Honorable Mention: The Ark - The Light
As The Ark no longer exists, I can't push them any higher than a shoutout. "The Light" was an uplifting dance track that pushed your negative emotions to the side. Yuna spearheaded the effort and her presence in the song can't be understated. They didn't forget the performance aspect either, as "The Light" had an active (yet lighthearted) dance, too. The strength of the debut is further felt when thinking of their demise, as we'll never know what lied beyond this spectacular debut.
Honorable Mention: CLC - Pepe
CLC and the group at #10 battled it out, but at the end of the day, "Pepe" will take the second honorable mention spot. This song packed enough punch to gain my interest in what was only known as 4minute's successors at the time. Of course, we know that CLC are nothing like 4minute and "Pepe" showed why. It had a blend of flavors, but not to the point where the song was dysfunctional. Yeeun also had a flighty rap which still stands out for impressive debut raps to this day.
#10. GFriend - Glass Bead
In a sea of innocent and schoolgirl concepts, GFriend managed to separate themselves from the rest with "Glass Bead." While the MV is certainly cookie-cutter, the song is not, thanks to the united chorus and the strong vocals from Yuju. She proved from the very beginning that overlooking her would be a mistake. The choreography is also exciting, full of energy that each subsequent title track would also house. There was nothing groundbreaking about "Glass Bead," but it set the tone for the bright career path of GFriend.
#9. SHINee - Replay
Many debut songs tend to be forgettable, but SHINee is a different case. This was a group that, for me, didn't fully hit their stride until 2015 with songs like "View" and "Married To The Music." Their best song prior to that? "Replay." It's a well-balanced song in terms of the hook, dance, and vocals. Jonghyun has always been really good, and the whole song is easy on the ears. "Replay" may not have aged too well given the current landscape of boy groups, but was excellent for its time.
#8. Black Pink - Whistle & Boombayah
While unfair to include Black Pink for their double release debut, that's precisely why they deserve to be on such a list. Few groups have been as active as they have just months into their debut, and both "Whistle" and "Boombayah" were more than respectable songs by themselves. The driving force of "Boombayah" that make you want to get up and dance, opposite the smooth and chic sounds of "Whistle." Having both certainly makes your debut one to remember.
#7. Ladies' Code - Bad Girl
Rarely do I find myself becoming attached to a rookie group from their debut song alone. Too many songs are either recycled concepts or out of left field. Ladies' Code was different: they were captivating with "Bad Girl," bringing retro flavor to a year when dance songs were all the rage. Even though they were never a powerhouse vocal group, each member had strong individual performances here, and liken to the debuts of Mamamoo and SPICA. Of course, it helps to have Sojung, who was mesmerizing with her unique voice.
#6. Girls' Generation - Into The New World
If you're finding debut staples from the mid-2000's, look no further. Girls' Generation was a much anticipated group, and this song delivered. Like GFriend's "Glass Bead," "Into The New World" also sported a unified chorus and energetic choreography (arguably one of the group's best ever). In a time when they were rookies, the vocals across the board were really solid, and showed a glimpse of what was to come with Taeyeon and Jessica's greatness.
#5. Mamamoo - Mr. Ambiguous
Mamamoo made more of a statement with their debut than Girls' Generation did, which is why they're the highest ranked girl group debut. Ladies' Code may have added a retro twist to the usual dance pop formula, but Mamamoo went full retro style and it was wonderful. "Mr. Ambiguous" not only came with smooth singing, but also a star-studded cameo lineup, and also introduced the signature fake moustache move that became a signature thing of Mamamoo.
#4. EXO - History
I'll always consider "History" as the official EXO debut. Not because "Mama" was a bad song (because that's only half true), but c'mon. They released a Korean and Chinese version of the song and MV, and included all the members (unlike "What Is Love"). That's a debut! "History" became an instant jam, with a dance that carried the legacy of TVXQ, Super Junior, and SHINee along with the pocket-flailing move that became a meme quite quickly. Excellent marks from vocals to dance to rap, and a strong debut was born.
#3. CNBLUE - I'm A Loner
Before there was AOA, there was FT Island and CNBLUE. And the fact is that CNBLUE was a more polished act than FT Island, no doubt thanks to being the junior of the two bands. "I'm A Loner" was a delightful preview of the pop rock vibes we'd be seeing from them, and rightfully highlighted Yonghwa as the man to watch. Like SHINee, CNBLUE maintain relevancy after all these years simply off the strength of "I'm A Loner." Plus this song resonates deeply within my soul...
#2. Ailee - Heaven
Solo artists have always been scarce, and good solo debuts even scarcer. That's what makes Ailee's debut so incredible. Under the tutelage of Wheesung, Ailee stormed onto the scene with "Heaven." This was a ballad that showcased both sides of her vocal spectrum: soft and gentle vs. strong and powerful. "Heaven" was the best song of 2012, and the perfect start to her career. Not many artists can say that their debut material was some of their best, but Ailee can.
#1. B.A.P - Warrior
Even though Ailee's song was the best in that year, B.A.P's "Warrior" is my pick for the best debut song. They were a rare example of a group that debuted under the guise of veterans. You'd have never guessed they were rookies. The energy, power, and aggressiveness of "Warrior" were unparalleled at the time, and the sharp choreography coupled with explosive rapping from Zelo and Yongguk instantly put this group one everyone's radar. These boys set the gold standard for how a group should debut, and will be remembered for that.
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