I’m here again to give the boys a fair shake at making a top 50 list. Haha.
So I want to start this year’s article a little differently. I missed some songs last year and they absolutely would have made my list if I had heard them right when they came out, so I don’t feel right simply ignoring them this year. But, it also wouldn’t be right to let them take over this year's list. The solution? You’re getting a BONUS “What I Missed Last Year” Section. Congratulations!!
WHAT I MISSED LAST YEAR:
4. Fantasy Boys - Potential
This song essentially reminds you that there are people who will see all the best parts of you and how you can change the world for the better simply by being yourself. At least, that’s what the lyrics do. The music invites you to party in the club all night long and the dance says “POWER!” That may sound disjointed, but it doesn’t end up that way. It’s wonderful!
3. One Pact - Must Be Nice
How to describe this…hmmm…It’s the lament of a guy who can’t win in his relationship. It’s a little melancholy, a teeny bit angry, and has a beautiful melodic layout. It works for me as almost an easy listening song, which is strange given the overall strong beat and electric background.
2. VIVIZ - Love Or Die
This one would be a top 10 this year if it had come out this year. (Makes you wonder how much I love the #1 spot in this section, doesn’t it?) I don’t always get to B-sides in a timely manner and this song suffered for that. It has a ballroom, hip-hop vibe with sultry soft vocals. The choreography is gorgeous and well-suited to the ladies. Definitely recommend this one.
1. POW - Favorite
If I do a top 100 of the decade, I’m already pretty certain this is going to end up in the top 10…maybe even number 1. It doesn’t get old at all for me and I adore the chorus’s somewhat childish “You’re my favoritest of my favorite things” message. There’s a great guitar melody in the back that goes harder than you’d expect for a cutesy love ditty and the vocals are so unique and fun.
AND NOW! Onto the actual list. I had almost no rule breakers this year (foreign language songs, covers, or OST’s), especially if you allow me the freedom to just go ahead and count &Team. So, I’ll be integrating a couple rule breakers into the list, but I’ll let you know when I do. (Yes, y’all, I do know that I’m wildin’ with this list this year. Forgive me, but that’s my life right now.)
2024 KPOP Favorites!
50. VIVIZ - Shhh!
This is the first time for VIVIZ that I’ve greatly preferred the music to the choreography. There is a latin feel to the overall layout of the song and rhythm, which we all know I go for in kpop songs and has a different feel to some of the heavier synth club sounds out this year.
50-RB (Rule-breaker). MISAMO - Identity (Japanese)
I am not sold on the rap sections of this song, honestly, and it may lose me as I have more time with it, but I like the empowering sound and message of the song other than that. Nothing too grand, but a girl-power song with some oomph.
49. Atlantis - Waker
First of a couple debut songs that made my top 50 this year, this song is a good start for this group. I especially like the way the verses run full tilt into the slightly simpler chorus.
48. Ateez (subunit) - IT’s You
Wooyoung, San, and Yeosang as a group…it’s as if they want to give the fans convulsions. It was great to see all three of these gentlemen get more lines than a typical Ateez comeback and San was able to show off some of his skills, which was great. To be honest, I almost wish there had been less going on in the song and more lyrics. That said, they killed it!
47. Dreamcatcher - JUSTICE
I was happy with this comeback because it headed back toward their dark fantasy, rock early years. The powerful chorus could have used just a teeny bit more for me in the way of lyrics, but otherwise, this was a good one.
46. Tri.be - Diamond
I will never ever turn down a song from a girl group that’s in a key I can sing along with easily. Add an unpressured melody and a nice drum-heavy backtrack and I’m sold.
45. Drippin’ - Weekend
You all know by now how much I like the ‘get up and move’ songs, right? This one works that way for me. It makes me bounce along and sometimes motivates me to do the things I need to get done. Perky pop-rock…yes, please!
44. WOODZ - Amnesia
WOODZ is off to his mandatory military enlistment now. This song was his last before leaving and it is a fitting farewell. Slower, powerful vocals in the verses with even more powerful vocals and rock instrumentals in the choruses, this song gives strong emotions that resonate even after it ends. Man, I’m going to miss the way WOODZ would come out with something totally different from everything else in kpop every year and totally slay it! Come back safely, WOODZ!!
43. TXT - Deja Vu
Honestly, this song isn’t one that comes to mind for me, almost ever. And if I don’t have the song on when I hear the title, I’d have trouble singing it because it doesn’t stick in my head in spite of the obvious attempts at a catchy hook and chorus. There is nothing bad about the song. I never skip it in my playlist and I absentmindedly sing along when it's on.
42. ENHYPHEN - Polaroid Love
Yeeeahh…this song came out a while ago (2022), but I missed it and it just got a self-made MV THIS year. It’s my list and I’m already off the rails anyway…just go with it. So this B-side is a sweet love ditty with a fantastic high floaty bridge, which is 100% the highlight of the song for me. The floaty expectant atmosphere there feels like young love to me.
41. ITZY - Imaginary Friend
This song is so well put together and I think the correct adjective for it in every aspect is ‘lovely’. The styling? Lovely. The floaty vocals? Lovely. The somewhat sensuous choreography? Lovely. The feeling you get after listening to it? Lovely.
40. 24K+ - Summertime
The title pretty much sums up the song. It’s playful and bright and perfect for summer. There is the tiniest hint of a tropical feel in the music. The vocal technique on the stand-out line in the chorus “크게 louder” is so nice.
39. A.C.E. - Anymore
Ready for a melancholy song that shows off the vocals of a group by having nothing but a simple, sedated guitar melody to back the song? Yeah, I wasn’t. I had no idea that I needed this in my life, but I sure did.
38. Kang Daniel - Electric Shock
Daniel again gave me a song that feels like it could have fit in with some of the songs I listened to back in the day. I love it. It has a catchy chorus and a very pretty melody.
37. E’LAST - Forever and One
My ballad of the year! This is a fan thank you song and a sweet, love ballad. I cannot resist!
36. Sunmi - Balloon in Love
I adore this soft, melodic song from Sunmi. Her voice is perfect for the light, airy feeling of the music and it keeps the entire song in an elevated, floaty mood…like a balloon! I see what they did there.
35. N.Flying - Into You
With our dear Idiots having begun their mandatory military service, N.Flying is down a drummer and a lead guitarist. That means this song feels a little bit like an acapella version of the usual N.Flying. It still has the fun that I’m used to and Hwiseung (who kinda can’t do wrong vocally), so it’s a good song, but I admit that I miss the full team.
34. NEXZ - Miracle
This was a pre-debut track, which I thought had a ton of promise for the group as a whole. The drum beat is fantastic and the melody is fun. The vocals rather than the drum keep the song moving. I haven’t liked anything from these guys since then, but I’m hopeful, because this was a nice change from other stuff that came out this year.
33. Twice - One Spark
The ladies are back with their signature group style. Their music is always fun, always good to sing along with, always something I’m willing to try. Only a few times have I felt the songs put out by Twice are a miss, but this one was on brand and on point.
32. Cravity - Love or Die
I did not expect to like rock on the Cravity members, but I was wrong. They do a great job in this song with the driving beat and the odd vocal rhythm. This would be higher on my list actually if it stuck in my head more, because the song is solid musically.
31. Baekho & BIGONE - Love or Die
(Another Love or Die already? So weird, right?) I love love love the combination of these two gentlemen’s voices together. Baekho is so high, clean and smooth sounding in contrast to BIGONE’s indie rock, gravel and they sound so cool together. In spite of the obvious rock-ness of the music itself, the repetition in the lyrics allows this song to function as easy background music for any (or at least most) activity.
30. Rocky - Jealousy
Rocky has done some really cool things this year as a soloist. He was an Astro member, before, for those that were not aware. I have gushed more than once about his dancing, because he deserves it, but I’m really happy to be able to gush about his singing this year too. He hits the mood and has a distinct sound. In this case, you’ll get a fast-paced classic pop rock (think Michael Jackson when I say that, not generic pop) with several musical elements that effortlessly add interest.
29. FT Island - Burn It
I love the soft, floating vocals on the verses of this leading up to the hard rock yelling of the chorus. And if you haven’t seen the members trying to sing this while riding in the backseat of a race car going around a track and drift course…Here. You’re welcome! haha.
28. Le Sserafim - Smart
There’s not a ton to this song. It’s catchy and has a very tiny lean into some latin rhythms which I like. The choreography isn’t tough and there is a nice harmony at one point. As a person that hasn’t fallen in love with most of the new girl groups coming out, I was pleased to enjoy this one.
27. SF9 - Bibora
The sexy guys are back with a song about being under a spell. Secretly, I think they were casting the spell all along with this one. There are great clean vocals with a nice dance sound driving the song forward. I’m particularly drawn to Dawon’s vocals in this one. So smooth!
27-RB. ATEEZ - Not Okay (Japanese)
This was my favorite thing from Ateez this year. In a lot of ways, even though it was a Japanese release, it felt more like the Ateez style I’ve known and loved over the last couple years. I’m not as sure about some of the directions that they’ve taken musically this year, but this song hit just right.
26. TWS - Last Festival
This is one of the newest songs on my list, so I may end up liking it more or less over time. However the strong drum beat in the song bodes well for longevity, if only for a good driving song. Other than that, this song is just a solidly built pop song with a kind of catchy chorus. I’m not sure exactly why I find it so fun.
25. KAVE - Legend
So, you remember how last year I talked about Gaho being a modern day crooner who could do all the 1950’s big band movies justice? Well, that man went and joined a rock band (They’ve been together for a bit, their music is debuting this year) who put out my favorite album of the year…is he not a complete punk? The amount of talent he wields is unfair, it must be said. Aaaanyway, this particular song is definitely rock. I adore the way Gaho digs into his deeper register and gets some grit into parts of his singing. The guitar is wild and I’m glad they highlight it. There’s plenty of drive from the drum as well. So good.
24. Sistar19 - No More (Ma Boy)
I love that this duo is back so much! I know that there was some disappointment among some fans that were expecting more of the same from the last time they promoted, but I thought this was just right. This song is what one might expect for a few years down the road from Ma Boy, still two sexy women who know their minds, but that also have the experience to be able to say “No More”.
23. TRENDZ - Glow
Just to start, I’ll admit that there is something a bit generic about this song. Kpop boy groups love this sound at the moment, but it’s kinda hard to go wrong with a song that demands that you groove along to it thanks to the drumbeat that just won’t stop and a melody that never strays into a strange corner just to see if something cool hangs out there. Personally, I’d much prefer a bit of this, done well, to something that sounds like two songs poorly mashed together under the context of ‘innovation’. Let me jam!
22. LUCY - Villian
Steven covered this really well, so I won’t say much here. I’ll only add that there is a kind of J-Rock feel to this song, so if you like Japanese rock, this might be your jam…or, conversely, if you loved this, it may be worth your time to look up some Japanese rock.
21. &Team - Really Crazy
Yeah…there is one Korean word in the song, but I’m gonna slip ALL the &Team in here. (Told ya, I’m wildin’!) This song is meant to be goofy and it is. Just like any song from &Team, which is always exactly what it sets out to be. This year, they set out to capture the feelings of the seasons and I have not been disappointed even once. Seriously…try out their music if you haven’t already. It would be really hard to not find anything that you like.
20. NINE.i - Hurt
For a group that ranked way up on my list last year with a song that spoke directly to my perky cheerleader soul, NINE.i sure threw me for a loop with this one. A little bit rock, a little bit angry, and with a great driving beat, this song doesn’t lose anything by going in a different direction.
19. LUN8 - WHIP
This song is unabashedly catchy and fun while having choreography that kills me. I’ve had several people try it and folks…it was hilarious. A non-trained, non-practiced person looks like a worm attempting a salsa dance when they try this dance. The LUN8 guys look very cool, though, so good work to them!
18. Vahn ft. BLKZEN - Feeling
So, for anyone like me that cannot stand mullets, I must give fair warning that the MV is gonna make you rage against Vahn’s stylist. The song, on the other hand, is ear-candy. You may recognize Vahn’s unique vocals from NINE.i and this song sets them off perfectly. Fast-paced and full of interesting musical moments, this is a must listen.
17. Highlight - Body
I live for the second gen kpop boy group comebacks. I came into the scene at the end of first gen, so these are the groups that really sucked me in. Highlight knows their stage at this point and are happy to enjoy it. This song has a fun dance vibe and a good little whistle for a change in the chorus. Otherwise, it is just their own brand of goofy. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend you go watch their ‘dance challenges’ for this song. I laughed so so hard.
16. ONE PACT - Deserved
For an electro-pop type song, this one is beautifully reserved. It creates an atmosphere rather than trying to hook a listener with a catchy chorus or punch a listener with a dramatic drop or crazy high. I love that about it. It’s careful and purposeful but not boring. Mood music - that’s what this is.
15. TAN - Hypertonic
This song has A LOT going on, which makes it hard to pin down in any meaningful categorical way. Too much vocals to be club music, too much instrumental to be called synth, too much synth to be 2nd gen retro…it’s like a musical platypus. I happen to like platypus, so it works for me.
15-RB. Yoo Hweseung - Love Me Baby (OST)
This was for a webtoon called “My Reason to Die”, which sounds ominous. I haven’t watched it, to be perfectly honest, but it’s on my list because of this song. This man makes power vocals seem effortless and emotion may very well be his middle name.
14. ZeroBaseOne - Sweat
Have you caught my pattern for the year yet? Hint: If it’s rock, I’m on board or if it’s upbeat pop, I’m on board. So, this upbeat pop song…I’m on board. I like some of the pace changes in this one and the catchiness of it. I actually love the choreography too, even with the whacking element that isn’t usually my thing. Fun!
14-RB. JungKook (BTS) - Hate you (English)
This song is a simple piano and good clean vocals…gorgeous and emotional.
13. Lee Chaeyeon - Don’t
Is anyone out there looking for a song that’s stylistically going to take you back to the good old days of girl pop circa 1990s but in Korean? Well, this is your new fav. There is something incredibly nostalgic in the music whether it's the odd sounds thrown in or the progression. Either way, good times.
13-RB. Love Me or Leave Me - Dreamcatcher Dami and Yoohyeon (Cover)
These ladies covered the B-side song from DAY6, which I didn’t like, and made it something I adore. Adding a bit of the typical Dreamcatcher dark rock to the song really worked and I swoon for the vocal harmonies they set up. Gorgeous.
12. E’LAST - Gasoline
In keeping with this group’s overall theme in my music life: this feels like it could be the background music for a movie…a different type of movie than some of the ones before, but still. This song has all the drama and I love the MV because it embraces a story. That said, the opening few seconds of this song always feel pretty jarring to me, but it settles after that.
11. Chungha - Algorithm
This is a dance or club music type offering. It’s short, but I think the length is actually perfect for what they did. This is meant to be fun and that’s what it is.
10. Solar - But I
We’ll start with the obvious: Solar’s vocals are outstanding here, as everywhere. But what I love is the song’s juxtaposition between the verse and the chorus, between what other people looking in think and what the person experiencing everything behind closed doors feels. It’s a powerful expression of how we may not have the big picture, so maybe we should choose kindness always.
9. E’LAST - Fade Out
I listened to this song 4 times while trying to figure out what to say about it. It’s a toughie because at times it feels almost like a seduction set to music, but then there’s a frenetic kind of energy that bursts in. In spite of bursting in, there is a transition so it doesn’t feel strange. E’LAST is one of my favorite groups these days for bringing drama and this song doesn’t disappoint.
8. FT Island - Serious
FT Island went further toward true rock this year and I loved it. Though the tempo of this song is technically quite slow, the song doesn’t drag thanks to Hongki’s killer vocals and the melody that keeps everything moving. Overall, the impression the song gives is of trudging which works perfectly with the lyrics.
7. KAVE - Umm Umm Umm
This song does a lot musically that’s unusual and interesting. The piano part alone would have been enough to create something different, but they decided to go for it all over the place. With the synth sounds, playful (and subtle) use of autotune, and speed-demon drum pace followed by long pauses and acapella, this song could be too much for some people. Personally, I kinda love the oddness.
6. EPEX - Closer
While this song starts with “Nananana” softly sung along with a soft guitar, it takes you on a ride. The verse feels pretty standard for a pop song and then the song ramps up to a ROCK CHORUS. It’s a fun ride. I like it.
5. KAVE - Say My Name
I did warn you that they put out my favorite album this year. I’ll start by saying I really like the lyrics of this song. Then the whole band adds such power that I get goosebumps.
4.TRENDZ - Go Up
This group is quickly finding a spot among my favorites thanks to their overall solid discography. This one has some lesser used sounds in the backtrack that keep the song up-tempo and moving forward even when the vocals are on a break. The vocal melody is pleasant without the back track, so you can sing this one while doing dishes and not sound like a cat in pain (Yes, I know that’s a personal problem…hahaha) and they do a wonderful high note power vocal that has been somewhat absent to my ear lately…or at least not done well enough to pull my ear like it does here.
3. TWS - Plot Twist
Yeah, I’m kinda head over heels for this ‘boyhood pop’ thing that group has going on. It feels, just a little bit, like early Astro and I’m all for that. This debut song is high energy and high fun with a choreography to match. The vocals are unique enough that you’re not likely to confuse TWS songs with any other group. This is a great start. I’m looking forward to where they go from here!
Side note: I just want to highlight Jihoon’s dance challenge video for Lee Chaeyeon’s “Don’t”. He was so incredibly smooth and had the vibe of the dance dead on! Excellent!
2. POW - Valentine
Would it be wrong to just say that I find this song cute? Yeah, that would be wrong for my #2…but it is awfully cute. The vocals and subdued backtrack are what make this song stand out among the many many club/dance tracks out there this year. It makes the song a lot less aggressive and much more sweet.
3-RB. A.C.E - Just Better (English)
This utterly upbeat bop is SUCH a guilty pleasure for me. The lyrics are hilariously…terrible. I mean, the whole song is a guy trying to steal someone else’s girlfriend. And yet…so so perky. It is absolutely a sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs song and gives me giggles every time. I couldn’t love it more.
2-RB. TRENDZ - Season of You (Japanese)
Did I realize this was in Japanese AS I was writing this article? Yes. Did it seriously mess me up? Yup…cuz now I have a series of rulebreakers all in a row and I think it looks weird. Stinkers. Either way, this song is a summer fun, perky, sing-a-long of a song that always makes me feel happy.
2-RB. KAVE - You (English)
Gaho…dude, his voice. This song, as opposed to the ones I mentioned earlier, heads more toward classic pop with a hint of…I don’t know…Jazz? Either he or the band does something to make this a bit more spicy than pure pop, but I couldn’t begin to tell you what. All I can tell you is that I am so so sold on this foreign language rule breaker.
Honorable Mention: Non-kpop Song of the Year (because I’ve forgotten what order looks like at this point)
BUS - Liar
This song is Thai-pop. Now, I know I’ve said before that different languages just hit different, right? I actually have a few Thai songs in my playlists, but I find the language works best for me on ridiculously perky gives-you-a-sugar-rush sweet songs or on angry songs. This one is on the angry scale, so we’re heading toward rock. I really really enjoy this one and figured some of you might too.
…DRUM ROLL FOR NUMBER 1 OF THE YEAR…
1. Aimers - Somebody
For the second year in a row, I’m opting for a song that is just a really well made, sung, and performed pop song. Verse, bridge, chorus - repeat…it’s classic because it works and it's comforting in the ear. The lyrics are sweet and the choreography is nice on the eyes. I never skip this song and sometimes sing it for no other reason than that I can. After a long, sometimes tumultuous year, this song is my balm for the hurts no one can see.
