15. SHINee - Married To The Music
This was SHINee's breakout year. The group's 4th studio album was perhaps their best yet, with tracks like "View" and "Love Sick" on the spotlight. But when the typical S.M repackaged version came along, "Married To The Music" became a premier dance anthem of 2015. With a Halloween-inspired MV, excellent choreography native to SHINee's name, and addicting vocals from everyone (except poor Minho), the title track of the repackage finally gave SHINee a spot among the greats. "Good but not great" was always what I had previously described this group with, but that was before this year. Catchy lyrics and powerful dancing appear to have achieved a final form with SHINee and "Married To The Music."
14. Sistar - Don't Be Such A Baby
Maybe it's because I consider "Alone" to be their best title track and the group's best era, that I find a song in a similar vein just as good. "Don't Be Such A Baby" is the standout B-side of "Shake It," as previously mentioned during the summer reviews. Breathy vocals from Hyorin and Soyu were joined surprisingly by Dasom who did not sound out of place in any way. The rap combo between Bora and Giriboy provided lighthearted and charismatic rapping that put both rappers in a positive light. Live performances didn't demonstrate too much choreography. The girls mostly stood around looking fantastic but what little dancing was smooth and sensual, just like the song. "Don't Be Such A Baby" recovered the "Shake It" mini along with Sistar's top 3 placement as a girl group contender.
13. Younha - Thinking About You
A beautiful ballad that was the essence of autumn, Younha graces the top songs of the year for the 4th straight time. While she wasn't too active in 2015, the appropriateness and serenity that "Thinking About You" had more than makes up for lost time. Soft and pretty vocals control the flow of the song, and had potential to be a quietly perfect song. It's a shame this chance was ruined by Chanhyuk's rapping segment. Maybe said rap could've done better in a different song, but here the rap sounds awkward and very out of place. I wasn't even aware he rapped in any of Akdong Musician's music. Oh well.
12. 9MUSES - Hurt Locker
"Hurt Locker" was what 9MUSES needed to get back on the radar after the ineffectiveness of "Drama." Instead of a subpar beat with uncomfortable transitions, "Hurt Locker" delivers active singing and dancing from start to finish. The instrumental is pretty killer and Erin's rap doesn't have any unnecessary guest Sungah appearances. Everything about the song is in place and while it's certainly no "Wild," (or even "Glue" for that matter) "Hurt Locker" became a premier summer jam and was in general one of the best songs over the summer. Considering how inactive they were the year before, getting (back) into the top 12 is worth applauding. Here's hoping they gain some more momentum and recognition for next year.
11. IU - Twenty Three
Another artist that wasn't too active in 2014, IU's much-anticipated return with "Chat-Shire" exceeded all expectations (which is already a tall order). Silly shenanigans that can't even be called "controversies" aside, every track on the mini was delightful and "Twenty Three" was the spearhead for such a successful EP. With one of the most artistic (flamboyant?) music videos of the year, IU displayed character, charisma, and most importantly, consistency in the short 3 minute span. Admittedly the bridge could've been better but with such high marks everywhere you can hardly complain. "Twenty Three" provides stiff competition to "Good Day" as one of IU's absolute bests.
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