#does the gangnam style. i am so tired

[xxkilla-krisxx]

what the freak am j doin bruh @abigblackfly

[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

[anarchaiiblake-blog]

OP-ED Girl’s Generation

Okay. So anyone that knows me knows how much I fuck with K-Pop. It’s become a huge influence for me; and anyone who follows K-Pop knows that some crazy shit happened this week!

It was announced that three members of Girls Generation, aka Sonyeo Sidae (SNSD), decided not to renew their contracts with their label, thus leaving the group.

I woke up from a nap and it was the first thing I saw when I turned my fucking phone on! I just kept going “What? Whaat?! Who?! WHAAAT?!”

 Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Seohyun decided to not renew their contracts with the label, so they can go about different endeavors.

 For those of you that don’t follow K-Pop this shit is BIG.

 Since SNSD is a group that I look up to I decided to reflect on this and share it with you guys. Okay so check this out..

                                                BACKGROUND

      For those of you that know about kpop, or if your a SONE you can       

       skip this unless you just wanna read shit from my perspective lol

  Hyoyeon   Sooyoung   Taeyeon   Yuri   Yoona     Tiffany Jessica  Seohyun Sunny

For those of you that are unaware SNSD is the most successful girl group in Asia. By 2012 they already sold 4.4 Million physical albums and had 30 million digital sales.

They debuted in 2007 with 9 members, after having trained under their label for 7 years. The gained a lot of attention with their debut song Into the New World, but blew the fuck up when they dropped Gee. 9 times out of 10 if a person has only heard one song from K-Pop they talk about Gee…and probably Gangnam Style.

In 2014 (worst year in k-pop) we found out that one of the members was terminated from the group. They called a random meeting and basically told Jessica it was a wrap. From what I’ve read she was planning on leaving anyway that next year but the true story behind why Jessica was removed has not been told. But there’s mad tea all over the internet with behind the scenes juice. Either way the fanbase (SONE) flipped the fuck out because Jessica was a huge favorite and one of the lead vocalist for the group. Honestly her voice was very distinctive and it sucks not having her in the new songs, despite how good they are. After she left the dynamic of the group changed a lot, but they still dropped good singles.

 Also. Jessica. I am sooo proud of you and your continued success! You deserve every fucking bit of it!

SNSD just finished celebrating their 10th anniversary since debuting, in August, with a release of their album Holiday Night. I fuck with the album, and honestly this album could be a last album and be a good piece of work. This is the most mature they’ve ever sounded to me. The album was both a celebration, but definitely had songs that put me in the feels. In moments there were parts that eerily sounded like Jessica. Most of all Light Up the Sky just sounds like a goodbye song and I cry nearly every time I hear it.

 That being said, that was a quick background.

                             TIFFANY, SOOYOUNG, AND SEOHYUN 

Tiffany

Sooyoung

Seohyun

So now we get to the present. Sooyoung, Seohyun, and Tiffany are leaving SNSD and SM (which side note: congrats on leaving SM. Good label but they’re mad shady.)

 Now when I read these names, I wasn’t surprised by Tiffany. Tiffany basically foreshadowed that she was leaving because she said next year she was planning on moving back to the US in order to study acting. So when I saw that I knew she was gonna leave. (Side Note: Tiffany, Jessica, and Sunny were born in Cali.)

 HERE’S what shocked the fuck out of me. Seohyun! Our maknae! The baby! I honestly thought she would stay in the group for a while because she’s still young (26) and is a main vocalist for the group, and could still do outside endeavors while occasionally promoting with the group for a few more years. What I didn’t think about, however, was the fact that because she was the maknae (youngest member) SM entertainment was very strict on things she did regarding her image, and management. They denied her different acting roles, as well as being very controlling over her solo music. She had to completely change the concept she wanted for her solo release because of the label. What’s also shocking is that she wants to sign to a label to focus on acting work! She is an amazing fucking singer and to think we may not hear music from her at all, at least for a hot ass minute, is crazy. I never saw this playing out this way.

 Sooyoung didn’t surprise me either; I actually thought that when people started leaving the group that she would be one of the first ones. Her only wanting to pursue acting doesn’t really surprise me either. She has a great voice but I had a feeling she didn’t plan on promoting as a solo artist.

 SM is not a good company for acting honestly, so it makes sense that the three of them would want to leave. Also, they’ve been with the label for 17 years. I would want to leave too.

                                                     THE GROUP

Now what I can’t stop thinking about is the fact that there are only 5 members left in the group. SNSD is just known to be that group with mad fucking members! Groups with big numbers are more popular now, but still….it’s fucking Girl’s Generation. I would actually really like for them to release singles with 5 members. I’m dying to see what concepts they go with. ESPECIALLY because now the only main vocalist is Taeyeon (unless Sunny is also a main vocalist but I don’t think she is.) I do hope however this means Sunny gets stronger vocal parts because she can really fucking sing! I’m hoping they release more Catch Me if You Can-ese songs since there’s more main/lead dancers now. I feel the members that haven’t been given enough time to shine in the group can have the chance to now and I hope SM does well with that.

                               QUESTIONS AND REALIZATIONS

 1.     Do any of the members that left still fuck with Jessica? If so, will they start publicly supporting Jessicas work?

2.     Who’s gonna hit Tiffany’s high note in Mr.Mr when they perform throwbacks?  Can Taeyeon even hit that note?! No shade, but I legit don’t know if she can.

3.     Will they just decide to end the group and not promote as 5?

4.     TAETISO is over. I’m not really sad about that. I love them but I only liked Holler, and Dear Santa.

5.     How long is this next contract that the girls signed?

6.     When there’s finally a reunion some time in the future do you think Jessica will join them?

7.     How long do you think it’s gonna take until Sooyoung writes that book that she said she wanted to write, about SNSD?

8.     What labels will they sign with next?

9.     Will Tiffany eventually move back to Korea? Who do you think she’d sign with?

10. I’m also really sad that Tiffany wont be releasing music because I fucked with her release.

11. Same for Seohyun!! I really fucked with her single too, and I think she’s an amazing singer.

12. I know that Seohyun and Sooyoung plan on doing musicals but that’s not good enough for me because I don’t like in Korea so I can’t see it lol

13. I wonder now that SNSD is basically heading towards  a disbandment, if SM will finally stop blacklisting Jessica from performing music shows (YOU’RE NOT LOW SM, WE ALL KNOW!)

14. I honestly thought SNSD was gonna keep going for a hot a minute and just drop less singles, like Brown Eyed Girls.

 To the members of SoNyeo SiDae:

 It took me awhile to become a SONE but now I am and I truly thank you for all of the hard work you’ve put in for the past 17 years. To train as vigorously as you did, at such young ages, to then be catapulted into stardom, and handle it with such grace is truly a reflection on how amazing all 9 of you really are. You have become a source of inspiration for me to push harder and never stop even when I’m tired. It breaks my heart seeing the end of the second generation of K-Pop playing out. I will continue to love you and bang out to your songs. To the departing members I wish you all continued success in your solo endeavors and I can’t wait to see what’s next to come!

Check out Holiday Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2sibUTD6iM