Here’s my top 10 love songs for Valentine’s Day. My purpose was not to go in sad stuff since, like any other holiday, it’s not that sad if you’re alone, seriously. Just do anything else, like every other day. It’s just a date. But still, I felt like doing a top 10 on this matter. I had a hard time putting more mainstream stuff in here though.
I got 3 big themes in there : hopeful love, deep love and sexy love. Here’s my list :
– Ggotjam Project – Everyday
– Clazziquai Project – Crave You
– Soyu, JunggiGo – Some
– Royale Pirates – Betting Everything
– Acourve – What I Want To Say
– Esna – I, I Love You
– Jay Park – Star
– Hoody – Baby Oh Baby
– Jay Park – Welcome
– Diana – Let You Do Me (feat. Lil Cham)
And then, my personal favorite, too perfect for the list :
When people ask me about my favorite love song ever, it’s always Flowerpot, from Alex Chu (one of the main singer in Clazziquai Project). The song is wonderful in itself, but I think it’s also because it was part of the “love story” between Alex and Shin Ae in the first We Got Married. The way they were together, and how Alex was so terribly sweet and romantic and then when he sang that song because he had to go… The song is not that sad, the lyrics are more in between hopefulness and longing but it’s all that situation, it was so intense and you could feel all the emotions. If I remember correctly, Sin Ae had some trouble around that time too because someone close to her died or something. So yeah, with this bonus layer on top of it, how can I not pick this song?
For this one, as for the other lists, I based my choice on how much I love these songs, how much I listened to them and if I might listen to them still in 2015. I also tried to choose songs that had less than 800 000 views on Youtube. Sure maybe one or two are around or a little higher than 800 000 views, but most of the songs here have, at best 200 000 views. But still. They’re not that popular, they didn’t do that well on the charts, or they never even came up on them.
Here it is :
10. Seo In Young – Thinking of You (feat. Zion.T)
This one I don’t quite get why it has only around 485 000 views. You have Zion.T first, but somewhere in my mind, I thought that Seo In Young had a larger fanbase or something. This song is delicious, it’s smooth and it’s not at all about killer vocal performance, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad, at all. The MV is beautifully shot. So yeah, I don’t quite understand why it wasn’t more popular. Maybe it didn’t “took” people as much as it should, but I think it’s a song that has this potential. It was one of my favorite of the month at the time it was released so…
9. Yeo Hee – Waltz Steps
I know I’ve talk about this one before. But the effect the voice of the girl has on me didn’t disappeared over time. The MV isn’t exactly good, but the song is perfect in itself so it doesn’t really matter. Yeah, sure, it might be something closer to indie maybe, but I thought it was “mainstream” enough so that it could go here. This song has around 6000 views, even though a member of T-ARA or another girls’ group made a post about it on some SNS account of hers. And that’s unbelievable.
8. Delight – Hate You
I wasn’t sure about this at first. I thought the MV was kinda cheap looking and the song was too intense, to hard for me. But then, at some point, I thought it was alright, and even maybe fun. But it really kicked me when I went outside for a run and it popped up in my playlist. It really help me push myself harder and I enjoyed it a lot ever since. Particularly the bridge and the chorus. I can understand the 220 000 views, but I feel like, with Kpop, we should really try to experience music with AND without the visual support.
7. Scarlett – Do Better
This one is about the same as the previous one. The only difference is that I really liked it from the get go and that, if the same song was sung by more established group, with a better MV, everyone would’ve loved it. To me, it sounds a lot like a song SNSD could have sung. I remember listening to it on repeat and having a blast. I don’t know if I’ll listen to it a lot in 2015 though, but I still enjoy it now and then. And the dance isn’t really as tight as you would want it to be, that was a little bit better with Delight.
6. Ladies’ Code – Make Me Go Crazy
I instantly fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. I don’t really understand why it hasn’t got more views than this. Maybe it has to do with the fact it doesn’t have a MV. But then again, it’s from a OST, so I would have thought it would have helped. It has this little upbeat dance vibe, so it’s great to dance around to it will doing house chores. With Hate You, I would say it’s one of my favorite song from this group.
5. Wings – Blossom
I cannot comprehend how this song has only 160 000 views. How?! This song was my song for at least a month. I loved it so damn much. I’m sure I’ll listen to it again now and then, but I started to grow kinda tired of it at some point and let it go to make some space for new stuff. But those two girl have immense talent and I really hope they stay in the music field so that they can bring us more beautiful song like that.
4. Mamamoo, Bumkey – Don’t Be Happy
This was also my jam for at least a month. I use to sing along the chorus and I could not wait for this girl group to debut full on. I usually like Bumkey (not always, but most of the time), and I really discover a great girls group with a lot of talented members. Thought its MV has 670 000 views, I still think it should have way more, like at least 1 million. I love love love the chorus and the bridge, and the song as a whole is pretty damn good too. I’m always somewhat amazed at “pre-debut” song since, for me, debuting is doing something for the first time, so… Anyway
3. Lee Michelle – Without You
I know this one has 815 000 views. But still, this awesome song with a great MV has not reach 1 million yet? I really don’t get it. This song is beautiful AND powerful. I really hope we get more of Lee Michelle in 2015. I kinda rediscover this song a few weeks ago and I was impressed at how little attention I gave it before. Anyway, I don’t have anything more to say about it than it’s an amazing song.
2. ESNA – I, I Love You
With around 150 000 views if you combine the MV on the singer’s channel and the MV on 1theK, ESNA’s song is definitely underrated. I had this song in my top favorite for at least 2 to 3 months, sung it will at work about every day. This girl as talent, and I sure hope we see more of her. She’s refreshing. If you haven’t heard her song yet, you should try it because it’s astonishingly beautiful.
and
1. SPEED – Why I’m Not
I had this song in my playlist the whole year. I cannot get enough. Yet, it only has 150 000 views! How is that? I get that Speed isn’t the most popular boys band, and that the MV isn’t featured on one of the major Kpop channel, but still… It’s such a great song! The chorus, the bridge, every part of it is genius.
There was a few I wanted to put here, but I really try to choose thing that would last, at least for me. And thing that were actually underrated too. I though about Spica.S song and maybe also about the HIGH4 song that features Lim Kim, but I felt like both of them had too much views to be included, and that they didn’t necessarily have the “everlasting” quality I was searching for (the main reason why I included Lee Michelle in the list).
For this one, I’ve based my choice mainly on how much I love these song, how much I’ve listen to them throughout the year and how likely I’ll be to listen to them still in 2015. I also considered a bit how they did on the chart, their overall popularity and all that jazz.
I also had a hard time narrowing it down to only 10. It was a really great year for the kind of hip-hop I like.
So without further ado, here it is :
10. Sugar Blues – I’m Sorry (feat. Tako, Jeon Yun Yeong)
Even though not many people know who’s Sugar Blues and what they do, this song really stayed with me for a while in 2014. It’s just really good, fun and groovy. I wouldn’t say it’s astonishing hip-hop, but I couldn’t really put it in indie either. I really like the chorus. And that’s about it.
9. O Eon Jong – Beenzino (feat. Niihwa) (Blacknut cover)
I’ve talked about this one not so long ago and I still really enjoy it and listen to it often. I try to not go all in with cover, but this one was special. I try listening to the original version of the song, but really didn’t like it. I think maybe it has to do with the fact the lyrics are way less focused on dissing Beenzino and all. And maybe that half of my interest in this cover is about Niihwa. I discovered him in 2014 I think (or was it before that, I don’t remember), and I’m watching his career carefully. I think he’s really talented and does great music.
8. Philte – Last Scene (feat. Choiza, Lim Kim)
I liked this one from the start. First, there’s Choiza’s rap, then Lim Kim’s voice and finally, Philtre’s music. It’s a great combo and my expectation were high but reached. I don’t listen to it that often now though, maybe because it’s a bit more slow-paced, but I still enjoy it every now and then. And you also got a great artistic MV to top it all.
7. Tablo x Taeyang – Eyes, Nose, Lips (cover)
Do I really need to explain myself? This cover, to me, was the best one out there. And I don’t even feel the need to explain that I choose a cover. Tablo did a great job rewriting the song with the same “mood”. The lyrics are genius. I like the really subtle beat when he raps and I even like when he sings for the chorus. And when Taeyang comes at the end… wow. It was really one of my favorite track this year, along with the original. I still listen to it and sing along. It’s such a powerful song… The only thing I regret is that, even though it’s in English, there’s not enough people around the world that heard it (you know, because there’s either Korean in the title of the video on Youtube and/or because they’re Asian… gosh). It’s a shame, seriously.
6. YDG – JAJAJA (feat. Dynamic Duo, Crush)
This sick beat! And the piano! It’s just so good. I don’t really understand why this song didn’t work as much as others. Yeah, sure, maybe YDG isn’t as known as other hip-hop artist, but this song is really awesome. And the featuring are incredible. The way the song is “tri”-alog, it’s so ingenious. Seriously, if you haven’t watch/listen to it when I’ve put it in a K-Blend playlist, you should.
5. Dynamic Duo, DJ Premier – AEAO
This song… Seriously, if I could have, the last 5 rank would all have been equal. Because each song is terribly great. I don’t really know DJ Premier, but I like his beat (more old school, a bit like for YDG’s song) and the collab between him and Dynamic Duo is amazing. I especially like Gaeko’s voice in the chorus. I always love Gaeko anyway, but whatever. I still greatly enjoy it when I listen to it, but I’ve started to let it go a bit to make some space for newer songs.
4. Epik High – Shoebox (feat. MYK)
This one was a bit of a late comer in my favorite track of the year. Sure, it might be because it was release near the end of the year, but even then, I didn’t notice it right away. I liked it from the start, but it wasn’t a “hit” as much as others. One day though, I started to have MYK’s part stuck in my head and it wouldn’t go. I’m still not all in for the “intro” part, because I feel like it doesn’t really go all that nicely with the rest of the song. But the rest of the song is just great. I would have like a more complex MV maybe, but I don’t care that much since the song is fine by itself too.
3. Gaeko – No Make Up (feat. Zion.T, HA:TFELT)
I cannot do a list of favorite tracks of the year without including Zion.T somehow. That would be treason (lol). Anyway, I really liked Gaeko’s solo comeback, but this song brought it home for me because of the chorus. Zion.T is right on point as usual. I still really enjoy Gaeko’s rap (even though I prefer his voice when he sing, but still). I like the way the song is “played” also, with the people talking at the end and with the way the boys’ part and the girl’s part respond to each other. I don’t have much to say about the beat though, it serves the song well I would say, but it’s not that noticeable either (which isn’t a bad thing though).
2. Epik High – We Fight Ourselves (feat. Younha)
The only thing that differentiate the two first position is mainly how they did on the chart, how popular they were. Epik High did a great job with their new album, but my favorite song is one of the not overly known/popular tracks of the album. I like how they went and got Younha to sing part of the chorus, but also to support the rap here and there. I like the more “lyrical” beat too, and the fact it’s not too complicated and kind of clean. The MV, even though it might seem boring, is actually really funny if you pay close attention to it. And it shows how talented every one of them is also. This song never left my phone since it was released.
and
1. Gary – Shower Later (feat. Crush)
How could I go and not include this awesomesauce song in my list? Sure, the MV is a bit cliché (and I’m still wondering if it might be a parody of these kind of MV we usually get from American hip-hop), but gosh this song is good. I always include it whenever I make a hip-hop playlist and every one of my friends who listened to it think it’s great too. Crush is “crushing it” in the chorus and the bridge. And Gary is Gary. And I love him like that. This song actually made me buy a LeeSSang snapback cap so I could show the world I much I like him and his music (ok, you’ll say I could have bought a cap only of him or of his single or whatever, but I really like LeeSSang as a duo also, and the cap is really cool, so…). This song never left my phone too.
I got a few others that I didn’t include in there obviously. Epik High album was damn fine and I also like most Dynamic Duo songs (as usual…). Angli’s single was also really awesome and when I’ve made some of my friends listen to it, all of them liked it too.
I’ve based my choice mainly on how much I love those song, how much I’ve listen to them throughout the year and how likely I’ll be to listen to them still in 2015.
It was way harder for me to narrow it down to 10, so I guess I’m more of a Kindie person maybe. I’m not stopping after this top 10 and I’ll do a Khip-hop list too because it was too hard to choose without doing another top 10. And since I also had a hard time choosing for Khip-hop… well…
So there it goes :
10. The Solutions – Movements
This was an easy choice mainly because I love that song from the get go. But I listen to it so damn much for a while that I grew somewhat tired of it. Now, listening to it, I can still say it’s really a great song with awesome beat and it’s terribly catchy. I’ve tried listening to the whole album, but didn’t really achieve anything other than confirm that this song is a gem. Also, since it’s in English, you might be able to trick people into listening to it. If their into upbeat, dance, electro stuff with lyrics and some melodic verse, they might even like it.
9. Lucite Tokki – Let Me Dance
I’ve added some songs from Lucite Tokki in my K-Blend playlist now and then. But this one really stay with me for a long time. I still really enjoy it a lot. And I feel it was a great soundtrack to the movie its MV shows. It’s a really light-hearted song, in English again, that is all about empowerment, with a little bippity boppity. I know it might mean nothing, but listen to it and you’ll get it. It’s the way the background sounds bounce.
8. Seo TaiJi – Christmalo.win
I won’t say it enough : if you have not seen the MV (the cinematic one that is), go watch it now! It makes this song a work of art. But still, without the MV, it would be a great song. It might be a bit more on the fusion electro-rock-rap-pop side, but you need to try it first before setting it aside. Seo TaiJi had a great come back and even though I like the other track he released with IU for the background story, this one stole its spotlight, at least for me. It’s not as much a song as a performance. You need to see the band play it too.
7. Eddy Kim – The Manual
One of the great thing about this song is that it’s both a ballad and NOT a ballad. At some point during the song, it gets hopeful and happy and a little more upbeat. I think it’s one of its strength. But anyway, even if it was only a ballad, I would still love it. This song was the one that introduce me, and a bunch of people, to the voice of Eddy Kim. Even though there was other song that I really enjoy from him, this one has something special, like a peacefulness of some kind. And it’s not about any kind of vocal performance, it’s just good in its quiet way, just the voice and the sound of the guitar, and it’s enough.
6. Clazziquai Project – Crave You
Clazziquai Project celebrate their 10 years anniversary this year and they gave their fun one of the best album I’ve seen in 2014. It was hard to choose from the songs I loved on it for the top 10. I could easily had gone with at least 5 tracks from them. Crave You is tricky though because there is no actually MV for it, there’s just this movie stuff they do an awful lot when groups/artists don’t wanna/don’t have the money to do a real MV. And it is terribly distracting from the amazing-ness of the song. But once you get over it, or you try to find it elsewhere and listen to it without the actors talking over it, you’ll start to get the chorus stuck in your head for hours. I would say that it’s one of their softer song, even though it’s totally upbeat. It’s more Alex than Clazzi if you now what I mean. But it’s still enough all of them to be one of my all time favorite.
5. leeSA – Put Aside
This song was in December playlist and I talk a bit about it already. But every time I listen to it, I’m amazed about the voice of the main singer (who is Lee Sa I think). She has that little raspy quality, but just barely there, so she doesn’t really sound like she’ll do soul and jazz forever. I already like this band for the get go, but I was really happy about this song since the only other one I knew that they made (that wasn’t a cover) is Could You Stop That Smile, and I discovered it in 2013. So I was pleased that this one was also really really good and if you like those songs too, go check their album, it’s on iTunes.
4. Humming Urban Stereo – Bullshit (feat. Narsha)
I liked this one from the start. Maybe it’s because of the background beat, maybe it’s because of Narsha, maybe it because of the electro-dance vibe, maybe it’s the combination of the three. I don’t have much to say about this one, but I would just encourage people to give it a try. I know I’ve been impressed and surprised by Humming Urban Stereo before so it could be the same for you as well.
3. Kim Sun Wook – I’m Fine (acoustic version)
This one was featured in my Best Thing Since Sliced Bread segment (BTSSB), and it’s for a good reason : the song is perfect. Both the voice, the background music and the overall vibe of it are amazing. I love it even more now than before, maybe because I’ve stop listening to it for a while. It wasn’t because I grew tired of it like other songs, it was only to make some space for newer ones. So whenever I listen to it again, I’m flabbergasted about how nice and sweet and totally awesome this song is.
2. Clazziquai Project – Still I’m By Your Side
This one is more Clazzi than Alex. There’s more of a definite beat to it and there’s some kind of electro background, though it’s not that overwhelming. I’ve made other people listen to it and it’s an all kill. After the first two title track of their new album, that were really really good still, this one came out and totally blew my mind. I like the MV too, the split screen and how it ends. The way it’s not dance but in a weird way, it could almost be.
and
1. Neon Bunny – It’s You
How could I do a top 10 Kindie without its queen? This year, Neon Bunny gave us an appetizer for her next album. But what an appetizer! I like everything about it. I wanna sing along the chorus every time it comes up, I wanna dance my ass of to the sick electro music, I have a crush on this song. When I think of Kindie in 2014, it’s one of the song that instantly comes to my mind. It’s that good, and to me, it made an everlasting impression. I know for a fact I’ll still enjoy this song in 2015 and beyond.
There’s still 3 or 4 that I really wanted to put in the list, but I had to make a choice. 2014 made me discover The Richard Parkers, Ggotjam Project and Vidan. Those bands all have a special place in my heart, either because of one particularly awesome track or because of their awesomeness in general (and sometimes, both). I think, anyway, at least 2 of those 3 where featured in my BTSSB segment. So you can check that out if you’d like or you can look them out by yourself and discover them as well. Then there’s Zion.T with Yanghwa BRDG. I really love that song, a lot. I can sing the chorus with the right words (it’s an easy chorus and I know enough Korean to be able to recognize the words) and that’s a sign I like a song enough that I listen to it too much already. But, the thing is that this song is hard to categorize. I wasn’t sure if I could really put it here since I feel it could be Khip-hop (r&b to be exact), but at the same time, not really. And it also could be Kpop in a way since Zion.T is not always doing just one typical thing that is clearly definable. So I’m talking about it here, but just as a “special honor” type of thing. And I also know he’s doing stuff that people have a harder time to relate to, musically I mean (because the emotion pass through the lyrics and the mood really easily).
I’ve based my choice on a few things, but mostly on a) if the song made an everlasting effect on me (I do listen to it now and then still, or I put it on whenever I’m at a party with Kpop-tolerant friends, or it’s in my all time favorite, something like that), b) the overall popularity of the song and how it was omnipresent for the moment it was release to the end of the year, c) how it somewhat did Kpop exactly how it’s suppose to be done or how it still is Kpop but it tried to give a twist that worked amazingly well.
I also limited myself to 10 tracks this time around.
So here is my top 10 for 2014 :
10. Jun Hyo Seong – Good-night Kiss
I chose this song for the last spot mainly because, even though after a while, I kinda started to grow tired of it. But every time I let the song go on, I couldn’t stop myself from wanting to dance to the chorus. Somehow, I also created some dance move in my mind that I was sure were part of the actual dance. I also like this fierce attitude and the overall more sexy look for Jun Hyo Seong.
9. Hi Suhyun – I’m Different (feat. Bobby)
Even though this song just came up a few weeks ago, I really feel like they nailed something with it. The jazz and soul combo is great and the MV is also really beautiful. I’m ok with Bobby’s part even though it would still have been great without it. I like that, even though it’s still pop, they did some experiment with it and it came out like this. I hope this track and how good it did in the charts and with the fans make the industry take more risk with their song, more than just mashing pop with rap all the time or different tempo in one same song.
8. Akdong Musician – Melted
Do I have to explain why this song is in here, really? If you have not seen the MV, go watch it right now. Because they went all in for this one and it’s really in synch with the song. The background music is astonishing, the verse, the bridge, the chorus, everything is perfect. Even though it’s not a song you would expect from AKMU, I think they did a great job and I even like the fact that it’s not just about sobbing all the way till the end. There’s still some quirky twist in the verse, in the way they sing it. A great ballad, but they didn’t forget to put in some of their individuality.
7. Bangtan Boys – Boys In Luv
I have something to confess : I’m not a Bangtan Boys fan. At all. I think I’m closer to being an EXO fan than being a BTS fan. Even though it took time to get use to it, the chorus took me away. I still listen to this song and every time, I feel like krumping my ass off. But let’s be clear here, it’s only because of the bridge and the chorus. Those verse are not that great. I seriously have no idea if, other than the fans, the song did any good on charts and what not, but it really was a song that I listened to the whole year and that I still pop in for a good run.
6. AOA – Like a Cat
I wasn’t so sure about this one, but after a few times, I had the song stuck in my head. For a long long while. And maybe it stuck with me more because one time, I really wanted to listen to it but I didn’t have it in my Ipod and I was listening to Tablo’s radio show, and he put it on, and I was like “WE ARE ONE MIND!!!!!!”. At the same time, I feel like AOA always been cute little girls, a group that was more about the looks and they didn’t really have a big hit to secure their place in their field, but I feel they actually did that this time.
5. KARA – Mamma Mia
There’s many people who think this song is the song of all songs. I think part of them are just hardcore fans, and others are almost right. It’s a great song indeed. I feel like the exposure it got because of the Young Ji fever help the song a lot also. But I was caught by that fever too, and I liked it. I got mesmerized by the “lapapa lapapa” and the dance. Every time the chorus comes up, I wanna dance along to it.
4. Sunmi – Full Moon (feat. Lena)
Oh the controversial choreography… Anyway, the way it was banned gave it a big boost for its popularity, but still, without that “scandal”, I think it would still have done well. I’m not 100% behind the MV concept, because I think paranormal/vampire stuff as to be done perfectly or else it kinda falls out a bit. And this one kinda do (falls out I mean) here and there. But the song is nice and I even like Lena’s part. I also really enjoy the dance, I thought it was inventive and different. Now and then, you come across a song where there’s some kind of singing sound that isn’t words but that get imprinted in your mind and that you cannot pull out of there. This song does that. The “hey hey hey hey hey” stuck with me.
3. SoYu, JunggiGo – Some (feat. Lil Boi of Geeks)
If you don’t know that song, I wonder where you were in 2014. Because it was everywhere. In about every drama there was, in every variety show there is. And it kinda shifted the Hyorin spotlight to Soyu, who also has a really great voice. It re-put JunggiGo on the map as well. The chorus is super catchy and whenever it pop up somewhere, I had this warm feeling of “hey, it’s that song again!”. To me, this song is, along Eyes, Nose, Lips, one of the most memorable songs of 2014.
2. Gain – Fxxk U (feat. Bumkey)
I like Gain and her MVs that deal with taboo matters. She always amazes me. Fxxk U is a great song, mainly because the beat is “happy”, for a lack of better word, yet it feels cathartic to throw those “Fxxk U” in the air while listening to it. I wouldn’t say it’s a song that will be remembered by all, but it will be me and my friends. We always put it on whenever we listen to some Kpop song. Also, with the ever-growing and omnipresent rape culture in every society, I feel like the MV is right on point. On top of that, there’s something about Gain that is different from the industry she evolves in. So for all those reasons, I think she deserve a high rank in my top 10.
and
1. Taeyang – Eyes, Nose, Lips
Yeah, you might already knew I would choose this one for first place. I’m still trying to learn the song, I’m around the chorus. I already know the first verse and the bridge by heart so I would say I’m about half way there, or close to it. And to think I didn’t instantly fell in love with this song is crazy. To me, it was the “home run” song of 2014. Some would say that was Up and Down by EXID, but there’s a difference between viral and greatness. If you’re still not convince, give me another song that had a cover project that many other singers joined just weeks after its release on top of it.
WHY NO [insert group/artist name here]?????!!!!!
I though about maybe adding I Swear from Sistar, but to me, even to I liked it very much, the other 10 were more fit to my criteria. Some people might wonder why I didn’t put any 2NE1 track in it, and here’s why : even though Come Back Home is a great song, I don’t really listen to it anymore. Their album was a great album overall, but the few title track were not as memorable as some other they did in the past. I prefer lesser known track on the album, like the Korean version of Scream or even the ballad version (or is it acoustic, I don’t remember) of Come Back Home. So that’s how it is. Other than that, SNSD didn’t do it for me this year. As for T-ARA, even though they had Little Apple that I liked very much, I wasn’t taken as much by it. Maybe because I felt like a) it wasn’t entirely a T-ARA song, b) the MV made me feel like it was a sub-unit song even though it’s not advertised that way. So I had some issue with putting it in the top 10 over others. VIXX didn’t have that great of a year overall. And for EXO, well, I’m sure everyone out there gave them enough praise for Overdose already. I like the song, but it was no Growl. And don’t even get me started on SUJU, because I will cut you. Seriously.
Almost made it, so number 11. Andamiro – Waiting (feat. Double K)
I wasn’t sure if this was more Kpop since Andamiro used to do Kpop stuff. At least a little. So I’ve put it here instead. I remember being really deeply in love with this song when it came out. I still like it a lot (but maybe I’ve listened to it a bit too much). I’m a bit pissed that it didn’t get more recognition. Maybe it was because the MV was a bit too simplistic.
10. The Jaywalker – It Ain’t Over
It’s a smooth piece, with a really contemplative side to it. I really enjoyed it, mainly when I’m traveling either really early or late at night. Or when it snows. It’s not for everyone though.
9. Prepix – When I Get Paid (feat. Yoseop)
First, the MV is really really special (in a good way). The song is really good and the beat is great. Yoseop’s voice goes nicely with it. I really listened to this song a lot in 2013.
8. Rhythm Power – Bond Girl (feat. Zion.T)
Something a bit more upbeat this time. Sure, I’m a bit biased since Zion.T is in it. The song is really fun though, and lively. It makes you wanna dance and jump everywhere. I also smile at the Primary cameo. You know you’ve done your MV right when Primary is in the background.
7. Primary – Happy Ending (feat. Jinsil of Mad Soul Child & Gary of Leessang)
This was in my Top 10 of summer 2013. I still like it a lot and I feel like it was, all in all, one of the really nice KIndie song released in 2013. The suave voice of the female vocalist is really pretty and goes well with the background music. The MV is so-so, but yeah…
6. Mayson The Soul – Holiday (feat. Beenzino)
Mayson The Soul was a revelation for my in 2013. I bought his album and I really enjoyed his music. If you like this one, you should check Bus Stop too (though it’s way smoother).
5. Dynamic Duo – Hot Wings (feat. Hyorin)
I have a soft spot for Dynamic Duo, as you may know. I like Hot Wings a lot and thought it’s a good representative of the year 2013 since Hyorin is featured in it. I like the fact that Gaeko is singing a lot in this track too since I think he has a really nice voice. The MV is quite intriguing too.
4. Zion.T – Miss Kim
This song was released really late in 2013, but it was still a big hit for me. I really enjoyed it a lot and learn the lyrics almost immediately. I like the MV too, this retro vibe with the typewriter, the cars, the clothes and the tap-dancing. It’s not my favorite Zion.T song but it still really high up in my heart. Also, you can really feel the sincerity through his voice, or I don’t know, I feel like there’s a depth in the way he sings this song.
3. Cheeze – Mango
First, watch the MV, it’s splendid. Then, just listen to the song on its own without being distracted by the MV. This song is way better than what we think at first because there’s too much going on with the MV (though it’s also what makes this song so memorable). This song also as the best example of synth sound done properly. And that’s not a small thing. I like the way male and female singer voices mesh together.
2. Yozoh – This Means Goodbye
I’ve listened to this song over and over and over. This song is just that good. I had a hard time parting with it to leave more space for newer song. I was already smitten with Yozoh earlier that year, but this song closed the deal. And, on top of that, the MV is a mix of an indie movie from where I live. I think the movie goes well with the song too. If you haven’t listen to the song yet, go do it, now!
1. Dynamic Duo – BAAAM (feat. Muzie)
It isn’t a surprise. I feel in love with that song. It’s just that good. It’s even hard to express in word. And to think I discarded it at first…
I know, it’s overdue. I wanted to do a few categories this year, but I have so little time to do everything I want that I thought it’s better to just do a Top 10 and get it over with. Maybe if I have more time in 2014, I’ll do more categories so we can have a more complete look of the past year of Korean music.
So without further ado, here’s my Top 10 :
Almost made it, so number 11. Infinite H – Without You (feat. Zion.T)
Yeah. It was too hard. I couldn’t sacrifice this one, but at the same time, I couldn’t put it in the Top 10 since I think it’s not exactly 100% Kpop. But it’s not exactly KIndie either. I had a hard time at first with this song, maybe because it was too hip-hop for me at the time. But now I love it and I do still listen to it, a lot.
10. 2PM – A.D.T.O.Y.
I could not do a Top 10 of 2013 without including this song. It has a personal story attach to it for me too. I think the MV did a lot for this song, because I remember having some kind of fangirl experience with it, even though I don’t fangirl, never ever. I still enjoy the song a lot, but without the MV, it’s not as good.
9. Shinhwa – This Love
Shinhwa came back in 2013 with a great song. I really really love this song a lot. That said, the MV was so-so. I still like the dance, but I felt it was maybe a bit cheesy at time. I love the whole song, but I have a soft spot for the bridge.
8. VIXX – Voodoo Doll
VIXX had a great year in 2013. It was hard just to pick one song. I like Hyde a lot too, but I have to say that Voodoo Doll did a bigger impression on me. The MV was really really good, and the song is close to perfection. The only thing is that I was expecting a bit more from the chorus. I feel like it’s blending too much with the rest of the song. In Hyde, the chorus stand out yet it’s still harmonious with the rest of the song.
7. Jay Park – Joah
I have history with this song too. I wanted to put at least one song of Jay Park on the Top 10 because I thought he had a great year too. I really loved Welcome and I Like 2 Party, but I think Joah was such a big thing in 2013 that I had to go with it. I liked it a lot because it was in between the softy Jay Park of Star, and the more tugs life Jay Park of whatever rap song he released. Yeah sure, it was still way more on the soft side than on the tough guy side, but it still had that “street” vibe.
6. T-ARA N4 – Jeon Won Diary
T-ARA had a so-so year. But I really really really enjoyed Jeon Won Diary. It was just so much fun and close to what I love in T-ARA. I had a bit of trouble when I first watch/hear that song, but I grew on me quickly and I started to try to learn the dance move (and when I do, that means I’m into it). I would have cut the Double K part though.
5. Miss A – Hush
I wanted to put this one higher on the Top 10. But I thought even though it’s one of my favorite Miss A song of all time, it wasn’t representative of 2013 since they released really late in the year. Do I need to tell why I love this song? Just go watch the MV.
4. Seungri – Gotta Talk To You
Even though there’s so kind of problem with the pronunciation of the chorus, I still really really like this song. And I thought it did well also. For me, it was one of the biggest hit of the year. I was a bit disappointed by the MV, but it was still really nice. And the dance/techno part at the end, why?
3. Sistar – Give It To Me
I couldn’t do a Top 10 of 2013 without this song. It did so well and it followed me for a very long time. I feel like, with Hyorin having so many things going on that year and Sistar 19 having a big hit also, Sistar is now one of the major girlsgroup out there. I like the song and the MV is just gorgeous, and still, there’s a funny twist with it too.
2. Girl’s Day – Expectation
I’m obsessed with this song. The dance moves, the song itself, everything. And from that point on, Girl’s Day have bloomed. It just sad that it kinda shadowed Rania’s Just Go, who was a really really great song too.
1. MBLAQ – Smoky Girl
Do I need to explain why? Yeah, sure, it’s not as elaborated as other song. But it worked so well and it still does.
For this one, I thought less of the overall popularity than how those songs actually marked my summer, how many of them are still on my “recent songs” playlist (it’s a playlist of never more than 50 songs so I need to regularly dropped some songs to add new ones, but I keep a few favorite – even songs that were release in April or old song I’ve just (re)discover) and how they fit in a summer theme playlist (kinda). It also has to do with my overall appreciation of them.
Almost made it : Lee Na Rae – Raining In Amsterdam
I thought it wasn’t fair to put it in the Top 10 since it was release too late in September to actually be a “summer song”. But my god this song is pretty. Yes, sure, it’s a lot like Lim Kim’s Rain, but I prefer Lee Na Rae’s song. I feel like Lim Kim has a more “earth-y” feel to her song and that Lee Na Rae is more “air-y”. And I think I prefer the music behind the voice of Raining In Amsterdam. Both song are more on the bright side even though they talk about rain, but Lee Na Rae is “lighter” maybe. There’s still a jazzy side to it though. Ok, maybe it’s just because I terribly love the intro with the whistles…
10. ODD EYE – Follow Me
This one I listened to it a lot. I really like it, a lot more than the few others (or just one, I don’t remember). I feel like it was good for this summer because of the chorus : the music is light and the singers have very crystalline voices. The violins are cool too. The MV is fine.
9. Kim Beggar – Tightwad
This one is an underdog. The first time I’ve listened to it, I was like “yeah great”. Then I’ve listened to it a few more times and it really grew on me. The MV is a but dull though. But I feel like this song was perfect for summer, it has an outdoors feel to it, like walking on the beach or next to a lake or something.
8. As One – Awkward Love
This one is really sweet. The MV is basically just a lyrics MV, but they did a great job at it, put a lot of effort in it. It’s kind of a really light ballad, but with a little happier twist.
7. YB – Mystery
This one I don’t get how it has not more views. The MV is awesome and the song is awesome. I just seriously do not get it. I really love this song and I listened to it a lot. You should check it out, it’s really really good. It’s more on the “rock” side, but it’s still kinda stay in the “easy listening” field somehow.
6. Bebop & Humming Urban Stereo – Maem Maem
I had a hard time to like this one. I was not sure about it somehow. But after a while, it really grew on me. It’s really fun and the dance feel to it is awesome. I’m not that sure about the MV exactly, but it’s not too bad.
5. Miss $ – You were not the… (Narr. Verbal Jint)
I really really like Miss $. I don’t know why they’re not more popular than this. The last MV I’ve seen from them wasn’t really great, but this song AND MV are really really good. I like the concept of the break up, not because they don’t like each other, but because he’s not the one. It gives a different twist to usual love song with all of the “saranghae” here and there. The great strength of Miss $ is the combo of both the vocals of the main singer and the rapper who’s really not bad at all. And, even though I’m not always into Verbat Jint, he’s doing a good job here.
4. WHOwho – Her
This one I instantly loved. It’s just a good old indie upbeat song. It got everything you want : synth, guitars, a good singer and a catchy chorus. It’s mostly in English so you can even sing along easily! The MV is basic, but who cares really? This song is good enough that they could have just put up a lyrics MV and it would still be awesome.
3. Primary – Happy Ending
This one was troubling because the MV is really boring. But the music caught me from the start so I was able to overlooked the never-ending jazzy dancing. It’s really smooth and the rap part fits well with the song. I’m still listening to it as of now. It’s a great song for drinking a glass of wine with friends while eating or having some fancy cheese or something. Or when you just want something not too calming so that you want fall asleep, but not too upbeat so you won’t get distracted. They should make more songs like this.
2. J-Sun – The Day Gently Melt (feat. Jung Hwan)
This one is THE underdog. It’s not the greatest song there is, it’s not the most outstanding. But it fits so well with summer! Mostly because the voice of the main singer feels like a cool breeze and the music is really refreshing too. It’s perfect also for the early and the end of summer because there’s something in the voices and music that is cool yet warm at the same time. It’s really hard to describe how much this song is really great in a subtle way. You really should check it out even though summer is gone. I still listen to it and enjoy it. Somehow, it feels like a grown up lullaby or something.
1. Dynamic Duo – BAAAM
How not to choose this song for number 1? I don’t know. Not only do I still listen and enjoy it a whole lot, it’s been my ringtone for a while now. It’s just one of the greatest song of the year, really. The chorus is so good it’s hard to understand. The only thing is the girl saying “bad girl gone badder” but sounding like she’s saying “bad girl gone better”. But even so. And the beat, gosh! It’s not just electronic stuff done by a program design to make catchy background rap beat (yes, that’s why they all sound a bit similar), but they worked on it. Freaking perfect is what it is.
I also want to mention the new album of Slow Diving Table, who is just awesome from the first track to the last. You really should check it out, there’s 2 MV available on YouTube, and they’re is a preview of about every track on the pastel channel too. It’s a great album, maybe even the best they made yet.
I’ve tried to put somewhat of an order in the countdown, but it’s really not based on anything, except a bit on overall popularity and my own impression (about overall popularity and about the fact that either I’ve been listening to the song a lot during this summer or that I’m still listening to it now).
So here it is (and sorry about not posting as much this week, it was kind of a big week for me)
The runner up that almost made it : KARA – Damaged Lady
This song is like other KARA’s songs. It’s really catchy in a “you’ll have it as a earworm out of nowhere and won’t be able to find from whom this song is”. The catchiness of KARA is different since it’s subtle, but in a way, that makes it much more brilliant. The song is great. Everytime I here the chorus, I have a sudden urge to do the dancemove with the arm and stuff. But since it was release not so long ago and that it has a little less view than other video from this summer, I went for other song for the top 10.
10. INFINITE – Destiny
OK, hear me out : I really really like this song. As of now, I think it might even be the song of INFINITE I like the most. The thing is though, it didn’t do that well on any chart this summer and I feel like people forget about it faster than BATOOST’s Shadow (that was, in every point, inferior to Destiny). I think it has everything to do with the MV clusterfuck that happened because of the place scene. They release just one version of the video with all those part edited out and couldn’t release the drama version. So yeah. Even though the MV is not everything, it really help sometimes. Some really really mediocre song got much more popularity than they really deserve base only on the quality of the song because the MV was either entertaining or beautiful. That said, I still listen to this song and you could say it was there for a segment of this summer so that’s why it made #10.
9. G-Dragon – Crooked
I really like this song. BUT it’s not the best of G-Dragon, it’s no Crayon or That XX or even One Of A Kind (I kinda don’t like this one, but I’m trying to be a bit objective here). And it came out at the beginning of September. Personnally, even though I like it, I really feel it won’t have as long a life as the few other song I’ve just mentionned. It’s a lot better than the boring Coup d’État and the Michi-GO WTF though. But it’s still a good G-Dragon song, and G-Dragon’s song always are a bit better than all the crap we get throughtout the year.
8. Jay Park – I Like 2 Party
This one is a personnal choice since the song has roughly a million views though it was release in July. Ok, a million is big, but not that much compare to other songs and how they usually do and stuff. But it FUCKIN KICKS ASSES. And, as the last 2 Jay Park’s song that were release earlier this year, I’m totally in love with it. So yeah, it followed me all summer and I still listen to it and enjoy it as much. The MV is funky, though I prefer the one for JOAH and Welcome (this one for obvious reason).
7. Girl’s Day – Female President
I don’t know if this one is a more personnal choice, but I feel like this song was kinda really popular in Korea for a while and it has a lot of views too. This one was an instant like for me, just like Expectation. Girl’s Day is really coming out of is cuteness shell lately and I like it. It seems Korea like it too. I don’t know about international fans though. The MV is alright, I prefer the one for Expectation with THE dancemove and the (kinda boring) storyline. I really listen to this song a lot this summer, but at some point, I dropped it for newer songs. I didn’t really had time to get tired of it though and I still enjoy listening to it from time to time.
6. EXO – Growl
Why not higher? Because I’m not a fuckin EXO sasaeng! This song is good and the MV is really nicely done. I still listen to it and, obviously, it’s popular as hell. But, for me, there was so many other great song this summer. And some of them deserve more higher rank than this one. I wonder, if this song was not an EXO song, would it have 14 millions views? Maybe not. Don’t get me wrong, I really really really like it, really. But maybe it’s the sasaeng phenomenon aftershock, I’m always not as enthousiastic as I could be towards EXO because of the gigantic hype around them. Or maybe I’m just a child and it has something to do with reverse psychology…
5. Seungri – Gotta Talk To U
“Hey! You’ve just said about Crooked that it was release in September and stuff!” Yeah, so what? Gotta Talk To U is an awesome song. I just totally love it, a whole lot more than Crooked. A whole lot more than some of the song I put on higher ranks for some other reasons. So deal with it. The MV is not great, but who cares? The song is that good. For me, this song might even be it the Top 10 of 2013. Yeah, the whole freakin year.
4. Henry – Trap
I took me a while to like this song. I wasn’t sure because of the Bieber feel to it and I thought I might be tricked into liking something my principle would not allow me to like (a bit like the EXO feeling I got). But after I say Henry on variety shows, I was like “this guy is talented and funny (and kinda cute), so he’s legit”. Then I listen to the song, A LOT! He’s not an EXO member and his song has 10 millions views. Just that says a lot. Ok, you’ll say that there’s Taemin and the other dude and stuff, but seriously, I don’t mind, it’s still his song. I would have change the clothing and some of the dancemove in the MV though, maybe that’s a bit why I was suspicious at first. I mean, we’ve never seen that dude and he’s acting like he’s a freakin gansta and like he owns the place, and he’s not that good of an actor… it was too Bieber-ish for me… That said, for me, this is one of the songs that really marked this summer. It’s just such a fun song and I don’t know, it’s extremely catchy. I really like the bridge part with the high notes and Kyuhyun.
3. Sistar – Give It To Me
Some might not agree with me on this one, but seriously, it was immensely popular this summer. The official MV has more than 9 millions views, and the choregraphy alone has over 3 millions views (and it’s not an MV). For a girls group, it’s really really good (yeah, since girls group always have less views). At first, I thought it was great, but not as good as Alone. Wow, was I wrong! This song is just on a different level of awesomeness, that’s all. The MV is really beautiful and I feel like it showcase each girls (not equally, but at least, it made the effort to do so). I’m not really listening to it anymore, but that’s mainly because I listened to it ALL SUMMER LONG. At one point, in September, I was like : “okay that’s enough now”. That said, I still enjoy and like it a lot, it’s just I felt it was unfair to other song… somehow. (I know I’m weird)
2. Crayon Pop – Bar Bar Bar
If you still have to ask, where were you this summer? This song hasn’t as many views as other, but it was, by far one of THE songs of this summer. At first, I wasn’t sure because, well, it was like an UFO dropped in my computer. But the dance, man the dance… It’s so catchy I almost exploded. And it’s simple enough so that you can follow without being a natural born dancer. The song is good, it’s not the greatest song ever though. If they would have come up with the drama version of the MV first, I feel like it wouldn’t have been as popular. What makes this song is the dance MV. It’s just so quirky and fun. Anyway, you get my point. I know there’s 2 kind of people out there : the one that like it a lot and those who hate it. You cannot go in between with this. And well, I like it. And even if you hate it, you cannot deny that it was this summer song… That said, I don’t get the “r” in the title when the hangul title doesn’t have the ㄹ at the end of the words. Anyway.
and finally…
1. MBLAQ – Smoky Girl
Who can deny the awesomeness of this song? If you try, go check the MV again a few time please. This song is probably one of the greatest of this year. It took me about 3 or 4 times before I started liking it. The MV tricked me at first because I felt the intro was too slow and that the song took its time to really get upbeat and stuff. I still listen to it as of now, and I’m still super pumped when it starts to play on my Ipod. I still want to dance to the chorus. It’s just… okay, maybe not the best song ever, but one of the greatest song Kpop industry made. I like the MV (not love) because of the way they play with the black and white theme, it really suits the song well.
Here’s the playlist :
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So, what do you think about this Top 10? Did I forgot a song that undoubtfully needed to be in it? Let me know in the comment section.
Here’s two little playlist I made at the end of 2012.
Top 10 Kpop 2012
01. Wonder Girls – Like This
02. G-Dragon – That XX
03. Gangkiz – Mama
04. BigBang – Fantastic Baby
05. Dalshabet – Hate, Don’t Hate
06. CN Blue – Hey You
07. F.T. Island – I Wish
08. Miss A – Lips
09. T-Ara – Lovey-Dovey
10. GaIn – Bloom
Top 10 KIndie 2012
01. Clazzi – How We Feel
02. Neon Bunny – Oh My Prince
03. Venus Kim – Exercise
04. Glen Check – 84
05. Glen Check – French Virgin Party
06. The Koxx – Take Me Far From Home
07. Handsome People – Woowei Woowei
08. AshGray – Killheel
09. Jang Kiha and the Faces – A Twosome
10. Big Phony – I Love Lucy
