10. F.T. Island - "PRAY"
A song that took me by surprise and now refuses to let me go. The thunder of Minhwan's drums, Jaejin's ominous bass, Jonghun and Seunghyun's electrifiying chords, and Hongki's powerful pipes quickly cemented this as one of my faves.
9. B2ST - "Shock"
A really catchy song with really terrible grammar. All the English in here is an epic fail. That doesn't stop it from being awesome and earwormy. Starting with a synth line that sounds like feedback in your speakers, the song quickly moves into hip hop territory and a serious danceable groove. Besides, just try not to sing along: "Every day I shock!" "This song is not over!" when I click "play" again. :)
8. A Pink - "LUV"
Having not been exposed to A Pink before 2014, I was pleasantly surprised by the cute image and sweet voices. By the time this song was released, I had already joined the ranks of Pink Pandas who enjoy their sugary sweet body of work.
7. AOA Black - "Get Out"
Another FNC group who played their own instruments, this subunit of the idol group AOA cranked out some impressive hits before hit songs like "Miniskirt" and "Like a Cat." Once I heard this, there was no going back.
6. Girl's Day - "Don't Forget Me"
A polished pop offering full of bubblegum hooks and a bouncy beat, the song shows us a different side to the band than their mega-hits "Expectation" and "Something." Sweet and powerful vocals by Minah, Sojin, and Hyeri, and a fierce rap by Yura. What's not to love? I can't forget them or this song.
5. EXID - "I Feel Good"
This band has seen a surge of popularity, largely due to Hani, I understand. Funny, I was already enjoying this group before then. Before "Up & Down" (which is also really good), there was "Every Night" and this gem, which often jumpstarts my morning more effectively than any cup of coffee.
4. 4minute - "Crazy"
After a 2-year period where I preferred their old material (their Brave Brothers collaborations left me cold -- except for "Is it Poppin'"), 4minute redeemed themselves with this comeback. 4minute was one of the first girl groups whose sound I fell in love with (think "Volume Up"), and it's nice to see them doing well in a comeback that I enjoyed.
3. T-ara - "Sugar Free (Big Room Version)"
I've always had a soft spot for T-ara; these girls can bring it, scandal or no. "Sugar Free" was a welcome comeback, and the album wasn't too shabby, either. Even with a revolving door of members, this group always manages to rise to the top. A sharper, more techno-inspired sound informs their newest hit.
2. After School - "Because of You"
I love this song for its angry, catchy refrain: "I regret giving you my love / I regret getting attached to you / I regret holding you back / Why do I have to face the pain alone?" Amazing band, amazing song.
1. f(x) - "Red Light"
Another band that sort of left my radar for a while (didn't care for 'Pink Tape'), they more than made up for it with "Red Light." While it seemed to not have gotten much love on my side of the pond (the U.S.A.), it certainly resonated with fans in South Korea -- and with me.
Honorable mentions to previous songs that got stuck on repeat in the past: 2PM - "Don't Stop, Can't Stop," 2NE1 - "Clap Your Hands," B2ST - "Black Paradise," Orange Caramel - "Gangnam Avenue," HyunA - "Straight Up," After School Red - "In The Night Sky, " Sistar - "Hey You," PSY - "Right Now," Brown Eyed Girls - "Abracadabra," and pretty much anything by 4minute.
I've given you my picks, now it's your turn. What 10 songs make your playlist?
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