen to Superhuman some more? You don't have to tell me twice! lol *continues jamming out to Superhuman for the 500th time*

@malsnakamoto 5 жыл бұрын

The first 10 seconds sends me sjsjs I love this channel so much!!

@anotheravatarlover5207 5 жыл бұрын

*Best outro ever, man!*

@FromNowheresville 5 жыл бұрын

I understand approximately none of this, but my nerdy ass is loving this series. Kudos for putting out such solid content, I love this channel.

@raquelcassarino7658 5 жыл бұрын

"Pun assistance: Umu" YASSS QUEEN!!

@shiiiipuri 5 жыл бұрын

Yes please, we'd love another reason to keep hearing about Superhuman! I love hearing smart people talking about their area of expertise and, although it still doesn't make sense to me, it's awesome getting to know the theory behind it, what made the song come together and evoke such admiration someone who actually understands it all. It was also pretty cool to discover why Superhuman actually reminds us so much of SHINEE's songs. Even if NCT tends to have a different sound for each of their comebacks, I'd love for them to step foot I these waters again. SHINEE's style is just to good to pass up. Thank you so much for this video, it was really interesting!!

@biagd 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you guys, I'd love to see more of these💜

@vuphung2593 5 жыл бұрын

Me: learn basic music theory Also me: pretend to understand this while I don't lol

@kae_aelie2808 5 жыл бұрын

Ok but his voice...is..satisfying (?)

@jengsuantan0916 5 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing explanation! Let's have more on the analysis of Superhuman!

@malsnakamoto 5 жыл бұрын

Bro, you are so adorable, omg

@lorrie9462 5 жыл бұрын

I literally don’t get any of this but thanks for recognizing how great the music is

@ix1628 4 жыл бұрын

as someone who played instruments for many years but never studied music theory formally, this video was super accessible and informative! i've always wanted to understand the logic behind WHY certain songs (including kpop) sound the way they do, but i simply don't have the background to do it myself, so thank you so much for taking the time and effort to do it for us. i love Superhuman SO MUCH, please do talk more about it Sean!

@taeblends Жыл бұрын

Ok but can I just say, the more I listen to NCT the more I feel like they really go above and beyond on all of their harmonies. Even in Let's Play Ball, or Limitless. They're just.... SO good

@heartikn 5 жыл бұрын

thank you for putting johnny on the thumbnail 🤤

@christinacoulter508 5 жыл бұрын

Please talk about it more! I was instantly obsessed with this song when that opening chord progression happened. Both from a musical stand point and a production stand point it was so impressive! Also like. Good singing and dancing. But mostly chords!

@ApieceofOnion 5 жыл бұрын

Massive props to the super talented, "TAK" (the composer of the song) for giving us this incredible release! He's a jazz trained musician and his incredible chord progressions and harmonies have inspired my own. His other releases like his official Twice - TT remix and his famous "K-pop culture" videos are also worth checking out. He's been involved in the K-pop scene more as of late (having also made Wanna One - wanna be and Lovelyz - Twinkle etc.) and he's definitely a name to look out for in the future.

@nebuchadnezzar7073 5 жыл бұрын

love how the break down digs deeper and explain how sounds make moods

@jscae4977 5 жыл бұрын

I learned most of these even solfeggio reading back in college. Although im a bass singer, I love doing either the 7th or 9th note most of the time (only choir/acapella singers can relate) coz the sound becomes richer and unique. I love NCT and videos like this highkey appreciates and spreads TO THE WORLD their artistry as musicians. Glad I hit the subscribe button for this channel. Cute how SHINEE pops out of nowhere. Haha

@35marchu 5 жыл бұрын

STREAM Superhuman don't need your love Take off (vote for QQmusic)

@stepanmikhailov4876 3 жыл бұрын

I've been looking to start learning music theory and this is THE BEST WAY IMAGINABLE!! The script and editing are extremely entertaining and at the same time I feel like I actually understood the concepts involved after watching it. Thank you so much!

@joanned5993 5 жыл бұрын

My old brain shut down about 2 minutes in (high school band was ages ago) but I still enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next episode. 😃

@MissSaintG 4 жыл бұрын

Man that G9 in the pre-chorus catches me off-guard every time. My ears are always blown away even though I know it’s coming home. I love it.

@misehan 5 жыл бұрын

PLEASE TALK MORE ABOUT SUPERHUMAN! there's so much that goes on in this song, and it's so wonderful to see you analyze and speak about it. especially as someone who was curious about the chords in superhuman (the dark-bright minor-major chord thing is so interesting and explains a lot) this video was super fun! I would love to hear what else sean has to say about superhuman!!!

@MidnightEkaki 5 жыл бұрын

This is why I love listening to kpop, they like to experiment with pop music a lot. I had an argument with someone about kpop not being good or real music, I admit its not the best music in the world but the producers definitely do a lot of interesting things musically anyone who loves music would enjoy listening to some of its more interesting tracks.

@deanveloper 5 жыл бұрын

PLEASE more of this. I have no clue why superhuman has so few views compared to their other MVs. It's awesome to see other people appreciating the song.

@sm9800 5 жыл бұрын

The intro jfjhd I can't I love this guy sm

@luvylu1 5 жыл бұрын

haha that ending was cute. JAZZ BABY!

@gail1015 2 жыл бұрын

A lot of it went over my head, but I GET the appreciation for Superhuman, and that makes this time well spent.

@miro2353 5 жыл бұрын

Yes! Please talk more about superhuman! Great job explaining, I was already in love with superhuman but I definitely appreciate the song and its structure so much more after watching this. Great contents like this series is what I love about this channel. Thank you 💜

@thingmon8728 5 жыл бұрын

Talk more about superhuman please!!

@bellayu2000 4 жыл бұрын

im a architecture major and i love music and i love this series so much !!thanks sean ,learned a lot

@soyeonsbag7374 5 жыл бұрын

I'm infuriated by how entertained I am and also how much I learned. None of this will come up in everyday conversation. I'll be thinking about this for days. Thanks a lot, Sean.

@lipeSBdir 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks to Umu for provide the (un)necessary Kpop puns for Mr. Calhoun's music explanation!! LOL Wishing this series became a permanent one!

@blazefireEXO 5 жыл бұрын

Please talk more about Superhuman!! I haven't applied anything on music theory in years, so having you break down my favourite group's new song was a fun time! This was done really well, and I learned about Superhuman too! Thanks for including all those Kpop (and NCT) puns too 8D

@miazheng5770 5 жыл бұрын

It would be awesome to see a video on the harmonic/chord analysis of Superhuman! As a classical music student myself, seeing videos of what I learn in uni being applied to kpop is so intriguing. Thank you for the video :)

@devakibhagwat6146 5 жыл бұрын

Omg yes Superhuman part 2!

@zettaikiibo 5 жыл бұрын

i loved the breakdown and explanations of everything, coming from sort of a music background, it was really cool to see things i already vaguely knew about broken down and methodically described. i'd love to see you go further into breaking superhuman down!!

@varsha7602 5 жыл бұрын

it's amazing how you covered so many units from my ap music theory class in only a few minutes; this is a really well-made video!! these videos are so insightful and they explain so much about why certain songs feel more musically interesting than others. thank you so much for discussing the musical nuances of kpop!

@lkrdp9463 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, this adds up to the reasons why I'll always be a subscriber to this channel.

@amartin7199 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sean and Umu. It takes a smart person to make complicated things simple. Y'all smart. I don't understand everything but I feel like I've learned a lot more than usual.

@piliredondo2661 5 жыл бұрын

I’m a musician, an instrumentalist. This episode was gold. Thank you Sean. Interesting chords indeed! Isn’t it wonderful when our beloved KPop transcends our expectations? And yes, I’ve been listening to this song on repeat and that first chord is HEAVEN! Jazz Umu, Jaaaaazzzz!

@zemiyac.2949 4 жыл бұрын

PLEASE TALK MORE ABOUT SUPERHUMAN! i am absolutely not musically talented but this explanation was just DAYUM. And i love the little piano cover lel. I'd really love to understand more about this ♡ thank you ♡

@flibortal4707 5 жыл бұрын

Being a fan of NCT and also someone who wants to make music in his life (I already play an instrument but its not enough ;) ) this really helped! Thank you for this, you should definitely make another video on the song

@elizabethle2237 5 жыл бұрын

I tried my best to understand and I think I got a good gist! It was a thorough explanation!

@aka6252 5 жыл бұрын

I love these videos so much. I am a classical vocal music student in high school learning musicianship and I’m learning piano on the side. He literally combines the two things I like to do and ties it up with a Kpop bow and I’m paying attention and learning. KEEP IT UP!!!!

@riellamari 4 жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness!!! I'm devastated, why did I only see this now?!! THIS IS AMAZING, thank you so much! I have no choice but to subscribe 😂 My sister and I have been gushing about the harmonies in Superhuman but don't have enough knowledge of music theory to analyze what's happening in the music on a deeper level (we can identify notes, what particular notes add a different "flavor" to the chords, and recognize the shifts but don't know much else beyond that like how and why they work so well in this song and whatnot lol). I regret not taking theory more seriously when I was learning to play instruments. But this motivates me to learn more to be able to appreciate music more! I already learned a lot just by watching this. So please DO talk more about Superhuman! We'll be waiting

@Rina-xb9pt 5 жыл бұрын

im not surprised if SM trainees are gruelled to this kind of professional knowledge in vocals which is beyond our means of understanding

@chantelschneider3045 4 жыл бұрын

Please do another episode talking about superhuman! This was brilliant!!!!

@dddd-rz9kp 5 жыл бұрын

More of these please omg the quality of these content is GOLD . Thank you 3000

@ivoryblack3366 5 жыл бұрын

Please talk about Superhuman more. I'd like to listen!

@jaymeerenee2357 3 жыл бұрын

The editing and everything about this video is just *chefs kiss* even tho it's been a year I love how hard u guys and umu work for the content u put out

@andre-cmyk 5 жыл бұрын

that yeah chord has been bugging me for SO LONG you guys are the only ones that have gotten it right holy shit

@zaprude 5 жыл бұрын

Keep them coming! I love this series, such a great addition to the channel!

@user-lf6te2mq1k 4 жыл бұрын

No wonder I went through different emotions when I listened to the song. From happy, excited to sad. Thank you so much for this explanation!! Youve brought music theory to life!! I wished this existed when I was procrastinating doing my theory homework 😭😭 10 years ago😭😭

@brooke978 5 жыл бұрын

This is amazing, I loved this so much!! I really hope we get more of this content. This kind of video is so intriguing to me. Can’t wait for the next one!

@ariannaransonet3497 5 жыл бұрын

I have never taken any music class, but the fact that you all can pick this apart just hearing it once or twice makes my head spin. I nearly vomited in my mouth at how complicated it was getting for me.... I am thoroughly impressed 👏👏👏

@SWCcomposer 5 жыл бұрын

Oh I heard it a lot more than once or twice to get all this. And, as some commenters have pointed out, I didn't get some of the prechorus chords quite right (which is embarrassing; I should have noticed the things I got wrong). Someone who had really trained listening could probably get this in one or two listens, but that's a much higher level than mine.

@Karenmarquesf 5 жыл бұрын

I am starting to study music theory and I feel like an intellectual because I understood almost everything of this video. I am so proud of myself. And thank you so much 'cause now I understand minor and major 2nds, 3rds etc

@karriallie9882 5 жыл бұрын

As a music student I knew most of this until the very end so I would love a second video to hear more in depth on the song itself!

@therealcarito 5 жыл бұрын

Pleaaase do more of this! I'm studying Compostion and I suck at putting into words (a.k.a describe) what I hear... And I now that's a problem. So your videos are really helpful!

@skelar1315 5 жыл бұрын

This was amazing please do a part 2! I love this song and always thought the music composition was really interesting I’d love to hear more

@wishingwell1619 5 жыл бұрын

Yesss!!! Fantastic breakdown, I always learn a bit more about music watching these videos. Thanks for a great vid~ and yes I shall listen to Superhuman again

@ChauNguyen0202 5 жыл бұрын

I really like your channel, you're so knowledgeable, thanks for supporting NCT 💚

@yuzuruwu6437 5 жыл бұрын

Okay I did not understand much but his voice? is just soothing that despite not understanding much, it still draws you in. Basically, I just love his voice oof

@jjukijjuki 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sean I'm so happy that the channel has been going more in depth since you joined the team

@carsonk1476 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this!! I didn't really study music beyond basics and this feels like an awesome way to learn more about things like intervals as they are applied to music I love... Please keep it coming. I'd love to hear more about Superhuman

@rebecasally 5 жыл бұрын

this episode was so amazing, I remembered things that I've forgotten and understanding them again was really good

@mac_kys0000 5 жыл бұрын

We need more of this. Please continue. Thanks a lot.

@Raptaria 5 жыл бұрын

PLEASE continue Superhuman, I send my love!

@fsjukebox 5 жыл бұрын

Even though I was aware of the things you were talking about, you made the video so entertaining I watched till the very end. Keep it up! And yes, Superhuman is an awesome song (and SHINee)

@FanxyRebelChild 5 жыл бұрын

This was so interesting, you give so much deep thought to the song it makes it even more amazing.

@mishajirov 5 жыл бұрын

When the beginning of superhuman started after you explained about the semitones I was like AAAAAAAAAAAAA THAT'S IT BROOOO Also I would really love to hear you talk more about Superhuman, you look excited while explaining, so that's it

@Igpreston 5 жыл бұрын

I did not know what to expect, but absolutely loved this explication. I look forward to your follow up!

@LinaStarSoul 4 жыл бұрын

7:48 More colorful and "Shinee" .... That's was good one...🤣👍

@sarahb1851 5 жыл бұрын

That's actually so true, whenever I think of superhuman the entrance chord if YEAHH supErhUman!! Is what I immediately think of because of how striking it is, like you said