Portugal. The Man covers K-pop song Golden with folk twist.

13 hours ago7 min read

In a move that feels less like a genre crossover and more like a cosmic alignment of musical universes, the Grammy-winning psychedelic indie rock outfit Portugal. The Man has delivered a stunningly earnest folk rendition of 'Golden,' a shimmering pop gem originally performed by the K-pop supernova TWICE.This isn't merely a cover; it’s a cultural conversation, a delicate acoustic translation that strips away the polished synth-laden production of the 2020 B-side to reveal the song's melancholic, beating heart. The genesis of this unexpected collaboration between the Alaskan rockers and the nine-member South Korean phenomenon traces back to a deeply personal source: lead vocalist John Gourley’s daughter, who, as Gourley recently revealed, served as his guide down the rabbit hole of K-pop, a journey that culminated in a full-blown admiration for TWICE’s intricate harmonies and effervescent artistry.Imagine the scene: the same creative mind behind anthemic, socially-conscious rock like 'Feel It Still' now dissecting the complex choreography and layered vocal arrangements in TWICE’s music videos, a testament to the borderless nature of genuine musical appreciation in the digital age. This cover acts as a bridge, connecting the earnest, often introspective world of American folk-rock with the highly produced, meticulously crafted realm of K-pop, demonstrating a shared foundational language of melody and emotion.The band’s arrangement is a masterclass in reinterpretation; where the original 'Golden' glitters with electronic beats and a driving pop rhythm, Portugal. The Man’s version is built on a foundation of warm, finger-picked acoustic guitar, subtle lap steel whines that evoke a wide-open landscape, and Gourley’s signature ethereal vocals, which lend the lyrics a newfound weight and wistfulness.It’s as if they’ve taken a sleek, modern cityscape and reimagined it as a serene, sun-drenched prairie, proving the song’s compositional strength transcends its initial production style. This isn't the first time a Western rock act has tipped its hat to K-pop—bands like Muse have expressed fandom for BLACKPINK—but it is arguably one of the most authentic and artistically successful integrations, treating the source material not as a novelty but as a worthy piece of modern songwriting.The decision speaks volumes about the evolving perception of K-pop beyond its stereotypical box of pure commercial product, acknowledging it as a sophisticated genre capable of inspiring reverence from established, critically acclaimed artists. For TWICE's massive global fanbase, known as ONCE, this cover is a moment of validation, a signal that their idols' work is being heard and respected in unexpected quarters.For Portugal. The Man’s core audience, it’s an invitation to expand their own sonic horizons, guided by a trusted source.The cover arrives at a time when the global music industry is more interconnected than ever, yet still segmented by genre biases and linguistic barriers; Portugal. The Man, by following a personal passion into a new musical territory, has inadvertently crafted a compelling argument for artistic curiosity.It raises fascinating questions about the future of genre: will we see more rock bands mining the K-pop catalog for hidden gems? Could this pave the way for more direct collaborations? By applying their distinct folk-rock lens to TWICE's 'Golden,' Portugal. The Man hasn’t just released a new track; they’ve started a dialogue, proving that a great song, no matter its origin, can be a golden thread connecting disparate worlds, all sparked by the influential power of a child introducing their parent to the music they love.

#featured

#Portugal. The Man

#K-pop

#Golden

#collaboration

#music fusion

#Twice

#cover version

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