Cosmic's Favourite Songs of 2016

Kpop ranking 2016

I decided to do 2016 rather then 2015 for these lists as I already had a song that I just knew was the top song of the year for me which I need to find for 2014. 2016 was an interesting year,I remember that annoying tropical house sound that seemed to enter kpop in Shinee’s View being utterly everywhere. Though there is one thing for certain, 2016 had some really good songs and some really bad songs but the songs I considered good were in hard competition this year. That’s one of the reasons the honorable mentions list is pretty long as even if there were some horrible comebacks this year in my opinion I would say at least in the idol group sphere things were pretty decent. The biggest point of the honorable mentions I would say is if you don’t like any of the songs of the main list they may be a song you will like there as I will admit the overall favourite list ended up more serious then usual in terms of sound. Also, I don’t do OSTs on this list probably because I find them usually bad.

Average song of the year: Momoland-JJan! Koong! Kwang!

[MV] MOMOLAND(모모랜드) _ JJan! Koong! Kwang!(짠쿵쾅)

[MV] MOMOLAND(모모랜드) _ JJan! Koong! Kwang!(짠쿵쾅)*English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' funct...

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Double Sidekick shoved all the girl group sounds of 2016 together in a manner that while catchy somehow ends up sounding generic, but it’s a perfectly average yet fun song that’s for sure.

Honorable Mentions

A-daily-Chu

[MV] 에이데일리(A-Daily)_Chu

A-Daily 1st Mini Album 'Chu'Chu MV

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Bambino-Moonlight Shower

밤비노 BAMBINO - 달빛샤워 Moonlight Shower Official M/V

★[Important] Please support your favorite artists on kt music YouTube channel too!☆Music Videos on kt music YT channel are official as well. Views from kt mu...

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Beatwin-Your Girl

[BEATWIN] 'Your Girl(니 여자친구)' Official MV

Official Site : http://www.beatwin.co.krOfficial Fan Cafe : http://cafe.daum.net/BEATWINOfficial Twitter : http://twitter.com/beatwin_Official Facebook: http...

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Bloomy-Because of You

[MV] 블루미(bloomy) "Blooming day" - 너 때문이야

Artist : 블루미(bloomy)Title Song : 너 때문이야Album Title : Blooming dayRelease : 01-02-2016DOWNLOAD ALBUM : http://bit.ly/1WWeFbBBloomy 1st mini albumBLOOMING DAY신...

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Brave Girls-High Heels

[MV] 브레이브걸스 (Brave Girls) - 하이힐 (High Heels)

[ official Site ]Brave http://bravesound.comTwitter http://twitter.com/bravesound_facebook http://www.facebook.com/BraveEntertainmentInstagram...

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BTS-Blood Sweat and Tears

BTS (방탄소년단) '피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears)' Official MV

BTS (방탄소년단) '피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears)' Official MV Music video credits: Director: YongSeok Choi (Lumpens)Assistant Directors: Edie YooJeong Ko (Lumpens)...

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Crayon Pop-Doo doom Chit

[Crayon pop]크레용팝_두둠칫 (Doo Doom Chit)_Official Music Video

[Crayon pop]크레용팝_두둠칫 (Doo Doom Chit)_Official Music VideoFacebook : https://www.facebook.com/crayonpopTwitter : https://twitter.com/crayonpop

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Dalshabet-Someone like u

[MV] Dalshabet(달샤벳) _ Someone like U(너 같은)

[MV] Dalshabet(달샤벳) _ Someone like U(너 같은)[Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this chann...

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Dia-Mr potter

DIA 다이아 - 미스터포터 (Mr.Potter) Music Video

DIA 3rd Album [Spell] Music Video - MBK Official YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/coremidas- MBK Homepage : http://www.mbk-ent.com/- Facebook MBK :...

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Exid-Cream

EXID - CREAM (中国語ver) MV

official MV(Korea) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yv5k_q4058 16.12.28EXID - debut Chinese single "Cream"　16.12.20official MV(China) - http://v.yinyuetai...

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Gfriend-Wave

여자친구 GFRIEND X AMERICAN TOURISTER - 파도 M/V

GFRIEND 여자친구 facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gfrdofficialGFRIEND 여자친구 twitter: http://twitter.com/gfrdofficialGFRIEND 여자친구 instagram: http://instagram.com/...

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Infinite-The eye

인피니트(INFINITE) "태풍 (The Eye)" Official MV

If you like this video, Plz click "LIKE" and "SUBSCRIBE"인피니트(INFINITE) "태풍 (The Eye)" Official MVINFINITE Official Website : http://www.ifnt7.com INFINITE Of...

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Iron-Rock Bottom

[M/V] ROCK BOTTOM - 아이언(IRON)

[M/V] ROCK BOTTOM - 아이언(IRON)슈퍼사운드, 벅스!SUPER SOUND, BUGS!▶Bugs FB : https://www.facebook.com/bugsplay▶Bugs TW : https://twitter.com/Bugs_play▶Bugs G+ : https...

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Ladies Code-The rain

레이디스 코드(LADIES' CODE) - 더 레인(The Rain) M/V

▶ LADIES'CODE Official Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/polaris.lc/?fref=ts▶ LADIES'CODE Official Twitter : https://twitter.com/polaris_lc▶ LADIES'CODE O...

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Laboum-Imagine more

LABOUM(라붐) 4th SINGLE ALBUM "Fresh Adventure" 상상더하기 Official M/V

LABOUM(라붐)4th Single Album "Fresh Adventure" Title "상상더하기" Official M/V

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Haseul (Loona)-Let me in

[MV] 이달의 소녀/하슬 (LOONA/HaSeul) "소년, 소녀 (Let Me In)"

[MV] 이달의 소녀/하슬 (LOOΠΔ/HaSeul) "소년, 소녀 (Let Me In)"#이달의소녀 #LOONA #하슬 #HaSeul #소년소녀 #LetMeIn #MV #blockberry #blockberrycreative More about LOOΠΔ/ iTunes : ht...

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Heejin (Loona)-Vivid

[MV] 이달의 소녀/희진 (LOONA/HeeJin) "ViViD"

[MV] 이달의 소녀/희진 (LOOΠΔ/HeeJin) "ViViD"#이달의소녀 #LOONA #희진 #HeeJin #ViViD #MV #BlockBerry #BlockBerryCreative More about LOOΠΔ/ iTunes : https://itun.es/us/Kk6qf...

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Mamamoo-Decalmomanie

마마무 (MAMAMOO) - Décalcomanie (데칼코마니) MV

믿듣맘무의 귀환!! 파격적인 변신으로 돌아온 마마무 마마무, 미니앨범 프로젝트 ‘드디어 모든 조각의 퍼즐이 맞춰지다’찬란하게 빛났던 올해의 대미를 장식 할 미니앨범 ‘MEMORY’비글돌 탈피, 고혹적인 섹시미로 이미지 변신한 젠틀레이디 마마무고혹미로 완전 무장한 마마무가 미니앨범 ...

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Oh My Girl-Liar Liar

[MV] 오마이걸(OH MY GIRL) _ LIAR LIAR

[MV] 오마이걸(OH MY GIRL) _ LIAR LIAR(라이어 라이어)[Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this chann...

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Pentagon-Can you feel it

[MV] PENTAGON(펜타곤) _ Can You Feel It(감이 오지)

[MV] PENTAGON(펜타곤) _ Can You Feel It(감이 오지)*English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' function...

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Rainbow-Whoo

[MV] Rainbow(레인보우) - Whoo Music Video

iTunes DL : https://itunes.apple.com/album/prism-ep/id1084263482?l=ko&ls=1*English subtitles are now available~(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Inte...

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Shinee-Tell me what to do

SHINee 샤이니 'Tell Me What To Do' MV

SHINee has released their 5th repackaged album “1 and 1”.Listen and download on iTunes & Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play Music http://smarturl.it/SHINe...

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Six Bomb-Wait 10 years Baby

SIXBOMB - 10 YEARS WAITING BABY (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

#SIXBOMB #MV #KPOP #10YEARSWAITINGBABY #KOREAN The content of this channel is for the user to know more songs of this genre credits are to their respective c...

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Sixth Sense-Feel Me

SIXTH SENSE ~ Feel Me MV Full-HD

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Snuper-You=Heaven

Twice-TT

TWICE "TT" M/V

TWICE(트와이스) "TT(티티)" M/V The 5th Mini Album "What is Love?" Spotify https://goo.gl/jVLYYYiTunes & Apple Music https://goo.gl/DKyKZfThe 3rd Mini Album "TWICEc...

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Vidan-Wishes of the Rings

[M/V] VIDAN (퓨전국악 비단) - Wishes Of The Rings (가락지의 꿈)

Artist: VIDANAlbum Title: Wishes Of The RingsRelease Date: 2016.04.28Genre: World[Listen here]iTunes - http://apple.co/1TfkZHzMelon - http://bit.ly/1TxRh38Na...

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WannaB-Why

[OFFICIAL MV] WANNA.B (워너비) - WHY? (왜요?)

The Song and mv are not mine !!! they are at Zenith Media And MBC (우리 결혼했어요 20160702)!!!

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WJSN-Secret

[MV] 우주소녀(WJSN)(COSMIC GIRLS) _ 비밀이야 (Secret)

▶ iTunes Downloadhttps://itunes.apple.com/album/the-secret/id1144767453?l=ko&ls=1&app=itunes▶ More Informationhttp://www.starship-ent.comhttp://www.facebook....

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40. Monsta X fighter

[MV] 몬스타엑스 (MONSTA X) _ Fighter

▶iTunes Downloadhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-clan-pt.-2-guilty-ep/id1161598049▶More informationMONSTA X Official Fan cafe : http://cafe.daum.net/mon...

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This song certainly did fight to get on to this list as competition as always is made harder by nostalgia. Fantastic mv aside, especially if you like muscular men. The song itself is cheesy yet dramatic and that’s a good thing with the pumped chorus reminding me of Eye of the Tiger, an excellent melding of symphonics and guitar recalling BAP’s best work albeit in a different genre. It also deserves more appreciation for being a Monsta X song with a killer melody though I’ll admit I like their work more for the backing tracks than anything else. If you like male objectification this is a good video for you, you get to see Shownu in a tank top with his very nice arms and Wonho with just an apron on. Also the mv is a sequel to All in where all the Monsta X members are part of some homoerotic cult/gang so fujoshis must adore it. If horny guys adored groups like AOA, Stellar and other sexy girl groups Monsta X is one of the in your face male equilvalent for girls with 2PM that’s for sure.

39. April-Tinkerbell

[MV] APRIL(에이프릴) _ Tinker Bell(팅커벨)

[MV] APRIL(에이프릴) _ Tinker Bell(팅커벨)[Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this channel too....

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This song is really fun with sugary sweet melodies, an energetic production accentuated by excellent use of guitar in the mix. That chorus is also incredibly catchy. No, it’s not just you, April’s early music videos should creep you out even moreso than the average cute kpop music video at least that’s how I feel about them.

38. D.Holic-color Me Rad

디홀릭 D.holic color me rad

설명

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Yes I consider T-ara’s group release in 2016 Tiamo a massive letdown but at least nugu favourites D.Holic who first came to my attention with Chewy with 2015 delivered the girl group club banger of the year, even if I still prefer Chewy over it(seriously one of the greatest myseries of kpop is how complete nobody groups get songs this good). I love how hard and heavy the electronic backings in it and reminds me somehow of Sugar Free but on a budget and that synth rift in the chorus makes the song a beauty.

37. Teen Top Warning Sign

TEEN TOP (틴탑) _ 사각지대 (Warning Sign) M/V

TEEN TOP (틴탑) _ 사각지대 (Warning Sign) M/VTEEN TOP RED POINT iTunes store l https://goo.gl/1RKCGfTEEN TOP Official Fan Cafe | http://cafe.daum.net/TEENTOPTEEN ...

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This is probably one of the few Teen Top songs I genuinely love as I consider most of their discography perfectly average or at least what average should be. However, this is luckily above average or else it wouldn’t be on this list. That synth in the chorus is hauntingly cool, the bass work is amazing, and I enjoy how the song gives the illusion of being loose while remaining intensely well structured.

36. Kei X the Solutions-Beautiful

[MV] Kei (LOVELYZ) X THE SOLUTIONS - 'BEAUTIFUL'

[PLAYGRND VOL.2]Kei (LOVELYZ) X THE SOLUTIONS - 'BEAUTIFUL'cuz we’re young일으키면 다시- 넘-어지고cuz we’re wild텄던 길도 헤매고cuz we’re free방황인지 날갯짓인지도알 수가없는 어지러운 날들지금은끝이 없...

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I will admit Kei is my fave Lovelyz member she just has such a cute chipmunk face that I seem to prefer more in kpop girls than kpop guys for some reason so maybe that played a part in me noticing this song in 2016 when it came out. The song itself is a unique thing in kpop being a duet that is not a ballad nor some incredibly draining midtempo(it’s weird how MBK is the only company that can do midtempo well on average). It’s ebullient 80s bliss that oddly came about due to the YG label Highgrnd which is why research revealed to me that Tablo is credited as one of the lyricists on the song clearly, he has a talent for sneaking in on these lists behind the scenes.

35. Sistar ft. Giorgio Moroder -One more Day

[MV] SISTAR(씨스타), Giorgio Moroder _ One More Day

[MV] SISTAR(씨스타), Giorgio Moroder _ One More Day*English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' fun...

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It was truly surprising that Sistar got a collaboration with the legendary Giorgio Moroder if someone told me that in 2010 I would have laughed at the very concept of Giorgio Moroder collaborated with any Korean artist, like what would it be for a Korean Top Gun spinoff(yes I know he’s known in the west for more but I honestly don’t know which of his works did well in Korea if any). One More Day not only has a fantastic music video, but the song is spectacular in it’s subtly with a gradual but welld-one build to a climax. Bora’s rap is my fave part of this song.

34. EXO-CBX-Hey Mama

EXO-CBX (첸백시) 'Hey Mama!' MV

EXO’s 1st sub-unit, EXO-CBX, which consists of CHEN, BAEKHYUN and XIUMIN from EXO, has released their very first album “Hey Mama!”. Listen and download on iT...

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This song has a killer groove, created by a mix of guitar, synths, and a dazed sense of production. It was a welcome surprise considering I had my money that EXO’s first subunit after the loss of Chinese members would be a ballad and instead I got a fun funk song with a brash chorus.

33.Fei-fantasy

Fei(페이) "Fantasy(괜찮아 괜찮아 Fantasy)" M/V

Fei(페이) "Fantasy(괜찮아 괜찮아 Fantasy)" M/VDownload Fei's "Fantasy" on iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fantasy-single/id1136642596miss A Official Faceboo...

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This song is beautiful in its atmosphere, sultry synths meld with Fei’s hushed vocals to a truly moody piece of a song, it’s like an evocative piece of art and will hypnotize you. It certainly did me. Love the suffocating feel of the song, truly matches the theme of being trapped in an entrancing fantasy.

32. Hong Jin Young-Thumbs Up

[MV] HONG JIN YOUNG(홍진영) _ Thumb Up(엄지 척)

[MV] HONG JIN YOUNG(홍진영) _ Thumb Up(엄지 척)*English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' function):...

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If you’re in a bad mood Hong Jin Young’s songs are like a vitamin for your mental ills albeit for a while until you realize you can’t run away from your problems with Korean trot music forever. This is one of those songs that will be stuck in your head, being a pure party song where trot and pop are mixed. It may not be her best work but it’s certainly fun and after writing about the serious songs before it, it just felt right to put here. Oh yeah, and she performed this poppy piece of trot with Umji once and it was awesome. I don’t know how anyone could hate a pop song with trot instrumentals but if you do I’ll certainly be interested why.

뮤직뱅크 - 홍진영 X 여자친구 엄지, 역대급 콜라보 무대! ‘엄지척’.20160422

홍진영 X 여자친구 엄지, 역대급 콜라보 무대! ‘엄지척’.KBS2 TV 뮤직뱅크｜매주 금요일 오후 5시에 방송됩니다.

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31. Stellar-Sting

스텔라(Stellar) - 찔려(Sting) MV

▶Official Twitter : https://twitter.com/officialSTELLAR▶Official Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/officialstellar▶Official Fancafe : http://cafe.daum.net/...

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Sting is a sultry, midtempo song of the best kind. By far one of the best songs to utilize that tropical funk sound well, with that bouncing, fluttery synth, touches of brass, and a soft yet addicting hook of a melody.

30. Wonder Girls-Why so Lonely

Wonder Girls "Why So Lonely" M/V

Wonder Girls(원더걸스) "Why So Lonely" M/VDownload Wonder Girls' album "Why So Lonely" on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/why-so-lonely-single/id11311...

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Reboot was an amazing kpop album, but it’s title track I feel you was probably one of the worse 80s themed kpop songs I’ve heard which still means it’s above average but how Billboard considers it the best Wonder Girls song is beyond me. Luckily for Wonder Girls, Why So Lonely is actually a good song so they made their late return to the fave list.

29. EXO-Lucky One

EXO 엑소 'Lucky One' MV

EXO has released their 3rd full album “EX’ACT” with double title tracks “Monster” and “Lucky One”. Listen and download on iTunes & Apple Music, Spotify, and ...

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The year is 2016 and EXO has a better funky tune than what Shinee gets on average. Before you say that’s a bad comparison, they are both under the same label and songs for sure get shuffled around a lot at SM, so I have no idea why many of Shinee’s funkier work though good lacks a certain edge.Though I would say EXO got one of the worse boy group funk songs of 2015 in love me right so maybe this is a redemption of sorts. Maybe this track I find good because LDN noise produced it and they made Married to the Music which is my fave funk track of Shinee. However, Lucky One is a very different beast than, with a flute like synth and a heavy electronic base, that I prefer more in my search for good boy group funk songs(I would honestly say many are the high point of average). It’s funny how the members of EXO hate this song when it’s certainly nowhere near as bad as some of their other releases like Lotto and Wolf. Only one EXO funk song this year remains uncovered and that’s EXO’s first original Japanese single, Coming Over which has a decent instrumental and a horrible melody so if you have to pick an EXO funk song to jam to, Lucky One is your best bet.

28.EXO-Monster

EXO 엑소 'Monster' MV

EXO has released their 3rd full album “EX’ACT” with double title tracks “Monster” and “Lucky One”. Listen and download on iTunes & Apple Music, Spotify, and ...

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Monster is certainly the track more associated with EXO then Lucky One is primarily due to it’s darker sound that recalls classics like Mama and Overdose, especially Overdose as Monster at it’s core is a heavier, darker relative of that song. I place Monster above Lucky One, as though Lucky One is the faster song, the discordant electronic instrumental with trap and classical elements keeping in the background as they should combined with the militaristic nature of the track made it a more enjoyable listen. Also Monster’s chorus is way better than Lucky One’s. It must be said though that the album which these dual title tracks are on, Ex’act has some amazing album tracks like Artificial Love, White Noise, and Can’t Bring me Down.

27. Dorothy-Purple Lips

Dorothy - Purple Lips [MV] [HD]

Dorothy (도로시) - Purple Lips-eng subs coming soon-Official upload:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZw4tLGgyjU

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Take the slinky feel of Sistar’s Alone mix in with the synth intensity of Miss A Touch and you have a nugu masterpiece.

26.Tiffany-I just wanna dance

TIFFANY 티파니 'I Just Wanna Dance' MV

TIFFANY’s first solo album "I Just Wanna Dance" has been released.Listen and download on iTunes & Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play Music http://smarturl...

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25. EXO-Dancing King

[STATION] 유재석 X EXO 'Dancing King' MV

SM STATION's new track “Dancing King” has been released. Listen and download on iTunes & Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play Music http://smarturl.it/STATI...

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I’m happy this got considered a b side in the EXO b side battle because I would probably feel depressed when it would not kill the comeback battle. I’m a sucker for songs that I consider fun, I would dare say a big difference in kpop throughout the year is it keeps getting more serious overall from my perspective so seeing EXO, the group which broke into the top ten in 2012 with the majestic song that was Mama releasing a fun edm banger certainly surprised me as Monster is more the song I would’ve expected to crush this list with it’s similarities to Overdose. Dancing King is just so ebullient and simple and it works. It’s even a vocal driven track I would say despite two incredibly fun instrumental breakdowns. The synth rift that holds the song together is just so fun, as Yui from K-on says, “fun things are fun” and Dancing king is a fun thing which is fun.

24. To-day-secret

[MV] TO-DAY(오늘) _ Secret(비밀이에요)

[MV] TO-DAY(오늘) _ Secret(비밀이에요)*****Hello, this is 1theK. We are working on subtitles now!Please come back and watch it again within a few hours.Thank you fo...

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Bouncy electro backings+ guitar rift at the chorus+ restrained vocal performance= a dreamy tune for a calm spring day.

23. 4ten-Severely

포텐(4TEN) - 지독하게 MV

포텐(4TEN) 1st MINI ALBUM [JACK OF ALL TRADES]나쁜 남자에게 전하는 복수의 경고 메시지 “지독하게”각기 다른 4인 4색의 뚜렷한 개성과 매력으로 똘똘 뭉친 그룹 포텐(4TEN)이 데뷔 1년 6개월 만에 첫 미니앨범 [JACK OF ALL TRADES...

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Yes, it’s a Kara song on a budget but damn if the company didn’t use that budget well. It sounds a lot like Pandora a song which I adored. I also greatly enjoyed the intro for this song, best song rap intro in kpop ever.

22. Blackpink Playing with Fire

BLACKPINK - '불장난 (PLAYING WITH FIRE)' M/V

Available @ https://BLACKPINK.lnk.to/SQUARETWOID#BLACKPINK #SQUARETWO #불장난 #PLAYINGWITHFIRE #YGMore about BLACKPINK @http://www.blackpinkofficial.com/http:/...

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Considering how long I waited for YG to release another girl group after 2NE1’s slow decline I was somewhat let down by their two debut songs this year, Whistle which was a mistake of a song and would end up on my worst list if I ever had the tolerance to force myself through as many 2016 kpop songs as possible and Boombayah which was okay. Not average mind you, okay. I have a bad feeling I’m going to be called SM biased on these lists because of the kpop company stan mentally, hopefully if I make enough lists this will be disproven. Teddy needs to get broken up more if it makes him produce songs like this, a melodic midtempo track where the synths seem comforting, the melody is pleasant and it’s nowhere near as showy as many tracks this year where their instrumental was dense in a manner like Yayaya by T-ara and not say Sleepless Night by 9Muses.

21. Fiestar Apple Pie

[MV] FIESTAR(피에스타) _ APPLE PIE(애플파이)

[MV] FIESTAR(피에스타) _ APPLE PIE(애플파이)[Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this channel too...

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Similar to many 2^nd gen girl group classics like Run Devil Run or Oh by the glorious group Girl’s Generation, this song is made amazing by the fantastic synth line that holds the song tohgtehr and thumping percussion. The post chorus “hahaha” is also enjoyable and more songs should have a breakdown like that. The instrumental for this song is so well-produced it was always going to be high on this list, love how dense it feels.

20. Berry Good-Don’t Believe

베리굿(BerryGood) 안 믿을래 MV

베리굿(BerryGood) 안 믿을래 MV

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Don’t Believe is a strong mid-tempo pop song with tropical house influences, note influence not having those toot toot noises for the whole song. The one thing I will admit liking about tropical house however, is at least those toot toot synthesized flutes keep the singers from singing for a while which in kpop is a great bonus as there is too much vocals in the majority of kpop songs(Up10tion White night is a good bg example, those adlibs in Closer for a gg example). Anyways, back to the program, Don’t Believe is amazing because without the tropical elements it might as well be an 80s song and it has a chorus that will be unescapable and you will sing it in your sleep.

19. Fiestar-Mirror

[MV] FIESTAR(피에스타) _ Mirror(미러)

[MV] FIESTAR(피에스타) _ Mirror(미러)*English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' function):: iTunes D...

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An ethereal keyboard rift combines with a classic Tr-808 to make a minimalist song of sensual proportions. It even has that cool effect where the synth filters in and out of the song which is awesome and should be in more songs. Yes, the vocals play a supporting role, that’s what they should be doing in most songs, not everything is how climatic one can sing as sometimes that doesn’t fit with the type of song one is aiming to make.

18. Cross Gene-Noona you

CROSS GENE 「누나 너 말야」 M/V Full Version

CROSS GENE 3rd Mini Album 「GAME」 START !!!Homepage of Korea → http://crossgene.co.kr/∙ Homepage of Japan → http://www.crossgene.jp∙ Twiiter → https://twitter...

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I love how weird this song is for a pop song. Like whom thought “yep we’ll give our boy group a song in the rondo form” in a boardroom somewhere and the executives actually agreed to do something that’s not seen a lot in pop music anywhere as a structure. Like utterly bonkers just thinking about it. The fantastic hook that binds the song together excuses any parts I could have found terrible like part where it goes r&b just because at 1:35 before the song returns to its breathtakingly fast pace. Now why couldn’t Countryside Life be this good.

17. Hyomin-Sketch

효민 (HYOMIN) "Sketch (스케치)" Music Video

HYOMIN (T-ARA) "SKETCH" M/V (Official Ver.)T-ARA HYOMIN Comeback 2nd Album "SKETCH"Title "SKETCH" Official Music Video * Official Page Information *MBK Enter...

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Hyomin is the “sexy” member of T-ara, she is the one with a body guys like after all, I swear the other members said that at some point in some show. Sketch is peak sexy music, similar to songs also on this list like Fei’s fantasy, Dorothy’s Purple Lips,or Fiestar’s mirror, however what makes it the best on this list as whoever did the production did an incredibly tight work on the synths, making it the most atmospheric of them.

16. 9Muses A-lip2lip

나인뮤지스A 9MUSES A - 입술에 입술 Lip 2 Lip Official M/V

★[Important] Please support your favorite artists on kt music YouTube channel too!☆Music Videos on kt music YT channel are official as well. Views from kt mu...

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This is how a skapop song should be done, the intro is fantastic with a synth fluttering over a ska beat. The melody is coy and playful, with the vocals never feeling overbearing. Sojin’s whispered rap part is also a fun bit of musical dynamism not really found in pop music, let alone Korean pop music, where soft, quiet songs might as well be code for “we need another coffeehouse song or else the salesmen won’t get to sleep”.

15. Oh My Girl-Windy day

[MV] OH MY GIRL(오마이걸) _ WINDY DAY

[MV] OH MY GIRL(오마이걸) _ WINDY DAY[Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this channel too.[공...

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This song is amazing and did deserve better and it’s more for the experiment approach where it begins with an airy ballad feel before becoming an Abba chorus to die for. The verses are restrained as they should be to provide contrast to a chorus of epic proportions. The instrumental as a bonus has a sitar and fiddle in the instrumental which when combined with the modal harmonies happening at a whipping speed grant this pop song a progressive rock feel.

14. Stellar-Crying

스텔라 (Stellar) - 펑펑울었어 (Crying) MV

스텔라 (Stellar) - 펑펑울었어 (Crying) MV▶Official Twitter : https://twitter.com/officialSTELLAR▶Official Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/officialstellar▶Officia...

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The best Bravesound songs are always the simple ones, all you need is a beat four chords and a functioning melody no weird beat drops or over the top prechoruses or tempo switches galore. The layer of the synths grants Crying a dreamy feel, a happier one compared to Bravesound’s Sleepless Night by 9Muses which has a similar albeit more melancholic atmosphere. I do like the use of countermelody for the synth instrumental that lies beneath the vocals. This is summery bliss in a song, bittersweet yet jubilant.

13. Snuper-It’s raining

[MV] SNUPER(스누퍼) _ It's raining

[MV] SNUPER(스누퍼) _ It's raining*English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' function):: iTunes :...

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The song is awesome from the start with brassy synths stabbing passionately, beautiful, filtered projection on the vocals, and bursts of drums, guitar and bass granting this disco song a melancholic refrain that you can’t escape. Love the raw feel at the chorus though some may find it strained.

12. Gfriend-Navillera

[MV] 여자친구(GFRIEND) _ 너 그리고 나 (NAVILLERA)

[MV] 여자친구(GFRIEND) _ 너 그리고 나 (NAVILLERA) *English subtitles are now available.:: iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/album/yeojachingu-the-1st-album-lol/id1133...

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Gfriend went synth with Iggy and Youngbae given them a song that sounds like how I would expect a cute version of The Chaser to feel. It’s a propulsion of energy that thoroughly solidify my adoration for Gfriend more by being a quick synthy song that makes you want to chase your dreams. Also the characteristic Gfriend guitar solo is awesome as always whoever the guitarist is in the studio deserves more appreciation.

11. Hyosung-find me

[MV] Jun Hyo Seong(전효성) _ Find Me(나를 찾아줘)

[MV] Jun Hyo Seong(전효성) _ Find Me(나를 찾아줘)[Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this channe...

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One of the fastest songs of 2016 at a whopping 124 BPM, Hyosung of the grup that no longer exists known as Secret delivered the best kpop rendition of 90s house music, with tremolo guitar, a rapid piano melody, and a flute sounding synth that will get stuck inside your head. Also, Hyosung is gorgeous in this video.

10. Sistar-I like that

[MV] 씨스타(SISTAR) _ I Like That

▶iTunes Download:https://itunes.apple.com/album/mei-wo-ai-mol-aae-insane-love/id1126188307?l=ko&ls=1&app=itunes▶ More Informationhttp://www.starship-ent.comh...

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I know I1’ve written of this song so I’ll try to keep it short. Sistar’s I Like That is awesome, the ladies of Sistar look the best they ever had, the song is fast, sensual and atmospheric, and BEP’s production on the instrumental is amazing, like the vocal sample when distorted sounds awe-inspiring and is a killer hook. Also surf guitar should be in more kpop songs.

9. KNK-Back Again

크나큰 (KNK) - BACK AGAIN MV

크나큰 1st 미니앨범 AWAKE 차세대 보이그룹 크나큰 (김유진, 박승준, 정인성, 김지훈, 오희준)이 첫 번째 미니앨범 AWAKE 로 돌아왔다. 데뷔 앨범 KNOCK로 가요계에 눈도장을 찍은 크나큰은 한 달만에 새 미니 앨범을 발표하며 쉼 없는 활동을 이어간다."크나큰 사람이 ...

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Remember when this was the sound for like every boygroup? Well, I can’t help it I miss it. People always go on about retro throwbacks to the 80s or 90s, but who are we kidding the majority of kpop fans aren’t generation X , for some of us it’s this melodically melancholic boy group sound that one feels nostalgic for, a propulsive yet angsty track where you can dance and cry your sadness away. Back Again is one of those tracks, it’s understated yet stands out among the pack with the repeated piano and synth line holding together an emotional piece of a song. I’m sure many may find this pick bland, but I can’t help myself from enjoying it.

8. NCT U-Without U

NCT U 엔시티 유 'WITHOUT YOU' MV

S.M.Entertainment’s new boy group, NCT’s debut single ‘WITHOUT YOU (Sung by JAEHYUN, DOYOUNG, TAEIL)’ has been released.Listen and download on iTunes & Apple...

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Yes, it sounds like a cheesy U2 track but it reminds me of the times when U2 were good which lasted at least longer than that one album where Coldplay was good. Honestly soft rock Korean bands should rip off U2 more than Coldplay if they want to make my list, but they got beaten by an SM boyband I wasn’t even hyped for, the world is weird that way. Without U is surprisingly good especially when one considers the offerings of the NCT project that year(Chewing gum is nightmarishly bad, Firetruck is a mess and the 7^th Sense is interesting but really SM that’s the sort of sound you picked for debut it’s pretty odd). I certainly didn’t expect to like a vocal-focused song so much, but maybe the synths and drum beats won me over also the guitar at the beginning is amazing. It’s like the producer made this song to show off how anthemic of a chorus they could make, and I agree how they layered the vocals in this piece is amazing.

7. History-Queen

[MV] HISTORY(히스토리) _ Queen

[MV] HISTORY(히스토리) _ Queen[Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this channel too.[공지] 1the...

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This song is amazing. I love how the trap elements are kept to the background and the song has a good beat. The saxophone rift is also excellently done being not only a catchy hook in itself but sticking out in the instrumental without overwhelming the mix of electric and brass. The female vocal sample is also pretty cool. Plus classic kpop lyrics like “We All Pac Man” and “Crazy Intoxication Historical Criminalization” are a bonus.

6. 100%-Better Day

[MV] 100%(백퍼센트) _ Better Day(지독하게)

[MV] 100%(백퍼센트) _ Better Day(지독하게)*English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' function):: iTune...

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Sweetune decides to produce a ballad and this time it’s excellent. The instrumentation feels soarig, with lush ascending strings, majestic trumpets, and other fun stuff like the bubbling percussion throughout the song. I love the sustained style of singing in this song, actually makes those falsettos in the chorus sound awe-inspiring. It’s also fast for a synth-centric ballad which is always a good thing.

5. Red Velvet-Russian Roulette

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 '러시안 룰렛 (Russian Roulette)' MV

Red Velvet’s 3rd mini album “Russian Roulette” has been released. Listen and download on iTunes & Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play Music http://smarturl...

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Somewhere someone in SM entertainment in the year 2016 was like “Red Velvet’s songs lack something, as in the majority of red songs like ICC and Dumb Dumb are too screechy for genuine pop enjoyment and the velvet concept songs make people sleepy so it’s no wonder certain fans moved on to Twice, let’s give them a song that’s fun and not annoying, instead of annoying and fun or unfun and uninteresting” and thus Russian Roulette came to be. It’s a high energy synthpop track with an ingenious syncopated melody, fun background harmonies, and a beautiful instreamnetal breakdown at 3:00 that will have you dancing or at least bopping your head.

4. Snuper-Platonic Love

[MV] 스누퍼(SNUPER) _ 지켜줄게(Platonic Love)

[MV] 스누퍼(SNUPER) _ 지켜줄게(Platonic Love) [Notice] 1theK YouTube is also an official channel for the MV, and music shows will count the views from this channel ...

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I was talking to my sister about kpop soundalikes and she said, “why hasn’t A-ha done anything about all these songs you find that sound like Take on me yet”, my response was they have bigger fish to fry and are probably chilling in Norway somewhere looking back at how handsome they were in the 80s. The boys of Snuper are nowhere near as peak A-ha but that’s a hard mountain to climb but at least Platonic Love like all Take on me soundalikes in kpop I’ve found in kpop is pure gold. You cannot go wrong with that.

3. Berry Good-Angel

베리굿(BerryGood) - ANGEL MV

BerryGood 1st Mini Album [Very Berry] 4.20 Released ! Berry Good Fancafe http://cafe.daum.net/BerryGood Berry Good Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Berrygoo...

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A commading orchestral pop song, with an amazing, intense chorus. Wish I could think of more to type here, but this is one of those songs that speaks for itself. If like you vocals, there’s a fun pentatonic run somewhere in the song, though I’m more a sucker for the powerful instrumental.

2.Lovelyz-Destiny

러블리즈(Lovelyz) "Destiny (나의 지구)" Official MV

If you like this video, Plz click "LIKE" and "SUBSCRIBE"러블리즈(Lovelyz) "Destiny (나의 지구)" Official MVLOVELYZ Official Website : http://www.lvlz8.comLOVELYZ Off...

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If ethereal was a song it would be this song. The song is centered around a propulsive string refrain that unites the song’s circular focus on destiny and fate with it’s spinning feel similar to a top or marble. The song is structured on a circle of fifths that when combined with the strinsg grant the song an old-fashioned disco atmosphere, if not for those hovering lush synths out of a New Order song and those keyboard stabs that would also fit in a New Order song it would be the sort of 70s music my mother likes to listen to but the ideal of progress in musical technology worked out this time and it sounds better.

1. Gfriend-Rough

[MV] 여자친구(GFRIEND) _ 시간을 달려서(Rough)

[MV] 여자친구(GFRIEND) _ 시간을 달려서(Rough) *English subtitles are now available. :D(Please click on 'CC' button or activate 'Interactive Transcript' function):: iTu...

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Greatest song of the year goes to hit song Rough by the now disbanded group Gfriend. The instrumental is beautiful, combining strings and an awesome guitar solo to create a song with a consistently melancholic feel. This melancholic atmosphere is emphasized even better by the saturated production of the song itself, the chorus is also undeniably catchy. Similar to Destiny, I’m a sucker for songs on unrequited love and both songs capture the pain of loving someone afar quite well albeit in different ways and thus were my top two jams for the year.

Other lists for comparison purposes

Thread

Cosmic’s Favourite Songs of 2012

2012 was a good year to party, dance beats were supreme and everyone wanted to lose themselves to the music. I separate this year from 2009-2011 despite its decent quality because any year with Gangnam style should be considered the start of something new. That song is legendary because I still cannot escape memes with it to this day.

Average song of the year (I should’ve included this last time I know)

Shinhwa-Venus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqsHnxo35cg

Now this is the song that introduced…

Cosmicrhythm878

Aug 24th 2021

Thread

Cosmic's Favourite Songs of 2013

I know I've stated multiple times on this forum how much I despised kpop's general musical direction in 2013 but as part of my New Year's resolution to be more positive I decided to make a personal best of list for what I view as one of kpop's worst years in recent memory(sorry kpop pre-2007 it's harder to find and judge you). To make it easier I picked only songs with mvs because it takes a lot of time to listen to every album every year ever.
Honorable Mentions(these songs are all pretty…

Cosmicrhythm878

Aug 4th 2021

Quote from superyeah

Cosmicrhythm878

Do you prefer progressive rock or punk rock?

Progressive rock.