Last night, Ariana Grande uploaded a studio version of “oldie” song “Boyfriend Material” to say “thank you for all of your constant love, support and dedication.”
The doo-wop pop track was recorded for the pint-sized diva’s debut album “Yours Truly,” but didn’t make it on the final tracklist. Grande said she wanted to share the song with fans, saying the track “holds such a special place in my heart as it was one of the first songs I did when I started working on ‘Yours Truly’ when I was like 17.”
But K-pop fans who heard the track may have realized it sounded familiar. Specifically, it’s an English version of the song “No More,” recorded by girl group f(x) for their “Pink Tape” album released last summer. Presumably, f(x) snatched the track after Grande passed.
Listen to both tracks below and note that both chose to keep the structure, melody and sound of the bouncy tracks the same.
The differences come in the subject material. Ariana’s rendition details her excitement about finally finding a guy who fits what she’s looking for a mate. Meanwhile, f(x)’s version tells off a boy-obsessed gal pal who’s ready to drop a friend when a new boy comes into the picture.
Despite the differences in subject material, both versions boast a feel-good sound and easy-to-singalong to “shoo-wops” that any pop fan can bob their head and singalong to.
In other news, Grande is gearing up for her performance at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards this weekend. f(x) recently said they’re hoping to release new music this summer, following up their acclaimed “Pink Tape” album and its K-Pop Hot 100 No. 1 single “Rum Pum Pum Pum” — Billboard’s third best K-pop song of 2013.