My Favorite K-Pop Albums of 2019

K-pop's scene is driven by lead singles and heavy promotion of the same song on the endless cycle of music show broadcasts in the country, but that doesn't mean their B-sides off studio works don't deserve attention. Here are some of my favorite K-pop EPs and albums of 2019, by order of release.

1. Treasure EP.2: Zero to One by Ateez

My first taste of Ateez led me to their moody, intense second EP (where they managed to pull off a bandit concept, of all things, for the lead single). It's hard to describe Ateez's music. It's like going on some epic, grand adventure, with the kind of bombast in their sound that never comes off as try-hard or forced. With only five songs, Ateez have established a strong sophomore work that only gets listeners wanting more from the young group.

Standout B-sides: "Hala Hala (Hearts Awakened, Live Alive)" and "Promise"

2. The Dream Chapter: STAR by Tomorrow x Together

Despite (or because of) intense interest from what seems like the entire world, TXT have made the smartest decision in not following BTS's footsteps in any way. What comes is their debut EP, very much rooted in an impeccable bubblegum pop package, with breezy, airy, bubbly synths, stunning vocal harmonies, and strong energy throughout the five tracks. For bubblegum pop that centers mainly on young love and the pains of growing up, the lyrical content is surprisingly complex and poetic. It's so nice to see a group that's so unapologetically innocent, carefree, and sweet. If you're going to do a cute concept, you got to do it like TXT. I didn't think I would enjoy this EP as much as I have, and after listening through it again in July (after not listening to it since it first came out), I've realized just how much staying power this group will have for many years to come. I'm very excited to see what TXT has in store.
Standout B-sides: "Blue Orangeade" and "Our Summer"

3. Clé 1: Miroh by Stray Kids

Stray Kids came back with a personal vengeance on their debut anniversary with the start of a new music era, and Clé 1: Miroh delivered and then some. Very rarely do I see albums that follow a story line as well as Clé 1: Miroh does, and for that alone, this EP deserves the recognition. It definitely doesn't hurt that every single track is amazing.

Standout B-sides: "Entrance", "Victory Song", "Maze of Memories", and "19"

4. Map of the Soul: Persona by BTS

BTS are unarguably the biggest boy band in the world. Further proving how capable they are of doing any concept they want, Map of the Soul: Persona saw the boys take a more lighthearted, less-emo concept, and why not have a good time while we're at it? "Boy with Luv" with Halsey is a certified bop, but BTS always deliver on quality, and the B-sides are no exception.

Standout B-sides: "Intro: Persona", "Make It Right", and "Home"

5. We Are Superhuman by NCT 127

Turning to a sound that is both familiar yet completely new for NCT 127, We Are Superhuman saw the group really giving their vocalists a time to shine, delivering on a flawless body of work stuffed with pure pop melody. Listening to We Are Superhuman is truly an enjoyable experience, and it perfectly distills everything amazing about this 3-year group on the rise in the west while also seeing the group finally leaning into their label's well-known, polished retro-pop sound.

Standout B-sides: "Highway to Heaven", "Fool", and "Jet Lag"

6. Treasure EP.3: One to All by Ateez

The fact that Ateez is showing up twice in this list says enough about my love for this group. Ateez does not disappoint. Period. Embracing the summertime release period, Ateez lean into a breezier, brighter sound with this EP. It shouldn't come to any surprise to anyone that Ateez can do bright, more carefree concepts with ease while still being distinctly Ateez: delightfully weird and unashamedly experimental delivered with polished bombast.

Standout B-sides: "Utopia" and "Aurora"

7. The Book of Us: Gravity by Day6

The ever-consistent band came back with their brightest material yet, perfect for the summertime. Raucous "Time of Our Life" fronts the newest EP from the group, and the B-sides are equally good. Leaning more into pop-rock sounds for this comeback, Day6 take us on an emotional journey through the growing pains of love, life, and learning more about yourself. Day6 just never disappoint. Enough said.
Standout B-sides: "Wanna Go Back" and "Best Part"

8. An Ode by Seventeen

K-pop self-producing idol group Seventeen produce another phenomenal studio album. The genre-exploring tracklist is a doozy. It's incredible that the group still manages to maintain a distinct sound in their songs, despite their musical growth and their deviation from the bubbly, funky-pop sound that they debuted with. There are still hints of old Seventeen in songs like "Snap Shoot" and "Lucky", with the fun chorus and bright production, but it's clear Seventeen are finding themselves comfortable with their EDM sound. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Standout B-sides: "Network Love", "Snap Shoot", "Lucky", and "Happy Ending - Korean Version"

9. Treasure EP.Fin: All to Action by Ateez

Ateez were probably the most prominent rookie boy group this year, with three works released this year alone and three EPs and one studio album released in less than a year after debut. Each of their works have been polished and incredible from start to finish (as evident how every single release of theirs have made it onto my list), and their first studio album is no exception. Lead single "Wonderland" is wonderful (pun intended), but listening to the whole album is a special kind of experience. Ateez have this distinct sound that I allude to many times but have a hard time describing (it's kind of like frenetic percussion married with inventive EDM sounds, creating some pretty epic, stadium-worthy production), but that sound is present on every single track, despite the many different tones and genres they explore in this work.
Standout B-sides: "Dazzling Light" and "WIN"

10. The Dream Chapter: MAGIC by Tomorrow x Together

After 7 months since their debut release, TXT finally come back with another impeccable package of bubblegum pops, slower jams, and sick production. Lead single "Runaway" is excellent (as expected for BigHit), but listening to the whole album is an intensely enjoyable experience. I find myself bopping my head to each of their tracks, and with good reason. TXT have managed to outdo their debut EP in many ways (though let's be real, it's hard to top "Blue Orangeade"), but the sonic progression in the sound is evident in Magic, and that's very promising for a rookie group.
Standout B-sides: "New Rules", "Poppin' Star", "Can't We Just Leave the Monster Alive?", and "20cm"

My Favorite K-Pop Songs of 2019

Another year of great music, another list! Here are my top 19 songs of 2019 from the K-pop world (in no particular order):

1. "Miroh" by Stray Kids

Stray Kids made a triumphant return on the anniversary of their debut with lead single "Miroh", and boy is it a doozy. Pulling influences from African Congo chants to deep house and EDM beat drops, "Miroh" uses them in a way that sounds completely new and fresh. Stray Kids made a huge statement with their debut song "District 9" back in 2018, and "Miroh" is that song's edgier successor. Everything about "Miroh" keeps you on the edge of your seat: the song's unconventional structure, the gargantuan, stadium-worthy deep house beat drop (some of the best beat drops in pop music in general), and the sonic spectacle of it all. What makes Stray Kids so compelling is their high energy tracks, and "Miroh" exemplifies what makes Stray Kids so great in a nutshell. Like they suggest in their music video, Stray Kids are taking over the world.

2. "Boy With Luv" by BTS (ft. Halsey)

Having been taking a small break since their conclusion to their Love Yourself era with Love Yourself: Answer back in August of 2018, BTS has kickstarted a new era to their careers with the release of their new EP and Map of the Soul: Persona and its release of lead single "Boy With Luv", a play off their 2014 single "Boy in Luv" and featuring their longtime Western alt-pop artist friend Halsey. What results a bubbly, pink-infused pop song with an addictive chorus. Basically, I love it. "Boy with Luv" isn't revolutionary nor hard to digest, but that doesn't detract from how great of a song it is. If anything, I guarantee it will lift your spirits instantly.

3. "Highway to Heaven" by NCT 127

A pre-release to their then-upcoming EP We Are Superhuman, "Highway to Heaven" was the perfect sampler to NCT 127's new sound this comeback, and boy did it not disappoint. A satisfying blend of retro-pop and conventional deep-house, "Highway to Heaven" is the kind of anthemic burst of energy that I crave from the group that constantly experiments and pushes themselves to try new sounds in their music. The vocalists, notably Taeil, Doyoung, and Haechan, consistently shine in this track, and Mark and Taeyong's easy-going flow only adds a different yet welcome flavor to the mix. While I love NCT 127's more hip-hop centric sound, the fact that songs like "Highway to Heaven" can showcase the unique vocal talents of the group's many vocalists is a god-send. This song easily tops my favorite NCT 127 songs to date. Go do yourself a favor and listen to this. You won't be disappointed.

4. "Superhuman" by NCT 127

NCT 127's late-May EP We Are Superhuman is seriously some of the group's best work to-date. Call me a bit biased, but I love my straight pop bops, and "Superhuman" fits the bill. NCT 127 have always been the group that is never afraid to try new things, and with its electro-pop leanings (a completely new sound for the group while also a throwback to their label's older sound) "Superhuman" is both completely fresh yet familiar.

5. "Hala Hala (Hearts Awakened, Live Alive)" by Ateez

Rookie group Ateez made a huge splash with international fans during their late-2018 debut. Follow-up EP Treasure EP.2: Zero to One's lead single "Say My Name" is worthy of recognition, but there's something about the demonic B-side "Hala Hala" that I can't seem to shake off, despite it's early release this year. The performance-driven track has a sinister energy in the chorus driven by some truly strange production. "Hala Hala" essentially encapsulates what's so charismatic and enticing about the rookie group, and if they keep it up, the boys are going to see much more success in the future.

6. "Blue Orangeade" by Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

TXT has the unique distinction of being of the same label as bonafide superstars BTS, so the intense interest around the group prior to their debut in early March was inevitable. Boy, did these five (very young and ridiculously talented) boys deliver. With a fresh, bright concept, "Blue Orangeade" gives listeners a sample of the kind of bubbly pop sound that will be further explored in the rest of the EP. "Blue Orangeade" wears its infectious hooks, impeccable production, and the general happy vibes with an ease and comfort that leaves listeners feeling giddy.

7. "Me" by CLC

There's something intensely fierce and bombastic about CLC's "Me" that makes me keep coming back to it. The charisma of the girls combined with the edgy production elevates the song to a different level. While it does sound all over the place upon first listen, repeated listens make you realize just how well the song flows. CLC have delved into more fierce concepts since their success with song "Hobgoblin" followed by "Black Dress" and "No", and "Me" continues that sassy, confident attitude. The song isn't for everyone, but you might be surprised by how much you will take from it if you give it a shot.

8. "Wanna Go Back" by Day6

While lead single "Time of Our Life" is amazing and everything I love about Day6, there's something instantaneously charming about B-side "Wanna Go Back". On the surface, it's a carefree pop melody, but upon reading the lyrics, you realize the emotional weight to it, creating the ultimate Day6 "sad bop". There's something really bittersweet and hard to express when listening to Day6's sadder music, and "Wanna Go Back" encapsulates what I love about this group. Also, this may have gotten on the list because a certain drummer gets a line in the song...

9. "Good to Me" by Seventeen

Seventeen's first 2019 lead single "Home" wasn't a huge hit for me, but there's something about B-side "Good to Me" that's an instant classic and defines Seventeen's discography in my eyes. It's just effortlessly suave, sexy, and catchy, and Seventeen never disappoint.

10. "HIT" by Seventeen

Okay, so if you must know, I'm a huge huge fan of Seventeen, so if the boys are gonna release more than one lead single in a year, more than one of their songs are bound to reach my year-end list. "Hit" is the kind of classic Seventeen that I have missed in their sound: hard-hitting, relentless energy. Seventeen, while exploring genres that deviate from the youthful, boy-ish concept they debuted with, thrive best in the songs that allow them to show their dynamism as one of the industry's best performers. "Hit" encapsulates everything that makes Seventeen so great.

11. "Fancy" by Twice

"Fancy" saw Twice pursuing a more refined sound. Conceptually, "Fancy" was different from any of their previous idiosyncratic, quirky-cutesy concepts, but sonically, it still had that bright sound that's so distinctly Twice. "Fancy" would mark a transition in their sound, as further evidenced by their late-September release "Feel Special". This song was everywhere, from the timelines of K-pop stan twitter to coming out of every speaker in Korea. Despite its overplayed value, "Fancy" is really a phenomenal song, and is one of those songs you would have someone new to the group listen to.

12. "Wonderland" by Ateez

Ateez have had a phenomenal 2019. With their third comeback (they literally debuted last year) and first studio album with the release of lead single "Wonderland", Ateez only continue to show how unique they are. We have rising stars in our midst, and boy do they have the sound to match. Bombastic, epic, suave, and confident, "Wonderland" is everything I love about Ateez while also being completely fresh and new (also, that pre-chorus hook "가자" is literally the best thing to happen in K-pop this year). This is Ateez at its best (until they inadvertently release an even better song).

13. "New Rules" by Tomorrow x Together

Honestly, every song off of TXT's studio album is top-tier, but the first song that gave me "Blue Orangeade" level insta-love (the EP opener) was their album opener "New Rules". It does a phenomenal job of introducing the evolved, slightly more mature TXT, packaged with polished production and top-tier melodies (falsetto Taehyun should be a thing for like, the rest of time).

14. "Deep in Love" by Day6

I'm a bit mixed on Day6's lead single "Sweet Chaos" (it's not their best song), but album opener "Deep in Love" brings some of the most hard rock sound to the Day6 discography that I've heard in what feels like a very long time. It's an amazing way to start off the album, and it's made its way to the top of my very long list of favorite Day6 songs of all time.

15. "Valkyrie" by Oneus

I've heard things about Mamamoo's labelmate and RBW's first male idol dance group throughout their debut year this year, but I didn't even hear a full song from them until close to the end of this year. I'm disappointed I didn't hop on that train earlier, but I can confirm now that their debut song "Valkyrie" is incredible. It's a performance track for sure, but it's bolstered by strong hooks and solid production. Rookie groups this year really made some truly solid debut tracks, and Oneus will surely see themselves grow in their musical journeys.

16. "Dalla Dalla" by Itzy

I spent time debating between the rookie group's debut smash hit or their fresh, retro-tinged summer bop "Icy", but "Dalla Dalla" came out on top. While "Icy" has a phenomenal bass line and is very much a smooth progression from their debut work, I think "Dalla Dalla" still has longer staying power, and I like the melodies a lot more. It's a surprising earworm, and it grows on you very quickly.

17. "Hip" by Mamamoo

Vocal queens Mamamoo came back with a badass, giving-no-f*cks song about their haters AND gave us some amazing choreo too. While I've been aware of Mamamoo's previous discography (especially their several singles in 2018) and play "Wind Flower" repeatedly once the leaves starting changing color this year, "Hip" is an amazing statement piece and captures what makes Mamamoo such a unique girl group. It's just so smooth in its delivery, yet so aggressive at the same time. There's really no song like "Hip", and to hear their older sound blend well with a dance track is K-pop magic.

18. "Snapping" by Chungha

Chungha has been killing it this year. Her star power has been there from the get-go, and I'm glad to see her gain even more attention. "Snapping" capitalizes on what made her first single of 2019 "Getting Go" so alluring, and she amps it up even more. Known for her sharp choreography, she absolutely kills it, but the song holds on its own. The performance makes it dynamite in a bottle.

19. "Violeta" by Iz*One

I think it can be universally acknowledged that the recent scandal involving Mnet and their abuse of power regarding the Produce series has been years in the making, but it nevertheless really sucks that so many young and aspiring artists have to deal with the brunt of this, when they likely had nothing to do with it. Iz*One (especially) have captured a niche in the K-pop and J-pop market, and their songs have been the most consistent among the Produce groups. "Violeta" is higher in energy and just more fun than "La Vie en Rose", and it made for a really solid comeback for this 12-member group. The beat drop is decent, the choreo is top-notch, and it's quite the earworm. This is the group capitalizing on what makes them so appealing.

I hope that you all had a wonderful year, and despite the many tragedies and sad events that happened this year, let's take the time to also think about what made K-pop so great and develop in new ways in 2019, and look forward an exciting new decade of K-pop. Have a happy and safe holiday season everyone!

The Rookies to Keep a Look Out for Next Year

The K-pop industry is constantly debuting new talent every year, and thus, there's always an intense focus on these new groups to see how they do in their first year. Based on their performance this year, I list the three rookies to keep a watch out for in the future.

1. Itzy

JYP's first girl group since their bonafide sister group Twice, Itzy had an amazing 2019. They were one of the fastest female rookie groups to get the coveted music show win, and then went on to win several more of those with their digital song "Dalla Dalla". They repeated that success with quirky summer bop "Icy". Itzy are power girl group personified, full of youthful badass feminine confidence that is honestly really inspiring. Their music grows on you, and that gives the group immense staying power in the years to come. I'm excited to see what they'll release next.

2. Ateez

With a small agency and very little domestic hype, Ateez kind of came from nowhere. However, they've proven time and time again they're here to stay with their raw talent and their ability to capture a niche in the overtly-saturated market, and I've become a fan. With three EPs and one studio album under their belt in under a year since their debut, they've yet to release a bad song, and they're probably one of the most compelling and magnetic performers in the industry. While I'm sure they're not ones to burn out considering how passionate they are about performing, the concerned mom in me hopes they have a nice long hiatus before they come up with even better releases.

3. Tomorrow x Together

The newest group from BigHit Entertainment since the label debuted mega-superstars BTS, TXT have carved their own path and have differentiated themselves from their label-mate. TXT make some fantastic music. Their debut EP is a no-skip, full of bright, energetic pop hits that give you the most exuberant feeling when listening to them. Their first studio album is a natural, more refined progression for the group that synergies with their discography to date. BigHit clearly know what they're doing, and so long as they keep doing what they're doing with TXT, the group will be here for a long time. They're insanely talented, and I'm sure their success as live performers will take them a long way. I hope to see them get more involved in the production of their music in the future.

Honorable Mentions: Everglow, Oneus, and X1

An Essential Listening Guide: Stray Kids

With Stray Kids recently turning one year old and the release of their newest project Clé 1: Miroh, I figured we'd take a look back at some of my favorite tracks of JYP's newest boy group and possibly give anyone who's reading it an introduction to the sonic landscape of Stray Kids. Here are some of the essential Stray Kids songs.

1. "My Pace" (2018) from I Am Who

While I had heard about Stray Kids since their March debut in 2018 (and was consequently blown away by the talent showcased in a group only at the start line of their careers), it wasn't until their comeback release with "My Pace" in August of that year (and their equally impressive B-sides from their sophomore album "I Am Who") that I was sold. Stray Kids doesn't tone it down when it comes to their aggressive sound, but if "District 9" is edgy and serious, "My Pace" is rebellious youthful joy.

2. "해장국 (Hero's Soup)" (2018) from I Am You

Stray Kids embraced a gentler, softer side with their fall release (and last 2018 release) with I Am You, and "해장국 (Hero's Soup)" is the kind of soft, mellow Stray Kids that is rare but warmly welcomed nonetheless. I just really love the lyrics in this. It's sad but showcases Stray Kids' maturity. One of their rappers Felix also has a surprisingly sweet set of (sung!) lines. I shed a little tear whenever I listen to this song.

3. "District 9" (2018) from I Am Not

Marking the group's official debut, boy did these boys make a name for themselves. I was blown away by the group's commitment to their sound and their breath-taking execution of that aggressive, hip-hop + rock + EDM influenced sound. One year later, "District 9" hasn't lost that intensity and energy after many repeated listens.

4. "Rock" (2018) I Am Not

Showcasing the eccentric, weirdly charming energy of Stray Kids, "Rock" is the kind of song you can't not bop your head along. Propelling it's fierce, high-energy vocals is the equally intense, edgy, loud production. "Rock" is a wild ride of a song. It's best if you just hold on for the ride.

5. "19" (2019) from Clé 1: Miroh

Written and composed mainly by Stray Kids' youngest producer Han (born in 2000, which is hard to believe considering how talented the kid is), "19" is the kind of sad bop that perfectly sums up the nostalgic, just-want-to-stop-the-clock mindset one has transitioning to adulthood. Reading the lyrics for the first time really affects you in a lot of ways, and Stray Kids' ability to perfectly sum up how their generation feels is why this group is so great and why this song is deserving for an essential track (at least in my opinion).

6. "M.I.A." (2018) from I Am Who

Another one of those sad bops Stray Kids is so good at making, "M.I.A." is a clever play on words of the English acronym meaning "Missing in Action" and the Korean word 미아 (romanized to mi-ah), which loosely translates to "lost child". This double meaning across languages is meaningful, and the lyrics set up the speaker addressing someone who they no longer recognize anymore. This whole looking-into-the-mirror-and-not-recognizing-yourself theme is "M.I.A." in a nutshell, and it really hits the nail on its head with its emotional impact. I'm not even mad about the auto-tune, because the idea of distortion of the voice fits so well into the lyrical meaning of not even to recognize yourself to the point of even your voice not being recognizable to you.

7. Their EP intros (2018-19) from the I Am Not ("Not!") I Am Who ("Who?"), and Clé 1: Miroh ("Entrance")
Stray Kids' production has always been top-notch, and they've developed a habit thus far of introducing their albums with an atmospheric, thematic intro. Take I Am Not's percussive, old-school hip-hop inspired production and spoken word approach to their intro in "Not!", written and produced by leader Bang Chan. "They say people are born different/But why does it feel like we’re all the same," Bang Chan passionately delivers in the very opening. "Us brainwashed into the same system/They expect perfection/So how can we be different," he continues, before the track (now with the addition of members Seungmin and Lee Know) references other I Am Not tracks such as "Mirror" and "Awaken".

I Am Who's intro "Who?" is like walking into a dream, written by members Han, Felix, and Woojin, and produced by Han. Felix asks the central question to the album in the beginning: "I am WHO/I am WHAT/What’s the reason for my real existence/Don’t know why/Don’t know why". Lyrics in "Who?" that reference I Am Who tracks include "question, question" (a reference to track "Question"), "Tonight too, thinking through the night/Sleepless night, insomnia" ("Insomnia"), "voice, voice" ("Voices"), and "I lost my path like a lost child" ("M.I.A.").

Last but not least is "Entrance" from Clé 1: Miroh, produced by Bang Chan. Chan speaks in French, asking "Où suis-je?Quelle est cette grande porte que je viens d'entrer?" which roughly translates to "Where am I? What is this great door that I have just entered?" This not only connects with the album's title (clé in French means "key"), but it also establishes our album's concept and the setting this album's story takes place. The Congo drums and the vocal samples from the other tracks on the EP blend into a truly awe-inspiring instrumental track, as if one has entered a city jungle. In the words of their label's founder Park Jinyoung himself, "high quality for no reason".

8. "극과 극 (N/S)" (2018) from I Am You

While I Am You was less edgy overall and showcased Stray Kids' softer, brighter sides to their personalities and dynamics as a group, the boys threw in "N/S" for the heck of it and obliterated all of their fans with a track rapped by all members of the group. "N/S" is nothing but good fun and their low-budget music video filmed in the streets of Bangkok, Thailand is a reflection of that. Highlight of the track has to go to the battle-of-the-deepest-raps-in-K-pop section between lead rapper Felix and main rapper Changbin.

9. "Miroh" (2019) from Clé 1: Miroh

While I have loved everything Stray Kids has had to offer in 2018, I sort of missed the edgy, fierce energy of their debut song "District 9" that was missing off the their lead single in their previous EP I Am You. "Miroh" is a sort of callback to where it all started with Stray Kids, with the release of this track on their one-year anniversary far from coincidental. "Miroh" is an eccentric dance track, ruled by unconventional song structure and shot with a jolt of intense energy that culminates in the head-banging EDM chorus drop. It's fun and wild and very much Stray Kids, and you'll have to listen to it again and again to even begin to understand the complexities of the track.

Honorable Mentions: Their Mixtape tracks (aka pre-debut material): "Hellevator" and "YAYAYA"

2018 K-Pop in Review: Favorite Songs

2018 was the year I truly got into K-pop. While I haven't been around for too long, I've definitely exposed myself to a decent amount of new music this past year that I've fallen in love with. Here are my favorite K-pop songs of 2018 in no particular order:

1. “Shine” by Pentagon

“Shine” by ridiculously underrated boy group Pentagon is one of the best comeback songs of 2018. It’s spurred a viral, fervent response from many idols that eventually led to positive word-of-mouth and the group charting both domestically and internationally for the first time ever. It’s hard not to fall in love with this song. There’s nothing seriously complex going on, with the production opting for brassy, minimalistic synths, piano, and verbal cues as percussive instruments, yet the song never delves into mainstream, and it’s never tiring even as it remains incredibly catchy and a massive earworm. The song is a breath of fresh air, which is fitting, given that the song is about the euphoric and heart-fluttering feelings of unrequited love and the awkwardness of not having the courage to express them. Even as I say this, I don’t think I’ve properly expressed how magical of a song this is. You’d have to check it out yourself to get what I mean.

2. “Baby Don’t Stop” by NCT U

Oh, where to begin. If you’re new to this blog, just know I’ve been obsessed with this song the moment it was released all the way back in late February of this year. Everything about this song is just unreal. S.M. Entertainment definitely has their long history of poor choices, but if there’s one thing they did right, it’s making Taeyong and Ten an NCT U lineup and letting this song see the light of day. It’s extra exciting for fans to see Ten again, who hasn't played such a big role in NCT releases since he debuted with NCT U's debut song "The 7th Sense" all the way back in 2016. I continue to be surprised by the breadth of talents that the duo possess, and this song perfectly showcases these two incredibly charismatic members and their natural and explosive chemistry in ways that are beyond engaging. They are performers that transcend the concept of performance itself. The production starts off simple before delving into a playful, sprawling soundscape backed by an intense bass track, 8-bit sounding synth instrumentals, and other unconventional percussion to support Ten’s smooth (and shockingly good) vocals, the ASMR-like, passionately whispered chorus, Taeyong’s deep, gravelly rap as well as his surprisingly light vocals, and the mesmerizing choreography. The song is quirky and unique and unconventional, yet it just works. As expected of arguably NCT’s best performers.

3. “Yestoday (Extended Version)” by NCT U

I’ve always maintained the opinion that NCT U (with its whole concept being a rotational unit that switches member lineups with each song so as to have the best lineup of members that fit the concept of the song) is the superior NCT unit, and with good reason: even when the group throws it back to 90’s-vibe hip-hop, what comes out is still magnificent and surprisingly emotional. Stripping the usual theatrics associated with NCT's previous releases, the song focuses on the unique flows and delivery of rappers Taeyong, Mark, and Lucas in their verses. Complementing the three rappers is main vocalist Doyoung, who has been given deserved opportunities to showcase his vocal talents this past year. He effortlessly weaves the rappers’ disparate verses with his voice, crafting a sort of dreamy, contemplative, almost heartbreaking song about coming to terms with our past selves in order to build a brighter future.

4. "My Pace" by Stray Kids

It was a toss-up between the rookie group's aggressive and angsty debut song "District 9" or their equally aggressive yet more playful comeback "My Pace". JYP's rookie boy group is truly one of the most promising and exciting groups of this year, and their debut was equally confident and distinct, but I think it was there comeback song "My Pace" that really solidified my genuine love for the group. The song, simply put, is just fun. The rappers of the group cap off their impressive debut bars with different flows and styles at play, diversifying the group's musical and rhythmic palette. For the sake of context, I've always thought Stray Kids was the perfect marriage of what makes self-producing group Seventeen and hip-hop-and-western-influenced group BTS so great, yet "My Pace" shows that the boys are here to make a mark for themselves. Why not have a little bit of fun along the way?

5. "I Want You" by SHINee

SHINee came back after a year and a half (and unfortunately, without the presence of late member Jonghyun, who passed away in December of 2017) with deep house-influenced, suave track "I Want You", the second single of their three-part release schedule. It's a feel-good song, showcasing the members well-known charisma in their performances. Above all, the song proves why this ten-year-old group are considered the princes of K-pop. SHINee elevate any material they touch, and "I Want You" is no exception.

6. "The Truth Untold" by BTS (feat. Steve Aoki)

BTS admittedly doesn't have the strongest vocalists in K-pop (nothing wrong with that; the group debuted with a more hip-hop influenced sound anyway), but their singers Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have probably the most distinct voices in K-pop. Even that said, "The Truth Untold", a stripped-back, emotional, powerful ballad, is arguably Love Yourself: Tear's strongest moment. To add another layer of surprise is the fact that EDM hype-king Steve Aoki (who remixed BTS's loud and bombastic "Mic Drop" into something even more energetic and aggressive) produced this song. You can clearly tell how much BTS's vocalists have grown musically since their last comeback, and this song is a testament to that growth.

7. "Oh My!" by Seventeen

After exploring slightly more aggressive and melancholy influences with their 2017 comebacks, self-producing idol kings Seventeen came back with a refreshing, bubbly concept with "Oh My!", a perfect time for summer. It's a welcome throwback to the material that Seventeen became known for (ex: "Pretty U"), yet also introduces new sounds to the group's already diverse musical palette. It's never a disappointment with Seventeen.

8. "Shoot Me" by Day6

For the time being, I'll have to stick Day6 with K-pop, but I am aware that they are more of a K-rock group (though you could argue that their songs are more pop-rock if anything). Technicalities aside, Day6's long-awaited 2018 Korean comeback came with the bravado that was expected of a song title as "Shoot Me". The band has toyed with a harder rock sound with their Every Day6 project in 2017 ("I Wait", "How Can I Say", etc.), but "Shoot Me" stands out for just how far the band has pushed for their new sound. For one thing, Day6 has yet to disappoint fans on a single release, so it's no surprise "Shoot Me" has made its way on this list, but it's deserved nonetheless. The rest of the songs on the album are equally good, so this is another chance for me to tell you to listen to the entire album (and then their entire discography because they are THAT good).

9. "Lullaby" by GOT7

As much as I genuinely respect Got7's talents and chemistry as a group, I always found myself disappointed by their generally mellow-impact discography of the past few years (they were okay at best, generally stale at worst). With their third full-album comeback with Present: YOU and title track "Lullaby", Got7 finally nailed down the kind of synth-breezy, dance-funk sonic landscape they attempted to achieve with "Look". In short, "Lullaby" is Got7's best song in years. The hook of "sweet talk to me babe/it's magical" is an instant classic of a hook, immediately leaving a lasting impression (I could not stop singing it to myself for at least a good month after the song's release), and one that won me over with this song in general. While one song isn't enough to guarantee a group's return to form, I welcome the crystallization of the group's sound for the first time in years. I'd also suggest you check out the track's three other language versions (in addition to Korean, the track is also sung in English, Chinese, and Spanish).

10. "Candy (so good)" by The Rose

More of a band, less of an idol group, but we'll have to make do. Relatively new band The Rose released their debut EP "Void" in April of 2018, and less-than-three-minute track "Candy (so good)" made the strongest impression on me. Reminiscent of  The 1975, "Candy (so good)" is the kind of breezy indie rock that makes you want to listen to it again and again.

11. "City 127" by NCT 127

I have mixed feelings regarding the now-ten member group's title track "Regular" off their first full-length studio album Regular-Irregular. Oddly enough, "Regular" is probably on the album's weaker songs, especially considering B-side tracks "Come Back", "My Van", "No Longer", and "Replay (1:27 PM). The song I can't stop listening to is the first song in the album "City 127", which so clearly brings to mind autumn, late-night walks in the city. Taeyong and Mark trade verses that offer lighter, breezier fare from normally hard-hitting raps in most NCT 127 discography. The vocal harmonies are also delightfully simple yet effective in their delivery, and the whistling in the background just rounds off this perfect track.

12. "Jealousy" by Monsta X

Talk about a god-tier chorus. "Jealousy" freewheels between so many disparate genres, but somehow it works incredibly well in this song. Monsta X has been a relatively recent discovery of mine, and I must say I love pretty much everything about this song by the group.

13. "Idol" by BTS

The boys surprised everyone with their off-the-walls track "Idol", dialing up the incredibly idiosyncratic energy that BTS is known for and coming up with a track that arrives with one of the most freeing, climatic choruses of their recent discography. Favorable comparisons have been made to their equally bold "Not Today". I love "Idol" for how weird it is and for how much it embraces that weirdness, fitting for a song ultimately about how the boys of BTS view themselves and how they've learned to love themselves, a perfect bombastic conclusion to their introspective and thoughtful Love Yourself series. Also of note is the traditional Korean elements the boys incorporate into the production, choreography, and music video visuals, implying to fans and the general public of how distinctly proud the members of BTS are about their Korean heritage and how proud they are to represent their country as they hit higher and more international stages.

14. "Tempo" by EXO

Everything about this song is perfect with exception to what sounds like bed squeaks in the chorus. I love the song's funky leanings, sounding two steps away from some polished Korean barbershop quartet music. The EXO comeback was a long time coming, and "Tempo" reminds everyone why EXO remains relevant to this day. It's just fun and light and addictive.

15. "Not That Type" by Gugudan

I know literally nothing about this Jellyfish Entertainment girl group other than the some of the former I.O.I members, but I've heard nothing but high praise for Gugudan's recent comeback, so I checked it out. This song delivers and more. It's the kind of power anthem I need in 2018 while not taking itself too seriously. It's enjoyable, energetic, and a really good time. Gugudan, I'm watching you.

16. "Bad Boy" by Red Velvet

This song is nothing short of legendary. While this uniquely dual concept girl group has done "velvet" concepts (aka their more R&B, less bubblegum pop style) in the past, "Bad Boy" is their most "velvet" yet, completely throwing away any hints of anything particularly cute or approachable and embodying the sort of badass Red Velvet that paid off in spades. The production is impeccable, approaching this concept with the kind of minimalism that kicked off 2018 with a bang. The attention this song received is well-deserved. "Bad Boy" is Red Velvet at its best.

17. "Woman" by BoA

The Goddess of K-Pop came back with her first full-length studio album in years this year with lead single "Woman", a perfect blend of groovy bass, sharp confidence, and female empowerment. Despite being in the industry for almost two decades (if you were born in the 21st century, she's been a K-pop star longer than you've been alive) and being sidelined by newer acts, BoA continues to prove what makes her legendary with this song that manages to show off another side of the incredibly versatile performer.

18. "Siren" by Sunmi

Sunmi's new singles after departing JYP Entertainment have been nothing short of extraordinary. From song of summer 2017's "Gashina" to January's incredible "Heroine" to late summer's 80's inspired "Siren", Sunmi has shown time and time again how incredible of a performer she is. "Siren" really took the cake, though, with its infectious hooks and production as well as Sunmi's mesmerizing performance.

Those have been my favorite eighteen K-pop songs of 2018! This year has been an incredible year for me, and here's to an exciting 2019!