Modern K-pop had its roots traced back to 1992 when Seo Taiji and the Boys brought about a revolution in the Korean music industry by bringing performance-based tracks to Korean broadcasts.
They made a groundbreaking appearance on the MBC music program with their track "I Know." This group's innovative fusion of Korean ballad melodies with New Jack Swing, rap, and dance music not only astonished the general public but also resonated with young people eager to embrace contemporary Western culture.
Over the years, K-pop has transformed from a small entity into a multi-billion-dollar industry and global phenomenon that we know today, transcending generations and cultures.
Recently, Rolling Stone Magazine released an article handpicking the 100 greatest songs in K-pop history. Starting with rank 100 was AKMU's "200%," which was beloved by the public as the sibling duo "brought an indie-pop sensibility to the Korean mainstream."
Other memorable tracks that made the list were Busker Busker's "Cherry Blossom Ending" at rank 96, GFriend's "Me Gustas Tu" at rank 91, (G)I-DLE's "Tomboy" at rank 81, EXID's "Up & Down" at rank 75, BTS' "I Need U" at rank 52, 2PM's "Hands Up" at rank 44, EXO's "Growl" at rank 34, Lee Hyori's "10 Minutes" at rank 24, NewJeans' "Ditto" at rank 19.
The track to top them all was Girls' Generation's "Gee"!
Rolling Stone explained, "This enduring hit overflows with rapidly repeated syllables, every utterance becoming an onomatopoeic expression of joy. That bolsters how the song wields aegyo (a Korean term for cutesy behaviors and speech) as a dizzying, maximalist aesthetic. Like no other K-pop song before it — or since — it’s a pure distillation of the giddiness of infatuation."
As Rolling Stone aptly stated, "Gee" undoubtedly ranks among the greatest tracks from the 2nd generation of K-pop idols, captivating countless listeners and transforming them into devoted fans.
The Top 10:
1. Girls' Generation - Gee
2. H.O.T - Candy
3. IU - Good Day
4. BTS - Spring Day
5. Cho Yong Pil - Short Hair
6. BLACKPINK - Ddu-Du Ddu-Du
7. BIGBANG - Haru Haru
8. 2NE1 - I Am The Best
9. Seo Taiji and Boys - I Know
10. Wonder Girls - Tell Me
I like "Gee" and the Rolling Stone description is on point. Buuuuut it's not my favorite by Girls' Generation; "Genie" is.
And as far as which one I consider is the greatest is probably within SHINee's discography. I'm just not sure which one. 🥰
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