1. AA - So Crazy
Definitely one of the best debut songs I have heard so far! The piano intro in front really got me and I really like the raps! The members definitely have good vocals as seen from their live performances. The only thing that I don't like about this song is the choreography. The body waves are so weird and this song definitely deserves a better dance. I'm looking forward to their next comeback in February, I hope they don't change their style!
2. MYNAME - Message
I'd be the first to admit that the lyrics and the meaning of the song are kind of noobish and all, but hey, the tune's really catchy. And I really like the b-boy dancing in the music video. It is just a shame that the only b-boying they do in live performances are Seyong's handstand and backflip. My favourite part of the song is the rap haha JunQ's so cute.
P.S. The 'you got a messaji' part is my current message ringtone. Don't judge!
3. Block B - Freeze
Having roots in Hip Hop, Block B is definitely one group to watch out for. I really like the edge to this song and it stands out from the cute and happy songs that most companies choose as the debut single for groups. Love the stage presence, love the attitude, love the song. And I personally Cho PD did a great job in choosing people for the group - the three rappers have such different voices and it is so easy to tell them apart. I really have high expectations of them!
4. B1A4 - Only Learned Bad Things
I have been noticing B1A4 ever since their cartoon teaser pictures were released because it was really...special. Their debut song, O.K. really got me hooked but it was not until I heard this song that I became a BANA(na). I love the meaning of the song, love the beat, and I love it that Baro is the main character in the music video. The members are starting to compose their own songs and it can be seen from their 2nd mini album, it B1A4. I hope their next work will be more like their first mini album though because there are more genres and it also shows their versatility in tackling different genres.
5. MBLAQ - I Don't Know
No music video for this song but it is my favourite track from their Mona Lisa mini album. It has this quirky feel to it and G.O.'s falsettos never fail to get me. The live performances are really enjoyable as well because just look like they are having lots of fun. Oh by the way I love Cheondung in blonde hair *_*
6. X-5 -Don't Put On An Act
Having an average height of 185cm, these boys really stand out (literally) from other rookie groups. This debut song really attracted me and I really liked it from the first time I heard it. And I liked them even more after seeing them perform it live. Their comeback 'Dangerous' really disappointed me though. It sounds quite bleah and their first performance of the song was a big flop for me. But well I do give them credit for being able dance quite nicely considering their height because most tall people tend to look a little awkward while dancing.
7. U-Kiss - Neverland
I only really started taking notice of U-Kiss when 0330 was released because well, it has a nice piano melody and nice orchestration at the back and I thought it was a brilliant song (until I got sick of it because of the constant replaying). Neverland was released after that and I loved it! A really different image from 0330 but honestly guyliner and songs in a minor key really attract me in K-Pop. Haha I don't even know why. The dance is really nice too and it matches the song really well. I still refuse to call myself a Kiss-Me though...what a stupid-sounding fandom name hahaha.
8. DBSK - How Can I
My favourite song from HoMin's Keep Your Head Down album which was released after the whole DBSK and SM fiasco. Changmin's and Yunho's voices blend really well during live performances of this song and hearing it during the fanmeet last year made me fall in love with the song even more.
9. Miss A - Goodbye Baby
Hands down one of the best music videos in 2011. I love how this comeback had a totally different style to past singles like Breathe and Bad Girl Good Girl. It is by far, to me, the best Miss A song that has been produced and performed. Great concept, great choreography, great song, great year for Miss A.
P.S. The fact that JYP has to mention himself in all his productions still annoys me lol.
10. BEAST - Fiction
Yet another breakthrough for another group, Fiction has established itself as one of the most memorable and best songs of 2011 - from the vocals needed to conquer this song, to the really-hard-to-master penguin dance. This album was also the album that we saw really obvious vocal improvement from Dongwoon, and it was also a great album in all. The songs flow very well and it is one of those K-Pop albums which I can listen to over and over again.
11. BEAST - On Rainy Days
Also from the 'Fiction & Fact' album, here's my favourite track of BEAST this year! This is my favourite performance of this song from them, guess why? (here's a hint: skip to 2:30) The things I love most about this song are the tune, meaning of the lyrics, the ad-libs, the cough just before Junhyung's rap, Dongwoon's part..basically everything. Hahaha.
12. Brown Eyed Girls - Sixth Sense
I tend to prefer songs with attitude when it comes to upbeat female songs, and this song - it's just overflowing with that. The music video is full of symbolism - from the art on the walls, Miryo being chained up with mics in front of her (meaning that she is being controlled to say stuff), etc. BEG are portrayed as fierce and confident women here and it is hella sexy, unlike some other artist *cough* who has a solo release with a different kind of 'pop' *cough* if you know what I mean. And of course, when you think of Sixth Sense, you can't forget the three high notes by Jea, Ga-in and Narsha. Crazehhhh!
13. JS & Hyuna - Trouble Maker
One of the most controversial songs and music videos, and also one of the most anticipate comebacks (following the hot kiss during MAMA) of 2011, is this sexy dance number by Hyunseung and Hyuna. I personally like the whole concept of this song - it's different from other K-Pop songs, and it's well, daring. Hyunseung is really suited for concepts like these and he somehow has this groove for songs like this. I still think that Hyuna doesn't have that kind of mature sexiness for this song but it's not her fault since she's so young. But in any case I still love the song and I like the performances a lot.
14. 2NE1 - I Am the Best
When it comes to being badass, not many can hold a candle to 2NE1. I Am The Best is a very empowering song and the music video just shows all sorts of badass from the four girls. Also a song that a DJ should spin during K-Pop clubbing events, this song is excellent at bringing up the atmosphere. I remember screaming my lungs out when they performed this at last year's Korean Music Wave - fanchants, the 'bombaratata's, everything. This is the K-Pop cult's anthem!
15. 2NE1 - Ugly
Also from 2NE1, here's my favourite song from them! The lyrics are full of meaning and I think that it is an excellent song to jam to. The music video doesn't full make sense to me - it's very badass for a song which portrays low self-esteem but I guess that's 2NE1's style. By the way I love all their tops in the music video. And one day I'm going to play with glow-in-the-dark paint too.
16. FT Island - I Confess
My favourite track from their 'Return' mini album. Written by leader Jonghun for Primadonnas, the meaning of the song is so sweet and...it's a perfect confession song. Heh. All the members sing inside as well, which is a bonus. The tune's really sweet too. And the song means a lot to me. So, yeah. I love this song. Gonna hear it live soon and I absolutely can't wait! Hehe.
17. FT Island - Like the Birds
Although this is a remake song, FT Island truly made it their own. Seunghyun and Jaejin are not the best at rapping but their rapping is really adorable hahaha. I love the build-up of this song - how it starts out as a soothing acoustic piece and slowly gets more exciting to something 'jam-worthy'. I can't wait for 15th Jan! And of course their next comeback!
18. Big Bang - Cafe
So when I was listening through all six tracks of their 4th Mini Album for the first time, my chain of thoughts was "mhmm, nice, nice, nice, nice, nice, HOLY I LOVE THIS SONG!" Hahaha. It's something you wouldn't really expect to hear from Big Bang but they absolutely nailed it! I especially enjoy their live performances of this song. Just like what the song title says, it sounds really Cafe-ish with all the falsettos in the song. Ah after listening to this song I think I'd like a cup of Cappuccino brb!
19. Big Bang - Stupid Liar
Released in the Special Edition album which I bought because of the cool packaging. At first I felt that it was just an 'okay' song but after a few listens I realised that I really like it! I never liked auto-tuned voices but GD's auto-tuned voice is really nice LOL I don't even know.
20. Big Bang - Love Song
The best songs of 2011 definitely must include Big Bang's Love Song. It also is one of the best music videos - known for its one-take filming. Another thing that makes this music video special is its black and white concept. And the lyrics are so sad! Aiyo 'nuff said, I just absolutely love this song - probably my next favourite Big Bang after Haru Haru.
21. Nam Woohyun - Time
One of my favourite tracks of Infinite's first full length album and this obviously has to go on this list because it's...Woohyun. Lol yeah I'm biased like that. But anyway, I really love Woohyun's voice and he did amazing in this performance. The melody and lyrics of the song match really well and he expresses it perfectly. The song still pulls at my heartstrings even after so long oh Woohyun will you sing this to me? Hahaha!
P.S. The last four are all by Infinite. Haha yes I'm biased like that.
22. Infinite - Can U Smile
Their follow-up song after Nothing's Over. Having a very different feel from all the previous songs they promoted, I really enjoy the laid back feel of the song. I really like how this song showcases all of their vocals even though Sungjong and Sungyeol still have really little lines T_T
23. Infinite - Be Mine
The song which brought Infinite's popularity to an all time high - Be Mine! Still retaining the Infinite edge and essence to this comeback, it is probably one of their most 'pop'-ish songs - and you know lots of people like it when Infinite was able to win #1 on M!Countdown with this song.
24. Infinite - Paradise
Definitely one of my favourites from them, Paradise! When the music video came out, it seemed like a comeback in which they wouldn't be dancing - since the music video doesn't have any dancing, and it is also a relatively slow song. Once again, however, Infinite impressed me with their very first live performance of this song. For some reason I really love the dance (it's not the hip thrusts lol), I don't even know why. Maybe it is just the fluidity and their execution of the dance.
25. Infinite - Voice of My Heart
My favourite song of Infinite and probably one of my top K-Pop favourites ever. What I love most about this song is that every member gets to sing a substantial number of lines and not like just one phrase or something. It has a beautiful melody and beautiful lyrics. And it never fails to touch me. I really do want to hear this song live really badly. Their vocals may not be up-to-par to fully express this song yet, but I'm sure as they spend more time in the industry, as singers, as Infinite, they will surely be able to produce even better and tear-jerking performances.
P.S. Sungjongie-ah, Woohyun-ah! Uljima!
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So, these are my top 25 K-Pop songs which have kept me company for the whole of last year. I am looking forward to more good music this year - SHINee's comeback, Big Bang's comeback, EXO's debut, the new group by YG. It's not only K-Pop though which I am looking forward too though - Boys Like Girls' and Faber Drive's records are coming out soon. This is definitely gonna be a great music year for me, and I hope, for you too :)
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