#but also every night by EXID for the vibes

[shrimpchipsss]

every night

[coepiteamare]

catch up tag game

where does time go? where does my head go? i think i’m still lost in the clouds...but people have tagged me and i’m trying to respond to messages so we’re doing things all at once! 

a lot of people have tagged me in things, but this is late so...i don’t want to bother anyone meep

tag game one: fic writers ask game

which new trope would you like to try writing?

friends to lovers! soft pining! but let’s be realistic: i bleed heartbreaks and happily-never-afters, so coffeeshop au! (where they meet but aren’t destined to be) (side note: i once made mai’s fluffy prompt angsty and that’s what this reminds me of)

which trope do you want to write again?

angst? uhhh another epistolary would be nice, maybe in letter format or another voicemail fic, but i probably won’t for a long time. 

which draft are you most excited to post?

uhhh currently “depth of field” or this one au! where the world comes to an end. 

is there any new genre you want to explore?

...non angst? OH i do want to write about space once. where the characters meet at this diner at the end of the universe. 

do you have a favourite line in any of your drafts up to now?

trauma leaves fingerprints behind, bruises in places hands and medicine can’t reach, and claims ownership of memories. it demands to be remembered, even when you beg to forget. 

(i include this in EVERY wip quote question but i love it) they name hurricanes after girls, he tells you.  a prayer for gentleness, a hope for small casualties. huh, you reply, whoever came up with that idea must never have been caught in the storm of a girl. 

have you decided on any creative goals for 2021?

hmm....not really! i’d like to put out something once a month, but it’s okay if i don’t. if i write enough love letters i cannot send, i’d like to try and print it into a book because my friend said she’d be willing to draw things for it!

describe your journey on this blog last year in three words! and three more words for what you hope for 2021!

2020:  a short ride

2021:  a longer ride. 

tag game two: 10 songs, 10 people

rules: you can tell a lot about a person from the type of music they listen to. put your favorite playlist on shuffle and list the first ten songs. then tag ten people. no skipping!

triggered - jhené aiko

one kiss - sofia carson

revolution - aleXa

so wonderful - ladies code

love4eva - loona/yyxy

all you need to know - gryffin, slander, calle lehmann

why don’t you know - chungha, nuksal

if you think it’s love - king princess

full moon - sunmi, lena

every night - exid

tag game three: this or that

indoor plants or gardens // cloud-watching or star-gazing // water or fire // paperback or hardcover // running or hiking // sleeping with socks or without socks // fruit or vegetables // hanging plants or succulents // dark wood or light wood // handwritten or typed // instagram or pinterest // braids or pigtails // dc or marvel // books or movies // oceans or meadows // forests or fields // sweet or salty // ice cream or chocolate // hoodies or sweaters // long hair or short hair // piercings or tattoos // summer or winter // boots or sneakers // cars or motorcycles // curls or straight hair // castles or cottages // sunny days or storms // reptiles or birds // disney or nickelodeon // strawberries or watermelon // essays or posters // phones or laptops // glass or stone // dark or light // photos or paintings // circuses or theatres // reading or writing // dogs or cats // poetry or novels // monsters or ghosts // thrift shops or libraries // fiction or non-fiction

tag game four: ten biases tag

rules: write down your top 10 biases and answer the following questions ( i tried to not include more than 3 per group because...life is hard but also after #5, the order doesn’t matter)

jeon jungkook

kim namjoon

iu / lee jieun

min yoongi

irene

kang seulgi

sana

joy

baek yerin

do kyungsoo

1. between 1 and 4 who would you rather kiss?

meep. jjk probably

2. between 2 and 7 who would be your best friend?

namjoon. i think we could talk and we’d understand each other. 

3. between 5 and 10 who has the better voice?

kyungsoo. honey vocals. hard to beat.

4. between 1 and 8 who is the funniest?

joy is pretty funny...but jjk! probably. 

5. between 6 and 9 who would you date?

god. fuck. uhm, seulgi. 

6. between 9 and 10, who would you do a collaboration with?

gasp. baek yerin. i love the way she writes, the way she holds emotions. (someone told me my voice gives off her vibes, but that is a disrespect to her)

7. between 4 and 8 who is the best dancer?

joy probs!

8. between 3 and 5 who would you most likely marry?

iu because iu. 

9. between 1 and 7 who would you nurse when they are sick?

uhhhhh sana? i think of cheese gimbap and i melt. 

10. between 2 and 3 who has the better smile?

ohhhhhh....this is hard. namjoon? i’m so sorry. 

11. between 6 and 8 who would you vacation with?

seulgi because i love her. 

[urirealvibekiller]

⍣ ೋ this is a squad ship for @prinxessouo​ !! hope you enjoy <33 

───────────────

⍣ ೋ  your squad includes...

jungwoo from nct !!

this guy is...something ! when i was first introduced to him in some nct videos and on variety shows, i was a bit like ??? 

he gives me weird vibes (in a good way) and i love every second of watching him hahahh! his personality is definitely kinda strange to me and it shines through even when he’s in a group with so many crackheads. 

 you said you like philosophy, history, and religion, i can see jungwoo giving you such unconventional answers and viewpoints that would kinda make you think more.

probably the mood-maker of this group. 

would also gladly let you experiment different make-up looks on him and he would rock them every single one of them

───────────────

hani from exid !! 

what a queen she is !! 

i think she would be like the nerdy yet cool older sister of the squad. 

her easy-going nature yet analytical and logical mind would actually suit so well with your personality as well as the other’s in the squad. ah i love her sm.

hani also loves reading gory manga so i think she would be into horror movies and the topic of paranormal. 

───────────────

junhoe from ikon !! 

despite his kinda intimidating looks, he is sooo goofy, exuberant, and cheeky.  

he does have a bizarre way of thinking and is straightforward. he tends to speak and act before thinking, but that brings out his oddness more. 

he’s probably gonna be that sassy friend

 omg imagine him and jungwoo having a sass battle and you and hani are either done with their shits or find it incredibly amusing. 

───────────────

⍣ ೋ  where and how you guys hang out: 

i see a lot of movie marathons happening in this squad !! 

i also imagine that you guys will hang out or meet up a lot at beer bars or just bars in general. 

also probably a lot of slightly unconventional restaurants because you guys will be like ‘why not? sounds fun and interesting’

───────────────

⍣ ೋ  some squad pictures: 

─────────────── 

thank you for requesting again !! hope you have a wonderful day/night <33 

[tzuyxs]

exid and snsd? (just the ones u know if there's any u don't)

exid ~~

l.i.e > every night > i love you > night rather than day > i feel good > hot pink > ddd > ah yeah > lady > whoz that girl > up&down > me&you (i will never forgive banana culture ent for making exid's last korean comeback for a while be ... me&you, up&down is interesting bc i prolly wldnt like it if i didnt hear it everywhere, everything else is god tier)

snsd

lion heart > mr mr > you think (idk if this counts as title track) > run devil run > oh > hoot > the boys > genie > into the new world > i got a boy > catch me if u can > dancing queen > gee > party > holiday (if i including their japanese title tracks theyd be very near the top. idk y but ive never rlly vibed with their summery type title tracks, but everything above dancing queen is amazing tho and LION HEART DESERVES TO BE PRESERVED IN A MUSEUM OF LIKE MUSIC OR SOMETHING. also they hv a lot of title tracks so i mightve forgotten one but if i forgot i probably don't like it that much so it's probably near the bottom.)

💜💜💜

[vskpop]

My 30 favourite songs of 2018

YouTube playlist ⋅ Spotify playlist

30. Heroine – Sunmi

I hesitate to call Sunmi feminist – does she consider herself one? Can k-pop really be feminist? – but her matter-of-factly, eyes-wide-open songs that touch on the position of women in relationships and in society are the closest thing to genuine female empowerment I’ve seen in k-pop. It doesn’t hurt that every single one of her songs is amazing.

29. Bboom Bboom – Momoland

Considering I usually hate “viral” songs – I’ve been brainwashed to like Gangnam Style just recently – I’m still shocked at how much I love Momoland’s Bboom Bboom. I’m also proud to say that I was an early adopter of the song, and watching their success skyrocket made my Q1. I’m still not tired of the sax line and of the “GREAT!” shouted during performances. This song (and Momoland, really) is just irresistible.

28. Retro Future – Triple H

The last ever song by Triple H (anger abounds) is just a taste of the genre-bending, sound-mixing, absurd-lyric-writing that we could have gotten for many years. Their retro-future has nothing to do with the Jetsons, and much more with insane 80’s synths and, well, that sexy vibe.

27. Love Shot – EXO

Well, EXO, that was last minute. My ambivalence towards EXO is represented by this song, which I both find ridiculous and adore at the same time. This song’s luscious synths and layered vocals make it elegant, then the performance makes it kitsch. I don’t know if I’ve been brainwashed, but it’s so great.

Other songs of note: Electric Kiss – Tempo – Gravity

26. Not That Type – Gugudan

A thousand times yes for Gugudan doing edgier concepts. Not That Type is the spiritual successor to A Girl Like Me, and it’s almost as good. This song, however, is even tougher and more explosive. The new 8-member Gugudan is off to a great start.

Other songs of note: The Boots – Shotgun

25. Beautiful Feeling – Day6

Yet again, it’s my special skill to ignore all the popular songs that a group has, and in this case the rock vibe that defines it, and pick the sweetest, mellowest song they’ve put out. Day6 make some amazing power ballads, and Beautiful Feeling gives me warm and fuzzy feelings every time I listen to it.

Other songs of note: Days Gone By – Headache – Shoot Me – Somehow

24. Dinner – Suho ft. Jane Jang

I don’t know how the powers that be decided that this duet should happen, but the result is everything. Jane Jang’s one-of-a-kind voice layers beautifully over Suho’s, who ended up being often overlooked as an EXO vocalist for all these years.

23. Remember Me – Oh My Girl

Every single Oh My Girl put out is juicy in its on way. They may always go back to their foundational dreamy pop, but they never fail to throw in a twist. Remember Me’s EDM flavour and heavy rap are a total change from Secret Garden, but the song still blossoms into a romantic, airy chorus, and all of the members find something to sink their teeth into.

Other songs of note: Secret Garden – Magic – Love O’Clock

22. La Vie en Rose – IZ*ONE

My resolve to ignore the existence of IZ*ONE (and survival show groups in general) faded at the first two octaves of La Vie En Rose. This song does so much with so little: the atmosphere it creates, and the contrast between the powerful pre-chorus and the understated chorus are what makes the song for me. In the meantime I’ve started to learn their names, so I’m doomed.

21. I Want You – SHINee

SHINee’s constant stream of releases this year is at the same time a new beginning and the beginning of the end. It’s hard to imagine that a whole year has passed since Jonghyun, and it’s hard to think that the group has survived even though these songs are concrete proof. I really struggled to make it through the more melancholy songs, so I picked I Want You out of a series of basically perfect tracks.

Other songs of note: Good Evening – Chemistry – Electric – Who Waits For Love – Countless – Our Page

20. LATATA – (G)I-DLE

I would be surprised if there was a single Boombayah lover who didn’t love this song. It has the same (pseudo-Indian?) influences, the same rhythms, the same anthemic quality. Latata is catchy, hypnotic, fun, and showcases all the members equally (ok, maybe Soyeon a bit more than everyone else). This is a textbook debut for 2018.

Other songs of note: Maze

19. 1, 2, 3! – Seungri

Here’s someone who usually did club music and for once didn’t, and I loved it anyway! 1,2,3!  is retro, guitar-led and much more lighthearted than anything Seungri has ever done. It’s lovely to see a less sultry (and a biiiiit slimy?) side of him. Also Anda.

Other songs of note: Hotline – Where Are You From

18. 22 Century Girl – fromis_9

I feel that my obsession with fromis_9 is still at its earliest stage, and that by the end of 2019 I will have gone totally mad for them. I am in love with their singles – To Heart, Love Bomb, what instant classics! – but the whirlwind of sounds of fever dream 22 Century Girl have stolen my heart.

Other songs of note: To Heart – Love Bomb

17. Blue Moon – Gyeong Ree

Another one for the theme of this list: house! Give me all of it in your pop songs! Here’s hoping that Gyeong Ree (wasn’t it easier when she spelled it Kyungri? Anyway) continues her solo career with such intriguing, sophisticated but super-fun songs.

16. Stay Here – Sojung

I don’t know exactly, but I cry my eyes out more often than not when I hear this song. Ladies’ Code’s Sojung’s voce is as light as a feather, until it explodes in the soaring chorus. Everybody knows that I love any power ballad, but the complex emotional balance of this one is just on another level.  

15. Now or Never – SF9

I can’t say I’ve been following SF9 as idols, but I have been listening to all their releases and they have given me nothing but quality. I know I complain about songs with drops, but the deep house (yep, again) and that sensual “jealous” have been killing me ever since they came into my life. It might be my favourite hook of 2018.

14. I Love You – EXID

I was a bit taken aback by EXID’s Lady earlier in the year, but it was love at first listen with I Love You. The distorted hook opens and holds together a song that has all the best of EXID, including Solji, who has returned stronger than ever with flawless vocals and zero shame.

Other songs of note: Lady

13. Dejavu – NU'EST W

You guessed it – house. Nothing has given me as much joy as the rise of NU’EST W, and I’ve been even happier because they did it with superb, incredibly on-trend songs while retaining the dark charm of their pre-success material. They really leaned into the “sexy bandit” thing, and I’m all for it.

Other songs of note: YlenoL – Shadow – Feels – Help Me

12. Oh! My mistake – APRIL

This song is fluffy and super-poppy and at the same time side-eye in music, if that was ever possible. The super-innocent and cute concept that APRIL have been doing since forever is now tinged with tongue-in-cheek sarcasm, and a little creepy synth that perfectly matches the theme of the track. It’s so addictive and so delicious.

Other songs of note: Oh-e-Oh – BEEP

11. Snapshot – IN2IT

I love when smaller groups do really, really great and out of the box stuff instead of copying their more successful peers. I’ve watched countless performances, entranced by the bass that opens the song, holding my breath for that “heartbeat go fast, heartbeat go slow”. This is one sexy song, and IN2IT are one good rookie group that I will keep my eye on.

10. Timeless – NCT U

Leave it to me to find the most niche release a super-popular group has had, and fall in love with it so deeply that the rest (most of which I hated, not sorry) doesn’t count. NCT are too big of a group with some really, really good singers hiding in the back line while the rappers swagger about. I loved that some of them got their chance to show off and I adore this poetic, heartbreaking song.

Other songs of note: Boss – Baby Don’t Stop – Replay (PM 01:27)

9. Shine – Pentagon

I have to wonder if this song would have been higher in my charts if it wasn’t for the bloodbath that was of Pentagon and their career after this song came out. It’s such a pity that such a feelgood song has become, well, not so feelgood. This song’s wonky piano riff and anthemic chorus are still a delight, and their personality really shines (LOL) through. OT10 forever.

Other songs of note: Off-road

8. The Grand Dreams – Minseo

Where did Minseo even come from? Why hasn’t she been here our entire lives? Her dreamy vocals have been giving me life this year, and her refined musical sense (or of her producers, really) is a breath of fresh air when everything gets a bit to same-y in k-pop.

Other songs of note: Is Who

7. One of Those Nights – Key ft. Crush

Key came in last minute and slapped us all in the face with a perfect album that is reminiscing of SHINee’s work from earlier in the year, but also shows his personality as an artist. The lead single One of Those Nights moves fast and interweaves the melancholy of the lyrics in the music. Both Key and Crush are shockingly good vocalists, but together they just make each other shine even more.

6. Allegro Cantabile – Nature

Random music terms / Italian? I had to check it out. Nature put out something that’s a musical number, j-pop anime opening and k-pop bubblegum all in one. Their vocals are amazing and they are adorable. I’m excited to follow them into 2019.

5. DDU-DU DDU-DU – BLACKPINK

Is this Blackpink’s best offering? No. But what does it say when your not-best is still miles ahead of the competition? Blackpink have been doing k-pop bangers better than anyone else, and DDU-DU DDU-DU, from Jennie’s spitfire rap to Rosé’s melodies, hits all the right spots (like a ddu-du ddu-du).

Other songs of note: See U Later

4. Puzzle Moon – GWSN

This song is so good. These girls are so good. As I put together this list, I realised how much all I wanted in 2018 was a good deep house sample, and GWSN delivered. The bass contrasts elegantly with the tiny voices, and the obscure chorus – “make it moon” – emphasizes the magical atmosphere of this song.

3. Air – Winner

I miss old Winner. New Winner’s YOLO swag annoys me at best, so I dig through their b-sides in search for what we lost when Taehyun left. Air’s appropriately breathy chorus and gentle, romantic atmosphere did it for me and managed to put Winner on my podium yet again. Good job, Winner. Now stop it with the tropical house.

Other songs of note: We Were – Movie Star – Raining – Have A Good Day

2. KILLING ME – iKON

The year started well for me (and everyone else) and iKON with Love Scenario, but I had no idea of where it would bring us. Killing Me’s bitter, moody atmosphere made for the dance song of my dreams. The decisive beat and array of distortions somehow create an eerie, understated atmosphere. It’s a dance song, but make it sad and a little creepy.

Other songs of note: Love Scenario – Rubber Band – Beautiful – Perfect – Freedom – Don't Let Me Know

1. Oh My – Monsta X

I know. I am annoying myself by picking a b-side as my favourite song of the year, but here we are. Monsta X have become one of my very favourite groups and, while their album songs have always been amazing, to me Oh My summarizes everything I love and everything I want from them. In a year of minimalism, it’s loud, larger than life, unafraid of bleeps and bloops, rich in both vocals (Kihyun!) and proper rap sections. It’s the powerhouse that I expect from them and I hope to hear again and again.

Other songs of note: Jealousy – Destroyer – Fallin' – Spotlight

[exidgif]

not a request but what’s y’alls have exid song ? also what y’all think about boy (personally it’s a favorite & a bop) 💖💕💜❤️💞💗❤️💞💜💕💖

thank you for this message cutie 😊💕💕

our answers:

@daisycampbell-johnson​: Fave song - L.I.E. (because it’s the first song I ever learned just by reading the lyrics in hangul and it always makes me happy). And Boy - I LOVE Boy! It’s different but I find it so relaxing and their voices sound so rich.

@hannqi​: ahh thats hard haha, i think my favorite is either ‘every night’ or ‘i know’!! and boy is amazing, its my favorite song off that album! :)

@hyunjins​: every night! and boy is a certified bop

@jensoo​: every night ver 2 is not just my favorite exid song but literally one of my favorite songs ever 😩 and i love boy it’s one of my other favorite exid songs (to be fair there’s not 1 that i atually dislike so asdfgh), i can really relate to the lyrics and it’s an emotional song for me

@kimsyerim​: my fav exid song is lady! and boy is straight up cool, the production and melody are all very soothing & interesting, i was honestly surprised on where the song went/was going & i really enjoy the vibe <3

[mansaeentertainment-blog]

Top 10 Songs of 2017...so far

Hello, Mansaebebes! 2017 has been an amazing year so far musically, with many new and diverse releases from both rookie and veteran artists. To celebrate what is shaping out to be an amazing year, Mansae Entertainment is proud to share a list of the top K-Pop 10 songs of 2017 so far. Before getting to the list, I would like to stress that this list is only for songs that were released between January and June of 2017. This is also a personal review and, in no way, reflects the opinions of Mansae Entertainment as a whole, but the sole opinions of a single author and his musical tastes.

10. “Laputa (feat. Crush)” - DPR Live

If you do not listen to DPR Live while you read this, I need you to expose yourself to this talented musician. DPR Live has a type of flow and delivery that, while powerful and impactful, has a form of melancholic calm to it, especially in the work on his debut album “Coming To You Live.” I will admit that I am always reluctant to start listening to Korean hip-hop artists because they often try too hard and appropriate culture to no end, but DPR Live’s music and lyricism drew me in almost instantly. Namely his two tracks, “Laputa” and “Right Here Right Now,” both featuring some of Korean hip-hop's biggest names. “Laputa” appears to get its name from the mythical flying island in “Gulliver’s Travels.” The track’s main hook includes DPR Live comparing his lover's body to a perfectly circular island to explain how perfect her body is, but he continues to explain how here beauty is astronomical, as astronomy is a key point of interest for the island's inhabitants. When Crush delivers his part in the latter half of the songs, his voice truly gives the song an ethereal sense of mystery and dynamics.

9. “Complex” - Zion.T

I feel like no one really knew what would happen after Zion.T signed with The Black Label, and I feel like everyone approached the “OO” album with an equal sense of hope and apprehension. However, Zion.T showed us that there was definitely nothing to worry about. Not only did he infuse his signature Zion.T “flavor” into all the songs, but he also managed to collaborate with one of K-Pop’s biggest stars, seen when G-Dragon featured on “Complex.” Easily the most anticipated song on the album, "Complex” brought together two of the best lyricists in K-Pop and allowed them to have a back and forth over what it means to have fame and be a musician. Zion.T’s voice drips with melancholy as he croons about his own shortcomings and throws shade at what he views as idol fame before G-Dragon brags back with a rap about the success he has enjoyed while being an idol. Twinkling piano keys, solid snaps, and light drum beats give this amazing piece of lyrical genius its own distinct sound, and the two “Complex” artists delivery give it its life.

8. I’ll Be Yours-Girl’s Day

I have never been a fan of Girl’s Day. I’d just never taken the time to listen to their music even though I had ample time during their year-long absence. I am admittedly still not a huge fan, but that doesn’t stop “I’ll be Yours” from being a bop. If I could use one word to describe this song it would “VOCALS.” From start to finish they hit us with powerful vocals that, backed by the amazing brassy production, allows them to reach amazing heights. The sassy delivery, the amazing big band feel, and the incredibly grown woman vibes that need to continue as a trend for the rest of 2017, all joined to make this track one of the best bangers of the first half of the year. I know that many felt let down by this comeback, especially after waiting for such a long time, but for me, the track was just what Girl’s Day needed to further solidify themselves as a force in the K-pop industry.

7. Archangels of the Sephiroth(세피로트의 나무)-Stellar

So, are y’all really still sleeping on Stellar? Are y’all serious? Let me get off my soapbox and talk about this song. “Sting” was one of the best songs of 2016, in my opinion, and “Cry” was also exceptionally good, so I was extremely excited for Stellar to make a comeback, especially after hearing that they raised over 1000% of their Makestar goal. This comeback introduced the new member, Soyoung, in the best way possible. Not only was she given her own spotlight in the MV, but she also was given significant lines, in what was sonically a departure from all of Stellar’s previous works, and K-pop songs in general for that matter. With a name like “Archangels Of The Sephiroth,” I was expecting something different, and Stellar delivered the difference in the best way possible. With an instrumental, that sounds distinctly Middle Eastern, and a jarring almost shouted chorus, the song is a definite earworm. There was no vocal acrobatics, in the song and that was probably for the best, the song gets its distinction from it’s instrumental, and again, I applaud Stellar for taking a different route than most K-pop artists and doing it to great effect. Now, if you guys would stop viewing Stellar as only a “sex” group, and acknowledge their quality music and the countless comebacks that are less suggestive, then we could be cool.

6. Akmu-Reality (리얼리티)

I loves me some AKMU, I really do, and when I found out that they were getting released from the YG dungeon again after less than a year's time since “Spring,” I was extremely excited. AKMU is one of the groups where, no matter how long they have between releases, they will always be fantastic. Their 2nd full-album “Winter” introduced a plethora of great tracks, but none more so than “Reality.” As a self-proclaimed Veteran K-pop stan, the idea of growing older scares me, especially because I turned 20 fairly recently, but leave it to AKMU to write an upbeat and almost childish song on the subject. With witty lyrics and a signature AKMU delivery, this song was a great way to start the year.

5. Don’t Wanna Cry(울고 싶지 않아)-Seventeen

Seventeen is my ultimate bias boy group and being so I have come to expect a certain level of off-kilter energy and funk from their title tracks. With “Don’t Wanna Cry” they showed a different side of themselves not yet seen on a lead single. They showed vulnerability. While I am honestly getting tired of EDM songs in K-pop, Seventeen used the sound well and did not let the production overpower their emotions and the song's meaning. This title track is unique because it features the entire rap-line singing and two of the most underrated rappers in the group (Mingyu and Wonwoo) carry the song to its climax. This song is a great addition to Seventeen’s discography and the year in music as a whole, but please……no more EDM, Y'all.

4. 1+1=0(Feat. Dean)-Suran

Another song about the difficulties of life, especially as a youth. “1+1=0” is the title track off of Suran’s debut solo mini-album and she proved herself a solo musical force. She easily has one of the most unique voices in K-pop, and when paired with Dean, a veteran of collaborating with female artists (see last years “Shut up and Groove” and “And July” by Heize), it was no surprise to me when this song turned out to be an amazing track. A play on words “일” or “il” represents the number one but also means work. The pun being that work and work doesn’t equal anything, and as a rising college junior with a lot on my plate, this song truly spoke to me. Backed by playful guitar strums, this song urges you to not be afraid of relaxing when burdened by work and “just chill.”il” represents the number one but also means work. The pun being that work and work doesn’t equal anything, and as a rising college junior with a lot on my plate, this song truly spoke to me. Backed by playful guitar strums, this song urges you to not be afraid of relaxing when burdened by work and “just chill.”

3. Baby Don’t Like It-NCT 127

I was not a fan of NCT 127’s debut. "Firetruck" was a HUGE disappointment to me, and the subsequent mini-album was met with similar sentiments. With all that in mind, I was not expecting their sophomore mini-album to be full of certified hits. I have no shame when saying that, in my opinion, every song on this album could be singles. “Baby Don’t Like It” deserved so much more play than it was given. Y’all, Mark and Taeyong did that, and they didn’t just do it, they did it dirty. When Mark delivered the line “I like it when we get closer, when it gets risky,” it was a wrap for me. Taeyong and Mark are honestly some of the best young idol rappers in the industry, and no one was expecting SM to be able to pull off Hip-Hop concepts to the effect that NCT has done. This smooth piece of hip-hop and R&B gold proves that SM can tackle any genre and it is still a staple in my playlists to this day.

2. Signal-Twice

Twice has truly earned the title of “Nation’s Girl Group.” They constantly deliver bop after bop after bop and “Signal” is no different. I’m not gonna lie, I was a little worried when I found out that Twice was not working with Black Eyed Pilseung for this title track but instead with Mr JYP himself. Granted Park Jinyoung is an amazing producer, but Twice has always seemed to work well without his help, and the JYP Entertainment releases that were not produced by him so far have been consistently good. He shut me up real quick with this Grade A smash. Twice is a girl group that benefits of the quirky factor, and that factor combined with the bounce clap-driven composition and the easy sing-along chorus was enough to launch this song up to the same level of unexpected greatness of Twice’s previous title tracks.

1. Night Rather Than Day(낮보다는 밤)-EXID

EXID has always been a group with quality music. I’d been a listener of their music even before Hani’s viral fancam, but I didn’t consider myself a fan until LI.E. After that song, I was excited about the group's next release, and even after Solji’s unfortunate hiatus, they managed to cement my status as a Leggo. I am a huge fan of chill pop songs and I’m a huge fan of retro-esque pop songs and “Night Rather Than Day” delivers on both of these aspects. After EXID's skyrocket to popularity with “Up and Down,” I’d come to expect a certain bombastic sound from them, but they seemed to do a complete 180 with this release. The only word I can use to describe my feelings after hearing the song is ‘warm.’ This jam puts me in a good mood every time I hear it and I want to dance through life when the chorus hits. This song truly deserves the number one spot on my list for being a departure from not only earlier EXID songs, but from modern K-pop trends as a whole. Shinsadong Tiger, EXID’s long-time collaborator, really did his thing when he helped to compose this amazing title track. I cannot wait until Solji fully recovers so I can watch the girls do, what has become my favorite EXID song as a whole group.

As I said before, the first half of 2017 has been an amazing year so far with quality content dropping left and right. The rest of my associates at Mansae and I, cannot wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.

-Twonder