If you know me at all, you’ll know that Kpop has essentially taken over my life in the past few years. So I thought I’d consolidate my kpop ramblings to one post a week so that if it’s not your thing, it’s easier to avoid. And if it is your thing, you have a weekly post now where you can fangirl with me over the latest comebacks, your favorite visuals, discuss the most difficult dance moves…it’s going to be great!
As 2019 is coming to a close, I thought it was time to make my list of favorite songs released this year! You may be surprised to find the absence of some of the most popular groups on my list (BTS, Blackpink, Twice…a few others). This doesn’t mean I don’t like these groups and wouldn’t drop some serious cash to see them in concert, it just means they didn’t have my favorite comebacks this year. And let me tell you, it was hard to narrow down my favorites. I picked my top 20, and I’ll be sharing five each week. Check them out, and let me know what your favorite songs of 2019 were!
#20 : Piri by Dreamcatcher
Ok, so I may be seeing Dreamcatcher in concert next week, and I’m just *slightly* excited. They are really unique in that they have a grittier, rock sound than most girl groups, and they actually have a choreographer that understands girls can dance too, as opposed to many of the girl groups usual cutesy, restrained dances. Not to mention these costumes are excellent.
#19 : Want by Taemin
Not only is Taemin the baby of my favorite group, Shinee, he’s also one of the most talented solo artists in Kpop. He’s frequently called the Korean Michael Jackson, and while I don’t disagree with that comment, I do hope Taemin continues to find and create his own style, and not rely on that comparison. Getting to see him sing “Danger” at the SuperM concert last month was LIFE CHANGING. Ok, that’s dramatic, but I may have screamed. A lot.
#18 : UN Village by Baekhyun
EXO’s Baekhyun has one of my very favorite voices in all of kpop, which is honestly saying a lot, because if kpop has one thing, it’s an excess of excellent singers. Baekhyun is one of those natural singers that, sure he’s worked very hard to get as good as he is, but I imagine he sort of came out of the womb with a very natural instrument. UN Village lets him show off his musicality and skill, and of course, as a member of EXO, he dances just enough to remind us he’s real good at that too.
#17 : How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love by AKMU
This brother-sister duo is honestly one of the most musical groups in the industry today. I’m talking internationally, not just in Korea. Their new album is brilliant from start to finish. Chanhyuk, who’s been away doing his military service, obviously did some maturing over the past two years, because the songs he wrote during that time are masterpieces, like the one above. Soo Hyun’s voice continues to somehow become even prettier than their last album. I’d like to campaign to get them to come to the US on tour, because I’d be front-row for that concert. Pro-tip: watch the video with subtitles to see the brilliant lyrics that go perfectly with the gorgeous music.
#16 : Blueming by IU
I’m absolutely in love with the style IU has found in the past few years. She’s really settled into what feels like a very authentic quirky adorableness, and I’m living for it. Not only has her music improved because of it, but her aesthetic is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Like, can I be her when I grow up? I also love that she absolutely takes over the music charts in Korea whenever she releases music. You really can’t help but smile while watching this music video.
So that wraps up part 1! Come back next week to find out my next five favorite songs from this year!