Here are my top 10 picks that are on repeat on my playlist right now. Take it or leave it.
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10. Rainbow - "Black Swan"
I've always wanted Rainbow to do well. Even though their squeal during their debut, "I wanna gossip GUUURL," made me cringe, I still thought they were hot stuff with potential to make a hit when they performed "Not Your Girl" and "A." Since their debut, they haven't really been able to come out with something iconic a la "Mister" like their sunbaes to really boost them up the girl group social ladder.
"Black Swan" is unfortunately still not that hit song they need, but it's an interesting release nonetheless. I easily got hooked on the "-juseyo" parts and I thought their peekaboo-at-my-shorts move was definitely sexy.
9. Girl's Day - "I Miss You"
I didn't think ballads would be Girl's Day's forte considering that there are pretty much only two actual vocalists in this group (sorry Hyeri, you do make a cute visual, though). While the verses do suffer a bit from Hyeri speaking to a tune, Minah really surprised me by making this whole song come alive. Her voice is high-pitched and thin, but Minah can definitely deliver with her emotionally-packed high notes and ad-libs.
8. Taeyeon - "My Grown Up Christmas List" cover
Taeyeon is hands down one of my favorite singers in K-Pop, and she shines the most when it comes to singing emotional songs like this. It definitely may not be Christmas anymore, but it's never out of season to cheesily want a happier world. Taeyeon definitely delivers when it comes to expressing everyone's bittersweet wish.
7. T-ara - "Sugar Free"
No matter the scandal, T-ara always pumps out some really catchy tunes. The MV for "Sugar Free" is seizure-inducing, but the instrumentals are so high energy and freaking AWESOME that one cannot help but wanna dance along. I definitely suspect MBK Entertainment of recycling the same beat from T-ara's previous song "Number 9." Not that I mind too much; I loved "Number 9," so a "Number 9" 2.0 plus all the redbull and sugar crammed into one song is a welcome addition to the T-ara song roster for me.
6. EXO - "Growl" Remix by DJDoushitekimi
The original was already catchy enough, but when I managed to find this gem of a remix/mashup, I was completely mind-blown. Who knew that "Growl," a song about a group of tough, charming studs, needed an "overdose" (heh heh) of mellow and cute to amplify the fun?! In my head, it didn't make sense, but look what we have here. And hear how awesome it sounds. How can you not like this?
5. EXID - "Up & Down"
I know what you're thinking: "Typical." But you know what? NO SHAME. Like many girls, I was actually very confused when I first watched the Hani fancam. I thought to myself, "What's the big deal? I've seen plenty of hot K-Pop female idols shaking it, and they didn't get millions of views." Well, whatever magic spell Hani's thrusting hips cast, thousands of Koreans and myself are now hooked onto the song. I didn't realize just how much I liked the song until a recent karaoke sessh when I literally shouted every single word and did the dance with such enthusiasm I surprised even myself.
4. David Choi - "All I Need"
Ever since "That Girl," I've liked David Choi for his terribly sad, bittersweet lyrics and the stories they told. As soon as I heard his new song, "All I Need," I liked it instantly. A catchy tune may circle my mind for a few weeks, but great lyrics will stay with me for years and serve as a good, emotional punch in the heart with every listen.
3. G-Friend - "Glass Bead"
Sigh. To be honest, I did not want to like this song. As soon as I saw the MV, I noticed the glaring similarities between "Glass Bead" and Girls' Generation's "Into the New World," from the chorus and the white outfits to the high kick. I was instantly miffed. I know it's not a crime to copy in the world of pop (at least, not to the extent of plagiarism), but I was following some sort of weird SONE mentality that I couldn't like this group lest I would be falling for easy bait and somehow betraying GG.
Eventually, I fell for the trap. I like this song because it reminds me of "ITNW." I am mesmerized by SinB because she reminds me of Jessica. I am ashamed of myself. Still replaying this on my playlist though because it is cute, light, fun, and features some really fun choreography. Sorry GG; I still love "INTW," though!
2. SHINHWA - "Sniper"
This song is all kinds of cool. From the whistling, to the high-pitched croons of the chorus, "Sniper" has me hooked. I am usually not a fan of boy groups, but something about "Sniper" makes Shinhwa sound so attractive and mature, I couldn't help but get sucked into their song. For my review of the whole album, you can go here.
1. 4minute - "Crazy"
As soon as I watched 4minute's MV and heard the song, I was floored. Finally, 4minute was out with another impressive release since "Volume Up." Everything was just badass--from the verses to the chorus--everything. With hottie miss HyunA getting cheeky with the camera; Sohyun backin' it up like a bawss; Jiyoon's bright green hair taking center stage; Gayoon's amazing build up to the chorus; and even Jihyun grabbing all the butts, I loved every moment of it. I actually lived on this song for a straight three days, blasting it on repeat over and over again for hours on end. It's like crack and I'm addicted to it.
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