“FINGERTIP” is a pivotal and highly memorable song by the K-pop girl group GFRIEND, released on March 6, 2017. It served as the title track for their 4th mini-album, “The Awakening.”
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes “FINGERTIP” special:
1. Concept Shift: The “Awakening” of GFRIEND
- Breaking the Mold: Prior to “FINGERTIP,” GFRIEND was best known for their “school trilogy” (Glass Bead, Me Gustas Tu, Rough) and their follow-up “Navillera,” all characterized by a consistent innocent, pure, powerful, and emotional schoolgirl concept, often with intricate storytelling and dramatic melodies.
- Girl Crush/Military Aesthetic: “FINGERTIP” marked a radical departure. They embraced a “girl crush” concept, incorporating military-inspired outfits, sharper choreography, and a more mature, powerful image. It was a bold statement, showing they weren’t confined to their previous successful concept.
- Visuals: The music video is action-packed, vibrant, and futuristic, featuring the members wielding laser guns, engaging in fight sequences, and showcasing a fierce determination, aligning with the “awakening” theme.
2. Music & Sound: Synth-Pop Powerhouse
- Genre: “FINGERTIP” is a high-energy synth-pop track with strong EDM influences and a distinct retro feel.
- Production: Produced by Iggy & Youngbae, who were responsible for many of GFRIEND’s signature hits. However, “FINGERTIP” saw them experimenting with a heavier, more driving synth sound and a powerful bassline that was a step away from the orchestral, emotional sound of their previous tracks.
- Catchy Hooks: The song is filled with memorable elements, from the “tang tang tang” finger-gun motif to the powerful chorus and the overall driving rhythm.
- Vocals: The members showcase their powerful vocals, particularly Yuju’s impressive high notes and the group’s signature vocal harmonies, but with a more assertive and confident delivery.
3. Choreography: Sharp, Powerful, and Iconic
- Synchronization: GFRIEND was renowned for their perfectly synchronized and demanding choreography. “FINGERTIP” pushed this even further with incredibly sharp, powerful, and complex moves that reflected the song’s intense energy and concept.
- Key Moves: The “finger gun” (tang tang tang) gesture is the most iconic, widely imitated, and instantly recognizable part of the choreography. Other notable moves include the clock-hand formation and the intense group formations.
- Performance: The choreography demanded immense stamina and precision, highlighting GFRIEND’s growth as performers.
4. Reception & Impact
- Initial Mixed Reactions: The concept change initially divided fans. Some praised the group for their versatility and bold move, while others missed their signature “innocent” sound and aesthetic.
- Commercial Performance: “FINGERTIP” performed well on charts and garnered music show wins, demonstrating their continued popularity. However, it didn’t achieve the same level of domestic chart dominance as “Rough” or “Me Gustas Tu.”
- Critical Acclaim: Over time, “FINGERTIP” has been critically re-evaluated and is often praised for its ambitious concept, strong musicality, and GFRIEND’s successful execution of a completely different image. It proved their versatility and artistic range.
- Legacy: It’s seen as a crucial turning point in GFRIEND’s discography, showcasing their willingness to experiment and grow beyond their initial successful image. It cemented their status as a group capable of pulling off diverse concepts while maintaining their high standards of performance and vocal ability.
In essence, “FINGERTIP” is a bold, energetic, and visually striking song that serves as a testament to GFRIEND’s versatility and growth as artists, marking a significant “awakening” in their career.