January 2018 in Music

I hope you enjoyed the "Month in Music" posts of 2017 and now that the year has wrapped up it's time to begin again! Here are my top songs from January!

1. Diana Wang - Only Man

Mandarin

Released: January 3rd

Diana Wang has been dropping singles here and there since last September. They are all from her latest album "Poem", which was released at the end of November. I have been enjoying listening to the songs off "Poem" and was glad she released another music video. "Only Man" is what Diana Wang has mastered lately - smooth R&B. Shes sings to her "only man" and confesses that she is focused solely on him as if he were the main protagonist of a story.
Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2.5/5

2. Monsta X - Spotlight

Japanese

Released: January 10th

Early in January, Monsta X revealed their third Japanese single. "Spotlight", despite not being in their native Korean, still captures the typical style of Monsta X. It has explosive synths and a hip-hop beat that makes it very reminiscent of the group's 2015 debut song "Trespass".
Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4/5

3. Chungha - Rollercoaster

Korean

Released: January 17th

One of my favorite rookies of 2017 made her first comeback since her debut. "Roller Coaster" is a 90s inspired contemporary R&B track that showcases the cool and girly sides of Chungha. It's quite different from her hit "Why Don't You Know", but Chungha suits the genre well and is on the road to finding her own sound as a soloist. I find the smooth intro and the two-step rhythm of "Rollercoaster" very attention-grabbing, but the chorus feels too generic. For this reason, I think the music video is much better than the actual song. The neon-lit dance scenes capture Chunga's effortless charisma very well.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 4.5/5

4. Sunmi - Heroine

Korean

Released: January 18th

Months after her summer hit "Gashina", Sunmi graced us with another single that was also produced by YG composer Teddy. "Heroine" is meant to be the prequel of "Gashina" and the two music videos have a clear connection. In "Heroine", Sunmi claims that both people in a relationship should be themselves even if doing so results in a break-up. She might experience a sad ending and break up with her man, but she'll become her own heroine because, as she repeats throughout, "the show must go own". 

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3.5/5

5. Jonghyun - Shinin'

Korean

Released: January 23rd

One month following Kim Jonghyun's tragic suicide, SM Entertainment released his final album that he recorded just before his passing. His posthumous album was titled "Poet | Artist", a very appropriate title since Jonghyun was an avid singer-songwriter/composer who communicated through his music. "Shinin'" is the lead single off the album and is an enjoyable mix of electronic and tropical sounds. Through his final release, Jonghyun seems to convey double meanings. "Shinin" is about wanting to always be with the girl he loves, but there is also the underlying message that Jonghyun will always be with listeners and live on through his music. *I won't give a number-rating/review and, instead, I'll just enjoy the wonderful music. 

6. IKON - Love Scenario

Korean

Released: January 25th

IKON only had a double single to show for 2017, and even though I enjoyed it, many listeners were left underwhelmed - as apparent by its lack of commercial success. This time, the group is back with a full-album of mellower genres and the lead single "Love Scenario" is placed firmly at #1 on various charts! The seven members reverted back to a "boy next door" concept that is similar to what they had in "My Type" and "#WYD". Most interestingly, "Love Scenario" has the sensitivity of a break-up song but also the cheeriness of a love song. This is because the lyrics speak of a past failed relationship, while the melody is light and fun.  

Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

Sources

Info:1,4,5a,b

Images: 1,*,*,4,5,6

"*" are screencaps I made myself