This year may have sucked in a lot of ways thanks to the wonderful virus that caused chaos. But while the world seemed to be slowing down, K-Pop showed no signs of stopping. Many groups had their year this year with amazing concepts and some of the best songs I've ever heard. Below you will find my list of my stand out tracks that made my 2020.
20. No Love - Super Junior D&E
This song is a more recent discovery of mine and it has me addicted. This subunit of Super Junior gets you grooving and bopping with some club ready beats and intoxicating synths that have you hooked almost instantly. They also show their incredible harmonies and Eunhyuk's rap is one of my favorites from this year. I certainly found myself addicted to this song from the first listen. While these guys are second generation, they certainly prove they still got it.
19. Ice Age - MCND (Ice Age)
I wrote about MCND in my top debuts list. This song seemed to be everywhere when it came out and I can't really blame anyone. Ice Age is so catchy from the get go with the hook that flows through the entire song that anyone can sing even if you don't know Korean. These rookies also proved themselves to have skills that their seniors have. Their raps are incredible and their vocals are on point it's actually admirable. This song really has got it all. If you want an insanely fun bop, this song is for you.
18. ON - BTS (Map of The Soul: 7)
It wouldn't be a year end list without BTS. This year was really their year; just like last year and the year before that and the--. ON is a song that really speaks to their world domination and their willingness to continue. Full of a marching drum beat, some of my favorite raps from their rap line, and an insane bridge, this song is perfection. These guys certainly show no signs of stopping and I know they will bring so much more into 2021. I can't wait.
17. Love Me Harder - WOODZ (Equal)
WOODZ is someone I see slipping under a lot of people's radars and it's honestly criminal. This guy can do it all, sing, rap, dance, and even produce and Love Me Harder is the love child of all these talents. WOODZ has a unique vocal that really carries this song and really draws you in. It's borderline sexy and intoxicating. No one should be sleeping on this insane talent.
16. Breath/Last Piece - GOT7 (Breath of Love: Last Piece)
When making this list, I knew I wanted one of these songs to be on here because of how incredible they are. But, when trying to decide I realized it was pointless. Both these songs carry a story and share a similar tone. It's no wonder GOT7 picked both of them to be singles. Breath is a sweet song that has a catchy whistle that will surely make your heart flutter. Last Piece is a song that has some deep synths and some crooner vocals that will send you to space. Both of these songs are absolutely perfect and shouldn't go unnoticed.
15. Make A Wish (Birthday Song) - NCT U (NCT RESONANCE Pt. 1)
This year saw the long awaited reuniting of all 21 members of NCT plus 2 new members. This song kicked off their antics in October and what a way to come in. This song brings together the best of their rap game and the best of their vocal game (and the best of their choreography game as well). This song is a sexy bop that really gets you into a groove. It's a catchy song that is ready to be jammed out to.
14. Snooze - Lucy (Snooze)
Here's yet another group that made it onto my top debuts from this year. This song is what really made Lucy come into my radar and how could they not? This track features a violin solo for crying out loud! Snooze is a song that really takes you onto a journey. I certainly find myself trapped in a world whenever I listen to their music. Lucy are unique and refreshing with their indie pop flare. This is the K-band I've been trying to find and you will feel this way too when you listen to this song.
13. Stay Tonight - Chung Ha
Queen Chung Ha really saved 2020 with this tune. It's got some of the best vocals of any female performer I've heard and the deep synths that really carry throughout the song make you want to dance. It's a song ready for the club. I remember listening to it on repeat when it came out because of how amazing this track is. Chungha really put herself under my radar with this and I can't wait to see where next year takes her.
12. Mayday - VICTON
This song. THIS SONG. I honestly don't know why this track didn't send Victon into worldwide fame. This song has got some of the most amazing harmonies and vocals that I've heard. Plus the raps are insane. They're simple but they're so, so effective. This song really has got it all. Stop sleeping on Victon and feast your ears on this absolute tune.
11. MMM - Treasure (THE FIRST STEP: Chapter Three)
Rookies of the year (determined by me), Treasure really outdid themselves with this bop. This song has got a great hip-hop beat that fits well over some of the best raps this year has to offer. I expect nothing less from a YG group but it's still certainly surprising. This song is an absolute bop and a must listen for anyone. These guys just announced their first album too so 2021 is going to be their year.
10. Girls - Nature (NATURE WORLD: Code M)
Other dark concepts have no match on this. This song defines horror concept in every way and I love it. It's another song that seemed to slip under everyone's radars and I won't tolerate it. The synths that carry this song add to the spooky effect that the video delivers. These girl's vocals are also fit for such a concept. I absolutely adore them for taking a big stride with this song.
(Warning: general horrific themes in the video below watch at your discretion)
9. To Be or Not To Be - Oneus (Lived)
Yet another song that came into my radar because of it's dark concept. After officially stanning them, I realized Oneus are no stranger to dark concepts but they certainly delivered on it with To Be or Not To Be. This song also has one of my favorite rap of 2020 as their rapline really delivered in their part. The harmonies are also incredible as well. And with a dance break that features a hard guitar riff, these guys really know how to nail it.
8. More & More - Twice (More & More)
One of the most iconic girl groups in K-Pop really proved their queenhood with this catchy bop. It's got a funky beat and a drop that makes you bust a move instantly. This song will get stuck in your head instantly because of how catchy it is. These girls really mixed cute vocals to a fun beat and I love them for it.
7. Open Mind - Wonho (Love Synonym #1: Right for Me)
Wonho is no stranger to the K-Pop world but he certainly surprised everyone with his debut (in fact he went viral on Tiktok because of his tasteful music video). This song is funky and sexy and as someone who was familiar with his voice in a group context, it's really cool to see his stand out voice all by itself. He certainly is proving himself to be a stand out talent in K-Pop and I can only hope that means world domination.
6. Black Mamba - aespa
The only reason these girls weren't higher on my top debut list was because they only have one song. But they made it onto that list because of the fact that Black Mamba is insane. These girls are rookies but their raps (while short) are insane, the vocals are powerful, and the drop is fierce and groovy. These girls will be a force to be reckoned with on 2021 and I can't wait.
5. Answer - Ateez (Treasure Epilogue: Action to Answer)
This song came out early 2020 that I almost forgot to include it on my list (we all agree 2020 was very long). Ateez closed out their Treasure series with this incredible song. It features powerful and beautiful vocals that almost move me. The instrumental is also very nostalgically moving that it almost drives me to tears. Not to mention the iconic Bullyeo Bullyeo choreography and line that everyone seemed to quote. This song is a beautiful track that really certified Ateez as one of the 4th gen leaders.
4. Love Killa - Monsta X (Fatal Love)
Monsta X had a stand out year with them releasing one of the first All-English albums in February, dropping Fantasia in June and thinking they couldn't out do it but then they dropped Love Killa. This song is... Sexy to say the least. It's got an intense bass drum and sexy vocals from their vocal line, and one of the sexiest raps to be heard by the history of K-Pop by I.M. This song is everything. Period.
3. Dolphin - Oh My Girl (Nonstop)
Da. Da. Da. Da. Dadadadadada. This song came under everyone's radars (including mine) when Soobin from TXT danced to it on a music show sending K-Pop fans into a frenzy and forming the so-called Dolphin cult. This song is more low-key but it's catchy and fun that it's impossible not to like. If you haven't heard this track then you need to right now.
2. Daechwita - Agust D (D2)
Daechwita is Agust D (Suga/Yoongi from BTS) at his prime. This track is intense and badass and showcases some of the best raps I've heard from him. It also features a really cool traditional Daechwita (a song that is usually played for a king) amongst the hip-hop instrumental. I certainly wasn't prepared for a track like this when it dropped but man am I glad I get to experience it. Agust D really out did himself and I'm hoping to hear more tracks like this from him in the future.
1. God's Menu/Back Door- Stray Kids (Go Live/In Life)
Stray Kids had 2020 in the palm of their hand which is why both of their title tracks are taking the top spot. God's Menu had everyone and me hooked by it's insane raps, interesting choreography, and catchy hooks. It really showed them at their best and I didn't think they could out do such perfection. I was pleasantly surprised when they dropped the bass heavy and equally as catchy, Back Door. These songs really defined the year for me because these songs showcase a versatile group doing what they do best. Everyone is rapping, singing, and dancing (and writing these songs) at their best of their ability. They finally got the world to notice because of it. These guys will certainly grow in 2021 and I can't wait to see where they go.
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