[Bonus] Best Of Girl Group Soloists

With December and 2016 on the way, it's that time of the year where we'll be looking at the best songs of 2015. But before getting into that list, let's have some fun with some other miscellaneous / non-review pieces. Today is day for soloists. Or rather, girl group soloists. While girl group soloists (and general soloists for that matter) earlier in the year seemed to lack the punch that girl groups had, a few notable names certainly stepped up their game. That being said, I wanted to look at some of the best group soloists. Whether it's ability, quality, or impact, all that factors into a successful debut as a soloist. Last comment is that only releases with MV are considered (though we won't be discussing the MV's much), since it's not fair to include B-sides. Oh and each member can only be listed a single time. Not all girls have had equal chances or releases so we'll try to be as fair as possible.

10. Hyuna - Change (feat. Junhyung)

Ahh, good ol' Hyuna. Not the "Because I'm The Best" or "Red" Hyuna. Not the Trouble Maker or "Bubble Pop" Hyuna. We're talking the original Hyuna. Was I sold by this pelvic-thrusting performance? Not necessarily. But while her rapping has always been on the weak side (not to mention that "Change" is heavy on the repetition), this was one of her best showings to present day. Also worth noting is that this was back in 2010 and her voice sounded the best during this time. Yeah, as weak as it was, it's still better than how nasally it has become.

9. CL - MTBD

I realize that this is slightly cheating because there was only a performance / stage video of "MTBD" but still. It's quite difficult to overlook one of the most energetic performers period, so CL simply had to make the list in some form, and "MTBD" was the most logical conclusion. Everything from the tempo, lyrics, and foreign nature of the song make the song an exciting listen everytime. It's a rap track you can dance to, as CL herself has demonstrated. This song was an appreciated return to form that she unfortunately has yet to go back to.

8. Gain - Fxxk U (feat. Bumkey)

Gain has a brightly decorated solo career. From the tango-infused "Irreversible" to the bubblegum pop sounds of "Bloom" and "Apple," she has tackled plenty of different styles. But the song that stands out the most is the R&B duet "Fxxk U" with Bumkey. This song simply sounds perfect with Gain's voice. Bumkey's rich baritone sound compliments well and they sound great together. Brown Eyed Girls was never slacking in the vocal department but "Fxxk U" really is Gain at her best. Her boyfriend playing the part of...well, her boyfriend in the MV is another nice touch in the grand scheme of things.

7. Seungyeon - Guilty

Here's another throwback. While Seungyeon has yet to make an official solo debut, the "Solo Collection" showed that everyone in the group has the capability to shine not only as a soloist but in something outside KARA's comfort zone. "Guilty" is certainly rock and beyond what we normally hear from KARA. Seungyeon may not have a voice necessarily suited for rock but she definitely makes it work with a commendable effort. The drums and guitar are as powerful as Seungyeon's voice is yearning and longing. Of the few idols that have trekked down the genre of rock or pop rock, Seungyeon and "Guilty" is a welcome addition to the list.

6. Sunmi - 24 Hours

Sunmi surprised everyone after years of inactivity not by rejoining Wonder Girls (that would come few years later) but debuting as a soloist. Given that there was no word on the Wonder Girls reform back in 2013, Sunmi's debut was a point of interest since she had mostly been dominant in WG's pop music. But there was a gift hidden in her that came to light with "24 Hours." It just so happens that "24 Hours" is a ridiculously catchy song. Her breathy vocals shine here and the dance is no joke either. Sunmi's visuals, a catchy hook, and a smooth choreography (that drew many imitations) put Sunmi's solo career on the right path.

5. Miryo - I Love You, I Love You (feat. Sunny)

The legendary Brown Eyed Girls rapper was one of the later members to have a solo effort, but the patience paid off with "I Love You, I Love You." Miryo controls this ballad, keeping the rapping reserved but also has her signature speed as well. The R&B track is soothing in both the rapping and singing departments. Speaking of,  this song is also significant for the fact that it's got one of the best features in Sunny. Her voice has yet to find stability in her group's music but in "I Love You, I Love You" she sounds elegant and years would pass before she'd come out as strong and effective as she did here.

4. Jiyeon - Never Ever

If Gain's "Fxxk U" was the epitome of her ability as a singer, then "Never Ever" is the undiscovered gem that was presented to the world in 2014. Jiyeon was the pioneer to her group dropping solo content and "Never Ever" is exactly what she (and T-ARA) needed. Surprisingly, there's very little wrong with this track. Sultry vocals? Check. Sexy choreography? Check. Artistic music video? Check. Jiyeon scores high in all the right categories and stunned the public with this release. If only her fellow T-ARA members could've done the same with their solo debuts...

3. Jieun - Don't Look At Me Like That

Jieun's superstar ballad landed at #6 in the Best Of 2014, so it's nothing new to see her at the top. Her crystal clear voice rings with emotion from start to finish and this song is serene. When I listen to this song I often just have to absorb the audio in silence because this ballad is simply that good. "Don't Look At Me Like That" easily contests the other ballad queens like Taeyeon, and in fact is the highest ranked ballad (or ballad-esque) song here. "Pretty Age 25" showed Jieun could excel on her own without Secret, but "Don't Look At Me Like That" is gracefully perfect.

2. Taeyeon - I (feat. Verbal Jint)

The newest (and perhaps most anticipated) solo debut slightly shocked myself with the #2 placing. Yeah, "I" is a really pretty song, but I figured that with years of other girl group soloist content it'd be more towards the middle of the pack. But make no mistake, this song is excellent, the MV is beautiful, and the bar has been set for other Girls' Generation members in the event they go solo (what happened to the Tiffany debut?). Verbal Jint joins Bumkey and Sunny in being key features to accompany an already stellar song. The uplifting nature of "I" and Taeyeon's pretty vocal work are enough to beat most songs on their own right.

1. Hyorin - One Way Love

Let's cut to the chase. Everyone knew Hyorin would be superb solo material before "One Way Love" happened. As far as Sistar was concerned there was always a feeling of "Hyorin +3" for a long time, in terms of musicianship and practically everything else. So what did "One Way Love" bring to the table? Beautiful vocals: as per usual Hyorin standard, she sounds good and so does the song. Between the smooth verses and light and airy chorus, Hyorin does work the whole way through. Elegant choreography: while the public may not have been enamored by it, there's no denying that it was a visually-pleasing and physically-taxing choreography. It's weird but "One Way Love" is a dance track to begin with. Punctual rapping: the official jumpstart to Hyorin's rapping career proved that she could replace Bora for Sistar's rapping and it'd be an improvement in almost every aspect. The surprise here was that the rap could've weakened the song but definitely did the opposite. "One Way Love" quelled any doubts about Hyorin's ability as a solo artist, and proudly occupying #1 is but giving her what she deserves.