Top 20 B-Sides by BTS

BTS is coming back later today with Love Yourself: Tear, and in my anticipation, I made a list of my favorite B-sides! For this list, I only considered the group's Korean albums (from debut to their latest album Love Yourself: Her), excluding any Japanese releases and solo mixtapes. Since the members of BTS often participate in the creation of their music, I find it significant to mention which members have done so on each song. (Note: I only named the BTS members who participated, but other composers and lyricists worked on these songs as well.) Overall, I have to say it was very hard to pick only 20 songs, and even harder to rank them! Writing this list made me even more aware of their musical growth these past 5 years. Enjoy the list below, and feel free to share your personal favorite BTS B-sides!

20. Coffee

Album: O!RUL82 (2013)

Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, Suga, J-Hope

During the "O!RUL82?" era in their career, BTS still maintained their image as a hip-hop group. "Coffee" is a remake of the K-indie group Urban Zakapa's "Drinking Coffee" (2009), but BTS's version takes on a more urban genre. It is essentially a Starbucks ad, comparing a girl to a caramel macchiato, an espresso, and other caffeinated beverages! As sweet as this song sounds, however, there is bitterness in it's meaning. The girl they are referring to is an ex-girlfriend. So, the memories are sweet, but the reality is bitter.

19. Begin (Jungkook Solo)

Album: Wings (2016)

Genre: Electronic, Synth-pop

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM

The WINGS album has a very interesting arrangement - its tracklist is comprised mostly of solo songs. Each member has their own solo that portrays their personal thoughts and style. "Begin" is a ballad-like song performed by Jungkook that showcases his airy vocals. BTS's very own golden maknae sings about the encouragement and support that his "older brothers" have provided for him during the years they've spent together.

18. Move

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1 (2015)

Genre: R&B, Rap
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, J-Hope, Suga

Throughout their career, BTS have lived together in different dorms relocating to better housing as their company's financial situation improved. In "Move," the group recalls back to when they were trainees and lived in a small apartment in Nonhyundong. As the story goes, RM was the first of the seven to join Bighit, followed by Suga and J-Hope (2010), Jungkook, Jin and V (2011), and finally Jimin (2012). Their story is even a little complicated as V was a "secret member" and the group experienced my line-up changes pre-debut. Either way, they've ended up as a fine group of seven! RM, J-Hope, and Suga use their rap to reminisce when they grew close sharing their hopes and dreams of becoming idols. They became attached to the blue wallpaper and blue veranda of their humble abode, but as the chorus reveals, BTS look forward to a new home.

17. 24/7=Heaven

Album: Dark & Wild (2014)

Genre: R&B, Pop
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, Suga, J-Hope

Judging by the album title "Dark & Wild," I expected the content to be very intense sounding - like full-fledged hip-hop or rock genres blended throughout. However, it turns out that the "dark and wild" concept is brought out in the emotions of the album rather than the genres because there are some mellow points. "24/7=Heaven" favors a lighthearted, groovy sound and talks about the butterflies-in-your-stomach on a first date! For me, this song was a hidden gem. I did not love it at the first listen, but later appreciated it after watching the live performance.

16. House of Cards (Full Length Edition)

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever (2016)

Genre: Ballad

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: N/A

There are times when BTS make songs as separate line-ups. "House of Cards" is performed by the vocal line-up - that is, Jungkook, V, Jimin, and Jin.  First, I'd like to mention the sheer musicality of it all. "House of Cards" heavily showcases the sounds of stringed instruments in such a haunting way that evokes the desperation of the lyrics. But the best "instruments" would have to be the voices, which croon perfect vocal harmonies. Even more, Jungkook performs scat after the first chorus. This type of improvised singing is typical to jazz and gives "House of Cards" more complexity. Now to mention the meaning of the song, which is based on a clever metaphor. An unstable relationship is likened to a house of cards - it's at risk of collapsing at any moment.

15. Butterfly

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 (2015)

Genre: Ballad

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, Suga, J-Hope

"Butterfly" is quite the enchanting ballad. There are actually two versions of this song that I want to talk about. First, is the original version, performed by all the members. It features a more complete instrumental that is layered with acoustics and electronic-synths. The other version is called "Butterfly (The Prologue Mix)" which was included on the repackage HYYH series repackage "Young Forever." This mix is performed only by the vocal line-up. The composition is quite simple (it's void of many sounds that the former has) and that makes it even more haunting and sad.

14. Dimple (Illegal)

Album: Love Yourself: Her (2017)
Genre: Future Bass

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM

"Love Yourself: Her" intends to narrate the stories of "young adults who fall in love." Each song on the album seems to look at love from a different angle. The title track "DNA" describes fated love, while "Dimple"  is a mid-tempo track that describes budding love or physical attraction. Performed by the vocal line-up, "Dimple" talks about falling for a girl with cute dimples.

13. BTS Cypher Pt 4

Album: Wings (2016)

Genre: Rap

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, J-Hope, Suga

This is the fourth BTS Cypher and has a different feel from the previous three. Naturally, it is performed by the rap line-up (RM, J-Hope & Suga). "BTS Cypher 4" is a sharp retort to the hate that they'vs received during their career.  At times, BTS has been criticised for some ridiculous reasons and, because of this, the lyrics of the song are laced with sarcastic apologies.

12. Hold Me Tight

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1 (2015)

Genre: R&B Ballad, Hip-Hop
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: V, RM, J-Hope, Suga

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life is BTS's second trilogy and is very different, but still similar to the previous (school trilogy). In this series, the group attempted more daring genre mixes and talked about love. Yet, they kept the same theme of youth, albeit more mature than school students. The title means the happiest moment in one young life. Yet, the trilogy ironically includes a lot of heartbreak. There are some highs, but most of the tracks describe emotional lows - "Hold Me Tight" being one of them.

11. Converse High

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1 (2015)

Genre: R&B
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, J-Hope, Suga

It was mentioned before that RM's ideal type is a girl who wears t-shirts and converse highs - and this song, written by him, expresses his love for the classic style! Funny enough, while the other members celebrate Converse sneakers, Suga shows his preference for another shoe in his rap. "You look better with Jordan numbers. Ha, don’t you know? Converse kill your charms." Whatever your shoe preference, I really enjoy this fun, breezy track because it reminds me of BTS's school trilogy.

10. Tomorrow

Album: Skool Luv Affair (2014)

Genre: Synth-Pop
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: Suga, RM, J-Hope

"Skool Luv Affair" was the last part of their School Trilogy series, which was a project that tackled topics that apply to youth (i.e. school, bullying, plans for future career). I view "Tomorrow" as a song that encompasses what the young men of BTS stand for. It touches base on a societal issue and gives encouragement to its listeners. Essentially, a lot of young people are afraid of what lies in their future - and BTS assure us that they've felt the same way too.  But they remind us, "the dawn right before the sun rises is the darkest" meaning that you may face obstacles before you succeed.

9. Let Me Know

Album: Dark &Wild (2014)

Genre: R&B, Synth Ballad
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: Suga, RM, J-Hope

"Let Me Know" is one of my long-time favorites - I remember hearing it for the first time when it was released ahead of their first full album. Suga co-wrote and produced this song which he described as having a trance-like melody.

8. GO GO

Album: Love Yourself: Her (2017)

Genre: Contemporary Hip-Hop w/ Tropical elements

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: N/A

"GO GO" is quite an interesting piece - for more than one reason! First, the mix of genres is very creative and unconventional. It's a bouncy hip-hop track with notes from a xylophone and flute. Secondly, the song is quite meaningful underneath it's fun, frivolous facade. BTS parody the materialism in our modern society and shine a light on how young people foolishly spend their money. Referring to GO GO, RM says, "...it’s about how our young generation is living their lives with low expectations and standards so people are upset with reality; they have little hope and there’s so much economic hardship. We wanted to say something about it and emphasize to the world that it’s not their choice, but a brutal reality that forces people to live and spend as if there’s no future."

7. Best of Me

Album: Love Yourself: Her (2017)

Genre: EDM

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, Suga, J-Hope

When BTS went to the Billboard Music Awards in May 2017, they met and befriended American pop duo The Chainsmokers. This meeting later birthed a collaboration between the two as The Chainsmokers produced and co-wrote "The Best of Me" with BTS! "Best of Me" is a proclamation of love to someone who is undeniably their better half.  If you are familiar with the Chainsmokers, you'll hear their signature electronic style on this track (even though they don't make a vocal appearance in the song). I find that EDM can fall flat sometimes, but Bangtan surely brings the song to life. This the first time BTS (as a whole group) collaborated with an American act and it is well-done indeed.

6. Outro: Wings

Album: You Never Walk Alone (Wings Repack.) (2017)

Genre: Electro-pop

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM, J-Hope, Suga

This outro first appeared on "WINGS" as a minute-long interlude, but an extended version was later included on the repackage. "Outro: Wings" is such an uplifting end to a deep, dark, and reflective musical work. The song opens with a dramatic violin and piano arrangement, then becomes more exciting with beat drops and energy-filled raps.

5. Baepsae

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 (2015)

Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM

Another one of the many socially conscious songs from BTS, "Baepsae" is an attack on the social inequality in our modern society. The term "baepsae" is translated as "crow tit," which is a type of small bird. In Korean, "crow tit" is used as a metaphor for a try-hard or an underprivileged person. BTS points out the inequity between the "crow tits" and the "silver spoons", or privileged. No matter how hard they work, crow tits may never find success because the odds are against them and in favor of the silver spoons. This could emanate BTS's own situation (at the time), as the group is from a small company that did not have the power and influence that other, bigger Korean Entertainment companies have.

4. Lost

Album: Wings (2016)
Genre: Synth-pop ballad

Credited with lyrics and/or composition: RM

As we have seen in some of the previous items on this list (such as Tomorow and Baepsae), BTS like to talk about the dreams and struggles of youth. "Lost" expresses having a feeling of uncertainty about one's future - a topic that is relatable to many young people. Performed by the vocal line, "Lost" was co-written by RM and is based on a story that Hitman Bang once told him, "When ants head out somewhere to find food, they are usually in a huge disorderly mess. But when they return home, they will line up in a straight line." Therefore, RM wrote the lyrics with a positive perspective: those who become lost eventually find their path just as ants do.

3. Awake (Jin Solo)

Album: Wings (2016)

Genre: Ballad
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: Jin, J-Hope, RM

"Awake" is Jin's solo song from "Wings".  As I mentioned when talking about Jungkook's "Begin", each solo has a message that each member wanted to convey. "Awake" is about accepting your own limitations, but still wanting to try your best. Your best may not seem as good as someone else's best, but it's the effort that counts and it's uniquely your own. This heartfelt confession is made even more compelling by the beautiful orchestral arrangement.

2. Dead Leaves

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 (2015)

Genre: Hip-Hop, Ballad
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: Suga, Jungkook, RM, J-Hope

"Autumn Leaves" is a captivating hip-hop ballad that Suga composed using a sample of "Deadroses" by Blackbear. The lyrics use the autumn season as a metaphor for their current love life, much like how winter was used as a metaphorical reference in "Crystal Snow" and spring in "Spring Day". Essentially, in more poetic words, a dying relationship is compared to shriveling autumn leaves. "Dead Leaves" stands out to me, not only because of it's intense emotional buildup but also because of its atypical arrangement. Jungkook or Jimin typically open BTS songs, but Jin is the lead vocalist in this one.

1. Outro: Love is Not Over

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1 (2015)

Genre: R&B Ballad
Credited with lyrics and/or composition: Jungkook, Jin

As the ending tune of "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt 1," this is a short outro performed solely by the vocal line-up. A full version of the song with all the members was released later, however, I am more fond of the outro version! "Love is Not Over" is a sentimental r&b ballad, and with this, Jungkook took a part in composing for the first time. The lyrics easily move your heart: they admit that love is painful, but still refuse to give up on it.

Sources

Info: Wikipedia,2,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,18,

Images: a,b,c,d,e,f.g,h,i

Top K-pop Albums {Universe by EXO}

Released: December 2017

1. Universe 2. Universe (Chinese Version) 3. Been Through 4. Stay 5. Fall 6. Good Night 7. Stay 8. Universe (CD Version)

EXO kept their annual tradition for the fourth consecutive year and released a "winter special album" for the season. SM Entertainment started teasing the album some weeks before its release with short videos of the members working as baristas. I immediately became excited at the cafe concept because the warmth and relaxation associated with coffee is the perfect theme for a winter album and is a contrast to the typical snow concept! Soundwise, the entire work is smooth and soothing like a cup of coffee. Here are my top three songs from the EP "Universe".

1. Universe

"Universe" is heartwarming by both it's sound and aesthetic. It is a sentimental rock ballad with piano and guitar. The song begins softly, then gradually gains more momentum until the powerful chorus. "Universe" particularly shows the vocal prowess of Baekyun, Chen, and D.O. but also gave the rappers Chanyeol and Sehun a chance to sing. as there are no rap parts. Lyrically, "Universe" talks about suffering after a break-up but vowing to "search the universe" to find their lover again.

The theme of the music video is the making and enjoyment of coffee. In the beginning, EXO looks rather sad and listless. They are dressed in coffee-colored clothes and sing solemnly with earnest hearts. By the end, the young men are sitting together enjoying their caffeinated beverages. Each others company and the warm coffee seemed to put them in a positive mood.

2. Fall

"Fall" is another song that emphasizes vocals as EXO's strong point. Really, the entire album does, but "Fall" especially so. It is pop r&b with acoustic guitar in its composition and reminds me much of their 2013 song "Baby Don't Cry".

3. Been Through

My third favorite of this album, "Been Through" is a slow, synth-pop track. The song is built on a strong, simplistic bassline and the members sing in a way that is truly mesmerizing. The beat is very steady and unrelenting, which (I feel) reflects the steadfastness of the lyrics. "Been Through" is about staying strong and not giving up when faced with setbacks. It reads,"Snap out of it get up and brush it off. Pain is just a passing storm to me". The line that stood out the most to me was "You shine like the stars, you light up my heart". It is definitely a focal point of the song and seems to tie in with the universe theme.

Sources

Images: 1,2,3,4,5

Top K-pop Albums {Love Yourself : Her by BTS}

Released: September 2017

1. Intro: Serendipity 2. DNA 3. Best Of Me 4. Dimple 5. Pied Piper 6. Skit: Billboard Music Awards Speech 7. MIC Drop 8. Go Go 9. Outro: Her 10. Sea (Hidden Track)

BTS dropped their much-anticipated album 'Love Yourself: Her', citing that it is the first part in a series. This marks BTS' first comeback since gaining recognition on a worldwide platform (at the BBMAs) and the beginning of the group's "second chapter" as "Beyond the Scene". The album wasted no time breaking records. Actually, before it was dropped 'Love Yourself: Her' reached 1,051,546 preorders making BTS the first K-pop group to reach more than one million pre-orders! Then, upon its actual release, it topped iTunes' world album chart in 73 countries! Here, I'll talk about my three favorite songs from this record-breaking album.

1. DNA

Taking a look at this year, we got to see three sides of BTS. They were shown as sentimentalists with "Spring Day", edgy youth in "Not Today" and now with "DNA" as charming hipsters. In this song, Bangtan sing about how fate connects two totally different people. In other words, opposites attract. DNA is quite different from other Bangtan tracks. It starts with a breezy whistle sequence (that remains throughout) and has an electronic break-down in the chorus.

The song gets really intense at times and has an intense music video that fulfills all your artistic desires: there are abstract art-like backdrops and colorful depictions of outer space. I like how the clothes and setting focus on primary colors (the hues often used to depict DNA). Everything about this (the beat, the fun colors, the members' energy) excites your senses.

2. Best Of Me

"Best of Me" is a collaboration song with the Chainsmokers. BTS met and befriended the Chainsmokers when they came to America for the Billboard Music Awards. When they announced this collab, I assumed that the American pop-duo would be included in the song, but they aren't. However, their presence is known and felt anyway because the track is formed with their trademark EDM sound.

The "Best of Me" is basically BTS' take on American pop and I feel that the song lived up to the hype surrounding it. I also feel that Bangtan taking on this genre is refreshing, and the sound especially suits Jimin's voice. Lyrically, the song is a proclamation of love to someone who is undeniably their better half. "You’re everything in this world to me...We shared something and you can’t make it nothing, I hope you don’t forget".

3. Go Go

Hip-hop songs often talk about getting tons of money and spending it. "Go Go" follows suit, however, it has an element of comedy. It's essentially a parody of our materialistic society. The song pokes fun at the way young people recklessly blow their money and foolishly live by the mantra "YOLO". "Dollar dollar, squandering it all in one day. Run, run, man I spend it like some party".

"Go Go" opens with a tropical xylophone sound, and keeps a fun bounce throughout. BTS promoted this song on music shows, and gave a comical performance!

Sources

Info: 1

Images: 1,2,3,4,5

Top K-pop Albums {Free Somebody by Luna}

Released: May 2016

1. Free Somebody 2. Breathe 3. Keep On Doin' 4. I Wish 5. Galaxy 6. My Medicine

Luna, the main vocalist of girl group f(x), made her solo debut with a mini-album of 6 songs. She went solo in the truest sense and, very commendably, carried this album completely by herself. No other artists are featured on the album. And what's more is, Luna wrote and composed two songs ('I Wish' and 'My Medicine' herself. 'Free Somebody' explores the electronic genre and has an overall theme of self-empowerment. It includes both upbeat dance songs and sentimental ballads for listeners of either preference. I'll only talk about my top three, but the entire album is definitely worth a listen!

1. Free Somebody

The title track of the album is a funky electro-house song that was co-composed by the American singer Jojo. It is full of electronic synths and keyboard chords which make it a perfect hybrid of modern and retro. 'Free Somebody' is about wanting to share someone's dreams with the world. The liberating lyrics are paired well with the fun dance beat and Luna's vocal charms.

In the music video, Luna meets a handsome stranger in the elevator which then triggers a series of psychedelic events. She is plunged to and from an animated world, enjoying herself and dancing all throughout. There are many curious things happening, which probably aren't meant to be understood. Either way, I like how the scenes of chromatic film and cartoon transition smoothly.

2. Keep On Doin'

Luna wants you to "keep on doin' what you do". She sings for you to "color yourself with your own color....in this black and white world". While encouraging you to be uniquely yourself, Luna dances to the beat of her own drum in a sense. 'Keep On Doin'' takes you to a party in outer space with its unusual sound. It opens with a warped, synthesized intro, then bounces into a slick beat. Later in the song, there is "rap" break that has f(x) written all over it. It's weird but also very daring and brilliant!

3. Galaxy

'Galaxy' has a Euro-pop influence and showcases the powerful vocals that we enjoy in f(x)'s music.  It has a more conventional sound than the previously mentioned dance tracks on the album. I love the path that the song takes, the climax and points of intensity.

Sources:

Wikipedia

Images: 1,2,3,4,5

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