#and well dreamcatcher mvs are... so superior

[z-exo-l]

My Top Kpop songs of 2022

So, 2022 was a rough year for me and mine. We survived it, and truly things could have been much worse, but it didn’t make for many happy repeat listens, Kpop wise. It’s a shame, because there were SEVERAL well-deserved solo debuts this year, and I feel like I didn’t give a lot of the songs the appreciation they deserve. To be clear, I did enjoy this music, and the year wasn’t wholly without happiness, I just couldn’t muster up as much enthusiasm as normal. But that’s okay, I’m going to desperately hope that 2023 is a better year, for all of us. 🤞🏻

There’s plenty of artist repetition, like always, BUT, this year has the most female entries so far! (Even those are a little repetitious, but I digress!) Let’s begin.

Honorable Mentions

Veil by Lay: Yixing nailing it every time! I didn’t love this song, (an unfortunate trend for Lay songs lately) but I have to mention it, if only for his sheer talent. ♥️ Bite by D.O: I’ve still got to watch this drama, but I’ll take any opportunity to hear Kyungsoo sing! Especially in a spooky, punk r&b style!

Dice by Onew: Even if I didn’t exactly care for how Jinki sang this, the MV is quintessential SHINee, the black and white look was A+, and his dancing was delightful!

Zoom by Jessi: I know who Jessi is, of course, her music just doesn’t really suit me. But this song had me giggling from the lyrics and dancing from the beat. A fun little earworm. 

⚠️Good Night by Rolling Quartz: PLEASE check these girls out if you haven’t yet! They’re a kickass girl K-Rock band (their vocalist Jayoung has an outstanding rock voice!) that are hustling their hearts out and not nearly enough people know about them! The only reason this is in honorable mentions is because this is a Dreamcatcher cover.

TOP 20

20. Vision by Dreamcatcher: I appreciate the environmentalism concepts the girls did this year, and to me this track is far superior to Maison.

19. Diamonds Only by WayV: Phantom had some excellent aesthetics, but this groovy B-Side had the best sound on the album.

18. Cursor by Purple Kiss: I’ve grown to appreciate an angsty pop-rock song, and the stripped down instrumental paired very well with PK’s voices. (I’ll miss you Jieun 😢)

17. Don’t Wait by Super Junior: A goofy, happy SuJu track is always welcome. It’s kind of fabulous that one of the silliest groups around is also one of the oldest; and the drag in the mv is just the cherry on top.

16. Bear Hug by Suho: I loved Suho’s powerful vocals here. And like I’ve mentioned, I think his time on stage really helped his stability. Beautiful singing!

15. Summer Rain by Purple Kiss: The vocals of this song are just right for a rainy day, and the melody is very folksy.

14. Traveler by Chen: A gentle, toe-tapping song that was a great addition to Last Scene! His ballads are obviously excellent, but more mid-tempo Jongdae numbers, please. (Bye Babe w/ 10cm was a BOP, mkay?)

13. Fire Flower by Purple Kiss: The rhythm and Eastern influence on this track are very compelling! Unfortunately this song gives me a terrible case of musical amnesia, so even though I like it a lot I always forget how it sounds. 😅

12. Love is Dead by Purple Kiss: A very catchy and almost haunting song; the kind of track I love from PK. And I’ve tried to figure out what era of music this makes me think of, and outside of a sample (I think) all I can come up with is 90′s or 00′s girl group. Works for me!

11. INVU by Taeyeon: The AESTHETICS of this MV!!! It hooked me like you wouldn’t believe, it is GORGEOUS! And musically this is my first Taeyeon song to top Spark! Goddess indeed! 😍

10. Devil by Changmin:

This song is AMAZING! Give this man all the praise and appreciation for putting Gospel and Blues into a KPOP song!! And that’s not even talking about his voice! His voice is so high, but forceful that he’s able to match it pitch for pitch! Criminally underrated!

9. Feedback by Xiumin:

This is a song, like many dance tracks, that absolutely SLAPS when the mood is right! If this came out during the dubstep era, (the very tiny window where I went clubbing) this would’ve been on constant repeat. As it is it’s still a really fun song to bop around to. ☺️

8. Pretty Psycho by Purple Kiss:

Outside of a really niggling, almost distracting Britney Spears sample, this is an awesome song. It’s very dance-able, but still has that signature wickedness that I love about PK. And the vocals menacingly glide over the instrumentals in almost a Eurythmics style. Easily the best track off MemeM!

7. Decanting by Suho:

Mature idols being allowed to sing sbout mature subjects will always get me, and while I compared it Baekhyun’s Drown, Decanting feels like a much slower, more lavish type of seductive sound. You could play this during a rainstorm, or on a commute, or at a café, and by the end you’d feel contented and satisfied. Beautiful guitar, and stupendous vocals. Well done Junmyeon!

6. Hot by Seventeen:

Even though I think the autotune almost teeters into too much, this song is immensely delightful and catchy. You can always count on Seventeen for something fun and happy, and that was something I needed a lot this year. And it was probably the best song released in 2022 that I could just shut my brain off and boogie to.

5. Voyager by Kihyun:

I obviously love rock and kpop, so it was especially exciting to learn that not only was Kihyun having his solo debut, but it was a rock song! This was such a great track; very easy to sing along with, as well as just rock out to around the house. Kihyun has the perfect voice for the genre, and I’m already very excited for his next comeback. 

4. Brand New by Xiumin:

I’ll be the first to admit the sample took some getting used to, but once I did, this song was stuck in my head constantly. Even without the sample though, I love Brand New’s retro sound; most people brought up the 90′s, but what came to mind to me were the effects from the late 60′s/early 70′s, which I love, and it’s a great match for Minseok’s voice. Not to mention it has crazy athletic choreo that showcases what a talented dancer he is! It was the perfect debut song for Minseok, and I’m SO proud of him!

3. Mango by Super Junior:

I LOVE this song and I LOVE that it’s from SuJu! This came at a point in the year when I wasn’t enjoying a lot of the releases coming out. But omg, this song! The pre-chorus, the colorful mv, the KRY bridge, the display of experienced talent all around (vocalist Eunhyuk, center Shindong!) Ahh! The song is a gotdang BOP!

2. Love by Monsta X:

I pretty much always give high spots to the songs I can dance to, and on the rare occasions the urge struck me this year, Love was the was the song I was most often shuffling to in my kitchen. It didn’t start out this high on the list, but more and more often I caught myself wanting to play it just to brighten my mood. The chorus is super catchy, but at the same time it’s still laidback and easy to listen to thanks to the instrumental, and Joohoney’s parts make me giggle. A great track if you need a pick-me-up!

1. Hurdle by Suho:

The biggest surprise of 2022! I was so stunned that Suho released a song like this, but the funky pre-chorus had me hooked immediately! Plus for as high register as Suho sings, it works shockingly well against the 80′s pop rock sound. It almost gives Joan Jett with Pink Floyd vibes??? …If those comparisons make any sense! Anyway! Then you throw in an almost wacky, utterly surreal mv, and this track all but demands a revisit. It was one of the only songs this year that had me on first listen, and I’m still not sick of it. I hope the other members follow in your tracks Junmyeon, and dare to be just as experimental, because damn does it pay off!!

So ends the countdown for 2022. Kyungsoo has said that he was recording for his album, Jongin said that he’s deciding on a title track right now, and Chanyeol wants to release a solo album as well. Then Suho declares more than once that there will be an EXO 2023 comeback as soon as Baekhyun is back from the military. …I’ve been an exo-l long enough that I’m handling this with a healthy bit of skepticism, but I’ll hope for at least the exo comeback, and go from there. Who knows, with any luck at all my next top 20 will be chock full of exo songs. :-)

I hope you all had a great, or at least survivable 2022. Happy New Year, and have a great 2023!

#tp #m and kpop #music appreciation #I talk too much #tag later #so behind on posts and drafts but I demanded to at least get this one done damnit!

[ihophashbrowns]

2022 is ending and the public needs to know what your most & least favorite kpop releases were this year! there was good stuff, bad stuff, underwhelming stuff, growers, etc. lets hear yours! :D

the way it would be easier to count the stuff i liked vs the stuff i disliked 😭😭 anyways here's my favorite releases this year...

20. generation - tripleS

fun, upbeat, the mv has a nice laid back "aesthetic" feel to it. the only ppl who didnt like it were miserable newjeans stans! 😭

19. hair cut - xdinary heroes

i actually liked the chorus... doesnt have much replay value but i do listen it whenever it comes on

18. antifragile - le sserafim

i DID love this one, it had to grow on me but its catchy af! 😭

17. forever 1 - snsd

this one had to grow on me too! but its super cute and sweet!,

16. mascara - xg

people who said they didnt like this are liars!! have you considered not messing with your mascara..?

15. nabillera - hyuna

there were a LOT of growers this year! even when i first listened to it i thought she was going for babe pt.2 and when i started liking it i knew that was in fact the case!

14. stupid cool - dawn

i got it on the first listen. i love the beat and i thought the lyrics were absolutely adorable :(

13. talk that talk - twice

pop perfection! the chorus is everything

12. aria - yerin

u either get it you dont! the two gfriend soloists deserve so much better it surprised me how much buddys slept on this release. but i was SEATED!

11. dice - onew

father was fathering through the whole album IDGAF!!! like every song is so good and well made, well sang. this is the superior kpop song named dice that was released this year. lol.

10. maison - dreamcatcher

its catchy af and the message is so REAL! ngl at first i thought they made that word up for the song but i looked it up and its french for "home" so 😭😭 extra points for making me think they came up with that word themselves

9. illusion - aespa

its cunty! catchy! i definitely got it on the first listen! (points off for the yummy yummy yummy in your tummy tummy tummy line tho)

8. bop bop! - viviz

if u hate this song you hate fun tbh! the thing i loved about this song is that it felt less like a debut song and more like a comeback song. we love you viviz.

7. good boy gone bad - txt

i had to pretend like i didnt get it on the 1st-and-a-half listen bcuz i was still very much in my txt anti era. but now im normal so i can appreciate what this song means to me ❤

6. jikjin - treasure

why were so many people pretending like they didnt fuck heavy with this song. perhaps broaden your mindset like. [korean korean] jikjiiiiiiinnnn woooooooooooooo. anw it feels like pop rocks to my brain and in the best way possible so its here.

TOP 5. These were the objectively best releases of 2022!

5. last sequence - wjsn

thats gay clubbing music baby! something about this song feels so... not 2022. more like i opened a time portal and went back to mid-2017. idk why. but i love that vibe.

4. shut down - blackpink

the lyrics, production, that violin, everything about this song was an instant hit. no im not just saying that because blackpink was my first group. their comeback this year ate and served cunt severely. we love you blackpink.

3. 2 baddies - nct 127

i like thot music! the way ppl complained about it was so 😭😭 its an nct song what were you expecting. shut up. you either rock with it or you dont. like the song was made BY baddies FOR baddies. so if it isnt hitting...

2. pop! - nayeon

ms. im nayeon put the POP in kPOP with tjis song! and it was her SOLO DEBUT? PLEASEEEEEEE........ i love the girly cutesy bubblegum-y fun of this one. so. so. so. much. like everything about it SO iconic. she not only solidified herself as a capable soloist but as a pop princess too!

1. brand new - xiumin

are you surprised? im an exol after all! but fr this song had me GAGGED since the mv TEASER dropped! everything about it is so good, the beat, the lyrics, the vocals... everything! when it comes down to the mv minseok had $10 and a dream but he still made it work. that song was MADE to be a hit!! when i heard it i knew NOTHING ELSE released this year was gonna top it!

very honorable mentions that didnt make the list for lack of space :( (imagine they are in 2nd place with pop by nayeon)

i don't even mind - chen, invu - taeyeon, hurdle - suho, feel my rhythm - rv, candy - nct dream, gasoline - key, gingamingayo - billlie, loveade - viviz, dreamers - jungkook 🤪,after like - ive

#this was a long but FUN list euheuheheueuhe #songs i disliked - whatever nmixx gidle bts nature & sk.z released #✉️ #anon

[lottieurl]

the way dreamcatcher is the best in every category...

#im bored i decided to make a youtube playlist with my fave kpop mvs lmao #and well dreamcatcher mvs are... so superior #sidenote if you want to send me a list of your fave mvs 👀 i mean specifically what you think is the best visually #i mean i dont include songs i dont like on my list but dhsjsjsjs its abt the aesthetics the editing the colors

[renamami]

Kpop Groups the Sakamakis and Mukamis + Yui Would Stan

gonna be completely honest i only stan bts and ateez but i listen to other groups too-

I don't know enough about the Tsukinamis and Kino, so they're not gonna be included, though I can only assume Shin's taste would be on par with Ayato's and Subaru's.

Shu:

Doesn't listen to kpop that much, if at all

Probably only watches gg mvs because of the girls

That being said, I could see him at least knowing BLACKPINK because he watched the boombaya mv once

Probably listens to orchestral versions of kpop songs, though. No groups in particular, but there's a lot of orchestral versions of bts' discography on his playlist

Would definitely relate to Yoongi on a spiritual level

Reiji:

Because of @pastelpurplekeqing I cannot see him as NOT being a hardcore ONCE

Doesn't own any albums because he doesn't wanna be bullied by his brothers, but actively streams mvs

Is probably a TWICE solo stan but listens to other group's songs as well

I can see him liking some BTS songs like Black Swan, Fake Love, or BS&T

Doesn't listen to boy groups that often but likes a few certain songs by whichever groups he feels like that day

Ayato:

He only listens to the baddest of groups with songs that can hype him up

Or girl groups sometimes, probably just ggs like BLACKPINK or Mamamoo

Big EXO-L, they were the group that got him into Kpop (vibes every day to Tempo and Monster)

Likes a lot of 2nd gen music and groups, especially Big Bang

I can see him stanning ATEEZ and Stray Kids too

Knows a bunch of choreography, sometimes he and Kou learn dances together

Laito:

Doesn't listen to Kpop that much but thinks the female idols are pretty

Among other things

Definitely liked AOA songs (specifically Miniskirt and Like A Cat), absolutely knows the choreography

Doesn't stan groups but has a bias towards Aespa and TWICE

Likes solo artists like Sunmi and HyunA

Doesn't listen to boy groups unless he's around Subaru and Ayato in which those are the only groups those mfs really listen to

Kanato:

Ah yes, rabid twitter stan

Hardcore Red Velvet stan, used the family credit card to buy albums, constantly streaming, has watched every single fancam out there

Listens to a few Dreamcatcher songs because he likes some of the visuals in the mvs

Likes a few songs by Oh My Girl and iz*one

Absolutely owns light sticks

Subaru:

The biggest Stay you will ever meet. Has listened to Stray Kids' entire discography, owns a few albums and has a bunch of posters, owns the light stick, knows most of their choreography, etc

But he'll deny it with anyone but Ayato (they bond over Stray Kids)

Listens to God's Menu religiously, firmly believes Stray Kids has absolutely no bad songs

Only actually stans Stray Kids but listens to other groups like Ateez, Monsta X, and Dreamcatcher (he likes Dreamcatcher a lot)

Secretly listens to snsd

Ruki:

Would not know what Kpop even is if it wasn't for Kou and doesn't actively go out of his way to listen to any groups

Probably listens to the BTS Wings album on occasion but that's it (likes Namjoon because of his UN speech)

He knows the names of every single member of every group his brothers stan so he knows what the hell they're talking about

Feeds Kou's and Azusa's obsessions and watches weekly episodes with them

Kou:

Probably the biggest multistan on the list. Prefers girl groups, but stans a lot of boy groups too

His favorite groups are TWICE, Red Velvet, BLACKPINK, (g)i-dle, Mamamoo, Aespa, BTS, ONEUS, Seventeen, and he's getting into ATEEZ and Stray Kids

Can not for the life of him choose an Ult group or bias

Probably the most supportive stan as well when it comes to streams and merch (though he streams his own songs too), and knows a lot of choreography to their songs

Likes to get together with some of the other guys and learn dances together

Makes Ruki listen to kpop with him

Yuma:

Didn't really care for Kpop but he listened to Kick It by NCT 127 once and got hooked

Stans NCT, Monsta X, and BTS (I can see him liking early and new bts)

Likes to listen to them when he's gardening or just vibing in his room

Doesn't own merch or actively follow what the groups are doing but knows their names and listens to their songs every day

Azusa:

Big Loona stan, likes to get into fights with Kanato because Loona is superior

Owns almost every album, lightstick, and has watched every single performance at least once.

Doesn't talk too openly about his love for them when he's at home, but will take the chance to bring them out at least once in every conversation when he knows he's talking to another kpop stan

Constantly goes on 3am rants to Ruki over text over mvs or general things they do

Yui:

Multistan but loves Oh My Girl and SNSD with all her heart

Absolutely adores girl groups and especially girl crush concepts

But she owns the Love Yourself trilogy by BTS because she loves the positivity

Unproblematic kpop stan that does not understand fanwars at all.

Bonds with Kou and Kanato over girl groups

Feeds Reiji's TWICE obsession whenever there's an opportunity

#diaboliklovers #shuu sakamaki #reiji sakamaki #ayato sakamaki #kanato sakamaki #laito sakamaki #sakamaki subaru #ruki mukami #kou mukami #yuma mukami #azusa mukami #kpop stan headcanons #tempted to tag every group I mentioned lmao #diabolik lovers headcanons

[roses-of-the-moon]

♡Ultimate Group Tag♡

Thank you so much, @hellabts for tagging me in your post, this seemed very fun ^^

♡Ultimate groups♡: LOONA, Dreamcatcher, VICTON, Astro, Ateez, EXO, ITZY, Onewe.

♡Groups that you’ve stanned in the past:

I am still stanning and listening to these bands since they hold a special place into my heart (I started listening to kpop when I was 11, but, because of them, this genre became one of the main ones that I am listening to, if not, my favourite since I was 17) B.A.P, BIGBANG, GOT7, DAY6,

Seventeen, Pentagon, GFRIEND , TWICE, Red Velvet, Orange Caramel.

♡Who was your first bias?

When I first got into K-pop, the artists that I was interested in were Gdragon, Zelo from B.A.P and Youngmin from Boyfriend.

In 2017, I remember liking Eunha from GFRIEND, Yeri and Sooyoung from Red Velvet, Jeongyeon from TWICE, Youngjae and 94 liners of GOT7, Hyoyeon from Girls Generation.

♡Who is your bias now?

My "bias" usually doesn't change and this is applies to other topics as well, I tend to like the similar options, tastes, colours, foods as in the past so I am going to say my "biases" from other favourite groups of mine as well.

I started liking SinB a lot, the whole TWICE is very dear to me, especially Sana.

Astro's Eunwoo, Sanha, Sejun of Victon(Victon as a whole, I cannot choose between them), Yeosang of Ateez are really important to me, not just some biases, in fact, all these groups hold a special place in my heart, there's no one that is superior to the others, I love them all so I cannot really pick because I relate with Victon, Ateez.

°ITZY - Chaeryeong, Ryujin.

°Dreamcatcher - Dami!!and JiU

°EXO - It's a tough pick between Junmyeon, Yixing and Chanyeol, even though, I would consider Sehun to be my "type".

°Onewe - Yonghoon

°LOONA - Kim Lip will always be an inspiration for me, just like Seohyun of Girls Generation, like Lee Ji-eun but I feel like my "biases" are Yves, Yeojin , Gowon, Olivia.

But, mainly, Yeojin.

♡What was the first MV you watched?

Zelo & Yongguk - Never give up

♡What is your favourite MV?

Currently..

°Vixx - Shangri-La

°Ten - Dream in a dream (!!!)

°BTS - Stay gold

°EXO - For life (!!!)

°Seventeen - Holiday

°The boyz - D.D.D

°Red Velvet - Umpah umpah

°OnlyOneOf - Sage (!!!)

°KNK - Sunset

°Jackson Wang - Pretty please

°I.O.I. - Dream girls

°Girls Generation - Into the new world!!

°Twice - Candy pop, Yes or Yes, Feel Special, LIKEY, What is love.

And I am not kidding when I am saying..all of the mv's of LOONA's predebut solos.

Basically anything soft or sensual, nothing in between.

♡Who would you want to see collaborate?

Jay Park X Hyuna

Taemin X Chungha

Park Bom X Taeyeon

BTS X TXT X Enhypen

3racha X BTS's rap line

Ateez X LOONA

Pentagon X Seventeen

Day6 x The Rose

Ten x Kim Lip

♡What MV concept would you like to see?

I would like to see a music video inspired by Shakespeare's "A midsummer night's dream".

Also, scenes inspired by greek mythology, like "Narcissus" from SF9 or "Siren" from Sunmi.

Anything gothic or related to the concept of duality, like the sun and the moon.

Since "The little prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is one of my favourite books and Onewe's "Regulus" is inspired by it, I would absolutely adore to see a K-pop music video based on it.

♡Have you ever had a dream with any idols in it?

I never had a dream with a "celebrity" in it.

I usually dream about reality, people that I know but mostly nightmares.

♡If you could spend a day with a member, who would it be and what would you do?

I would visit a botanical garden with either Seohyun (Girls Generation) or Eunwoo (Astro), then, let them pick what activity they wanted to do cause artists are overworked, they are tired, spending a lot of their day practicing and entertaining so, I would love to see what they would want to do if there was no pressure on them ^^

Why these two people?

Well, I resonate with them a lot, from their way of thinking, to how they act to the fashion style.

It would be an interesting dynamic for sure.

There are other artists that I appreciate too but I would really like to know if I would get along with these two since we are so similar.

♡Which member do you think you would get along with the best?

Wooyoung from Ateez (and Seonghwa, especially!!!) and Sejun from Victon, maybe Hanse and Subin.

Or Youngjae from GOT7.

Either someone very soft, shy that comes across as a bit strict and rules oriented or a chaotic loud sunshine, someone sarcastic yet cheerful ^^

♡Which member do you think you would argue with?

Jinyoung (GOT7), he is so savage and I think that maybe our personalities would clash cause I am pretty sarcastic as well and I keep a lot to myself, I don't open myself to everyone.

♡If you had to let one member scroll through your tumblr, who would it be?

BamBam from GOT7, for sure, no questions asked.

Even though I have a new account, I see myself posting about fashion, flowers, gothic clothing, some anime related posts, horror stories etc but I would love to hear him roasting me.

I am not even kidding.

I am tagging everyone who wants to do this tag💝 since I don't know anyone that listens to kpop among my friends

[saltypicks]

reviewing may’s comebacks (in june, because i have shit to do)

There were a lot of comebacks this month. I guess it's summer now? No idea, there's no summer in my country. The girl groups have started coming back in full force but are not impressing. The boy groups seemed to mostly go the groovy route and now I need an adjective other than 'groovy' to describe songs.

Not The End, Highlight

I'm so glad it's not a ballad. It's not bad.

You are so beautiful, SGO

Everyday I'm grateful for the retro trend and this is a great representation.

Gray Area, Hi Cutie

At some sections I like this song (the verses and the chorus) and at others I dislike it (the trap breakdown, the middle of the chorus). I complained about MAJORS' company having no money previously but Hi Cutie's company is bankrupt. Poor nugus.

Dreamcatcher and GWSN have far superior 'Red Suns' but this song is okay and I'm happy the girls look so happy to have some work (and hopefully some money) at last.

Today, CITI

A nice midtempo song. And no, I did not hear it first from a drama OST.

Make Up Your Mind, AILEE

Sounds like a Beyonce-type song.

MALO, SHAX

Apparently this is a drama OST (Imitation, to be specific. It's based on a webtoon). Basic boy group song but it sounds like it's from the 2010s or something, and that's a compliment.

Hot Sauce, NCT Dream

Initially: Um...at least Renjun looks good? Honestly I don't know what to say about this song. NCT is a group I stan so this will definitely grow on me but...is this really not an advertisement for hot sauce? Also the set resembles the set for SHINee's Atlantis in my opinion. Now: The shouting is annoying and unnecessary. Love Chenle's voice in this; it provides a nice contrast to Haechan and Renjun. Someone said the chanting should've been left to the rappers and I fully agree. Don't know about Jisung and Jaemin but Jeno and Mark would be a good fit with a chant. In my opinion the dance break isn't really needed but is it NCT without a dance break? Also, wtf are they wearing around their necks? Someone should inform the SM stylists that less is really more.

DUN DUN DANCE, OH MY GIRL

It's light and pleasant but if this song was a meal it would be a tiny appetizer that tastes good but doesn't satiate you.

WHATEVER, KEEMBO

I didn't think I'd like it at first but this is groovy and makes me want to dance while doing my chores.

Always, VAV

Song for the fans but if you need a VAV song to listen to I recommend Gorgeous.

Hurt, Baekhyun & Seomoontak

Hasn't Baekhyun been shipped off to the army yet? Anyway, love how dramatic this is.

Waiting for Victor, 015B ft. Dawon

Another great retro song! Also the singer is cute and her hair is cute as well. She reminds me of Chuu a little.

Uncertainty Principle, 015B ft. Dawon

I prefer their other song, but this one is retro as well and it's great.

척하면 척, 강혜연 (Kang Hyeyeon)

Trot that's kind of subdued but still danceable.

Badly, SURA

Loved it from the first second.

BLACK MIRROR, ONEUS

Then: Is it good enough to make up for No Diggity? I don't know about that, but this song is groovy and I'm somewhat okay with it. Doesn't have much replay value for me though. Now: Eh, it's basic groovy boy group song but I won't skip if it comes on.

Breathe Again, BLITZERS

Another boy group with a somewhat questionable name. This song is pretty good as a debut and it's somewhat memorable. I wonder if my rating increeased because of the guitars? District 9 was the same for me, but right now it doesn't interest me. I think this song will stay for a good while on my playlist though. I like the anthemic vocals in the chorus and this song needed more of that.

EASY, WJSN THE BLACK

The girls looked good but the storyline kept getting interrupted by shots of the girls. Yes, we know they're all visuals but I'd be more interested if there was actual action and plot. The song is good objectively but doesn't really interest me. Who knows? Maybe a few more listens will change my mind.

Outerspace (ft. Loco), Kang Daniel

Groovy and better than his last two releases.

Giant, Yuqi

So nice to hear Yuqi's voice on its own. The song was fine until the chorus crushed all my love for it.

Glass of Tears, HONG JA

Appropriately dramatic for a song named 'glass of tears'. It's good and if you like trot you'll like this one.

Taste of Life, Yang Ji Eun

What do you call this? Folk trot? Whatever it's called, it's good.

LOOK AT ME, ICU

OK.

WE GO, fromis_9

It sounds like the token girl group summer song. I don't dislike it, but nothing about this song stands out to me. Honestly with a mini-album called '9Way Ticket' I expected more, because it reminds me of Nine Muses' Ticket everytime I see it. The b-side 'Airplane Mode' is pretty good though and the other one, 'Promise' is a slow song but I don't really mind it, it's fine as background music.

Next Level, aespa

Umm...what is SM's plan for these girls? How can a rookie group from the big 3 have only 3 songs? And only one is an original? The song is not the best thing ever and SM surely can do better but at least it wasn't as bad as M.A.F.I.A. aespa deserves more than this.

Ring Ring, ROCKET PUNCH

Finally after Bim Bam Bum these girls have a title track I enjoy. You can't go wrong with covering Take On Me, can you? It's no Platonic Love or Sea of Moonlight, and it certainly could have done without the rubbish trap section but it's a bop anyway. Meanwhile, the b-side Ride is great and I hope they promote it. This song would be more enjoyable if their voices weren't so shrill in the chorus. High notes aren't a necessity for good songs.

Advice, Taemin

Not the best of Taemin but it's good. I love the fast tempo of the piano and the way it drives everything. Taemin's performance also elevates this song and I'm grateful he's leaving us with a good song before going on his two-year vacation.

RUB-A-DUM, TRI.BE

They're really going all out with this 'tribe' thing, aren't they? It sounds very Middle Eastern to my ears at times, sometimes it sounds African-ish and the other times it is just typical trap kpop. DOOM DOOM TA was better and more fun. At least they got the catchy catchphrase right. Blackpink in your area who? Tri-bee da loca! The b-side 'LORO' is not much fun either. The only difference is it's Latin-influenced.

Shadow, Dreamcatcher

Typical Dreamcatcher song slowed down by a lot. It's not bad, plus it's nice to hear Dami sing. Also what is it with Korea and zombies? With the MV the song sounds a lot better but the MV distracts me. Shouldn't zombies be mindless? How do they use tools and know martial arts? Or is it just my eyes? And can that tiny gun protect anybody? Are you sure that's not a toy?

The beginning of spring, E'LAST U

Not horrible but not for me either.

Oh MAMA, BLING BLING

One of the few new ggs in a while with unfortunate names. They've clearly upgraded in terms of styling and MV budget, but their song quality is no different.

Let Me Know, PIXY

Sonically it sounds nothing like their dark concept. Actually it does sound like a dark concept, if done by a boy group. It's not bad but it's not good. The industrial-like sounds in the back are interesting but the whole song is not.

Son of Beast, TO1

TOO rebrands as TO1 with this song. It's groovy.

HAPPEN, Heize

For the first time I like a Heize song. The MV is interesting too, the story was cliche but I liked the visuals and aesthetics.

FEVER, ENHYPEN

Rhis song was from the [BORDER: CARNIVAL] mini. I listened to that mini but I remember not really liking any of the b-sides except the outro and the intro, so this is a surprise.

My Flower, Kim Jaehwan

Nice upbeat song with guitars all over it. I like it.

Corazon Perdido, Yesung (Super Junior)

Initially I wasn't going to review this because I didn't even review the title track but the final moments of this song are beautiful and it deserves a mention.

Butter, BTS

The song is smooth as its title. The MV is fine except for that ARMY thing; I cringed so hard.

Bonnie and Clyde, Yuqi

Better than the other one.

Ride, ROCKET PUNCH

This is so great and I'm glad it got its own video, even if it was just a dance video glorified as a 'Special Stage'. Now if only I could stop chuckling whenever I hear "looks rike a lainbow".

Rush Hour, GAHO

Love it, especially the guitar strumming moments and the chorus when the electric guitar comes in.

GEMINI, AB6IX

Love how the vocals don't distract from the great instrumental.

FIRST, EVERGLOW

In a comment section someone said La Di Da was a fluke and I kind of agree. Everglow returns to their usual style (chanty chorus + catchy riff repeated over and over) and this song is in the same vein as Adios. I like the chorus but the rest of the song is hard to recall. Siyeon, Aisha and Yiren are the only ones who actually look good and EU needs more lines and her blonde hair back. Also why does kpop think that moving the camera around a lot creates the illusion of motion? All it does is make me dizzy.

Like It Hot, GWSN

Sometimes I like GWSN title tracks, and sometimes I don't. I don't think much of this song, but their album is great.

Je T'aime, Joy

I love you Joy but this is boring. If it was meant to be a lullaby then SM succeeded.

Burned All Black, Kim Jaehwan

His other song is a ballad which is somewhat pleasant. Well, it was until it slowed down in the first chorus.

Purple, woo!ah!

Still not one song from woo!ah! I like.

GGOMA, Tae Ho (IMFACT) and Choi Ye Geun

Loved Choi Ye Geun's Scarecrow so I was happy to see her again. The song is groovy but the chorus sounds somewhat...empty? Love the scat at the end, should've been longer. This is also a great example of a bright boy group song. See? Upbeat and bright boy group concepts don't have to be childish.

DIAMOND, Sparkling

Another Imitation OST. I honestly doubt that there are actual kpop songs as bad as this.

7days Tension, Weeekly

Ad song. Bright and the chorus is nice.

0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You), TXT feat. Seori

The angsty opening line caught my attention, then the verse after it dropped the energy. It picked up again in the chorus and pre-chorus, thankfully. It's very much pop rock, except there are no guitars in this. Doesn't stop the song from being good though.

Hello, Joy

I love Joy's voice as always but this song doesn't do much for me even though it's upbeat. A few more listens might change my mind.

Call Me, Omega III

Another Imitation OST. Doesn't do much for me, just like all the Imitation MVs. At least let us understand what your drama is about. Instead we get these random shots of what idols are supposed to be like? I don't know much about idol life but it's obvious these girls would be called nugus in real life, and I honestly doubt nugus have such nice living conditions.

No Answer, LA LIMA

Jiyeon from T-Ara is on this one. This and MALO are my favourites from the Imitation OST so far. The song is nice with a sleek catwalk vibe to it but like the rest the MV is boring.

Show Me, Tea Party

Are these the Omega III girls? Not sure but I think so. MV still boring, song doesn't interest me.

Let me go!, The Volunteers

Great rock song, I just wonder why it's all in English (I'm not complaining).

#saltypicks #kpop reviews #reviews #monthly reviews #may '21

[ithinkilikeit-reactions]

2019 favorite songs (Female version)

A/N: This is all my personal opinions and these are the songs that stood out to me this year and are the most memorable for me. Also this post will be long

Top 10 for those who don’t want to see the rest

1. Deja Vu - Dreamcatcher

2. No - CLC

3. Piri - Dreamcatcher

4. Bon Bon Chocolat - Everglow

5. Me & You - EXID

6. Goblin - Sulli

7. Adios - Everglow

8. Feel Special - Twice

9. Spark - Taeyeon

10. Flower Shower - Hyuna

January

“Gotta Go” - Chungha

Is this a song list without this song? No. Chung Ha really reached iconic levels with this one. I also know the full choreo, it’s simple but still very intricate and beautiful. Nice one Chungha. 

“No” - CLC

Definitely in the top 10. I love No with my whole chest. CLC have been in my top girl groups for a long time and this song is everything. My mom even knows the lyrics for how much I play it. I also love the album. 

February

“Piri” - Dreamcatcher 

This song really put Dreamcatcher more on the map for me. I always liked them but this one sparked my interest more. Another in my top 10. Should have been their first win. 

“Senorita” - (G)i-dle

First (G)i-dle song I really love. I know a lot of people don’t like it but I have had the chorus stuck in my head multiple times and the “vu vu vu vuvu vu vu vuvu” part is great to annoy your friends with.

“Dalla Dalla” - Itzy 

An iconic debut, but not my favorite of this year. Dalla Dalla is incredibly iconic and my non kpop listening friends like it. 

March

“Spring” - Bom 

The queen’s return. She’s beautiful, she’s stunning, she’s spring and she’s back. Park Bom is a beautiful strong woman and we love her in this household. 

“Bon Bon Chocolat” - Everglow

MY FAVORITE FEMALE DEBUT THIS YEAR. I LOVE EVERGLOW AND STILL BOP TO THIS DAILY. One of my favorite choreographies and I love it. Top 10 for sure. 

“Woowa” - DIA

I hated this song at first lmao. But now I love it. The choreo is so fun and the beat makes me want to jump around. One of my shower songs. 

April 

“Violeta” - Iz*one

Amazing video, choreo and song. I hope Iz*one return fast and stronger than ever. I miss Nako. 

“Kill this love” - Blackpink

Another song I didn’t like at first. But it fastly grew on me. I love Lisa and Jennie’s part after the first chorus. Also the styling in the main dance scene is *chef’s kiss* 

“Fancy” - Twice 

My grandma likes this song and so do I therefore, on the list. Fancy is iconic and the girls of Twice seem to constantly be outdoing themselves. 

May

“The fifth season” - Oh My Girl

Oh My Girl are just made of magic aren’t they? This song is so sweet and beautiful omg. Like Seunghee’s vocals are mesmerizing and stunning. 

“Picky Picky” - Weki Meki 

This song is so much fun! I love the mv aesthetic and the song is just a total bop. The choreo is fun and all the girls of Weki Meki are so talented and beautiful. 

“Me & You” - EXID

EXID are queens, I love them so much and the news of Hani and Jeonghwa leaving the company made my heart drop out of my ass. But they are still in EXID and that’s a relief and I was worried for a sec. But this song is fun, the choreo is fun and the album is amazing. I love EXID. Top 10. 

“Thinkin’ bout you” - Katie

No gif for the song sadly

But Katie has such a soothing voice and I really like this song and the aesthetic. 

“No One (Ft. B.I)” - Lee Hi

The song before the shit hit the fan so to speak. I love this song more than anything. I think it’s nice to hear Lee Hi’s voice like this. 

June

“Fun!” - Fromis_9 

FUN. Look this song can be annoying if you aren’t in the mood but it’s also so FUN. Anyways Fromis_9 are rookies to look out for. I adore them. 

“Snapping.” - Chung Ha

Snapping is also iconic and I love this song so much. Chungha is so stunning and beautiful. Also choreo queen. 

“Goblin” - Sulli 

This song produced one of my favorite lyrics. “Don’t be afraid. I just want to tell you hi.” I’m going to be honest, I am not a big f(x) stan and didn’t really know Sulli before this song. But I really loved this song when I saw it for the first time. Rest well beautiful peach ♥ Top 10

July

“Icy” - Itzy 

HEY hey HEY.... YAaaaa. Icy is so much fun and I love the choreo. All I have to say. 

August

“Adios” - Everglow

Another one of the top 10. Have I mentioned I love Everglow? This song is so intense and I love the choreography. Everglow are choreography queens. 

September

“Workaholic” - Bolbbalgan4

Workaholic is such a relatable song. I like this song  alot and the mv is hysterical and also relatable. I really like Bol4 ♥

“Deja Vu” - Dreamcatcher

I have raved about this song. I ordered the Dreamcatcher album for this. I love it with everything in me. The story and the song I- why haven’t Dreamcatcher won an award. Top 10 and maybe #1. 

“Feel Special” - Twice 

A song that I can bop to and cry to, my favorite type of song. Twice have become one of my favorite girl groups of all time this year and I have a deep admiration for them, especially knowing the shit they go through. Top 10

October

“Re_Vive.”- Brown Eyed Girls

Heck yes, I know this just a a revival album. But it’s so good. The mv’s and the songs are amazing, the vocals and rap are god tier. 

“Spark” - Taeyeon 

Another one for the top 10. I adore Taeyeon and this song is beautiful and the album is amazing. Taeyeon is amazing and such a strong woman. 

November

“Flower Shower” - Hyuna 

I missed Hyuna so much. It’s so refreshing to me to see Hyuna like this. her true self. She looks so happy and beautiful and I love it. top 10. 

“Dumb” - Bvndit

I wasn’t really impressed by this song at first and now I love it? It’s so fun and definitely a mood. 

“Hip” - Mamamoo

I’m gonna be honest. This is my least favorite Mamamoo song. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Mamamoo bring the flavor and are so insanely talented. None of their songs are bad. 

“Come see me” - AOA

Yeehaw cowboys and cowgirls. AOA made the comeback we all needed and they are better than ever. I was worried because of the missing members but that was no reason but they proved to be still superior. 

December

“Psycho” - Red Velvet

I have one question, WHAT THE HELL WERE ZIMZALABIM AND UMPAH UMPA WHEN THEY HAD THIS UP THEIR SLEEVE. I really like Red Velvet and the last 2 comebacks had been thoroughly disappointing in my opinion (my opinion isn’t law, don’t get offended) Psycho is so good, it’s amazing I adore it. 

#chungha #clc #dreamcatcher #(g)i-dle #park bom #itzy #everglow #dia #iz*one #blackpink #twice #oh my girl #weki meki #exid #lee hi #fromis_9 #sulli #bolbbalgan4 #brown eyed girls #taeyeon #bvndit #mamamoo #aoa #red velvet #hyuna

[kpophours]

what have been your favorite kpop releases in 2020? I‘m quite new to kpop and am searching for new music to listen to 🥺

albums

SF9 - First Collection / Summer Breeze

the mv of good guy is super stylish (we love a good suit in this household) and the choreo so cool. honestly the whole album is just immaculate! make sure to check out some of its bsides (my faves: one love, dance with us)

their summer release is wonderful as well, we love a good cowboy jam. the bsides into the night and my story my song are incredible too!

The Boyz - Reveal / Chase

their first darker concept (if you don’t count tattoo as it’s been a japanese release), it’s still just such a bop. great styling, love all the stages! and the entire album is amazing, I especially recommend checking out scar and salty!

their second release this year (chase) is great too. the stealer is def more on the „noise music“ side but I personally like that. the bside whiplash is also great! same with insanity (same vibe as taemin‘s danger, i find) and checkmate

TWICE - Eyes Wide Open / More & More

2020 was the year of disco bops - and twice really outsold with i can’t stop me (as always). I love how they found a more mature sound without losing their original one! make sure to check out the bsides queen and behind the mask

cant forget about their summer bop more & more - and even more so the bside shadow from the mini album! twice just don’t know how to make a bad song and the hippie-inspired styling was *chefs kiss*

WOODZ - Equal / Woops!

his first ever solo album and holy shit, it‘s so good!? he worked very hard on all the songs and it really shows. love me harder is incredible, and i also especially love the bsides accident, noid and memories

special mention to his latest release bump bump! the song is a bop and moodmaker - make sure to listen to the bsides tide and trigger!

Victon - Continuous

howling is definitely one of my favorite releases of 2020, the song and mv are amazing (also sejun’s blue hair is just superior). special mention to the bsides nightmare and white night!

Stray Kids - In Life

absolutely fell in love with the entire album. it‘s a repackage from go live with even more songs - god’s menu and back door have been the bops of 2020, also special mention to any, ta, easy and wow

songs

Kai - Mmmh

CIX - Jungle

A.C.E - Goblin

ITZY - Not Shy

TWICE - Cry for Me

Everglow - La Di Da

Dreamcatcher - Boca

APINK - Dumhdurum

Monsta X - Night View

Hyuk ft. Jukjae - Camellia

ATEEZ - Answer / Horizon

SF9 - Forever / Love No. 5

Taemin - Criminal / Heaven

ONEUS - A Song written Easily

Golden Child - One (Lucid Dream)

Irene & Seulgi - Monster / Naughty

Seventeen - Left & Right / Home;Run

NCT 2020 - Make a Wish / Work It / Nectar

GOT7 - Not by the Moon / Last Piece / Breath

I hope you‘ll like some of those!! If you need/want any more recs, feel free to drop by again 🥰

#ask #answered #anon #music recs