A Year in K-Pop: A Starter Kit

by Daniela

I feel like I apologise way toomuch for not posting  so I'll make it quick. Sorry for being away for a
little over a year! And now that's over and done with, let's get right into it!

So what's been happening in the year we've been away? The answer to that dear reader is that I've been digging my teeth into the world of K-Pop. It started with one music video and now I'm here one year later with playlists full if it.


So here we go! This is my year in Kpop

f(x) - 4 Walls

Album: 4 Walls
Why you should listen: It's f(x)'s long awaited comeback since the
departure of Sulli in 2014. This single caught me by surprise with
it's house vibe. Compared to their past releases, this one caught me bysurprise and it's nice to hear Amber actually singing more than rapping. Actually the whole album caught me by surprise. 4 Walls as an album is a work that I recommend as a whole.
Other Notable Releases: X, Diamond (but really everything on the 4 Walls Album is gold.)

 

 

 

SHINee - Married to the Music

Album: Married to the Music (Repackage)
Why you should listen: This was the first Kpop song that actually
encouraged me to have a look at an entire album. It is also the song
that I first recommend to other people. I have mentioned before that I love a good brass section and the chorus is all about that. And the
music video is a lot of fun to watch as well with its Halloween, Rocky Horror Picture Show-esque theme.
Other Notable Releases: View, Odd Eye, (the whole album is pretty darn good anyway)

 

 

Red Velvet - Dumb Dumb

Album: The Red
Why you should listen: At first I found Red Velvet quite jarring,
strange... and intriguing. Dumb Dumb has been a track that I haven't  stopped listening to since it was released. I am in love with Wendy and Seulgi's vocals and pay attention to the backing vocals as well. You'll be having dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb ringing in your head in no time.
Other Notable Releases: Ice Cream Cake, Oh Boy, Campfire (but the whole album is worth a listen really)

EXO - Call Me Baby

Album: Exodus
Why you should listen: I couldn't escape this track because even before I got into Kpop, this video kept being recommended to me on YouTube. I wish I clicked on it earlier! If you like classic late 90s and early 2000s boy band songs then this is for you. Call Me Baby is reminiscent of Nsync in their prime and the
music I listened to when I was as about 10 years old.
Other Notable Releases: Love Me Right, Tender Love, Unfair, El Dorado.

 

 

 

 

B1A4 - Sweet Girl

Album: Sweet Girl
Why you should listen: Sweet Girl has a chill disco vibe with a surprising rap verse thrown into the mix to give it some interest. But check out that guitar solo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEVENTEEN - Q&A

Album: Q&A - Single
Why you should listen: Q&A is an adorable song (and video) that always puts a smile on my face. Big props to Atlee for her powerhouse vocals that complement Seventeen's overall sound. Listen out for the adlibs and backing vocals on the last chorus as well. Also, a shout out to Seungkwan's feat. appearance with his whistle in the chorus.
Other Notable Releases: Mansae, Pretty U

INFINITE - Bad

Album: Reality (EP)
Why you should listen: First off, the instrumentation in the intro is
amazing and the build up is so intense. There are a lot of things and
textures going on in song. The great thing about INFINITE is that the vocal colours of each member are so distinct and different that keeps it interesting and lively. I would suggest checking out the live
performances as well as the 360 video that will make you look like an dummy out in public while walking around in circles with your phone (well worth it though).
Other Notable Releases: Love Letter

Mamamoo - You're The Best

Album: Melting
Why you should listen: MAMAMOO have to be one of the standout rookies with their style that sets them apart from the rest of the competition. Their retro style mixed with the trends of current popmusic always result in fun songs and performances. Plus, their vocals are top notch!
Other Notable Releases: Uh Ah Oh Yeah

 

 

SISTAR - Shake It

Album: Shake it (EP)
Why You Should Listen: Shake it is summery and reminiscent of the 80s. This brass heavy track is bright and bubbly and will put you in a good mood no matter what. I also love the harmonies on the "oohs" which are quickly becoming Sistar's charm.

Girls' Generation - Catch Me if You Can

Album: Catch Me if You Can - Single
Why You Should Listen: Sometime back in April last year, Billboard posted the link to this video and it popped up on my Facebook timeline. I watched it and somehow ended up coming back to the video on multiple occasions. And it started the cycle of looking up their entire discography... and now look at me. CMIYC is an EDM track but still maintains a bit of bubblegum pop that Girls' Generation is known for. I'm a big fan of the heavy breakdown topped with its choreography in the
music video.

Got7 - If You Do

Album: Mad (EP)
Why You Should Listen: Got7 shows are more mature and darker side in comparison to their previous releases. The whole song is just smooth with a just a slightly uptempo chorus (but that foot shuffling though).

 

 

 

 

 

 

BTS - I Need U

Album: The Most Beautiful Moment In Life Part 1.
Why You Should Listen: I Need U was the song that solidified BTS as a top Kpop group. BTS comes into their own and creates a style that they follow throughout the year. They are probably one of the few groups that know how to incorporate rap and vocals well. Too often you find groups who just throw in a rap just because they have a rapper but BTS knows how to play to their strengths and ensures that every member gets their moment.
Other Notable Releases: Run, Dope, Fire

Honourable Mentions

2PM - My House
CLC - Pepe
VIXX - Dynamite
VIXX - Chained Uo
Playback - Playback
Monsta X - Hero
Taemin - Drip Drop
9MUSES - Hurt Locker
NCT - Without You
CNBLUE - You're So fine




Which K-Pop songs have you been listening to? Leave your suggestions below!



Check our a full playlist of all these songs!