[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Seventeen - Left & Right (2020)

Seventeen released their new album Heng:garae with title track Left & Right on Monday, June 22^nd 2020. They settle with their signature bright image this time; showing a 180-degree transformation from last year’s dark and sexy Fear. Left & Right is Seventeen first comeback after Pledis Entertainment acquired by Big Hit Entertainment, BTS and TXT’s agency, in May 2020. Their decision to return with the fun concept gives a sense of relief since fans initially afraid the management change will limit the group creativities.

Much like their previous hits, Left & Right still produced by member Woozi and longtime collaborator Bumzu.  Does Seventeen manage to carry the similar magic from the past in Left & Right? Let’s find out on my review below….

Left & Right is a classic Seventeen song. It grabs your attention since the beginning due to its high energy chorus. The boys open the song by singing, “Left and right, left and right”, hook simultaneously, which will stay in your head for a long time. After the addictive chorus, Jeonghan’s vocal comes then the rest of its verse has the usual vocal-rap banter. There’s a touch of funk element through guitar and bass riff, which adds groove to Left & Right.

Meanwhile, the pre-chorus consists of Seventeen’s vocal line belting out high notes. It adds an exciting build-up to its chorus that we already got familiar with since the opening. The song structure is pretty simple and it’s obvious that Woozi and Bumzu play it safe this time. Some parts sound repetitive though, but Left & Right never feel outdated because of its sleek production.

The song might be a safe choice, however Left & Right music video is more than that. It takes on a quirky storyline which shows the Seventeen boys do various experiment in different settings. We see them fail to do a marathon, throw Hoshi up in the sky, and watch S.Coups flies his car. It’s quite bizarre yet fun to watch, thanks to the members’ deadpan acting :D. 

The camerawork and choice of setting also emphasizes on Left & Right quirky aspect. It’s amusing to see how they play with wide and landscape shot; giving more comic relief to each scene. While the setting really embodies the song title itself, traffic lights and signs. Both are quite unique for K-Pop music video and yes, it truly elevates the song.

Seventeen is back to their comfort zone through Left & Right. It’s a bright tune with memorable hook and sleek production despite not offering something new. The music video is a hidden gem because the unique camerawork manages to grasp the quirkiness of Seventeen situation. They do random things that will make you laugh.

Left & Right might not have the same magic like their previous hits because at some point, you get too familiar with this. However, they continue to nail their bright style that you can’t help to welcome them. So yeah, I guess they win ;)

Rating:            3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] TWICE - More & More (2020)

TWICE tried their best to brighten our summer. On Monday, June 1^st 2020, the girls released their newest mini album More & More with a same name title track. This is TWICE first comeback in 2020 after launching their most personal track to date, Feel Special last year.

Despite the current pandemic, TWICE has a massive promotional round for this comeback. They signed a contract with Republic Records to help their global expansion, collaborated with Youtube to launch documentaries Seize the Light, and let Tik Tok played a snippet of More & More prior to its release. They also have Zara Larsson and Julia Michaels to produce the title track music along with MNEK and Justin Tranter, and JYP and BIBI for its lyrics. Anticipation built up; we wonder how More & More will sound.

Does More & More manage to fill our expectations? How does it differ from TWICE previous title track? Check out my review for More & More below………………………………………………………

More & More off to a promising start with Nayeon and Mina belts out their vocal. There is only a synthesizer sound that accompany them; emphasizing on their timbre differences. Then Tzuyu and Momo follows through and a tropical house beat starts to appear. It’s a dynamic verse, much like TWICE previous title tracks.

More & More arrangement becomes stronger on its pre-chorus. The beat goes faster while TWICE sings catchy phrases “More More” on repeat. It’s easily the most memorable part of this whole song. Not only that, it also serves a great build-up to More & More chorus.

However, More & More chorus could not keep its momentum. TWICE opts for a music breakdown on the chorus like their previous summer hit, Dance the Night Away. Yet they fail to recreate the same magic by leaving their signature soaring vocal. More & More chorus only has a mix of tropical house and electronic music sound. It feels flat compare to its dynamic verses and pre-chorus.

TWICE continues to keep the music breakdown after the second chorus and during the last part. Their decision unfortunately makes More & More becomes repetitive and outdated. The addition of rapping could not make the song more exciting too. It’s such a pity since More & More begins with a solid start.

TWICE also experiments with More & More music video, which emphasizes on 70s aesthetics. The girls take bohemian styling by wearing flowy dresses, bell bottom denims, and headpieces. It fits the song summer theme while shows TWICE in a more mature vibe. The girls look gorgeous too!

To maintain similar aesthetics, More & More music video has a flower garden setting. It presents on a surrealistic way with all the lights and exotic animals. The camerawork approaches a similar vibe; however this attempt does not work. The flash editing and exchanging lights make some scenes hard to follow.

With More & More, TWICE manages to do something different. But the results are not always working on their favor. The 70s aesthetics in the music video is a success; presenting the mature and elegant side of TWICE. The song’s dynamic verses and pre-chorus also continue to showcase their signature style. It’s More & More chorus that feels like a regression from the strong streak of Fancy and Feel Special. Never change your signature soaring vocal again, girls.

Rating:                        3/5  

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Apink - Dumhdurum (2020)

Apink welcomes their 9^th year with a new release. On Monday, April 13^th 2020, the girls released mini album Look with lead single Dumhdurum. Apink continue to present mature transformation on this comeback since they successfully reached a second peak of their career two years ago. Their latest attempt resulted on bigger achievements, which Dumhdurum topped various music charts on the day of its release; making Apink takes their first spot again after five years.

With all these achievements, one question remained. Does Dumhdurum worth the hype? Check out my review of Apink title track from Look album below………………………………

Dumhdurum carries Apink signature style since the beginning. This song opens with a synthesizer sound that build a repetitive melody. However, it feels more upbeat compare to I’m So Sick and %% due to a strong bass line that accompanied this loop. Their combination gives a touch of tropical house genre instead of retro like Apink previous singles.

This loop continues to appear in Dumhdurum chorus yet Apink does not let it becomes a music breakdown. They sing a hook on the main part then add additional lines to the post-chorus. Their attempts effectively give more kick to the whole song while at the same time, turn it into memorable parts.

Meanwhile, Dumhdurum verses play as a place to showcase Apink singing abilities. The weaker vocalists like Naeun and Chorong make an impressive improvement this time. They manage to help the other four strong vocalists in giving more layer to the song. Apink also tries something different by letting Eunji sings verses rather than the main chorus part. It sounds refreshing to see her out of comfort zone.

Dumhdurum surely shows something different from Apink. But in K-Pop music scene, this song is not groundbreaking like I’m So Sick. It could easily belong to other 2^nd generation girl group five or six years earlier. You feel like listening to this song before, though it’s uncommon in the current music scene.

Apink creates an interesting take through Dumhdurum music video. They ring a call-back to their previous cheerful and youthful image by emphasizing on brighter atmosphere. Yellow, green, and blue color dominated the girls’ makeup, outfits, and settings Yet they continue to display mature side through sophisticated styling. Look at how Apink opts for blazer or flowy dress as well as bolder eyeshadow and lipsticks.

Apink finally achieved a perfect transformation in the ninth year of their career. Dumhdurum follows I’m So Sick and %% successful formula yet explores different genre. It’s catchy much like their previous hits although not offering something new in K-Pop music scene. The music video itself mixes Apink previous bright image to their current sophisticated looks.

Dumhdurum definitely worth the hype. Cannot wait to see what Apink will offer us in the future! The second peak of their career is surely promising.

Rating:                        3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Suho - Let's Love (2020)

Suho becomes the third EXO member to release a solo album after Chen and Baekhyun. On Monday, March 30^th 2020, the EXO leader presented Self-Portrait, a five track EP with lead single Let’s Love. Suho’s solo venture surprises me because he leaves EXO powerful image behind. Instead of sticking to pop, dance or R&B genre, he approaches rock-ballad theme and vulnerable lyrics.

Let’s Love represents Suho attempt to try something outside of his comfort zone. Will the EXO leader nail it or not? Check out my review of Self-Portrait title track below…………………………….

Let’s Love brings a melancholy mood since the beginning. This song opens with an electric guitar loop and drum sound, which will remind you to classic band ballad tracks. Then Suho’s soft vocal comes during the first verse and provides a strict contrast to loud instrumentals. Both complement each other; making the song pleasant to listen. The similar theme also continues on Let’s Love chorus.

The first half of Let’s Love is enjoyable; however, its strongest part actually appears on the second verse. It presents different structure from the previous part that allows Suho to explore on his vocal. He tries different singing style and blends with the harmonization at several parts. The addition of hook is a nice touch too that makes Let’s Love more memorable.

Not only in terms of music, but the lyrics of Let’s Love second verse is also a turning point for this song. After expressing his longing feeling on the first verse, Suho praises someone he loves and mentions how they make his life better. He gives a hopeful spirit to Let’s Love; much like its title that play with EXO chant. Overall, the second verse prevents the song becomes repetitive since the latter part follows rock/ballad cliché bridge.

Let’s Love melancholy yet hopeful theme continues on the music video. Suho sings in various settings with opposite color tones. He stands in the dark room, which represents the first aspect, while sits in front of brick red wall and yellow picture that maintains the latter feeling. The combination represents his album title too, Self-Portrait, since it showcases different reflection of Suho. Aside from that, Let’s Love music video does not offer something new, which has potential to bore you at several parts.

Though several parts feel formulaic, Let’s Love is a solid solo work from Suho. It pushes the EXO leader to go outside of his comfort pop/dance/R&B zone. His vocal surprisingly fits rock-ballad genre, which means it’s promising for him to continue go down on this route. The music video might seem repetitive, but at least, it’s nice to see Suho embraces different side of him.

Suho’s solo is another proof EXO member has clear direction on what they want to do as solo artists. Between this, Chen’s, and Baekhyun’s, each has a distinct color which not only set their identity as a solo artist, but also differentiate it from their group works. It’s promising and I can’t wait to see other EXO members solo attempt in the future!

Rating:            3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Kang Daniel - 2U (2020)

Kang Daniel is back! The Produce 101 alumni just released his second EP, CYAN with title track 2U on Tuesday, March 24^th 2020. It’s Kang Daniel first comeback after a short hiatus due to mental health issues at the end of last year. His break is understandable since 2019 is an exhausting year for him. In the span of one year, Kang Daniel has to deal with the disbandment of his project group Wanna One, a suspension of contract on his former agency, and a dating news with TWICE Jihyo. That’s a lot to process, nevertheless Kang Daniel manages to get a hold of it and finally comeback in the music scene.

2U presents another peek of Kang Daniel’s identity as a solo artist post-Wanna One. What kind of music style and music video concept that he aims for? Check out my review for the title track of CYAN album below…………………

2U proves that sometimes simplicity could turn into something gold. This song actually does not have much going on in terms of music. It only depends on a strong R&B beat and a playful loop that appear throughout the song. However, it has a catchy arrangement, which turns 2U into a solid pop song. There is an easy melody on its verses, a slight build-up on the pre-chorus, and a memorable hook during the chorus part. All of these makes 2U effortless to listen; meaning that it does not force attention.

2U also makes a good use of Kang Daniel’s vocal. The former Wanna One member does not have a strong vocal or a distinct singing style. Thus, this song does not have challenging notes; opting in a safe range which Kang Daniel comfortable to sing to. Still, I wish 2U explores the vocal aspect more because it has potential. Listen to the vocal layering on its pre-chorus, which is a hidden gem that interesting to be played out more.

Kang Daniel might not excel in vocal department, but he has a magnetic screen presence. 2U music video relies heavily on this since it only has a limited setting. Kang Daniel shows his antics as a cleaning service in the cinema who abandon his job to have fun. It’s quite entertaining to see him run and hide from the security throughout the music video. His charm continues on dance scenes, which he makes the choreography easy to watch. I also like the addition of female dancers because it’s kind of refreshing to see a male rookie does not afraid to dance in pair with the opposite sex.

Kang Daniel hits the right spot with 2U, which manages to emphasizes on his strength as a fun performer. The song does not offer something new, yet its simplicity makes it stand out and catchy. Meanwhile, the music video presents Kang Daniel strong screen presences, whether through playing a skit or dancing. Through 2U, Kang Daniel shows that he walks on a promising path as long as he maintains his signature style….and continues to work on his vocal abilities.

Rating:            3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] ITZY - WANNABE (2020)

ITZY finally graduated from their rookie status! This JYP Entertainment girl group has released their first mini album IT’z ME with lead single WANNABE on Monday, March 9^th 2020. It’s only been one year since ITZY entered K-Pop music scene, yet they already attract interests. Their last year’s debut single, Dalla Dalla, became a hit and led them to sweep Best New Female category in major awards. They also successfully established their group identity, a mix of girl crush and playful teenagers, in terms of music and concept.

With WANNABE, ITZY continues to make us curious. Will they play it safe and replicate similar formula? Or will they experiment and create something totally different from their debut? Check out my review of IT’z ME album title track below…………………………

WANNABE follows similar formula of Dalla Dalla. It has singing/talking verses, a pop chorus, and an English chant as its hook. This song also has electronic dance music as its main genre. However, ITZY levels it up by adding deep house genre on WANNABE verses and disco sound on its chorus. As a result, this song has harder beat and more mature vibe compare to their previous single. The addition of disco sound creates a nostalgic vibe too since it will remind you to Second-Generation Girl Group sound like SISTAR and T-ara.

The emphasis on dance music makes WANNABE fascinating to listen, but unfortunately, it affects ITZY vocal. The member’s singing style starts to become similar between one another; causing it hard to differentiate their voices. Some of them noticeably have to sing outside their vocal range, which makes several verses and chorus uncomfortable to listen. I understand JYP Entertainment wants to make ITZY as a dance-focused group, but it does not hurt to polish the girls’ vocal. They have potential and the right key would allow their vocal to give more kick to the song.

In the music video department, WANNABE stays true to the song’s lyrics about empowerment. ITZY continues to carry their confident self since debut, which they ask people to stop bothering them because they just want to be themselves. Each member shines on their own in the music video, in fact, it able to accommodate ITZY girls’ strength through individual scenes.

WANNABE music video has different storyline for each member that suits to their image. For example, Yuna displays her funny and sassy charm by having a runway scene without shoes. Then Lia messes up a luxurious dining table to break her princess image. It’s a clever way to point each member’s identities, which is useful since they are still rookies.

Aside from its lyrics, WANNABE music video also represents the more mature ITZY sound. Check out, how the color tone, lighting, and setting becomes darker despite the girls still use similar stylings like their previous singles.

ITZY sticks to their success recipe in WANNABE. They maintain a similar song arrangement and concept styling like their debut single, while tease a mature side through the addition of disco and deep house sound, and darker music video. The similar formula does not really bothersome at this stage of ITZY career since it’s only been one year from their debut. It’s great to maintain your identity and let people know each member’s characteristics. However, ITZY should not become too comfortable with this style as year goes by. Don’t forget to explore more girls, otherwise your sound and concept will become repetitive!

Rating:            3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] NCT 127 - Kick It (2020)

NCT 127 released their latest single Kick It from full album NCT #127 Neo Zone on Friday, March 6^th 2020. This release has garnered a lot of anticipation since SM Entertainment approaches different promotional strategies that successfully showcase NCT 127 strengths; accessibilities and fun personalities. But in terms of music department, it still creates doubt. Entering four year of their career, both NCT 127 and SM Entertainment continue to struggle in finding the right formula between the group and company sound. There are always potentials, but they have not created a perfect balance yet.

Kick It might be a ‘make-it-or-break-it’ for NCT 127 and SM Entertainment. Will they finally pull a great combination between their signature styles and mark a hit? Check out my review for the title track of Neo Zone album below……………….

Kick It grabs your attention since the beginning by having its chorus as the opening. It combines loud instrumentals such as electric guitar and hip-hop beat, and a chant; emphasizing on NCT 127 signature style. Yes, it’s noisy like their previous title tracks, however it never sounds too messy due to the clever usage of Kick It hook. This song inputs some catchy phrases with similar rhymes on its chorus from ‘new thang’, ‘Bruce Lee’, to ‘shimmy shimmy’. All hooks are easy to remember, which will make you automatically focus on this rather than the loud music. It’s a nice callback to SM Entertainment’s style that helps launch most of their idols’ career.

NCT 127 then leaves most of the chorus’ noisy sounds on the first verse. They decide to focus on the vocal line, while adds an R&B inspired piano sound. Each vocalist sounds lovely here, even manage to do harmonization. It’s a great job for NCT 127 as a whole because they finally know how to unleash their vocal line potential. Moreover, it also shows their attempt to incorporate SM Entertainment’s sound that often underlines their idols’ powerful vocal. Yet, despite of its changing focus, Kick It verses do not sound out of place since it still carries the similar hip hop beat like the chorus.  

For the second verse, Kick It focuses on the rappers to create another build up. Mark, Taeyong, and Johnny rap alongside a strong hip-hop beat and an electronic guitar addition that gives more edge to the whole song. The song continues to get exciting towards the end due to various twists. The first one, an electronic dance breakdown will remind you to NCT 127 previous title tracks, especially because of the humming part. While the latter will surprise you because it sounds unique and trendy.

In terms of lyrics, Kick It is full of Bruce Lee’s references which NCT 127 boasts about his strength and braveness then namedrops his legacy. The music video sticks to a similar theme by emphasizing on yellow and black color tone, much like the late actor’s iconic suit. It also has traditional houses as the setting and puts NCT 127 in a martial-art-inspired attires for dance scenes. All is eye-catching to look at despite the simple camerawork and limited scenes.

NCT 127 and SM Entertainment finally does their homework on Kick It. This song successfully mixes NCT 127’s noisy signatures, and SM Entertainment’s catchy hook while balances vocal and rap parts. It also has an exciting music video with a strong popular culture references to capture people’s interests. Kick It has a great potential as a single, in fact, if SM Entertainment plays their card right, this could be a viral hit.

Kick It is a great start to open the first quarter of 2020 in K-Pop music industry. What a bang for NCT 127 and cannot wait to see what they have in store for the rest of this year!

Rating:            4/5

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[REVIEW] RED VELVET - PSYCHO (2019)

Red Velvet musical direction left me unsatisfied in 2019 despite having a big ambition throughout the year. The girls release a series of album under The Reve Festival title; however, each title track has a diasporic production. The first album has Zimzalabim with its messy arrangement whereas its follow-up Umpah Umpah falls into a generic territory. These missteps affect my perception to Red Velvet, which is why I actually do not quite excited for The Reve Festival Finale, the last album for the series.

The Reve Festival Finale released on Monday, December 23, 2019 and has a title track called Psycho. Based on its spooky teasers, Red Velvet approach their Velvet side that promised a more mature side of them. I still do not have a lot of expectations of Psycho until I watched the music video after the song released. It surprises me because finally, Red Velvet does something right this year!

What is so special about Psycho that differentiate it from Zimzalabim and Umpah Umpah? Check out my review of Red Velvet newest title track below…………………

Psycho shows how it belongs to a Velvet track since the beginning. It opens with a unique guitar and bass sound then continues with Wendy and Seulgi high notes. The verses dominated by a strong R&B beat and an addition of electronic sound. All of these flow in a medium tempo, which reminds me of the best tracks from Red Velvet’s Velvet side, BadBoy.

A similarity to Bad Boy means a good start for Psycho overall. However, Red Velvet does not want to follow the whole formula of their previous Velvet hit. They put a twist on Psycho chorus by adding a bit of Red side, which is brighter and more uplifting. The chorus is full of catchy hook from “Psycho psycho”, “Babo babo”, to “Jakku Jakku”. It appears towards the end of their singing, which the girls show their capabilities to do vocal harmonization. It sounds gorgeous and emphasizes Red Velvet strength as a group, which easily shows how Psycho stands out from Zimzalabim and Umpah Umpah.

Not only the song that sounds beautiful, but also the music video. Psycho shows Red Velvet elegance as a lady, which is a 180 degree turn from the bright and youthful Zimzalabim and Umpah Umpah. Sequin dress, smoky eyes makeup, and statement accessories rule their styling while a classic ballroom becomes the main setting for their dance scene. The cinematography itself is also interesting because it shows the group signature quirky theme. It plays with a dark lighting on various scenes; creating a shadow on Red Velvet figure. It’s mysterious yet alluring at the same time.

Red Velvet reminds us to not give up on them through Psycho. It’s a solid medium tempo track that shows a great balance between their Red and Velvet side. The catchy chorus with vocal harmonization represents a Red side while its R&B beat attributes to the girls’ Velvet side. Psycho also has a mesmerizing music video, whether from Red Velvet elegant styling or quirky scenes.

What a way from Red Velvet to end 2019! Hopefully, they continue this musical direction next year because it emphasizes on the girls’ strength while also approach the commercial aspect of a K-Pop song.

Rating:                        4.75/5

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Top 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019

Hello everyone, how’s it going? I can’t believe we finally arrived at the end of 2019; it feels like yesterday when I started to write this year’s first music video review.

2019 has been a challenging year for me. I still need to adjust with my master’s degree life while finish dissertation on the same period. Both require a lot of energy and time, which is why I didn’t have a chance to write this year’s Summer Showdown. But luckily, I passed all those steps and ready to attend my graduation next month. Yay!

In the K-Pop music scene, 2019 has been an unusual year. Many idols find difficulties to create a longevity hit on digital charts. Rumors sparked that some singers use chart manipulation to defeat them. This issue becomes a hot topic nowadays, however there is still no further investigation regarding it.

All of these are quite pitiful since K-Pop idols themselves actually release various great tracks throughout 2019. That is why I decide to celebrate their achievements and make 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019 list on this blog. This list is based on personal preferences, so don’t be too worried if your favorites do not make it. In fact, feel free to share your own list on the comment section below.

So, are you ready? Here is the list of 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019……………….

Honorable Mentions: A Pink - %%, Chen – Beautiful Goodbye, MAMAMOO – HIP

10.  AKMU – How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One that I Love

After Chanhyuk finished his two-years military services, AKMU proves that they still have their charm on How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One that I Love. It’s a ballad track with a piano sound background about how hard it is to let go of someone that you love. Chanhyuk and Suhyun display both soothing vocal and strong emotions, which not only able to carry us away, but also create pleasant dynamic to this song.

9.     IU – Above the Time

Listening to Above the Time feels like reading a fairytale. There is a bittersweet feeling of longing and hoping because of IU’s storytelling way of singing. But at the same time, there is a nostalgic beauty behind her light vocal, wrapped in a dramatic piano and string sound. It’s full of IU signature style, which makes Above the Time easily her best releases this year.

8.     Day6 – Time of Our Life

Time of Our Life travels us back to early 2000s era where band dominates the whole music industry. It is an anthem with strong guitar and drum beat that manages to pump us up. The song might sound loud, however Day6 adds a heartwarming touch through its relatable lyrics. They remind us on the importance of making the most out of our youth. Interestingly, their decision makes Time of Our Life becomes a more powerful song.

7.     Taeyeon – Four Seasons

Taeyeon attempts something new by taking reggae genre through Four Seasons. She plays along with a strong bass and whistle sound and goes into more soulful way of singing. It’s a twist to Taeyeon’s clear vocal tone, however it does not bury her roots. Four Seasons still has a catchy pop chorus like Taeyeon’s previous singles.

6.     ITZY – Dalla Dalla

Playing with the term Dalla Dalla, which means different in Korean language, ITZY proves that they are indeed unique among other rookies. Look at how the song mixes different elements such as a trap breakdown, a pop chorus, and a catchy post-chorus chant. It’s infectious, yet does not sound too messy, thanks to a powerful drum beat which serves as Dalla Dalla main foundation. 

5.     BTS – Boy with Luv (feat. Halsey)

When you already so successful, what will you do? For BTS, they choose to have fun by releasing Boy with Luv. This is their most pop title track to date with its catchy hook that spread through different parts of the song. The bright theme fits the song lyrics about falling in love, but it does not mean BTS takes the song lightly. Boy with Luv has a rich song arrangement from funk-inspired guitar riff, quirky keyboard sound, to Halsey’s striking vocal tone.

4.     Seventeen – HIT

When K-Pop idols approach a trendy sound, they often have to sacrifice their signature style. However, Seventeen proves the otherwise through HIT. They take the EDM genre and craft the song’s arrangement based on their own sound. Yes, HIT has a fast-paced rap, chorus breakdown, and chanting-like ending. But; the soaring vocal style and hook melody still screams Seventeen. What a great combination and a strongest release from them this year!

3.     GOT7 – You Calling My Name

Forget previous hard-hitting title tracks since GOT7 aims for a minimalistic style on You Calling My Name. Their distinct vocal tone and harmonization take a center stage in this R&B style title track. It’s sexy, yet still playful due to the addition of strong guitar riff. The latter instrumental also effective to give enough punch for You Calling My Name.

2.     TWICE – Fancy

It’s about time for TWICE to switch things up and present more mature side of them in 2019. Fancy is an electronic-pop sound with an interesting dynamic; switching between the girls’ powerful and airy vocal, as well as, singing and talking on its verses. The build-up is strong, but surprisingly, the refrain opts for a bright hook and soaring vocal. This is a fantastic combination because it shows different side of TWICE, yet still carries their uplifting spirit.   

1.     Chungha – Gotta Go

Gotta Go has everything that makes it the best K-Pop songs in 2019. It starts with an alluring melody and a powerful beat on verses to a simple hook chorus. The arrangement between these parts is gripping enough, but the real climax happens during the post chorus when Chungha’s soaring vocal appears alongside a unique synthesizer sound. It’s a strong dynamic from a pop song and rare to be found nowadays, which is why it’s not surprising to see Gotta Go sits on top of this list.

That’s all the list of 10 best K-Pop songs in 2019. It’s a diverse list since most idols attempt to do something different this year. It’s refreshing to listen to new side of them, while also relieving to see them does not forget their own signature style. It’s a great achievement and I cannot wait to hear what they have in store next year!

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