It feels like 2021 was not a very good year for Kpop. Many of the big groups didn't release anything that grabbed my attention.
As a result, making this list was a lot harder than during previous years. There weren't that many releases that stood out.
Luckily, with IVE having made a successful debut and many more interesting new groups on the horizon, next year should be a lot better!
10. Aespa - Savage
I've been going back and forth between Aespa and Punch for the final spot in my top 10, but I feel like I had to include Savage.
It's a unique and fun song, very catchy and I listened to it quite a bit. That said, some of the transitions are way too rough.
09. Dreamcatcher - Odd Eye
This is the first Dreamcatcher song that came out this year and was also their best release this year.
For me, while still good, it's nowhere near "Deja Vu" or "Scream" level.
And with "BEcause" being even more mainstream, I'm a bit worried for the direction of the group.
"Odd Eye" is still a good and I especially like how the guitar follows the vocal line.
It loses some points for the uninspired and unnecessary rap section.
08. Jo Yuri x Lee Seok-hoon - Autumn Memories
When it comes to natural talent, Jo Yuri is right up there with the best of them. She has an incredible range and a wonderful timbre.
To be honest, I was quite disappointed with "Glassy." Both the style of the song and the overall image didn't really suit her.
It's ballads like "Autumn Memories" and "My Love" where she really shines.
07. IVE - Eleven
Fantastic debut. It's a well written song with plenty of hooks. The high bass line reminds me a lot of f(x) - Rum Pum Pum Pum.
This feels like the appetizer to a great new era of fresh girl groups.
06. IU - My Sea (The Sea of a Kid & I)
I'll have to admit I almost excluded this one from my top 10 for two reasons.
Firstly, I have quite a bit of IU on here already and I like to keep it varied.
Secondly, Girls Planet 999, where contestant were constantly screaming off key because they couldn't hit the right notes.
All that aside, I have to treat the song at face value and it's simply fantastic.
05. IU - Strawberry Moon
IU wrote Strawberry Moon as a 'feel good' song without complicated subtext. It's just what the world needed.
04. Woo!Ah! - Purple
I have a spot for songs that are fun and quirky. "Purple" is a perfect example of that. This song never fails to bring a smile to my face.
03. IU - Celebrity
Celebrity was one of the first songs that came out this year and it's been on heavy rotation ever since.
It's a fairly simple song, but it still manages to keep your attention. This version of the MV is just lovely.
02. Rocket Punch - Ring Ring
I love Rocket Punch. It's such a fun group. While "Ring Ring" is a solid release, I didn't like it as much as "Juicy."
Glad they made their Japanese debut with "Bubble Up!" this year, even thought that song was as mediocre as it gets.
01. Everglow - First
The whole world was wondering how Everglow could ever top "La Di Da" but with "First" they delivered another banger.
The dirty bass synth, the symphonic elements and the more prominent role for Sihyeon all work incredibly well together.
Honorable mentions in no particular order:
- Punch - My Everything: The emotion she can express with a single word is unbelievable.
- Lisa - Lalisa: Solid release, but I just don't find myself listening to it.
- Cignature - Boyfriend: Glad they're back, but I miss their 'signature' energetic vibe.
- Itzy - Maffia in the Morning: Looking at the PV now, it's much better than I remember.
- HyunA - I'm Not Cool: It's cool, but it already feels dated.
- Pixy - Wings: Awesome concept and PV, but the song is a bit of a mess.
Topic: Best Kpop Songs of 2021 (Read 8903 times)