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!
