Top K-pop Songs of 2016

2016 came and went, leaving a plethora of great songs behind. I must say, last year had its share of negatives: many of my favorite groups including 2NE1, f(x) and Girls' Generation were absent, Big Bang didn't drop their release until the end of December and a lot of amazing groups disbanded. On the bright side, groups such as BTS showed their immense growth, Twice convinced Korea that they are the "nation's girl group" and SM Entertainment kicked off their SM Station music project. I was also very happy to see new groups like Blackpink and NCT debut and group members like f(x)'s Luna and Girls' Generation's Tiffany have their solo debut.

Anyway, here are my absolute favorites of this year. My list is a little belated because I just couldn't decide on the order! All are title-tracks and the ranking is based only on the song because I don't necessarily like or watch the music video. Finally, this is my opinion, but feel free to comment on your favorites!

18. Luna - Free Somebody

Luna debuted as a soloist with this funky house track, that is equally futuristic and retro. Free Somebody is about sharing someone's dreams with the world. There is a mixture of piano and edm, while the music video is a mixture of cartoon and chromatic film. Be sure to check out the full album, it is just as great!

17.  Nu'est - Overcome

Overcome, from their album 'Q is', is Nu'est's first release in 18 months. It's the average k-pop song, but the greater-than-average vocals make it worth listening. I liked Nu'est's debut song and they've caught my attention once more with this. In my opinion, the "knight is shining armor" theme adds a nice touch as well.

16. Ladies' Code - Rain

Ladies' Code are left 'drenched' after a rainstorm-like relationship. This group was once known for their groovy music, but Rain is mature and melancholy. There's elegant piano, haunting electronic elements and solemn vocals. Perfection, and the music video is very pretty too!

15. Block  B - Toy

I was really impressed with Toy which was written and composed by Block B's leader, Zico. The narrator of the song is suffering from a parasitic relationship in that his girlfriend receives love and affection without giving any in return. She is just using him, and the guy knows that soon, he will be thrown away like a toy. As far as Block B songs go, Toy is in a class of its own. Rather than their normal loud, bodacious sound, this is rather reserved.

14. Lee Hi - Hold My Hand

Lee Hi showed us her inner 'seoulite' hipster. Hold My Hand is a simple jazz-pop number with a substantial amount of English. She has made music in the soul genre since her debut, and even though Lee Hi's voice is more mature, she's still just as playful!

13. Jun.K - Think About You

As the main vocalist of 2PM, Jun.K has a lot of potential for a successful solo career. This track, which is a r&b ballad with hip-hop elements, is proof. In short, Think About You is a passionate apology and a confession to the person who is on his mind.

12. K.A.R.D. - Oh Na Na

Only once in a blue moon, do you see a 'co-ed' k-pop group like K.A.R.D debut. These rookies are a group of two female vocalists and two male rappers. Their tropical house track is making waves, despite the lack of hype promotions. I love the combination of exotic reggae elements and electronic dance. Before the end, you'll hum to the rhythm of Oh Na Na. Don't miss out!

11. EXO - Monster

For each of their releases, EXO puts on a new persona while keeping their signature style. In Monster, EXO are rough rebels. Their hard exterior makes them seem unapproachable to the girl, hence the term 'monster'. That won't stop them though as they creep into her heart just like this song will!

10. Taeyeon - Why

Why is a trendy, summer song with an ambiguous genre. There's r&b, acoustic guitar and edm all woven into this track. Also, in the third quarter of the song, there's some whistle-ly synths. Overall, I liked this side of Taeyeon! It seems that she stepped out her comfort zone of ballads and gave us something totally unexpected.

 9. Blackpink - Playing With Fire

At a time when 2NE1 and 4minute are gone, Blackpink bring to the table what other girl-groups don't: music without a defining concept. Most other girl-groups are either cute/child-like or flirtatious. Blackpink are neither or both, depending on how you look at them, Playing With Fire showcases their natural charisma with a catchy, tropical house composition. The girls' vocals are displayed throughout and there is a reference to one of G-Dragon's songs in Lisa's rap. "The color of my heart is black." 

8. Zico - Bermuda Triangle

Zico and Bermuda Triangle have definitely been on a roll in 2016 despite the deviation from mainstream pop. He didn't make this golden track alone though, and teamed up with Dean and Crush who are aces in their own right. The result is a dangerous trio and a booming song! Basically, the lyrics are a bravado of Zico's career laced with wit and tact. Musically, Bermuda Triangle is all over the place and all together at the same time! (My clean ver.)

7. Ailee - Home

Since the beginning of her career, Ailee has released one pop song or ballad after another, each featuring her loud vocals and strong personality. It's nice and all, but her discography sounded like a broken record. So I was so happy when she finally released a single that is contrary to her signature style! Home is a simmering r&b track. It's dramatic, elegant and reaches a climax during rap-queen Yoon Mirae's verse. 

6. BTS - Blood, Sweat & Tears

BTS are notable for having a part in the the writing and composition of their own music (which isn't common in k-pop). With each new album they show a different side their artistry, and this time around the concept was serious and mature. Blood, Sweat and Tears is edm mixed with other flavorful genres and the result is thrilling. The vocals, the emotion, the chorus all comes together perfectly!

5. NCT U - Seventh Sense

NCT is SM Rntertainments newest group. They are very unusual, and I have to admit their styling is bad, but the song is great! Seventh Sense is the debut track of an NCT sub-unit and it is somewhat simplistic. I like the trap and trance feel. I would never expect this sound to come from the cookie-cutter world of k-pop. (My Clean Version)

4. Brave Girls - Deepened

In 2016, Brave Girls were re-vamped and re-styled with different members. More importantly, they dropped a single bigger than their name. That is to say, Brave Brothers has a rep for making (somewhat) mediocre, but popular, songs with a typical sound for female artists. Deepened is atypical in that it's underrated and has a sizzling, slow-tempo beat that is not common in his girl-group productions. (At least not to my knowledge.)

3. Ladies' Code - Galaxy

I love, love love this song. Ladies' Code really prove themselves to be ladies by being classy and elegant. Don't doubt this song's ability to take you back the 90s! The r&b instrumental in the background is layered with soothing sounds. I notice the lyrics of Galaxy express wanting a love that is 'out of this world', true emotions that are like a ray of light in darkness.

2. BTS - Save Me

With airy vocals and a whistle-synth instrumental, Save Me is light and refreshing. The lyrics express deep longing for someone. That emotional heaviness is reflected in the dreary setting of the music video. BTS is a seven piece group, so it's natural that one member would get shorted on lines. However, in Save Me each member gets put under a spotlight. Vocalists; Jin, Jungkook, Jimin and V showcase each of their vocal colors and rappers; Rap Monster, Suga and J-Hope spit their own verse. 

1. Blackpink - Whistle

Like I mentioned earlier, Blackpink doesn't have a specific concept and are multidimensional. In fact, Blackpink has two sides: 'Black' which is tough and edgy, and 'Pink' which is soft and feminine. This dual style is apparent in Whistle which is my absolute favorite of the year. I appreciate the trendiness, the style and the overall sound of the song. The beat and whistles add uniqueness, but the "hwi-param param param" chorus is what set it off for me.

Honorable Mentions:
Tiffany - I Just Wanna Dance
Zico - I Am You, You Are Me
Monsta X - Stuck
Lucky J - No Love
EXO - Lotto
Winner - Baby Baby

Sources

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18

K-pop MVs With Dark Aesthetic

Colors can invoke strong emotions on people. In K-pop videos, color schemes and aesthetics are used to give a certain vibe and make viewers feel a certain way. It's done so in a way that complements the meaning and sound of the song. Dark aesthetics are mainly used in videos to express seriousness, sadness and heartbreak. Here are some music videos with dark visuals. Which is your favorite and any that weren't included?

1. Ailee - Home

Ailee has a musical breakthrough with her newest track. Normally, she shows off her loud vocals, which are impressive, but her performance in Home shows that sometimes less is more. The track is r&b with a polished sound and subdued vocals. The lyrics, contrary to the songstress' typical "I don't need you" attitude, express her regret after a breakup. She just wants her former beau to come back home.

This is Ailee's first music video with such dark vulnerability. In the beginning, she is portrayed as sleeping beauty and looks at herself in a beauty-telling mirror. Then in another scene she is laying in a antique bed as if she's waiting for someone to wake her up. The person she is waiting for never comes, so another version of herself appears. I suppose this scene means that Ailee realizes she needs to take the initiative to get him back instead of silently hoping he'll return.

Positives: Catchy song, amazing vocals, Yoon Mirae's rap
Negatives: personally, I thought the dance break was a little awkward.

2. Rainbow - Black Swan

Black Swan is a serious, desperate song that expresses how being alone can drive a person crazy. The music video has a psychological thriller theme, in that the members of Rainbow are exposed to danger on a mental level; in this case loneliness.

The music video is all black and white, and Rainbow are dressed in  black-lace ballroom-esque outfits. At the opening and closing of the song, there is a vintage piano riff which makes me think of ballerinas.

Positives: Great, unique song
Negatives: Not a fan of the risque dance or outfits. I'd rather them dress classy and dance like ballerinas.

3. Jessi - Excessive Love

Sometimes you can love person so much that is suffocates them. In Excessive Love, Jessi sings of a past love that haunts her. Throughout the video, Jessi stands by a window, walks through eerie hallways and sings in front of a backdrop of twilight woods. At one part in the lyrics, love is compared to a war and that is reflected in the music video with burning and shattering objects. The visuals are mainly monochromatic, but the flames and roses that burn are in full color.

Positives: It's nice to hear and see Jessi without her tough persona.
Negatives: None

4. Ikon - Apology

Apology is about lies and broken promises. The speakers of the song deceived, neglected and failed to protect her so they are apologizing. It starts with an incriminating piano fill and everything throughout reflects regret and sincerity. Ikon are sincerely apologizing. They'd rather let her go so she won't get hurt by them again. The music video matches nicely and is like a compilation of the most climactic, emotional scenes of tv dramas.

Positives: Nice vocals from all the singers, and the rap from Bobby and B.I. are a contrasting element.

Negative: None

5. Song Ji-Eun - Don't Look At Me Like That

Don't Look At Me Like That is a Romeo and Juliet story. It talks about a love that is looked on with criticizing eyes. It reminds me of how in tv dramas, a girl and boy are in love, but the girl is treated coldly by society because she is poor and he is rich. I noticed that the music video focuses on mistreatment. When people are judged by others, it feels as if people are trying to take away their freedom. Ji-Eun is treated like an object and is bid on by rich people with masks. They pet her like an animal as if trying to feel the worth of her as a product. Naturally, with a theme like this, the visuals will be dark.

Positives: Beautiful song, could easily be an OST for a K-Drama.

Negatives: This isn't a negative (just my opinion), but the song outshines the video by far.

6. High4 - D.O.A (Dead or Alive)

D.O.A. is about dangerous love that drives a person crazy. With desperate vocals the members sing about falling into a poisonous relationship. This is reflected in a scene where a member is embraced by the creepy-looking hands of a woman. Clearly, she's bad news but the heart wants what it wants, The music video is a complete emotional wreck with scenes of broken mirrors, dark rooms and foggy air.
Positives: The members are talented and the each have a nice vocal color, otherwise I probably wouldn't like this song.
Negatives: Generic song sound-wise.

Sources:

Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Playlist 12. Girl Power Pt.1

Theme: Girl Power

Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite

Respect the girl! This one is for the ladies, a collection of empowerment songs when women come out on top.

1. Girl's Generation - You Think

Korean ♥

'You think you're real cool - you're not!' This is Girls' Generation's most 'ssenunni' release since 'Run Devil Run'. It's confident, not coy, fierce not flirty, and had edge rather than aegyo. They tell an overconfident boy to leave them alone.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2.5/5

2. Kittib - Doin Good
Korean ♥

This track, by underground-rapper Kittib, promotes women's self-reliance. It is about how a girl is successful after leaving her abusive boyfriend. The music video has some domestic violence so you can listen to the audio if you are uncomfortable.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 3/5

3. Lee Hi - 1,2,3,4

Korean ♥

Lee Hi is all sass and spunk. "1,2,3,4" is a Motown-esque song that expresses one message: "It's over!" The cute girly music video clashes with the attitude of the song. Lee Hi, only 15 years old here, seems like a young girl with attitude!

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 3/5

4. Ailee - Mind Your Business

Korean ♥

Ailee is a strong sister and speaks up against her ex-boyfriend. She is known for her girl-power anthems and "Mind Your Business" is no different. In the music video, this tough girl confronts her ex (rather aggressively) and even breaks out of jail! Like always, Ailee sings her story with a powerful voice.

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 3/5

5. 4Minute - Cut it Out

Korean ♥

4minute was always edgy, but they really turned tough in this song (and on this album). "Stop at the first verse" in other words, they don't want to hear what haters have to say. In the lyrics, they come out on the top, even when a particular person didn't think that they could.

Review: Song - 3/5 

6. A.Kor Black - How We Do

Korean ♥

A.Kor Black is a sub-unit of A.Kor made up of rappers Minju and Kemy. They take it back to old-school hip-hop and girls spit fire at an ex-boyfriend. To be honest, the music video seems hip-hop-costumey but the effort is there.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2.5/5

7. Miss A - I Don't Need A Man

Korean ♥

Part of Miss A's "Independent Woman Pt III", this track is just what the title implies. According to the lyrics, this girl can take care of herself and earn her own money. It's a perky, empowering pop song!

Review: Song - 2.5/5 MV - 4/5

8. Kara - Damaged Lady

Korean ♥

Feeling broken from a break-up, Kara get it together even though they still feel somewhat pathetic. My interpretation is this song tells us to "keep out head held high" even when we feel like a damaged lady.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4/5

9. 2NE1 - I Don't Care

Korean ♥

I can't have a girl power k-pop playlist without 2NE1! They are the "ssenunni" queens. An older one of their releases, it's about a problematic boyfriend whose antics have gone on for too long. So, she decides to break-up and not care anymore.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2.5/5

Playlist 11. Love & Hate

Theme: Love & Hate

Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.

Hearts and X's. They're really opposites, but can there be a fine line between love and hate?

1. Miss A - Love Song

Korean ♥

'Love Song' is definitely stimulating as it takes unexpected turns. Like when the bass drops, instead of more bass, we are graced with violin synths! Not to say the song is completely disjointed, but it does take a roller-coaster-like musical path. And that makes it a good listen!

Review: Song - 3.5/5 

2. 2NE1 - Hate You
Korean ♥

'Hate You' is an in-your-face electronic pop song. CL dominates the repetitively looping chorus and Minzy, Dara and Bom sing the in-between verses. The music video is fully animated - 2NE1 become bounty hunters and catch a bad guy.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2/5

3. BY2 - Love You Love You 2020
Mandarin ♥

Singapore's twin duo act is cute and quirky in this video that seems to emphasize the number twenty. Perhaps they turned twenty-years-old? Either way, it exudes youthfulness and is fun to dance to!

Review: Song - 3/5 MV - 2/5

4. Lucky J - No Love

Korean ♥

After gaining popularity from Jessi's solo, Lucky J released their k-hip-hop sophomore single. It combines sounds from a folk string instrument with piano and melds it with r&b. This trio really compliments each other and they show themselves to be polished artists.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 4/5

5. 4Minute - Hate
Korean ♥

Ironically, I have a love-hate relationship with this song. 'Hate' produced by Skrillex, is a seamless follow-up to their last release 'Crazy'. It starts with soothing vocals from Gayoon and Hyuna's rap leads to the turning point - the drop. Then it breaks into an explosion of angry trumpets and violent bass. I feel like the producer patched together a ballad with EDM. The music video visuals switch from dramatic to fierce along with the song.

Review: Song - 3.5/5 MV - 4/5

6. Big Bang - Love Song
Korean ♥

As mentioned in a previous post, 'Love Song' is raw Big Bang. There's no elaborate electronic synths or bass and that's fine! The song is simple and relaxed as well as the music video. The members wear black suits and express how much they 'hate this love song'.

Review: Song - 5/5 MV - 4/5

7. Ladies' Code - Hate You

Korean ♥

The song opens with the mellow sounds of an acoustic guitar then speeds up with pop elements. The lyrics portray a toxic relationship that they can't leave. Ladies' Code's efforts to completely hate him are futile. 'I really hate you, but I love you.'

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 2.5/5

8. Ailee - I Love You, I Hate You

Korean

This is also about a relationship gone sour, Ailee apologizes to him in this slightly up-tempo ballad. There are soft vocals, and as usual, Ailee uses her powerhouse vocals for emotional intensity.

Review: Song - 2.5/5 

9. 4Minute- No Love

Korean

This r&b track is about hating an ex and the feeling of not wanting to fall in love ever again. It is really a platform for vocalists Gayoon and Jihyun, but we do get some rap from Hyuna and interjections from Jiyoon.

Review: Song - 3/5 

10. 2NE1 - I Love You

Korean ♥

All love, no hate here! 'I Love You' has a crooning chorus and theme that is unlike 2NE1's usual ssenunni concept. At times it's sporadic, but the end result is a quality love song with an elegant music video to match.

Review: Song - 4/5 MV - 3/5

Top Ssenunnis in K-pop

'Ssenunni', meaning 'tough sister' or 'strong sister' is a big contrast to the cutesy concepts in K-pop. Here are some girls who don't wait for oppa and become their own heroine.

1. Ailee

Ailee is a powerhouse vocalist known for her girl-power anthems. She exudes independence in "I'll Show You", "Don't Touch Me" and "Mind Your Own Business".

10. Jiyoon (4minute)

Jiyoon has been overshadowed by her unni Hyuna but gained more attention during 4minute's 'Crazy' era. She furthered her image on Unpretty Rapstar Season 2 with her pen name Jenyer.
Hate

9. LE (Exid)

Most popular from being with EXID, LE was part of an underground group called the 'Jiggy Fellaz' before her debut.

8. Hyuna (4minute)

Hyuna is a pillar in her group and has established herself as a soloist.

7. Yezi (Fiestar)

Fiestar has been around for a few years, with little popularity until Yezi brought them out of the shadows. Her "Crazy Dog" appearance on Unpretty Rapstar 2 showcased her insane skills a rapper and had people wondering "Where as she been all this time?" She didn't win first on the show, but her rising popularity seemed to snatch the trophy anyway.

6.Cheetah

The winner of Unpretty Rapstar, Cheetah's bold charisma and lyrical fluidity captivated viewers.

5. Jessi (Lucky J)

Jessica Ho is a vocalist and rapper with a tough exterior. Her husky voice contrasts with other Korean female artists and she shows her versatility while still maintaining her signature style.

4. Lee Hyori

Rather than a tough image, Hyori has music that seems to bite at stereotypes of women. Often referred to as the "Nation's Fairy", she has her share of girl-empowerment hits, notably "U-Go-Girl" and "Miss Korea". As the oldest unni on this list, her career has been ongoing for over a decade and she proved her fierceness all along the way.

3. Miryo (Brown Eyed Girls)

Miryo showed her rapping skills in her works with Honey Family and in her solo projects. However, her strongest point is her songwriting ability, which she utilizes with Brown Eyed Girls and for other artists.

2. CL (2NE1)

Lee Chae-Rin, The Baddest Female, is the rapper and leader in 2NE1. The "female G-Dragon" in terms of swag, CL is definitely a style icon. Her charisma is explosive on stage and Gizibes are anticipating her upcoming American debut.

1. Yoon Mi-rae

Mi-Rae or Tasha Reid is the top ssenunni with veteran status and perhaps is the best Korean female rapper! Tasha is not really K-pop, but she does contribute to mainstream hallyu music. She sings ballads, r&b and is part of the hip-hop trio MFBTY. Also, Tasha always has the fiercest hairstyles!

Honorable Mentions
Hyoyeon (Girls' Generation)
Yubin (Wonder Girls)

Sources
Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
Info: 9.Wikipedia

image polls

Playlist 7. Sweethearts (Boy Ver.)

Theme: Sweet
Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.

They're charmers trying to win your heart with sweet lovey-dovey songs! All these idols are k-pop boy-groups. The Girl version is here.

1. Seventeen - Q&A (Feat. Ailee)

Korean ♥

Seventeen's Woozi,Vernon and S.Coups study hard in Q&A. But they're not studying for school, they're are learning how to date! Ailee is featured in the song, her strong vocals contrast with Woozi's soft voice.

2. Henry - 1-4-3 (I Love You) 

Korean ♥

Henry uses an odd (but sweet!) way of saying "I Love You". 1-4-3 represents how many letters are used to spell it. Amber is featured in this track and I think they look like 2 peas in a pod.

4. Got7 - Just Right 
Korean

Got7 want us girls to know that everything about us is just right! "I’d find a flaw if there was even a flaw that I could see you dazzle, you have nothing missing". They definitely got the fan-girls with these lyrics!

5. Seventeen - Adore

Korean

They make it on this list again, but this time as a whole group. Honestly, Seventeen's whole concept is about sweet, charming boys. In this video especially they remind me of energetic puppies. It's so likable!

6. Ikon - My Type

Korean

'My Type' was a warm-up track released ahead of Ikon's album. It's casual and laid-back along with a charming chorus, "You’re my type even if you don’t say anything, I have a feeling." In the MV, Ikon are cute and funny, especially Bobby.

7. Block B - Her

Korean

I always thought Block B, were outgoing with loud stage personalities. This is no exception, but they showed a funnier side to them, rather than being tough. 'Her' is a really funky, chaotic jam. Brace yourselves for mindless behavior and bright colors in the music video!

8. Got7 - A
Korean ♥

I like you and I know that you like me. That's the meaning of this song. The music video is my favorite of Got7- it's so cute and humorous! And for you Twice fans, Sana is the girl that the boys are pursuing.

9. Shinee - Dream Girl

Korean

"Shinee's back!" No, this isn't a new release it never gets old. The genre is described as acid electro-funk and is accompanied with an equally jazzy, trippy music video.

Playlist 5. Bloom

Theme: Flowers

Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.

Spring is near! So, here's a playlist with a flower theme and relaxing mood.

1. Lee Hi - Rose

Korean ♥

Lee Hi sings of the bitterness that hides behind the sweetness of love;"Every rose has its thorn". Her sass is toned down for this ballad, but Hi keeps her soulfulness. This song took a few listens for me to like, but now it's on replay.

2. Ailee - Ice Flower

Korean ♥

'Ice Flower' is part of the OST for the K-Drama 'Queen of Ambition'. It easily could have been a typical ballad, but Ailee made it heart-touching.

3. Xia (Junsu) - Flower

Korean

Not a fan of the music video, but the song is nice enough. It's serious, intense and works well with Junsu's baritone. Tablo is featured in 'Flower'. 

4. Ladies' Code - My Flower

Korean ♥

From the mini-album 'Myst3ry'. I feel like Ladies' Code poured out their hearts while singing this song, there are such heavenly vocals. I was a little disappointed they only released three tracks, but the quality makes up for it!

5. G.E.M. - The Rose

Mandarin ♥

Trans. from "寂寞星球的玫瑰"

A beautiful ballad from G.E.M. that's very emotional. I really admire that she's a singer-songwriter. Her songs never get old.

6. Ailee - Sakura

Japanese/English

Ailee is on this playlist again with an English cover of 'Sakura' by Ikimono Gakari. She calmed down her powerhouse vocals and sang this track more delicately. 

7. K.Will - Love Blossom

Korean

Happy, relaxing and upbeat, it's really sweet. L (Myungsoo) from Infinite stars in the music video.

8. A Pink - Flower Petal

Korean 

A Pink try to decide if they'll tell their crush that the like him while pulling the petals from a flower. "Should I tell you or not? Should I tell you I like you?" The music video is equally playful as the song.

Playlist 3. Petrichor

Theme: Rain
Songs with a [♥] are my preference/a personal favorite.

I know that I've changed the style of my playlists a lot already, but soon I'll decide on the right format. The entire playlist is below.^^

1. 4minute - Cold Rain

Korean

4minute show their soft and delicate side in this song. In the MV, the members are dressed elegantly with coats and fur accessories. Hmm...it kinda reminds me of 'Missing You'. This might be the next edition of 'This or That?'

2. Taeyeon -  Rain

Korean

Many SNSD fans we're thrilled with the release if Taeyeon's 'I', and while this isn't of the same caliber, it's still a nice follow-up to her solo debut. The MV is slightly glittery and the song gets better after a few listens.

3. Girls' Generation - Let It Rain

Japanese

I never paid much attention to SNSD's Japan releases, so i've been missing out. A lot of their Japanese music gives off a different vibe from their Korean releases.

4. BTS (Bangtan Boys) - Rain

Korean

It's nice that BTS can make upbeat music as well as chill tracks like this one. A large part of the song is rap by Rapmonster, Suga and J-hope. The vocal line-up sings a relaxed chorus in between. It's a good, laid-back song for ARMY's (fandom name) that need stress relief.

5. FEMM - Kiss The Rain

English ♥

Even though i'm not a fan of everything they do, FEMM has a pretty cool concept. Mannequin girls from Japan trying to take over the world, singing in English."An ocean in between us can never separate us, though we're a million miles apart..."

6. Jeon Minju, Yuna Kim - Goodbye Rain

Korean ♥

I loved this song from the first listen! Then later, I found out that these two girls debuted in a k-pop group last year (The Ark). It's a perfect combination of r&b and rap. A member from the boy group 'Bromance; is featured in the song too.

7. Ailee - Rainy Day

Korean

A go-to break up ballad. This song is more contemporary than her usual title-tracks with the same powerful vocals.

8. TVXQ - Everyday it Rains   

Korean

Part of TVXQ's latest release last year. No doubt this song (along w/ the rest of the album) thrilled fans because it was a treat before Max and U-Know's hiatus. The duo sings r&b and dance music as usual.