#ANYWAY i love this mv & i love this song (most played of the year) chef's kiss to lee jooheon & friends

[dreamaze]

GAMBLER ◆ Heist

[sternbilder]

Ranking my favorite 2023 K-pop comebacks

I feel like 2023 was a year where I followed kpop comebacks especially diligently bc of my newfound interest in dance, and since it's 2024 this means an entire year has passed now of This

here's a list of my 10 personal favorite title tracks this year, happy new year all!

The Top Ten

1. Monsta X - "Beautiful Liar"

listen. when I said

in january of last year I meant it with my whole ass and I stand by it an entire earth year later. this song fucks So hard

firstable Yes I'm sad this is their last cb with most of the group in a while but also jesus what a banger to go out on

I love the guitars, the looks everyone is serving, the funky little twist in the song structure after the second verse, plus thinking always about lovemelovemelovemetellmetellmetellme + the chains + kihyun with a literal goddamn whip + the gunshot sound effects punctuating joohoney's verse. chefs kiss

2. Taemin - "Guilty"

god taemin is back and you can just feel the catholicity through the screen. the haunting vocals. the delicious string textures throughout (the way the arpeggios shift to pizzicato for the second verse!). the 6/4 time (the only choreo I learned this year that was not to an 8 count). the fucking through the shirt grab. the bridge which they extended in the MV specifically to squeeze in Even More Yearning™.

this is a perfect cb and I will say the rest of the album is also flawless and my favorite out of this list. honestly this probably would have been first if not for the fact that I personally just liked beautiful liar so goddamn much. thank you taemin. no notes.

3. SHINee - "HARD"

aka the song I previously described as "2 baddies, but Good" (no really, they have same key signature & near identical song structure. listen to them side by side with HARD on .95 speed if you don't believe me)

anyway, like 2 baddies this is SM-flavored af but I love the old school hip-hop vibes in HARD soooo much. I've had some people tell me they found it weird and off-putting but to me it's effortlessly cool but also earnest and just. fun? (not only the music but also the visuals? hello? the fashions in this MV) def gotta be one of my most played this year

4. Lee Gi Kwang - "Predator"

ok now for a dark horse pick. I feel like in the borderline 5th gen landscape nowadays older groups are often forgotten (even though hello! 2nd gen bgs are back from the military now and are having a Moment) so people perhaps understandably overlooked this one but god this song is a bop.

is it just criminal by taemin part 2 but less sexy and with a lower budget? yes. but the song is an absolute bop and the choreo slaps in its own right so imo it's a very worthy homage especially given it captures its exact gender of "pathetic sadboy making horny mistakes and needing to dance abt it" so so perfectly,

5. Exo - "Cream Soda"

tbh not what I was expecting from an exo comeback and I was surprised that I ended up liking this so much given I didn't really care for the prerelease tracks, but the more I listened the more this grew on me?

ofc it's an exo track so the vocals are 100 emoji but the chorus and melodies are simply addictive and the choreo for this one is also just a ton of fun (the sexy little head swipe,)

also I love the outfits in this MV (everyone keeps saying this is the Weed aesthetic but honestly? with korea's whole Thing? this is exo's macklemore-style thrift shopping and/or raiding grandma's attic for hidden midcentury treasures phase. to me.) but thank u @ the universe specifically for giving us back silver haired baekhyun. bless.

6. VIXX - "Amnesia"

another underrated release tbh! this initially gave me guilty vibes w/ the abundant use of pizzes since they were released around the same time but I also just independently love this song

I feel like it's a very mature song that takes itself seriously but not in an overly self-absorbed or cheesy way (another comparison I might make is to leo's losing game from last year), the chorus is poignant and hits hard because it's so earnest—maybe especially so since they were down to 3 with this cb—but man that melody is just so gorgeous, like it haunts me

7. Dreamcatcher - "Bon Voyage"

ok if I'm gonna be real it wasn't a great year for my faves—while I liked OOTD and reason they weren't top 10 worthy for me, mx had 1 excellent release before having most of its members yoinked by the military, and I didn't love either of oneus's cbs this year

that being said! I did still like bon voyage! while I preferred the first 2 in the trilogy it still felt like a good and fitting finale, bittersweet and full of equal parts regret and hope

in many ways it feels like a harkening back to classic dreamcatcher with the Big Anime Opening Vibes™ but more somber and grown up, an unexpected summer anthem from these queens,

8. TXT - "Sugar Rush Ride"

it's been a busy year for txt and while I'm not super familiar with them and their releases are sometimes a bit hit or miss for me, when they do hit they HIT

I actually considered chasing that feeling for this list too but despite adoring the take on me-ness of it I ended up nixing it after adjusting for recency bias

sugar rush ride though, I feel is a bop that stood the test of time with its catchiness and surprisingly dark undertones, and is also one of my favorite choreos I learned this year by far like. come on. it's the epitome of Boy Group Hot.

9. Taeyang - "Vibe"

this song lived rent-free in my head for MONTHS, god it's so catchy

I actually missed when my local studio taught this song but I liked the choreo so much I learned it on my own which, predictably since it literally features 2 main dancers, was not easy but extremely worth it bc just like the song itself it's just really fun

other than that what can I say. the MV is nothing special but otherwise it's just a really solid song with Big feel good energy.

10. Kiss of Life - "Shhh"

ok,,,,,,,I don't really follow rookie groups that closely bc generally I don't feel like I'm the target audience but. out of this year's new groups I did especially like kiss of life's debut!

the MV doesn't do much for me tbh but musically it sounds uncharacteristically mature to me, in a good way—it has a subtle confidence about it that I like plus excellent vocals, and is (possibly hot take?) what I was hoping to get from newjeans this year as a continuation of their debut last year tbh

Honorable Mentions

Jungkook - "Standing Next to You"

this one just felt like cheating bc it's technically an English single and there's probably some recency bias here but I can't not mention it bc I simply love this track. I'm not even a BTS stan but it's just a jam with great vocals and instrumentals (the big band notes and MJ influence! please!) and the choreo is also SO ridiculously fun, both the chorus and the dance break

BTOB - "Wind and Wish"

this is just a wholesome song that makes you feel good, like is it a lil bit cheesy? yeah, but it's also Good Vibes Comma the Song, wearing its entire heart on its sleeve in the most endearing way. it's nostalgic and mellow and full of love for its friends and a zest for life

also special shoutout to the bridge, which in such an otherwise lowkey song did not have to go that hard and yet it Did?? that harmony gives me chills, 100% certified vocal kings would cry again

Shownu X Hyungwon - "Love Me a Little"

this is a pathetic meow meow song in the best possible way and was sadly beat out by the other slightly better pathetic meow meow songs on this list (guilty, predator, amnesia) bc it was just a really good year for them but I still think it deserves a mention bc first of all yea boi @ my mans shownu being free from the military but also the instrumental/dance break at the end is dark as hell and also SO fucking tasty

Infinite - "New Emotions"

another 2nd gen group that quietly had a renaissance this year! this song is simply a bop and while the song itself is not as memorable as some in the top 10 the choreo is actually really fun

also myungsoo looks really ridiculously fine as center in the first chorus and that's the last thing I have to say about this song,

Key - "Killer"

honestly I really liked both of key's cbs this year but I feel like killer was slept on somewhat, it's got a hint of sadboi but it's tempered by the upbeat 80s pop style, plus the grungy mullet and beret outfit from the MV was a fucking Look and a Half

And my favorites per month

January: Monsta X - "Beautiful Liar"

February: Purple Kiss - "Sweet Juice"

March: Onew - "O (Circle)"

April: Lee Gi Kwang - "Predator"

May: Dreamcatcher - "Bon Voyage"

June: SHINee - "HARD"

July: Exo - "Cream Soda"

August: MAMAMOO+ - "dangdang"

September: Key - "Good & Great"

October: Taemin - "Guilty"

November: VIXX - "Amnesia"

December: TVXQ - "Down"

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

Maou-jou 9 - 12 (FINAL) | Idolish7 s2 10 - 15 (FINAL) | SLS 2

I’ve been holding off new seasonals because of other things, but after I post this I’ll have enough time to get around to them. That’s why I can’t guarantee winter 2021 seasonal tags on this post...maybe the next one will have them...

Maou-jou 9

…it seems shopping channels even are the same in the demon world.

Now even the demons have quests! (The frame is different to the princess’s, though.)

Oh! The quest failed.

Neo Alraune: in flower language, “the 2nd coming of happiness”. The worry from a little while ago was, “I’m worried about my brother.” The worry from recently: “I didn’t think about being happy that the princess didn’t kill my brother.”

The penguin demons are pretty cute!

Don’t you know how parents forbid children from sleeping until they finish all their homework? Must be something like that.

Yoku ganbarimashita! – Syalis worked hard!

LOL, mental age: 3. Poseidon likes cute things…I can’t read a lot of this…the hardsubs cover the JPN text.

They…both succeeded! (…LOL?)

Maou-jou 10

Owarinocity = Endopolis. It’s a good equivalent, if I do say so myself.

…oh yeah. What happened to Alraune? Update: There she is!

Also, that blonde guy in the infomercials doesn’t look too bad…*makes chef’s kiss gesture with one hand* Nice.

I wonder, was Twilight once human…?

LOL, there’s a goat symbol on the cleric’s pyjamas. Also “first time”, LOL.

I think they were playing shiritori at one point.

Hanamaru saikou yoku dekimashita!

Maou-jou 11

…How does one “sleep cheerfully”, anyway?

I think I saw Twilight drop something…some kind of paper…

Aw, Twilight blushing is kinda cute!

LOL, 70s shoujo style. Also, “It cannot be!”

Whoa, she cancelled it?!

I read up on this series on TV Tropes…and apparently the Demon King captured the Princess in her sleep.

Kagemusha? Like a ninja or something?

Apparently the Demon Cleric is much older than he looks.

Ooh! Hypnos is back!

A-whatsit really is abysmal levels of stupid!!! (LOL)

Maou-jou 12 (FINAL)

Who’s that one tiny guy occupying one of the Ten Kings’ seats?

*watching after Christmas, about a week after the anime finished* This is not seasonally appropriate!

…*thinks for a second, then spits* That’s the 2nd Nemu in the fall 2020 season!!!

Ooh, the head paladin doesn’t look that bad, either.

“…is it good to be…”

“…has seized the princess!”

“…that demon king is rather cute.” – See? Someone agrees with me.

Anyways, that was a fun series. See you soon!

Idolish7 s2 10

…Back at it after so long…(I can’t help it though – Crunchyroll, per month, is about double the local Funimation sublicensor’s fees, and for much less content that’s worth my money to boot!)

I’ve always thought Momo was like Sasara (HypMic), so seeing him anguished hurts me in the kokoro too…

I know Banri was involved with Re:vale somehow…this must be it.

…Male idols are also popular among men? Is this why there are 8 (!!!) idol anime in winter 2021 alone…? (Also, that’s why HypMic became popular? Multidemographic appeal crossed over with obvious merchandising opportunities?)

It’s kind of scary how Momo stepped the formality towards Yuki like that (to -san).

I guess in his heart Momo still reveres Yuki, some way or another.

The rakugo curtain really sold the moment that they (current Re:vale) were acting like an old married couple.

Yay! Silver Sky is such a cool song! Of course I recognised the intro when it came on.

…I see. The elder Kujo is entrusting his dream to Tenn, so that’s why he banned Aya from seeing Tamaki. However, it’s hard to know what to feel when Aya speaks in the vaguest terms possible.

I think that was a special ending for only this episode. I don’t know what its name is, but I guess I might recognise it on Spotify one day.

Idolish7 s2 11

LOL, Nagi’s reaction.

Considering the ‘rona is getting worse outside our very windows as we speak (type?), I think it’s correct to be concerned about your future right now.

Looking at these narrow streets reminds me of going to eat hotpot at the end of my Japan trip…only Japanese streets look like that, I think. Hong Kong’s streets are more crowded than that and America likes their suburbia.

Of course, when you say hajimemashite (nice to meet you), someone’s gotta say it back, hence the reply.

Considering there are people all over the world watching the Idolish7 anime, I would say you are telling the world about I7, Riku.

Oh! Restart Pointer! There was an MV for that one…I think it was around the time Idolish7’s MVs started getting better.

So this is the context around the new outfits! Cool!

There have been way too many puns about “idol” being…y’know, “ai (love) doll” and stuff like that…

I have one Twitter person who I follow (DejiNyucu, part of the creative team for Autumn’s Journey) because I don’t get much I7 content and they keep mentioning this “Haruki” person…and suddenly a “Haruki the Betrayer” showed up in the graffiti…they might be the same person, I think. Not Deji, but Haruki. Update: Sakura Haruki, perhaps…?

Sougo’s such a bad liar…

Sometimes, the best way to deal with things is to be direct…(I’m not very good at that, I naturally talk in a very roundabout sort of way.)

Sougo with long hair like Yuki would be really pretty… (<- has an obvious thing for guys with long hair)

Idolish7 s2 12

Nagi’s stupid accent is generally what he’s best remembered for (for me), so seeing him speak normally, and do a press conference on top of that, is…impressive.

A kabedon on top of all this! Whoa!

Shibuya 109 parody…? (I’ve seen that once or twice – parodying that means people know their stuff about Shibuya.)

I think the “it’s overflowing!” is referring to the hype in the “room”.

…this dejected Momo is worrying…(well, he is worrying and I am worrying about him.)

Oh, I see. The person responsible typed the letter so that they couldn’t be traced back. Kind of like those old movies where the culprit would cut letters out of newspapers to make threat mail, but…with even less traces than that, because cutting letters out leaves evidence.

…wow, it took a while for this ep. to have an intro…

…LOL, I just spotted Kenjiro Tsuda cited as the “fake Zero”, meaning the real one might never show up this season.

There’s something really stupid and infectious about these managers’ enthusiasm for drinking energy drinks. It puts a goofy smile on my face.

Is Musubi Tsumugi’s mother…? Update: Yes, she is.

…Wait, so the Chiba Shizuo guy is actually important?!

Idolish7 s2 13

Whenever someone says “by the way”, it means they’re changing the subject. I hate to state to obvious, but Sougo is clearly deflecting the topic of conversation from being about him.

I wonder if this guy (Haw9) is the actual Zero graffiti vandal…?

Hmph, I didn’t realise Tenn doesn’t refer to Kujo-san as his father, but…like that (“Kujo-san”) instead.

Oh hey! These are shots from Vibrato!

Most dramas can be solved with the power of Good Communication. That includes this one.

I feel like “he has a dark side” describes both Tenn and Kujo-san.

“Everyone, remember to wash your hands and gargle thoroughly.” – This is always a good thing to remember in the time of ‘rona. Reminds me of Jakurai’s line in ARB (<- this game started just after the ‘rona came down).

What did Sougo go to uni for (what specialisation)?

Idolish7 s2 14

I just realised Banri calls Momo -kun. Hmm…

Denki = electricity, LOL.

I feel like Tenn is basically Ramuda, give or take actual pink hair…guys in musical groups with pre-existing angst that they become the “centre” of. The fact Fling Posse have Saito Soma and so do Trigger strengthens the connection.

I would watch the heck out of a musical like that! Make it come true, Idolish7! (Also, today is I7 day! I’m not much of an I7 fan outside the anime, but…that’s cool!)

That shot of them jumping! I remember seeing it on the official site before!

Idolish7 s2 15 (FINAL)

There you go! I was wondering where Banri’s injury was – that was the only bit that didn’t add up for him to be Yuki’s old partner.

Hmm…Momo is 4 years younger than Yuki but 2 years younger than Banri…

This episode has a real concert vibe to it, to the point where I got startled by how loud the yell was at one point. (Even if it is mostly stills.)

LOL, lookit Okazaki!

Apparently, if you’re a hako oshi, you like all the members of a group. Someone with a green light and a pink light likes both members of Re:vale.

LOL, Usagi for Asahi beer.

…I forgot Nagi is 19.

…Ooh, I think that’s the kid from ZOOL. No wonder they needed a season 3!

That’s all. See you next time!

SLS 2

“fine and upstanding person” – That’s…hard to believe, Hayato.

I wonder how many bois Toboso designed for SLS…?

…The episode title is actually “Blank”. Not “Break”.

One of the guys’ shirts says moteki on it. That’s a period in one’s life where one enjoys more romantic attention than usual, literally “popularity season”.

The subs missed an I, so initially I knew Kiriyama’s name as “Kiryama”.

There are meant to be 2 wings, right…?

“He who controls information controls everything, right?” – For once, I’m surprised Hayato is right (and not just in that smug way of his).

“…I’m being treated like a manager.” – But Hayato is a manager! (In a sense.)

The plait guy jumps to nicknames really fast…also, why do I get the feeling Maeshima will lose the key?

I hate to say this Maeshima, but I side with your childhood friend (Kiriyama) here. As much as the anime wants me to back you, I’m watching for everyone else at this point.

That blocky building looks pretty cool. I think Zel (Archi-Anime) would like it.

Sasugai’s setup looks pretty cool, including his chair.

…hmm, Maeshima’s like me in a sense. I learn best by copying others, but memory is my best asset. If I don’t regularly train the fundamentals, I suck at everything. That said, I don’t have an eidetic memory. Also, I didn’t quite figure out Ken = Ken(sei Maeshima) until I watched long enough to connect the dots.

LOL, Derry’s. (<- reminded of a word for “butt” <- derriere)

Well, the guy’s (Souta…?) shirt does say moteki…

Kiriyama kinda looks like Jyuto (HypMic), come to think of it…Right down to his angry streak (although Jyuto has a reputation to keep as a “cool dude”, while Kiriyama is more of a Manza (Boueibu HK) and he’s more angry than he looks).

…This ED is nothing special.

…Hmm? Is that a small Terauchi and Maeshima…?

I think I’m sold for now, but I’m rooting for the other team, not Maeshima’s…not yet, anyways.

[spring-emerald]

Haikyuu!! Idol!AU Girl Group Edition

So, it’s finally here. 

DISCLAIMER: References are more K-pop than J-pop and concepts and songs are from groups I am familiar with.

The Group at a Glance

Dubbed as the Nation’s Girl Group. A permanent group formed from a reality competition/survival show (very much like Produce 101/Produce 48), and they were the final members chosen by the viewers.

Though in their case, they wouldn’t just promote as a whole group, but they would also promote at least two different sub-units (very much like LOONA), then there’s also a group with chosen members to represent the whole group based on the concept given (kind of like NCT with NCT U).

They’re a diverse group, and can pretty much sell different concepts earning them a reputation of being like a ‘chameleon’ group because they can adapt rather quickly.

Full of good looking members, all visual material, but don’t be fooled because these girls are dorks and most of the members are very competitive and that makes for a good variety show content.

Has a group Youtube channel where they showcase song and dance covers and also features member of the day vlogs.

 Concepts/Songs:

Overall concept or a whole group concept that best represents them would be WSJN’s Secret. Or I.O.I’s Crush. Though there’s also Twice’s Fancy and Feel Special, but I guess that’s later in their career as a group.

There’s also IZ*ONE’s La Vie en Rose, gugudan’s A Girl Like Me and The Boots, SNSD’s Mr. Mr. and Lion Heart, and Twice’s TT.

Sub-unit songs leaning towards girl crush concepts: gugudan’s Not That Type, Pristin V’s Get It, Red Velvet’s Bad Boy and Psycho, Everglow’s Bon Bon Chocolat and ITZY’s Dalla Dalla to name a few.

Sub-unit songs leaning towards cute, innocent concepts: Apink’s I don’t know, GFRIEND’s Glass Bead and Navillera. There’s also SNSD’s Oh, I.O.I’s Very Very Very, Twice’s Signal and Cheer Up, Red Velvet’s Dumb Dumb and Red Flavor, Twice’s What is Love? for starters.

Other songs: Red Velvet’s One of These Nights, I.O.I’s Downpour, gugudan’s Diary, 2NE1’s It Hurts and Lonely.

More songs that units can do: TaeTiSeo’s Twinkle, Red Velvet’s Be Natural, Sonamoo’s I Think I Love You, Twice’s OOH AHH, KARA’s Step, and T-ARA’s Lovey Dovey. I don’t know. These songs sound fun for them to do.

Girl groups have a wide range of concepts so they pretty much touched most of them. They also have their fair share of covering boy group songs and dances so there’s also that.

The Members (in order of age)

Haiba Alisa – Alisa is the oldest member of the group and serves as sub-vocal, and visual. She’s also the actress idol among the group, and prior to joining the show, she’d been training as a model and actress. The darling onee-san, known for her delicate mannerisms and remarkable sense of style. She’s always doting on her members especially the younger ones.

My reference for idol Alisa is SNSD’s Sooyoung.

Misaki Hana – Hana is the second oldest and serves as vocal and dancer of the whole group. She’s the sub-leader of the whole group and is the leader of one of the sub-units. She’s quiet but a versatile member, and is considered an all-rounder because give her anything, she can handle it. Was already known in some form prior to joining the show because during her trainee days, she was featured in one of her agency’s boy group MV as the leading lady.

gugudan’s Hana is my reference for idol Hana.

Michimiya Yui – Yui is the leader of the whole group, as well as the other sub-unit, serves as lead vocalist and dancer. She’s known within the fandom as the crybaby leader, flustered leader, because much as she tries to keep it in, she’s really emotional and she cares a lot about the members of the group. She’s chosen as the leader even though she’s not the oldest because time and again, during the show’s course, she’s always shown helping contestants, whether they’re in the same group or not, improve and this endeared her to the viewers.

Twice’s Jihyo is my reference for idol Yui.

Suzumeda Kaori – Kaori is the main rapper and lead dancer of the group. She’s one of the girls from her agency to be included in the final line-up. Basically has reverse charm because she’s quiet and sweet when in front of the camera, but when performing, she shifts into a lethal rapper and dancing machine. She’s also a good producer and has had a hand on some of the group’s releases.

Pristin’s Nayoung is my idol reference for Kaori.

Yamaka Mika - Mika is the group’s main vocal. A skilled songwriter as well, something she got from her father who’s a composer. Came from one of the big talent agencies so there was quite a lot of pressure on her to do well, which she did because she has the voice to prove it. The only member revealed to be in a relationship (much to the fanboy’s dismay), but they still support her, since her boyfriend seems to be really sweet and good to her (base from her Insta stories).

I.O.I and WSJN’s Yeonjung is my reference for Mika.

Shimizu Kiyoko – Kiyoko serves as the groups vocal and another visual. The ice queen-slash-winter goddess, as the fandom dubs her. She’s quiet and generally a poker-faced beauty but has some sort of 4d personality, especially when she’s ‘playing’ around with the younger members. The group’s representative to anything athletic, as she used to be part of the track team during her middle school years. The group’s dark horse when it comes to variety shows, because of her witty one liners. Has the most fanboys out of the members.

Red Velvet’s Irene is Shimizu’s idol reference.

Nametsu Mai – Mai is the main dancer of the group, and also serves as sub-rapper. The ‘dance cover diva’ as she’s known, she’s already a bit famous prior to joining the competition show because of her cover channel that has at least a million views on average and had been an instructor in one of the elite dance studios in the country.

SNSD’s Hyoyeon is Mai’s idol reference.

Shirofuku Yukie – Hails from the same agency as Kaori, and serves as the group’s other lead dancer and sub-vocal. The mukbang queen who is always seen eating in the background whether in behind the scenes videos or official videos, but she’s also the group’s chef and seems to be really knowledgeable about nutritional values of food and such.

Yukie’s idol reference is Twice’s Momo.

Amanai Kanoka – Kanoka is the group’s other rapper and dancer, is in charge of the height of the group as she’s the tallest member, with Alisa coming in second. Another representative for anything athletic as she used to play volleyball before she joined and trained to be an idol. Has a cute and undeniable crush on a famous rapper Ryuu, which she cites as her major inspiration (actually his song is what she used for her audition).

Sonamoo’s NewSun is my idol reference for Kanoka.

Yachi Hitoka – Yachi is the group’s maknae and is a dependable all-rounder despite being the youngest, although she’s mostly vocals and sometimes, sub-rapper. She’s the only daughter of a famous designer so she’s somehow known in that particular circle but she wanted to make a name of her own, so she decided to train as an idol. Has a good eye for design and has had a hand in designing the group’s official logo and some of their album covers.

Since I can’t choose, I have two idol references for Yachi: IZ*ONE’s Yena and Twice’s Dahyun.

BONUS:

Tanaka Saeko – I really wanted to include Saeko in the group, but she’s a league of her own and can’t be tamed so I just made her a rapper/soloist that has a girl crush, hip-hop concept/genre from the same agency that manages the activities of the group which basically means collaboration can happen. Elder sister of the rapper Ryuu, and they started out as a duo especially during their Youtuber days, but they both wanted to be able to stand on their own, so they signed independently from each other. Produces and writes most of her songs, and is also a skilled instrumentalist, particularly drums, and is adept with playing taiko.

Think of 2NE1’s CL, as she’s my reference for idol Saeko. 

(Saeko-neesan be like: naega jeil jal naga~)

I’d really want their collab song to be 2NE1’s I Love You. I think that would be so rad.

Anyway, that’s it! There are more idol au HC’s here. 

[ithinkilikeit-reactions]

2019 favorite songs (Female version)

A/N: This is all my personal opinions and these are the songs that stood out to me this year and are the most memorable for me. Also this post will be long

Top 10 for those who don’t want to see the rest

1. Deja Vu - Dreamcatcher

2. No - CLC

3. Piri - Dreamcatcher

4. Bon Bon Chocolat - Everglow

5. Me & You - EXID

6. Goblin - Sulli

7. Adios - Everglow

8. Feel Special - Twice

9. Spark - Taeyeon

10. Flower Shower - Hyuna

January

“Gotta Go” - Chungha

Is this a song list without this song? No. Chung Ha really reached iconic levels with this one. I also know the full choreo, it’s simple but still very intricate and beautiful. Nice one Chungha. 

“No” - CLC

Definitely in the top 10. I love No with my whole chest. CLC have been in my top girl groups for a long time and this song is everything. My mom even knows the lyrics for how much I play it. I also love the album. 

February

“Piri” - Dreamcatcher 

This song really put Dreamcatcher more on the map for me. I always liked them but this one sparked my interest more. Another in my top 10. Should have been their first win. 

“Senorita” - (G)i-dle

First (G)i-dle song I really love. I know a lot of people don’t like it but I have had the chorus stuck in my head multiple times and the “vu vu vu vuvu vu vu vuvu” part is great to annoy your friends with.

“Dalla Dalla” - Itzy 

An iconic debut, but not my favorite of this year. Dalla Dalla is incredibly iconic and my non kpop listening friends like it. 

March

“Spring” - Bom 

The queen’s return. She’s beautiful, she’s stunning, she’s spring and she’s back. Park Bom is a beautiful strong woman and we love her in this household. 

“Bon Bon Chocolat” - Everglow

MY FAVORITE FEMALE DEBUT THIS YEAR. I LOVE EVERGLOW AND STILL BOP TO THIS DAILY. One of my favorite choreographies and I love it. Top 10 for sure. 

“Woowa” - DIA

I hated this song at first lmao. But now I love it. The choreo is so fun and the beat makes me want to jump around. One of my shower songs. 

April 

“Violeta” - Iz*one

Amazing video, choreo and song. I hope Iz*one return fast and stronger than ever. I miss Nako. 

“Kill this love” - Blackpink

Another song I didn’t like at first. But it fastly grew on me. I love Lisa and Jennie’s part after the first chorus. Also the styling in the main dance scene is *chef’s kiss* 

“Fancy” - Twice 

My grandma likes this song and so do I therefore, on the list. Fancy is iconic and the girls of Twice seem to constantly be outdoing themselves. 

May

“The fifth season” - Oh My Girl

Oh My Girl are just made of magic aren’t they? This song is so sweet and beautiful omg. Like Seunghee’s vocals are mesmerizing and stunning. 

“Picky Picky” - Weki Meki 

This song is so much fun! I love the mv aesthetic and the song is just a total bop. The choreo is fun and all the girls of Weki Meki are so talented and beautiful. 

“Me & You” - EXID

EXID are queens, I love them so much and the news of Hani and Jeonghwa leaving the company made my heart drop out of my ass. But they are still in EXID and that’s a relief and I was worried for a sec. But this song is fun, the choreo is fun and the album is amazing. I love EXID. Top 10. 

“Thinkin’ bout you” - Katie

No gif for the song sadly

But Katie has such a soothing voice and I really like this song and the aesthetic. 

“No One (Ft. B.I)” - Lee Hi

The song before the shit hit the fan so to speak. I love this song more than anything. I think it’s nice to hear Lee Hi’s voice like this. 

June

“Fun!” - Fromis_9 

FUN. Look this song can be annoying if you aren’t in the mood but it’s also so FUN. Anyways Fromis_9 are rookies to look out for. I adore them. 

“Snapping.” - Chung Ha

Snapping is also iconic and I love this song so much. Chungha is so stunning and beautiful. Also choreo queen. 

“Goblin” - Sulli 

This song produced one of my favorite lyrics. “Don’t be afraid. I just want to tell you hi.” I’m going to be honest, I am not a big f(x) stan and didn’t really know Sulli before this song. But I really loved this song when I saw it for the first time. Rest well beautiful peach ♥ Top 10

July

“Icy” - Itzy 

HEY hey HEY.... YAaaaa. Icy is so much fun and I love the choreo. All I have to say. 

August

“Adios” - Everglow

Another one of the top 10. Have I mentioned I love Everglow? This song is so intense and I love the choreography. Everglow are choreography queens. 

September

“Workaholic” - Bolbbalgan4

Workaholic is such a relatable song. I like this song  alot and the mv is hysterical and also relatable. I really like Bol4 ♥

“Deja Vu” - Dreamcatcher

I have raved about this song. I ordered the Dreamcatcher album for this. I love it with everything in me. The story and the song I- why haven’t Dreamcatcher won an award. Top 10 and maybe #1. 

“Feel Special” - Twice 

A song that I can bop to and cry to, my favorite type of song. Twice have become one of my favorite girl groups of all time this year and I have a deep admiration for them, especially knowing the shit they go through. Top 10

October

“Re_Vive.”- Brown Eyed Girls

Heck yes, I know this just a a revival album. But it’s so good. The mv’s and the songs are amazing, the vocals and rap are god tier. 

“Spark” - Taeyeon 

Another one for the top 10. I adore Taeyeon and this song is beautiful and the album is amazing. Taeyeon is amazing and such a strong woman. 

November

“Flower Shower” - Hyuna 

I missed Hyuna so much. It’s so refreshing to me to see Hyuna like this. her true self. She looks so happy and beautiful and I love it. top 10. 

“Dumb” - Bvndit

I wasn’t really impressed by this song at first and now I love it? It’s so fun and definitely a mood. 

“Hip” - Mamamoo

I’m gonna be honest. This is my least favorite Mamamoo song. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Mamamoo bring the flavor and are so insanely talented. None of their songs are bad. 

“Come see me” - AOA

Yeehaw cowboys and cowgirls. AOA made the comeback we all needed and they are better than ever. I was worried because of the missing members but that was no reason but they proved to be still superior. 

December

“Psycho” - Red Velvet

I have one question, WHAT THE HELL WERE ZIMZALABIM AND UMPAH UMPA WHEN THEY HAD THIS UP THEIR SLEEVE. I really like Red Velvet and the last 2 comebacks had been thoroughly disappointing in my opinion (my opinion isn’t law, don’t get offended) Psycho is so good, it’s amazing I adore it. 

[starryace]

my personal introduction to vav

so i have a few friends who’ve been wanting to get into vav but dunno where to start so... i’ll just do this lil thing. obviously there’s gonna be my own opinions so don’t take everything i say to heart but like... here we go

vav (very awesome voice -- pronounced vee-ay-vee but i say vav bc im lazy) debuted in 2015, but when they debuted they had a different lineup. zehan, xiao, and gyeoul all left to pursue other activities. ziu, lou, and ayno joined the group in 2017! the fandom is called vampz because of the groups original concept but we don’t talk about that

title tracks/mvs: *under the moonlight | *brotherhood | *no doubt | *here i am | venus (dance with me) | flower (you) | abc (middle of the night) | she’s mine | spotlight | gorgeous | give it to me | senorita | **so in love | **thrilla killa | **i’m sorry | give me more

* = pre-line up switch! | ** = without jacob (due to his participation in a chinese program)

more about the members under the cut!

st van (lee geumhyuk)

note: during updating i ended up having to redo this entire section bc my computer deleted it all... sigh.

everyone’s dad

kinda gives off party vibes, like a cool club dad, you know?

super duper soft :(( he laughs at everything and he loves gentle things and he may be the oldest but he’s babie

gets really embarrassed really easily and blushes and laughs it off

oh! he also laughs with like... his entire body ekhrbgj

tattoos! on his shoulder and right arm

full sleeve completed

self composed the track “im sorry” off of the thrilla killa album

he lived in china for 13+ years and can speak fluent (if not, almost fluent) chinese

he’s super good cook and he wanted to be a chef before becoming an idol

loves jacob :(( with all his heart

weird but he can drink a lot of water really quickly, that’s his special talent

got a dog with the group! her name is cash and she’s super cute

im sure there’s more but i got mad after my computer deleted everything so i’ll get back to updating this part when things dawn on me

baron (choi chunghyeop)

dancer extraordinaire! he actually used to be in a dance team before vav

smiley boy ;;;; literally he has the prettiest smile and the nicest teeth

he can play the piano and a lil guitar im p sure!

he’s honestly a lil shit but we love him anyway

he’s very mom like, and loves taking care of the members, but i spy with my lil eye someone a lil more mom-like but that comes later

he choreographed a cover of shape of you!

unfortunately, his mom passed away early this year (may she rest in peace).

his nickname is baby prince (from his mom) and it was because of his mom that he was able to become and idol

baron singing??? yes,,, yeS!! his voice is godsent istg

he loves loves loves music and dance

wont shut up about millennium dance studio

was the pizza delivery boy in minx’s why did you come to my home

has a very intensive skin care routine

he!! loves!! food!! constantly nomming

ace (jang wooyoung)

remember how i said how i thought there was someone more mom like? meet ace.

literally babies everyone

eSPECIALLY ayno + ziu (sometimes lou, when lou will let him)

sassy, diva, can also be a lil shit -- esp with baron... 92 line is just lil shit line

lil fucking tease, too--

he has an oral fixation-- licks his lips a lot no bueno for me

teal hair? god tier. senorita? also god tier. everything about him? god tier.

plays the guitar... see senorita

“you’re doing wonderful sweetie” but like... a living version of that

abs... abs for days..........

works out with jacob

dimples!! but it’s more prominent on the right cheek.

god he’s??? literally ethereal. like i can’t put into words how pretty he is

he ;;;; has the purest, most sweetest heart

they need to start letting ace have more lines bc omg his voice ;;;;;

really good with kids ;;;;; they love him

he’s a BIG flirt, it’s like when he opens his mouth the only thing he thinks to do is say “i love you” or “you’re mine” or smthn

Prince Wooyoung™

ayno (noh yoonho)

was on no.mercy -- still kinda keeps in contact with monsta x now (hims was lil babie minhyuk)

yknow how baron is dancer? so is ayno -- aYNO IS GOD TIER DANCER ok he ;;;;; ugh he’s literally so talented

he raps too! also god tier

hims a soundcloud rapper -- dropped zero coke (mixtape) and god that boy is talented

self composed their song touch you (aka one of my fave vav songs)

ace’s baby... really, he’s vav’s baby, but still

fake maknae to the max. it still baffles me that he’s older than the others ima list

hims also pretty shy, but it’s real cute ;;;;

lou has such a big fat crush on him and he’s always embarrassed by it

he zones out a lot and is very mellow & quiet until something inside him switches and then he’s like BAM loud and crackhead

ziu.... brings out... the crackhead in him lbr

former happyface ent trainee w/ ziu

puppy!

also really good with kids!! prolly bc he is a big kid himself erhbjeg

often writes his own raps for songs

jacob (zhang peng)

resting bitch face to the max

800% done with everyone’s shit

chinese member!

he was performing in a chinese show called all for one -- his team got eliminated (sad) but that means he’ll be returning to the group (happy!)

that’s why he wasn’t in so in love/thrilla killa/im sorry

hims loves his st van

he also eats... a lot.

ok but like... he works out with ace, right? boy has such chiseled and nicely defined abs, it pains me

he’s a happy lil sunshine boy

savage as fuck

his smile literally adds 5 years to your lifespan

all of the members miss him so much ;;;; its honestly super wholesome and every once in a while they’ll be like “omg cobi would love this” or “jacob....... we miss you”

but then you have shithead lou being like “i mean... its nice having the room to myself” wrehbjehg

he dance too! idk what type of dancing it is but he does it!!!

he was in the chinese movie “the dreamer on the catwalk”

BRING HIM BACK ATEAM PLS I MISS HIMS

HE HAS RETURNED AND HE’S STRONGER THAN EVER

lou (kim hosung)

my #1, my one and only, my precious sweetheart

tall as fUCK

has a deep ass motherfucking voice

grew up in georgia as a kid (can speak fluent english) and then the philippines when he was a teen!

kinda the more quiet & reserved member

but dont let that fool you......

he too is a lil shit

AND A CHAOTIC GAY -- ziu bothers him a lot but he has a big ol’ crush on ayno and he never shuts up about how pretty he is and how much he loves him

he can be a grouchy lil bitch too tho hkerbjeg

in this interview baron and st van were being cute and he’s just in the corner like “youuuu shouuuld daaaate” -- gay. in the same interview thats one instance where he wouldn’t shut up about ayno

hims a rapper too!! he often writes his own raps for songs (much like ayno)

his own mixtape (goodnight) literally is so nice i listen to it all the time

he has a vlive thing he does called lou-dio and it’s real cute

big ears = the cutest thing ever ehkrbgjeh

he collects a bunch of stuff!! like pop figures and toys, like souvenirs from everywhere they go

he was in the youtube webdrama “lemon car video” (eps 1, 3, 7, and 8)

his stage name is lou (pronounced “low” but i refuse to say that) because his voice is so low

ziu (park heejun)

chaotic. just chaotic. chaotic gay, chaotic maknae, chaotic man.

he’s the real maknae tho... doesn’t look it, huh?

manly af

literally so charismatic and funny as hell

wants kisses + love + attention from everyone

goes in for a kiss -- everyone else usually backs away but he’s always disappointed that no one gives into him

kisses kisses kisses

did i mention kisses?

he makes a lot of random ass noises all the time

screm... lots of screm. like you know opossums?? think that kinda screm.

his vocals ;;;;; his singing voice is so, so nice ;;; i adore it.

his room is dirty af i could NEVER

he does some really questionable things sometimes... see here.

like i said, i cannot express this enough... he’s so charismatic. so charming. so handsome.

also!! super hyper fluff ball. hims cute.

aegyo up the wazoo too

former happyface ent trainee with ayno

was in the fri.sat.sun teasers by dalshabet

can get p loud & annoying but that doesnt change how much we love him

idk if any of that made sense... but there you go! there’s so much more to vav and everything they do and who they are, so i hope this just kinda gets more people to look into them? it’s a stepping stone, not everything possible to learn.

+ keep in mind, a lot of this stuff comes from both kprofiles, what i’ve seen in videos, and my own personal opinions & inputs. so... yeah. don’t use what i say as truth/fact unless you see stuff to back it up (or you adopt it as your own opinion idk).

thank you for taking your time to read this!!

[httpetras]

2020 for me - K-pop songs edition

2020 was a... tough year. Personally, globally. But for kpop? It was one of the most successfull years and instead of talking all the achievements and breakthroughs, I wanted to share my thoughts on some songs and artists I liked this year

LONG POST (and bad english sksksks)

- no japanese releases

- title tracks mostly

- personal opinion

Favorite albums of 2020 (one album/artist)

Some thoughts:

TWICE

More & More, I Can’t Stop Me, Cry for me

A lot of people disliked the song and TWICE got many hate from various of fandom to the point where the girls were insecure just by standing on the stage and perform. I never understood the senseless fanwars anyway, but this time I truly didn’t understand why everyone was hating on this song? It was definitely among the best summer releases, the album was perfect for the season and TWICE showed a new side of their artistry. There were many releases this year which followed the generic trend, but More&More managed to stand out and show something new among summer songs.

Their next comeback was just p.e.r.f.e.c.t. Okay, first and foremost, I’m a sucket for retro concepts so 2020 was a bless for me from this perspective sksksk. Besides my bias I’m literally in love with this song.

Also with the whole album, I can’t stop myself from listening it. TWICE as always tried something new, showed a different side of them, was not afraid to discover new sounds and concepts. One of the reasons that I’m still with them after 4 years is the fact that TWICE grew up and matured along with their music. This album was their fifth year destination. I just can’t express how much I love not just the concept, but all the songs are so unique in their own way that you can never get tired of listening them.

TWICE being one of the most unique girl groups out there (along with Red Velvet, hope they comeback soon), and I’m just so happy for them and so proud I could be with them for four years seeing them growing as artists.

A.C.E - Favorite boys

Hands down, this was definitely one of my favorire comebacks of 2020. The way I thought they could never do a song like “undercover” again....I was so naive. From the first second till the last you can’t look away from the aesthetically pleasing MV where traditional mixes with modern, gender is a non-existent, meanwhile the song so effortlessly goes from a very strong rap to high notes wigh catchy beats and chorus.

Also the dance and the outfits, don’t forget to mention the teaser photos... it was one of the strongest comeback of the year.

However, I feel like their releases were among the most underrated songs of 2020. I just can’t help but think what if they were a bigger company especially that nowadays when stan twt is all about numbers, groups from smaller company get less and less attention. All I can hope that A.C.E getting the hype they deserve will be one of the positive changes 2021 will bring.

(A million thank you for TATE for introducing me to them!)

ITZY

Wannabe, Not shy

There are some songs from ITZY I really like but their title tracks were really not my style (they are not bad in any way, but felt too much for my taste). But this year!

Wannabe and Not Shy was just *chef’s kiss*.

I felt the same with them as with skz - in their first year they were looking for their sound, trying to find the best sytle for them. In this second year, they seemed to be more confident in themselves and their concept as a group. (And also, finally these songs fit into Lia’s range!). Every member could shine in these eras, show off their singing (and dancing) skills. All together these two songs (and albums) were something I could enjoy very much.

AKMU - Happening

The nation’s siblings came back and created another masterpiece! If I wasn’t in love with the song itself, the MV would have made it fall for it. Something comforting, something melodic, a song you didn’t know you need until you hear it... Recommend it 1010292725282920/10

STRAY KIDS

Too much releases sksksk all of them are amazing obvi

I can’t choose one song from them, they released something new in every month and I’d have so much to talk about sksksks so a short-summary:

2020 was their year. Eventhough I felt like stray kids could not surprise me anymore, I would have never been able to prepare mysef for this year when they came back with full power. Starting with SKZ2020, followed by anime openings and on track, then the iconic God’s menu and Back door - they evolved and said FU to the industry who still rejects them. And I don’t know how to explain, but they seemed much more confident in themselves and in the music they put out, and that was definitely something which helped them to make 2020 theirs. All the concepts, all the song genres while staying unique and not following trends? Every. Comeback. They. Had. This. Year. Just blown my mind. I literally just... I’d show you the songs they released this year and I’m 100% sure even a non-stay would agree with me saying that they deserve so-so-so much more for their songs alone

ONEWE - End of spring

As lovesick girls gave me 2010’s summer song vibe End of Spring gave me the same vibe, something bands such as imagine dragons would release back in around 2015. I LOVE IT. It has such a nice fun energy, whenever it comes up on my playlist, it’s an instant adrenalin boost. It does remind me of summer camps and just having fun with people there

DAY6

I wrote about them in my 30-day Day6 challenge back in september-october

Lee Hi - HOLO

Lee Hi is one of those idols I feel for the most as she’s been through more than enough hardships in her life. She seriously deserves the best from this cruel world.

This year a company change happened and she released a comforting, yet, heartbreaking song about depression and self-worth most likely reflecting on her own struggles. Tissues recommended because this is a song everyone can relate to in some ways and also be prepared for the MV.

SUNMI - pporappippam

The queen of retro is back with another masterpiece because she’s Sunmi, she can’t make bad songs! I love the vibe of the song, the aesthetic MV with purple as the dominant color... it truly felt like a song from 80’s with an unique sound none can master but Sunmi. Kpop would be not kpop without her!

Also, on a totally unrelated note: even though I’m not a fan of her, just a casual listener, I want to state how fcking proud I am of her. I can’t even imagine how difficult it was for Sunmi to be this open about her borderline-disorder especially as an idol. I truly hope she’s healthy and doing alright, wishing her the best for the future

Chungha - Play

As much as I loved every releases from her in this year, Play was the song which was on repeat. Like, this song is full of energy, has such a fun vibe which makes you want to dance along with it! Also, also, the MV was super colorful, her stylist did a great job and the tango was well incorporated into the choreo, it was creative and entertaining to watch her performances of this song.

And let me add how happy I am for Chungha, this year she released songs always trying out something new and participated in many different projects. I also loved her collaborations! They were super underrated even within the fandom.

Gfriend - Mago

Retro. Disco. 80’s. Love the MV. Love the song! Such a different concept from what we are used to see from them, but again, this year Gfriend was not afraid to deviate from their usual sound and try out new things.

As much as I’m in love with this song (and Apple as well!), just as much I appreciate the visible artistic growth they have shown in this year. Wish them many luck for their future!

BTS

Okay, let me tell you quickly a little story. Before the first lockdown happened, in the beginning of the year in school we had this agreement in french class. If we don’t want to take a french exam, we can sit in the back and studying or doing something silently. This was around the time when Mots7 was released and so, during every french class I listened to this album on repeat while studying chemistry. Then quarantine came, classmates got sick, drama happened, took exams, a lonely summer, then university... the world was burning. For me, this album was the “last” normal thing before pandemic hit europe; whenever I listened to it, it takes me back to me our french classes, my friend sitting next to me doing her make up, me reading my chemistry book, windows are open, you can hear a class having PE class, the teacher explains something for those few students sitting in the first row... seems peaceful? Maybe too nostalgic. But Mots7 became that album for me which was there for us before the world fell, which reminded me of the “normal” life throughout this year, and helped me a lot. And I’ll be forever thankful for that. Dynmite: Retro, english, fun, we need it. Hungarians hated it so much? But hungarian kpop fans are edgy they hate everything popular because they “appreciate talent” *eye roll* Life goes on: This song for me is the new spring day in a way - calming, nostalgic, comforting, something we really needed after this hectic year. A perfect song to end 2020. “Life goes on“ = “This too, shall pass”

Taemin

HAVE YOU SEEN A MAN SO PERFECT?

Okay, but seriously. Taemin owned this year! 3 comebacks with SuperM and 3 comebacks as a solo act, multiply MVs and performances, not letting anyone forget about him nor SHINEE. Whenever I thought that okay, this is his peak, he can’t do better than this - Taemin came back and proved me wrong again. Never Dance Again act 1 and 2 were among the best releases this year

Somi - What you waiting for

As much as I didn’t like birthday, I found myself enjoying this song a lot! Nothing astonishingly new or different, but has a catchy beat and chorus, suits to Somi’s range and she even looked more confident while performing on music shows (naturally, she got more used to being a soloist after a year or so, but still. It was good to see her owning that stage and being happy there). Similar to BP, it also has a western pop feeling especially with the full-english chorus, but somehow worked better for me personally here!

Oneus

Such an underrated group which I got to know through one of my moots on twitter, otherwise I would have never heard of them. And what a mistake it’d be!

Alone the concepts stole my heart, I adored the whole prince, vampires, kinght theme going on in a fantasy world vibes of the MVs. Besides that, I love how they sound together as a group, it’s so pleasing to hear how all those different voices comes after each other and somehow makes it work, resulting in an amazing song.

TXT

This year, when the debut hype is long gone, TXT proved that they are much more than just a boy group next to BTS. Their success is thanks to their hardwork and magical, unique style which made millions of people fall in love with them. (Big3 privilige is still a thing tho, but their hardwork should not be underestimated. Because of their privileged situation, they were offered oppurtunities, had a financial background other artists don’t - but it doesn’t make them less than others. Just shows the faults in the unfair music system).

Despite my worries that after Run Away it’d be hard for them coming back with another song, they managed to release a no-skip mini album with an awesome music video “Can’t you see me”. One moment they are laughing, and in the next one they’re killing eachother while singing about growing up and losing touch with friends once they were inseparable with.

Their journey of growing up with its pros and cons are portrayed through their songs, using mystical themes such as a fatal game and a long forgotten magical promise. They enforced this concept furthermore in this year by their next songs, Drama, Blue Hour and We lost the summer which about the impact of the pandemic on teenagers (side note: such a creative MV! They’re truly part ofour generation sksksk).

And I haven’t even mentioned the anime openings and OST they made this year, capturing such a familiar feeling of the magic of our daily lives and fights.

They make music for us, for our generation, about issues and feelings we all face with every day in our daily life. And gosh, we needed TXT in 2020 so bad, I’m grateful for them

Red Velvet - Psycho

(Okay, so psycho is technically was released in 2019, but like only few days before new year’s eve so... I count it as a 2020 release)

RV had only one comeback this year as a whole group, they still made it iconic and served a song which quickly becamone of of THAT songs of 2020. I may say this too many times, but I’m in love with groups with unique concepts and sounds whoch can only be done by them. It’s especially true for RV: they always serve and never miss.

And I could go into details how perfect this song is and that I could spent a whole day just watching the MV, but I think everyone knows what I think exactly. It’s a masterpiece.

(Side note: though it’s not quite my style, I surprisingly like Irene and Seulgi’s song “Monster” too! One of the most iconic songs of this year)

Ateez

Answer, Inception

This was THAT year for 4th groups!

As I mentioned at Itzy and briefly touched on it at skz, i do feel like groups which debuted 1-2 years ago found their own sound, own style, own concept now and more confident and better in the music they put out. Don’t get me wrong, these groups were never bad - but now the improvement comparing to their debut days are so visible. You could feel ATEEZ are going hard, wild yet keeping it elegant and never losing their own style. I’m literally unable to tell you how much I loved their songs in this year and I’m more than excited to see what 2021 will bring for them and for us!

LUCY

Flowering, Jogging, Snooze

Definitely one of the best debuts of 2020. After all, you can’t see many korean bands with a violinist (if I’m correct, there’s only LUCY out there). I am absolutely in love with their uniqe style. It’s so different yet, it’s so needed, especially in this crazy times.

They sound like spring. Hopeful with the re-born nature around them. They sound like summer, july. Full of fantasy, and childish dreams of adventures in the backyard. They sound like early autumn. Something changed, something passed, a little grief in the begging of “please stay a child for a bit longer”.

3YE - yessir

Girl crush conceot is running high, kpop is full of powerful anthems for girls (and I love that!), but completely different what we were used to hear from 2nd generation groups. Music evolved throughout the time so there’s nothing surprising in this. Yet, 3YE was able to release a song which gives me off second generation vibes, it was impossible for me to not fall in love with it. It’s powerful, and catchy... deserved more attention from the gp.

Songs I liked and recommend but lazy to write more mini-essays:

Seventeen - Homerun, Left & right

Iz*one - The secret story of a swan, Panorama

Berrygood - Accio

Wjsn - Butterfly

G-Idle - Oh my god

Pentagon - Daisy

Loona - Star, So what

Blackpink - Lovesick girls

IU - Eight

KARD - Gunshot

Hoppipolla - Let’s

Hwasa - Maria

Weekly - Tag me

StayC - So bad

CLC - Helicopter

Everglow - La di da

Astro - knock

Dreamcatcher - boca

April - lalalilala

Apink - dumhdrum

BAE173 - crush on u

E’LAST - Tears of chaos

Oh my girl - secret garden

fromis9 - feel good

p1harmony - butterfly

HA:TFELT - Life Sucks

Sunmi x JYP - When we disco

Yukika - Soul Lady

Eric Nam - Paradise

Stella Jang - Villain

Zico - Any song

DPR LIVE - Jam & Butterfly (ft. Crush, eaJ)

Got7 - Last piece, Not by the moon

Weekly - tag me

Lacuna - Dancing in the rain

Cignature - Arisong

Jessi - Nununana

Blackswan - Tonight

N.flying - Oh really

Brave Girls - We ride

DreamNote - Wish

Natty - 19

[everybodysaycbx]

mama album ranking bc im rating exos discography bc why not

mama- okay SO uhhh this is one of the best debut songs of ALL TIME and everyone knows it and its the song that got me into exo all those years ago. i love this song and its probably in my top 10 exo songs THE CHINESE VERSION IS SUPERIOR just saying but ill admit that ninis screamo part is better than xiuris but like,,,,,,,im in love with luhans voice so,,,,,,like i reMEMBER when i first heard the chinese version and watched the mv my jaw drOPPED hearing his voice i love it so much 😩 anYWay 12/10

what is love- again,,,,,,if you read the last one you probably know which version i like better nxhsjaksjhzsh but THEYRE BOTH SO GOOD OH MY GOD listening to the korean version for the first time in a while made me miss ksoo so much ;-; aLSO i miss baeksoochenlu vocals they had so much POTENTIAL GODDAMMIT SM I HATE YOU uhh anyway watch their open arms cover they did in 2013 i rewatch it regularly jxhsjajsjzz 10/10

history- ahhh,,,,,the shaky pants song,,,,the outfits are atrocious (same in the what is love mv tbh) but the SONG IS SO GOOD WHY DOES NO ONE TALK ABOUT THE MAMA ALBUM ANYMORE ITS GOD TIER and yes the chinese version is better im an exom stan what can i say,,,,tho junmyeons part in the bridge is just *chefs kiss* his voice is so beautiful yall,,,,,,but TAORIS RAP LINE IS SUPERIOR AND WE SHOULDVE GOTTEN A SUBUNIT FROM THEM AND IM SO MAD ABOUT IT LIKE WE STILL DONT HAVE A SONG FROM THEM NOW WHATS UP WITH THAT????? like we finally have a krislu song (its called coffee its awesome if you havent heard it) AND a lutao song whERE is the taoris song????? on that note i want krislutao to make an album together just to talk mad shit about sm but anyway back to history,,,,that rap is L E G E N D A R Y and everyone should listen to it right now and im not saying that chanhun arent good rappers bc i love them and there are songs where i prefer them actually but their skills at predebut and even after for a while werent as good as taoris AND, while this isnt chanhuns fault, in most songs chanhuns lines were like 85% yeol 15% sehun to be generous and taoris' lines were a little more equal so they played off each other better tho it was more bc they were allowed to. obligatory fuck sm :) 10/10

angel- ahhh i love this song its so beautiful especially when they sing it at concerts,,,,,however its probably my least favorite song on this album and i do feel like theres other exo songs very similar to it that i like better. bc of this i hardly ever listen to it unless its watching a live clip of it. also i wish they used more interesting vocal harmonies and it wasnt mainly the main vocals singing with the other vocalists singing maybe 2 lines. not my favorite ballad of theirs and i love ballads actually 8/10

two moons- AYO WADDUP KREASE hcshiaoajdjdjsjs to be honest key stole the show in both versions hes just THAT GOOD. its hard to say which one i like more tbh theyre both really good i guess the only note is that i wish the members shined more bc again keys part is the most memorable tho taos part was really good and i love ninis laugh and the im good at the end of the korean version 9/10

machine- NOW,,,,,,this might surprise yall if you read the whole post until now but,,,,,,,,,i actually like the exo-k version better,,,,,,,I KNOW I SAID IM AN EXOM STAN BUT 😔 its the truth. i think the korean lyrics work with the song better especially in the chorus IM SORRY DONT KICK ME OUT OF THE EXOM CLUB THEYRE STILL SUPERIOR OVERALL and i do think the taoris rap is better again but it doesnt save the whole song for me especially bc you hear the chorus multiple times in a song so 11/10 this song is underrated as hell

in conclusion stan exom for clear skin, fuck sm entertainment, and i cry over ot12 every day thank you