10. f(x) (NEW)
The resurgence of f(x) is almost solely off the return album. "4 Walls" album was one of the best in the fall quarter, not to mention that the success itself was a good sign for the now-quartet. Not many groups can release an album with a solid tracklist, much less for one as important as it was for f(x). Luna gets more opportunity to showcase her immense vocal talent, and everyone in general seems upgraded without Sulli's presence. "4 Walls" the song seemed to be an awakening piece for me, because Krystal's voice sounds all the more sweeter in her other appearances, like in some older f(x) songs or S.M. The Ballad material.
9. Twice (NEW)
It may seem silly now, but calling Twice a powerhouse girl group may not be that far off. These rookies are basically killing it everywhere they go. Despite my opinions on the lackluster debut song (which I still hold), there's no denying the vocal talent (Jihyo), dance talent (Momo), and visual talent (Tzuyu) that they have. In the variety world they're making a name for themselves, too. Throw in Dahyun's hilarious facial expressions, etc. and there's appeal for everyone, usually a given when the roster features so many members. A shame that the crazy shenanigans regarding Tzuyu and Taiwan had to surface, as it's the only dark spot on an otherwise bright start for the group.
8. 9MUSES (+1)
9MUSES haven't really done anything to justify this small move up, but I wasn't comfortable with giving Twice anything higher than #9, so here we are. This isn't to say the "Lost" EP wasn't nice, as both "Secret" and "Sleepless Night" still have plenty of replay value, but compared to the content other groups are dropping, a 4 track mini album seems quite underwhelming. Still, Erin is a superstar and their visual game remains the best Kpop has to offer, especially impressive for a group of this magnitude. Also in that regard, with Minha making strides in her singing, and there aren't any weak links on the roster either. I'd like to see the girls expand into some top tier variety shows before a full studio album.
7. EXID
Like with Twice's "Like Ooh-Ahh," my feelings on EXID's "Hot Pink" remain the same. It's a song that lacks the needed punch to break through the group's better, more complete titles. All in all it was disappointing to see the efforts of LE and Solji get squandered by a mediocre piece. When you consider they're both at the top of their class (in rapping and singing, respectively, of course), you hope to see their music play to their (monstrous) strengths. There's not much else to say, other than Hani needs more Running Man appearances because she's an unstoppable force, and by the way we're still waiting on that Dasoni comeback!
6. Apink (-1)
The only exciting news surrounding Apink lately is the mere rumor of an Eunji solo. That alone is of course all that's needed to generate hype, but so long as it's just a rumor all we can do is speculate. Like 9MUSES, they haven't really deserved to be moved around, Mamamoo is on the rise and so overtakes them at present. Of all the groups on this list, they are probably the most stable. They have strung together a great series of hits since 2013 and their next release should be a game-changer. Also, it's not worth talking about any acting roles they have because every group has someone involved in acting. If they aren't, that's probably more rare.
5. Mamamoo (+1)
I say, Mama-mama-moo~ These ladies are the perfect combination of charisma and talent and have shown us that since debut. Whether it's through the studio or Immortal Song, they are blowing people away with their voices and pulling people in with their beagle charm. Mamamoo is an extremely balanced group, only lacking perhaps in the choreography department, but only a select few girl groups really have an advantage in that aspect anyway, everyone else is generally on par. I have not fully experienced the "Melting" album yet but rest assured it's high priority. "I Miss You" adds another excellent ballad to the list, while "Pride Of 1cm" is just the zany fun Mamamoo everyone loves. The groups in the top 4 better watch out, Mamamoo is on the march.
4. Sistar
Like Apink, Sistar have not released anything (as a group) since we last saw them with "Shake It." This may be a blessing in disguise. While they don't get a chance to climb up the ladder, they also didn't release anything bad which could've possibly given Mamamoo the opening to grab the #4 spot. Hyorin did join the delicious "Love Line" collab, and they've all been working hard in the variety fields, but we crave for more Sistar. Even though a Hyorin solo comeback or Soyu solo debut would be awesome, Sistar will need to make their next comeback a good one, otherwise they will fall prey to the groups just below them. Hopefully it's a spring or fall (not summer) comeback, we don't need any more of the summer jams.
3. Girl's Day (-2)
Music-wise, Girl's Day has been the most quiet out of all these groups. Regardless, the reason they drop has more to do with AOA and SNSD's activity than nothing else. Heck, if Sistar was but the tiniest bit active before now I'd have considered putting them here instead. Despite the mediocrity that was "Ring My Bell," they are still very much worth of being in the top 3. They've had the best set of title tracks in most recent memory, and all the members are quite well-rounded. Minah is a vocal delight, Yura and Sojin are visual wonders, and Hyeri was (still is?) in the ranks of Suzy and IU as far as the hot topics go. Girl's Day's spot boils down to: if Sistar are #4 after the last 2 years of only decent songs, then Girl's Day shouldn't have to worry after only faltering in 2015.
2. AOA
Seolhyun still has the crown for girl group members, and while there are plenty formidable challengers (Hani, Tzuyu, to name a few), she continues to hold that prestige going into April. AOA have been distributing their progress across the roster since they sang of heart attacks in the summer. Choa dropped some solo activity with "Flame" and "Don't Be Shy." The former was a pleasant ballad and the latter a standout piece. Jimin also added some to her resume, advancing AOA's individual efforts. Lastly there was the debut of the new subunit AOA Cream. While they had an unorthodox song, it's respectable for the effort in giving Yuna, Hyejeong, and Chanmi more time to shine, even if the MV was a little too much Sailor Moon. AOA is the next group with a chance to start a good few years together, and for now will happily occupy the silver spot in consecutive rankings.
1. Girls' Generation (+2)
While they fell in the fall, Girls' Generation recovered quickly and returned to the #1 spot (I say "returned" even though there was only one previous official ranking, but it's not hard to believe that they were the #1 girl group for extended periods of time prior to Jessica leaving). The centerpiece for the resurgence was of course, Taeyeon's nearly flawless solo debut. "I" was splendid and certainly a main attraction of fall 2015. Further aided by the TTS subunit releasing Christmas music, and the few new songs that have arrived with the Station project, including a Yoona(!) song and the smooth sounds of Taeyeon again in "Rain," and Girls' Generation are bringing back the quality in their music. With more solo debuts in the mix, they will keep try to maintain their #1 position.
Final Glance
10. f(x) (NEW)
9. Twice (NEW)
8. 9MUSES (+1)
7. EXID
6. Apink (-1)
5. Mamamoo (+1)
4. Sistar
3. Girl's Day (-2)
2. AOA
1. Girls' Generation (+2)
Previous Ranking (Fall 2015) (Part 1) (Part 2)
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