Chelsea's Top 50 Kpop Songs of 2021
I can’t believe I’m doing this again this year. But it really can’t be helped when Steven seems to make boy group songs battle to the death gladiator style to simply get onto his top 50. I’m just kidding. It’s been a really great year for the girl groups. Undeniably. But I still have a list that’s super different and I’d like to hype some other great songs from the year. So, here is my eclectic list of favorite 50 kpop songs of 2021.
Note from Steven: How does she know my process for allowing boy groups into my list?
50. Azer “Elegante”
My brother has this ranked much higher and has talked about it before, so I’ll be brief. This song is a wonderful easy listening song for me, but it doesn’t hype me up or stay in my head.
49. Oneus “Connect With Us”
This is the first of a couple songs from the Binary Code album that made my top 50. The album is lovely and plays cohesively from start to finish. It’s the only album that I’ve liked every part of since…2011 with CN Blue’s “First Step” album. Anywho…The vocals are highlighted in this song and it has a haunting feel to it that leaves me with a similar feeling as a bittersweet movie ending.
48. WOODZ “Touche”
This man continues to impress this year with his funky and completely unique sound. In this case, the song is so interesting in my ear that it will pull me out of whatever I’m working on so that I can bob along with the groove.
47. Ravi “Cardigan”
I swear, Ravi puts out some of the sweetest songs ever. (He also puts out some of the thirstiest songs, but that’s not the case here.) I don’t know where he learned the word ‘cardigan’ but thank you to that person, because I will never disapprove of a man that approves of me wearing horrible clothes that keep me warm. Okay, now that I’m done being a crazy fan…this song is what’s known to some as a 7-11 song (the same 7 words sung 11 times). And that is a big no-no for a lot of people, so if that’s not your jam, this won’t be for you. But the beat is nice and the sentiment is lovely.
46. SF9 “Teardrop”
Honestly, I’m still sad that SF9 didn’t stick with the fun, latin music cross songs. They’ve gone full sexy mode and there is definitely a place for that. That place for me is 46. Haha. This song probably wouldn’t have made my list at all if I hadn’t enjoyed the way they did the ‘ttug ttug ttug’ part of the song. The beat and melody there is gorgeous.
45. BTOB “Outsider”
If you asked me to pick my favorite voice (not vocalist or personality or performer), I would, without hesitation, pick Changsub from BTOB. So, basically anything that he’s a part of gets more than a few listens from me. The group is in a sort of flux at the moment while some are in their military service and they lost one to a scandal, so I don’t know what’s coming. That said, this big band jazz sound is super cool. I don’t seek out this song, but when it comes up on my playlist I always sing along, dance along, and hate it for being stuck in my head for hours afterward. Obviously, that’s the sign of…good…music? …Right? I’m not crazy, right?
44. BILLIE “Ring X Ring”
This new girl group has music that is almost never my style, so this song came as a surprise to me. There’s something about the power of the vocals and the beat that is basically a kick in the pants. I’ll put this under my ‘driving songs’ category, where it makes me want to go go go, pedal to the metal.
43. Ravi “Ani”
He just had to put something out in the last little bit of the year. This song may move up my list over time. I don’t know how it’ll age, but it's a bit of a blast for me these days. If I didn’t have a foot injury, this would be the one that made me get up and jump up and down with my hands in the air like I was at a concert.
42. T-ARA “Tiki Taka
This is the first song from this group that I’ve genuinely liked. Their early years didn’t hit right for me. I’ve enjoyed the individual promotions of most of the members though and I was excited to see the group together again, but I didn’t have much in the way of positive expectations. I was happily proven wrong. They kill this song. And, of course, I have a total girl crush on Jiyeon because she’s ridiculously gorgeous, so the mv is not exactly a chore to watch.
41. Oneus “Black Mirror”
Another of the Binary Code album’s offerings, this was their title track. It’s upbeat and has a Michael Jackson vibe to it. I find myself whistling this song at completely random times even if I haven’t listened to it recently.
40. Ateez “Fireworks”
This is Ateez’s take on a sexy song. It’s still powerful and completely their style, which I enjoy on the whole.
39. Onewe “Veronica”
Onewe had a really good year (like one Oneus). I think they’re finding their sound and I’m here for it. This song is a bundle of fun. Vocal runs, guitar runs, piano runs…get ready to wiggle along.
38. E.SO “Orgel”
My bro has covered this very well. It’s a very beautiful song.
37. Seventeen “Anyone”
This was a breath of fresh air to me this year. It felt like some of the second generation classics, but with a little bit of a rock music twist. It wasn’t like pretty much anything else that came out this year and I loved it for that. The race cars and leather jackets totally didn’t hurt either.
36. N.Flying “Sober”
Do you like rock ballads? Then this is the song for you. Yoo Hweseung’s vocals are insane, so I recommend everything he does. The group seems to live and breathe music, so their music is always interesting to listen to at the very least.
35. WOODZ “Waiting”
He’s so good at what he does! Funky, with a beat that defies expectation…I recommend it. There’s not much more I can say.
34. WJSN the Black “Easy”
If seduction was a song, this is it. There’s the subtle turns and looks intermingled with the clear crooked finger beckoning the listener to give in. Fine! I give! You’ve got me!
33. HYO “Second”
HYO is a great dancer, so I listen to all her stuff to see the choreography. I was SO surprised to enjoy more than her dance. This is not quite a quintessential girl pop song thanks to a rap break in the middle that comes with a weird change in the music. In that, it gives me everything I want in a song: musical interest and nothing jarring. I love it.
32. WJSN “Unnatural”
Another song I had in common with my brother. The group tends to be hit or miss for me and this one was a definite hit. The choreography is fun too.
31. Gaho “Rush Hour”
I’m about to make a dangerous statement—This gave me Hanson Brothers vibes. Haha…my brother never ever gets the same vibes as me on music. In fact he tends to think I’m a little crazy when I make these connections. Anyway, this is a fun rock love song. “Da da do do doo”. It makes me happy.
30. Somi “Dumb Dumb”
This song is so much fun that I forgive the whole “act like someone different to win the guy you like” messaging of the song and music video. She slays it.
29. Oneus “Rewind”
Okay, so this one is fairly typical pop music with a couple cute twists here and there that keep it from being generic. They make the absolute best of their vocal color in the song, but it’s the choreography that completely won me over to the song. I’ll chat about that in my favorite choreographies of the year article, cuz it deserves space.
28. Victon “What I Said”
Oh Victon. This group puts out songs that I abhor or adore. There is no in between with them. This was an adore song. Why? I have absolutely no idea. It just works for me. Boom Boom Boom…it came for me.
27. IVE “Eleven”
I know my bro covered this. I’ll just say that the part that I love best is the “bite” after 7. I love it so much that my sons roll their eyes and beg me to stop every time the song is on.
26. E’LAST “Dark Dream”
The music video for this almost put me off the song before I really listened to it. I’m glad I persisted. This song would work for some dramatic scene in an epic genre movie. The vocals are completely on point and the progression from chorus to verse to bridge is super smooth even though they are all very unique.
25. Youha “Ice T”
I have absolutely no idea what Ice T(ea) has to do with anything in this song, but I don’t care. I find the dance fun and the song catchy, even if it does go WAY more electronic than I usually like. PASHA!
24. Purple Kiss “Ponzona”
This would make my top 10 best debut songs in kpop if I ever was bold enough to make it. The vocals *chef’s kiss*. The dance *chef’s kiss*. This would be higher if…it was less serious or faster, probably. I’ve leaned into fun music this year and I blame the state of the world for that. Still, it’s an incredible song and a fantastic debut!
23. Oneus “Polarity”
My favorite off their Binary Code album. It uses tempo as much as melody to keep the song moving forward. And it uses a soda can opening as a sound to end the chorus… I don’t know how anyone can deny the musical genius of that. Haha.
22. FT Island “Unthinkable”
This song came out only a couple weeks before the end of the year and I was so excited for it. Hongki never disappoints vocally and he’s especially good on sad songs. Oh my gosh…this song…I cried real tears the first time I watched the music video. What a comeback!
21. Ateez X Kim Jongkook “Be My Lover”
I want a performance video of this song SO BAD! Kpop meets Zumba…I’m there! It’s not the most innovative song in the history of the world, but I’m still a huge fan. MORE!!!
20. Tri.be “Would You Run”
My kids hate this song. It’s definitely not going to be for everyone and I actually thought “hard pass” on it after the first listen. An hour later I was “uh, uh, would you run”-ing all over the house, so I gave it a second chance. Rinse and repeat. Finally, I gave up…It won.
19. Triple 7 “Presente”
There is so much about this that I love. First, this is a co-ed song, combining two established groups BIG and 3YE. The range of vocals is lovely and opens the song up for a plethora of harmony, always a win. It has a bit of latin flair, which still works so well for me in kpop. The styling hits right for me. It’s a big win all around.
18. Weki Meki “Siesta”
I was so scared for this group! They had almost skipped a whole year on comebacks and that’s just not a good sign in kpop land, but the wait was worth it. Easy listening, but still fun and catchy, this song is so good for me. The ‘ooOOoooOOOH’ vocal run is beautiful and skillful. They make it seem so easy.
17. Onewe “Star”
If I had an award for most dramatic singing into a mic, this song would take it. It’s another rock ballad for my list and it’s beautiful. I’m not sure how to describe it, but I recommend giving it a try. Side note: some of the notes that man hits are unreal!
16. Gaho “Home”
I’m going to recommend you watch the Acoustic Live version of this. It’s raw and emotional. I love Gaho in this (slightly) lower vocal range compared to the last few songs he’s put out. I always love a well done power ballad and this is brilliantly sung. A must listen at least once.
15. ONF “Beautiful Beautiful”
Need a pick-me-up? Feeling bad about the 15 pounds (OMG HOW DID I DO THAT?) you put on over the holidays? Perhaps a break-up has left you feeling a little less confident? Have I got the song for you! “YOU’RE BEAUTIFUUUUUL!” The music video makes absolutely no sense with the song, but man oh man does this song make me feel good. Just for good measure, they have a mini-acapella break, too.
14. Checkmate “You”
This group disbanded after this promotion and I think it’s a shame. They were SO good. I liked everything they put out and co-ed groups are few and far between in kpop land. This second and last song from Checkmate shows off their vocal control even in the midst of some interesting choreography. The song is almost one big vocal run, which is cool.
13. Ateez “Deja Vu”
Another sexy selection from Ateez. There is a lot of ateez style in the music itself. I think my favorite part is the ‘whisper rap’ and the “do, doo, do do”.
12. Oneus “Luna”
This will also be addressed in my choreography video. Luna is a traditional Korean music fusion song, which has been popular with people in other songs as well. I happen to like this take on it better than the others. It has soft, relaxing verses and a more driven, hyped up chorus that keeps you engaged throughout. It’s pretty.
11. Purple Kiss “Zombie”
My bro has covered this one too. I’ve liked it from the start and it doesn’t get old, though I do get strange looks singing about zombies when it's not anywhere close to halloween. Sigh.
10. Key “Bad Love”
Shinee has always been hit or miss for me and I’ve never really gone for the individual member’s promotions either. In light of that, I have been blown away by Key this year. He came back from his military service and started putting out music I’m crazy about. This has a strong 80’s feel to it in the best way.
9. Weki Meki “Who Am I”
I’m not even sure how to begin on this one. It’s a little weird, a little slow, a little upbeat, a little sassy…and a lot vocally difficult. That la-la-la-la-lalalala bit between tempo and melody changes is no joke. I super love it, but of the people I’ve shown it to, I’m the only one. Maybe one of you can back me up on this one?
8. Sunmi “You Can’t Sit With Us”
I LOVE this song. The rest of the manely kpop team outvoted me in favor of Tail (which I kind of can’t stand). That just goes to show how versatile Sunmi is…something for everyone. Now, as to this specifically…where to begin? It’s so fabulous, it’s hard to even start. The music video is hilarious. The dance will be in my top choreographies for girls this year. The lyrics are catchy and she slays the song from start to finish. She’s the queen of retro style songs, so that’s not a surprise.
7. Kim Sungkyu “Hush”
This work of art had me from the first listen. Just listen to it and if you don’t like it, call me crazy…I don’t mind.
6. Oh My Girl “Dun Dun Dance”
It’s so perky! How could I not love it? They even sum up my feelings about the song in the song’s lyrics! So helpful. “Oh baby give me, baby give me, baby give me more
날 멈추지 마 love this song”!
5. Key ft. Taeyeon “Hate That…”
The man killed it this year. As opposed to “Bad Love”, this song is sentimental. It’s full of longing and regret. Taeyeon lending her soft vocal touch was an excellent choice. Beautiful, beautiful song.
4. Dreamcatcher “BEcause”
My bro has covered this one, and I don’t have a ton to add. I’ll defend the rap on this one though. The song has an Alice in Wonderland, mirror theme and the rap felt to me like a metronome, or a watch that might belong to one particular white rabbit. I thought it added to the song as much as anything else and enjoyed it.
3. N.Flying “Moonshot”
This song is all about taking courage and moving forward against whatever is holding you back. It’s powerful and begs you sing along at the top of your lungs. For me, it was as timely as it was fun.
2. Seventeen “Rock With Me”
One and two were INCREDIBLY close for me. Rock With Me is in second only because it came out later, so I’m more certain of the long term replay-ability of number one. This song is so full of fun. It’s catchy and has choreography that I cannot get enough of (...that article is coming). It’s a blast to sing along with in the car and sets a mood for me when I’m working that keeps me hyped but still able to focus. 10 out 10 in any situation.
1. TXT “0X1=LOVESONG” or…because I don’t do their complicated titles… “I know I love you”
This started the group off on a strong foot for the year. To include the English track “Magic” from the same album, I was really feeling their music at the start of the year. I know most people feel they picked up steam over the year, but for me, this was the high point. The emotion in the lyrics of this song feels raw which suits the rough vocal color that they gave. The choreography was interesting enough that I was able to put aside my inner cheerleader that kept shouting “BUT THEY’RE NOT ALL DOING IT THE SAME!” and enjoy more than one stage for this song. The real charm of this song is that I never feel the desire to skip it as my playlists run.
