December in Music

2017 came to a close and wrapped up nicely with some winter-themed songs and special collaborations. Here are my favorite releases from December.

1. K.A.R.D - Trust Me

Korean

Released: December 6th

KARD's second mini-album was released in November, with two duet versions of this song. A month later, KARD unexpectedly dropped the promotional version of "Trust Me" that includes all four members. In this R&B ballad, the girls and guys are trying to stabalize their relatationship by gaining trust and affection. It's not working though, and this song marks the beginning of the end. "Trust Me" is the prequel to "You In Me", and if you remember, the story does not have a happy ending.
Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 2.5/5
  

2. BTS - Crystal Snow

Japanese

Released: December 6th

"Crystal Snow" is an exclusively Japanese single that was sold with the Japanese versions of DNA and Mic Drop. It is a soft love song, that is very comparable to another one of BTS's songs - Spring Day. Both releases focus and capture the essence of winter and spring, respectfully, and use metaphors to make a point. The lyrics of "Crystal Snow" compare love to snow - BTS want to grab a hold of their love, but it keeps melting or slipping away. The song also mentions unrequited love which further explains why love is eluding them. My favorite thing about this song is it's lyrics - the emotions and meaning are articulated very well!
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - N/A

3. Blackpink - So Hot

Korean

Released: December 25th

As a special stage for the 2017 SBS Gayo Daejun Awards, Blackpink performed a cover of Wonder Girl's "So Hot". Considered a k-pop classic, the 2008 Wonder Girls song was rearranged and given a new hip-hop flair by YG producer Teddy Park. Blackpink truly delivered "So Hot" in their own style with all-English raps and their trademark "Blackpink in your area!"
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - N/A

4. EXO - Universe

Korean and Mandarin Versions

Released: December 26th

EXO kept their annual tradition and released a "winter special" album for the season. "Universe" is truly heartwarming in both it's sound and aesthetic. The sentimental rock ballad is about searching the ends of the universe to find their lover and never letting go of cherished memories. The theme of the whole music video is the making and enjoyment of coffee. EXO are dressed in cappiccino colored clothes and sing solemnely with earnest hearts. As far as beverages go, people often associate hot chocolate with the winter season, but as it turns out, coffee is very appropriate too!
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 5/5

5. Meng Jia - #MOOD (Feat. Jackson Wang)

Mandarin

Released: December 27th

Meng Jia and Jackson Wang partnered up for a collab that promotes a happy mood and relaxation! Jia sings about the little things in life that give you a good feeling such as waking up without an alarm clock and allowing your thoughts to wander freely. This collaboration is even more fun because these two artists are former labelmates - Jackson is a member of JYP group Got7 and Jia used to be a member of JYP group Miss A.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

6. All SM Artists - Dear My Family

Korean

Released: Decemver 29th

"Dear My Family" is the last SM Station song of 2017 and includes all the SM Town acts such as Red Velvet, f(x), Super Junior, EXO, and BOA. Most notably, the song includes the late Kim Jonghyun of Shinee, who passed away on December 18th. "Dear My Family", by itself, is beautiful because of  the great vocals and warm message. But considering the circumstances of Jonghyun's death, the song is even more significant because it acts as a homage to the late singer.
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

Sources

Info: 1,2,6

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6.