Secret - Gift From Secret (3rd Single Album) (2013)

In December 2013, Secret released a winter-themed EP that gave a nod to the Christmas season with the title Gift From Secret. The centerpiece was the Spectoresque “I Do I Do,” one of the catchiest and brightest songs in the Secret catalog. The intro track “Snowmelt” evokes a cozy evening spent indoors, and the nostalgic “Remember Me” recalls a past winter love. The only song that breaks with the theme is the techno-fied dance track “Fantastic,” which is placed non-disruptively at the end. “I Do I Do” is the only indispensable song here, but for the listener who wants the snow-covered musical experience to last just a little longer, the rest is worthwhile.

Secret - Magic Mini Album (Secret Time EP) (시크릿 - Magic) (2009)

After their techno/R&B-tinged debut single “I Want You Back” failed to make a large impact, Secret had much better success with the organic funk sounds of their second single “Magic.” “Magic” was a bona fide smash hit, with an infectious, danceable beat and a powerful, eye-catching music video. While their debut single was available only as a download, “Magic” was released as part of this six-track mini-album. Stripped-down versions of “I Want You Back” and its b-side “3 Years and 6 Months” were included, along with the synthesizer-heavy dance track “Spot Light,” the straightforward pop song “Figure It Out” and the R&B-ish “My Boy.” None of those non-single tracks is worth the price of the album by itself, but the single tracks are strong enough to make this disc a decent listen overall.

Cover art courtesy of ManiaDB

Secret - 2nd Single Album (Starlight, Moonlight) (시크릿 - 별빛달빛) (2011)

After “Shy Boy” catapulted them to the upper tier of K-Pop girl groups in early 2011, Secret followed it up with “Starlight, Moonlight” as their summer single. The accompanying single album included only two other songs, but like much of Secret’s work, they were different than your typical idol group offerings. In addition to the doo-wop styled single, there’s the country-ish “Oh! Honey” and the lounge jazzy “Melodrama,” all a far cry from the overly techno-fied world of idol pop.

While it isn’t a full album, this single album is a mini-delight. It’s not going to fight for a place among the greatest artistic achievements of K-Pop, but by idol group standards, it’s a cut above.

Cover art via ManiaDB