[Bonus] Best Of 2014 Revisited

Continuing the revisited series, we stop at a shy two years back in 2014. This was one of the more diverse years and I expect a handful of new entries to join the fun. Writing these redos have been fun and I may go in reverse after doing the 2015 set, although I'll probably only write 2011 and 2010 because my memory doesn't go much further back. At some point, I even plan for a "Best Of 2010-2015" and basically pit the top 5 of each year against each other to see which songs come out on top.

#12. INFINITE - Back (--)
Original: INFINITE - Back
Zero changes here. Infinite's "Back" was a reliable release with all the trademarks of the group in tow. Solid vocal showing from Sunggyu and Woohyun, and a dance performance that lives up to the Infinite name. In terms of the individual categories they all did well and came together well, too. There were some boy group songs competing for this spot (namely Block B's "Her") but at the end of the day the consistency of Infinite's track record proved stronger.

#11. Lovelyz - Goodnight Like Yesterday (NEW)
Original: Wheesung - Night & Day
Lovelyz kicks off five consecutive new entries to the 2014 list. Most of the songs that were replaced were ones that didn't have staying power, whether through the songs not being as good as initially interpreted, novelty wearing off, or a combination of those and other factors. "Goodnight Like Yesterday" is a premier ballad and helps out Jieun in that genre's representation. Soft soothing voices led by Kei make this a lullaby for the ages. The best part? "Destiny" showed that this wasn't a one-trick-wonder either, this style could be their bread and butter if they wanted.

#10. BTS - War Of Hormone (NEW)
Original: Juniel - I Think I'm In Love
As awkward as the title (and lyrics) are, there's no denying that this song was a smash hit in 2014. This song is full of character and the Bangtan boys are just as rich with their personalities. Aggressive in nature, "War Of Hormone" is often singled out by the quality of the rappers, and even though J-Hope was a little grating, Jungkook helps recover, and flashes his versatility once again. The dance wasn't as memorable, but perhaps that is a small price to pay for having four solid rap verses and V's deadly growl.

#9. EXID - Up & Down (NEW)
Original: AOA - Miniskirt
What a difference a single fancam makes. Hani sent EXID viral and without that I doubt they'd be enjoying the success they're having now. This breakout was quietly propelled by LE's rapping and the simple yet ridiculously catchy hook. Still, "Up & Down" wasn't free of faults. The Junghwa struggle still existed and did so until the advent of "L.I.E," and in reality the dance isn't even that inspiring; Hani just happens to be super super attractive. But the legacy of "Up & Down" will be remembered as one of the industry's best Cinderella stories, and people will be chanting "wi arae wi wi arae" for many years to come.

#8. Apink - Mr. Chu (NEW)
Original: Mamamoo - Mr. Ambiguous
Oh, Apink. Always managing to release good songs that always fly just slightly below my radar. "NoNoNo" in 2013, "Remember" in 2015, etc. The cream of the crop, however, was "Mr. Chu" far and above the rest. This tennis-infused video encapsulates what makes Apink Apink. Eunji being awesome? Check. Innocent image? Check. Cute dance and MV? Double check. This is the Apink formula operating at maximum level and it's a treat for the eyes and ears. Eunji and friends need to get back to this level of quality in order to go up the ladder.

#7. Mamamoo - Piano Man (NEW)
Original: Girl's Day - Something
"Mr. Ambiguous" got me nibbling at the bait, but it was "Piano Man" that truly hooked me in. Perhaps it was my childhood piano-playing roots being nostalgic, but let's be honest. Solar, Wheein, and Hwasa lit it up with their voices and then Moonbyul delivered a solid rap for good measure (we don't acknowledge those "things" at the end of each chorus). Even though Mamamoo has gone on to have bigger and better songs ("Ahh Oop!" "You're The Best"), I think "Piano Man" was the major turning point for them.

#6. Jieun - Don't Look At Me Like That (--)
Original: Jieun - Don't Look At Me Like That
Ballads continue to fly under the radar, with other genres of music simply making more noise than them, but don't be discouraged, because Jieun's masterpiece is timeless. "Don't Look At Me Like That" will remain one of the most beautiful, one of the most touching, and one of the most serene ballads ever. I would classify Jieun as a wasted talent, because so long as Secret continues to pretend they don't exist - and never settle on a style when they did - she'll never be able to constantly release good music like this.

#5. Epik High - Born Hater (--)
Original: Epik High - Born Hater
I think 5th is a perfect spot for "Born Hater." Utilizing the efforts of seven people is tough but a rap track is the way to do it. These haters work and rhyme their way off a sick beat provided by Tukutz and the rest is history. It's a beautiful blend of rap between veteran masters and rookie talent that manages to make every rapper excellent in their own style. Like the track preceding it on these revisions, "Born Hater" is a classic of its genre and is nestled within the pantheon of the highest quality rap tracks.

#4. Girl's Day - Darling (-2)
Original: Soyu & Junggigo - Some
Most of the original top pieces were cut in the upheaval. The novelty wore off of Orange Caramel's "My Copycat," and Epik High's other track "Happen Ending" lacked staying power and would fall completely off the charts. "Darling," on the other hand has remained relatively unscathed, though does step down a few notches from an originally overzealous #2 placing. Girl's Day was able to effectively return to their roots while still maintaining momentum during a very successful promotion cycle with this upbeat song, and the summer nature was above a seasonal label, as "Darling" brings good vibes all year round.

#3. AOA - Miniskirt (+6)
Original: Orange Caramel - My Copycat
The pretty girls are AOA, and while that may be from a future song, the statement rings true all the same. "Miniskirt" unleashed the group to another level, after getting their feet wet with "Confused" a few months prior. Visuals were on point, the choreography was sexy as fuck, and Choa leads the way for sultry singing. Everything about this comeback was gold - even top madam Jimin's rap. Plus they didn't make the classic mistake of having some part of the song completely contradict the title. "Miniskirt" is AOA's best and that formula paved the way for successive hits.

#2. Girl's Day - Something (+5)
Original: Girl's Day - Darling
What does any sexy girl group song need? A partner in crime, naturally. While I can't determine who is Batman and who is Robin between "Something" and "Miniskirt," perhaps this isn't an apt comparison. Both songs epitomize the girl group attractions in different ways. AOA was more in your face about it, while Girl's Day chose to be subtle with "Something." The dresses were elegant and incorporated well into the choreography, something we'd see years later with Sistar's "I Like That." Sojin, Yura, and Hyeri provide breathy vocals while Minah did serious work, propelling this song to #2.

#1. Soyu & Junggigo - Some (+3)
Original: Epik High - Happen Ending
Let's be honest. What song was better and more successful than "Some" in 2014? The correct answer is nothing. Nothing was. "Some" enjoyed insane amounts of prosperity across charts and performances. This duet quickly became permanently attached to Soyu and Junggigo's resumes, and is the pinnacle of collaborations. Perhaps what scared me away from this rightful position in my original list was the rap from Lil Boi, which while not destructive, didn't really contribute much to the song and as a result was more filling time than anything.