Hello everyone! 2022 has been hectic-even musically. So, it will be fun to reflect on all my favorite releases! Spotify playlist to the complete list will be linked down, as I will name my top 10. But first, let me define what a good song is, in my opinion.
Good vs. Bad Songs:
A good song engages my attention. Something interesting musically is whether it be because of unique beats, sounds, or the performance/singing itself. It would also have to sound cohesive. If it does not, it sounds good for some reason then (an example is Aespa's discography). I also connect with the lyrics frequently, so some songs may be ranked higher because I relate to them more. Lyricism will count as well.
A bad song is a snooze fest. Or it could be so bad it is actually good. Either way, these songs are just not good. They either have bad lyrics, beats, or no sense of originality. Or if it is original, then they messed up somewhere somehow.
***NOTE: Before reading the top 10 list, I apologize for suddenly abandoning this blog. This was supposed to come out a lot earlier, but it clearly did not. Life got busy at the start of 2023, so I did not keep up with updating this blog. I am making my return, so be on the lookout! But, for the more in-depth articles I intend to write, they will take a little longer.
10. Fallen - Peach Luffe
The first time I listened to this, I thought I was in heaven. It sounds so divine, but like a sad kind since the lyrics detail the narrator questioning if they have moved on from someone completely. The vocal delivery is also quite haunting, as Luffe expresses confusing feelings about a past love. Just as haunting is the instrumental, its melancholic sound perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet feelings surrounding a past love. Overall, it is a hidden gem about the conflicting feelings one may feel about ex-lovers and moving on.
9. After LIKE - IVE
This is honestly IVE's best release yet. The nostalgia is strong with this one as it samples from I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. It's a great party song and brings up my mood when I'm tired. The loud and energetic instrumental is not overbearing but has the right mix of fun and chaos. Overall, A+ effort from IVE as they get us to want to dance in front of fireworks to replicate the iconic firework scene in the music video.
8. RUN2U - STAYC
STAYC, I would gladly RUN2U with this title track. The bombastic air horns, in the beginning, grab the attention of anyone, whether that be good or bad. Either way, this song is attention-getting with its catchy lyrical hooks and cool-sounding instrumental. STAYC fully uniquely utilizes the bass while singing about how they want to run to the person on their mind. Thank you for making a relatable and fun song.
7. The Answer - Daybreak, LUCY
Now, THIS is a hidden gem. From the beginning, the instrumental captivated me as the two groups began to sing about loving someone. It's an innocent, cute-sounding love song that I adore because of how sweet it sounds. The violin in the background also adds a unique spin. The lyrics are also adorable. Overall, it is a laid-back cute love song that I am happy LUCY released alongside Daybreak.
6. Wishful Thinking - Grentperez
I am a sucker for cute love songs, so it is no surprise that this Grentperez song made it into my top 10. The lyrics perfectly portray what it's like to dream of a future with a significant other. I like how laid-back the song is. It sounds comfy and soothing, two things that any significant other should make someone feel. This song now has me wishing for a future with my nonexistent person.
5. Minor Feelings - Rina Sawayama
Talk about a song that anyone can relate to! This song is based on the book Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong, a Korean-American poet. While the book is about the marginalization of the Asian-American experience and Sawayama plays into those themes heavily, the song itself could be interpreted as a message about people bottling up their feelings because they feel it is unimportant to reveal them. The instrumental is simple but haunting and connects well with the lyrics with how empty it feels. My favorite part of the song is the chorus. Although the lyrics here are simple (and there are uses of imagery throughout the song's lyrics), they can resonate with anyone listening to them, regardless of if they are Asian or not. That within itself is powerful. All in all, even though it's a simple 2-minute track (approximately), the lyrics make up for it and may make you shed a couple of tears.
4. Love Countdown - Nayeon
Two words describe this song: absolute banger. A banger is an energetic song that is excellent, and miss Nayeon did just that. With the sweet-sounding lyrics to the electrifying instrumental, this song was perfect for the summer. The vocal delivery for this song was also spot on; it was the ideal amount of light and fun with a hint of sultry. This song made me bop like no other during the summer.
3. Touch - Keshi
Something about this song is so special. Whether it was the low-beat drops or the forbidden love conveyed in the lyrics, I am head over heels for this song. Keshi's releases never disappoint me.
2. Marriage Material - Melina KB
Melina KB has been the SOLE reason I have fallen in love with theatrical pop hits, with this song heavily fuelling my addiction. The High School Musical's reference ("A 'T' for 'Troy' around my neck") and the elements from a well-known wedding song make this a hidden gem. The chorus is engaging, with the vibes making it perfect when someone is in the mood to do so. For any of the girls meeting their match a little too soon, this is the perfect song for you.
1. Hypeboy - NewJeans
"Hypeboy" is an ADDICTING song. It is so fun and pleasant to listen to but also chill simultaneously. NewJeans is taking the K-pop scene by storm, and I could not be happier. No amount of words can describe how good this song is for pop girls, so make sure to check it out!
