[Bonus] Best Of Sistar

Welp, the Kpop gods did not smile upon Sistar, and they'll be disbanding after their comeback with "Lonely." It's cheeky humorous timing because I had talked about how my top 4 girl group biases will likely remain there for forever and now next time I update the list Soyu and Bora will no longer be there. Even though groups like 2NE1 and Wonder Girls disbanded prior, this breakup will be the most painful for me. I really liked each member of this group (even Dasom heh), plus they had good music and good chemistry. Plus all of them are really good at variety. Hate seeing good things die. Granted, I saw it coming ever since news about Hyorin's contract discussions and even before that, but it still hurts nonetheless. I'm definitely reviewing their last comeback, that's for sure. Anyway, here are their best songs (that are title tracks).

#7. So Cool

The first entry on the list is also the oldest, as "So Cool" came out in 2011. This was the first of a string of solid releases for Sistar, and "So Cool" utilized many of the elements that produced great music. Catchy dance moves, snazzy instrumental, and high-flying vocals from Hyorin are (understandably) Sistar's recipe to success and this song embodies that. "So Cool" is also notable for having one of Bora's longest raps in their / her resume, which is great! Bora fans know the struggle of Bora's own struggle with lines in later releases.

#6. Ma Boy

Looks like I'll never get the Sistar19 comeback I wanted. This was an anticipated subunit and for good reason: Hyorin and Bora are amazing so putting the vocal juggernaut and rapper together is a good combination. While future songs would heavily imbalance line distribution ("Gone Not Around Any Longer"), they didn't make that mistake with "Ma Boy," and gave Bora some singing opportunities, or at least gave the impression or disguise that she was. You'll notice that this song also has another solid rap from Bora, which is always a plus. In fact her rap in "Ma Boy" is probably her best in a vacuum. And one does not think of "Ma Boy" without those glorious body rolls.

[Bonus] Best Of Sad Songs

You'll notice the title isn't "Best Of Ballads." While I'm surprised that isn't something I've ever written about, that's not the point. Not every ballad is a sad song, and not every sad song is a ballad. At least not in my book, though I predict many of the entries on this list will be ballads. Sad songs will help ruin the mood of any situation, induce tears, and make you gloomily sing along. Whether it's the vocals, the tune, lyrics, or music video, something (or everything) about these songs make them sad and a welcome addition to my sad_zone playlist.

#7. JYJ - In Heaven

One of the selling points of JYJ's early days was that their vocals were really damn good. Jaejoong and Yoochun provide excellent support to Junsu and this song shows exactly why. Just listen to Junsu in general, but also that last half of the song. The bridge is one of the best I've heard in any ballad or any song, it's simply that powerful. Meanwhile the music video is cute and will tug at your heartstrings for sure. Shoutouts to Jihyo for appearing in the MV, too.

#6. Big Bang - Last Dance

Pretty sure I've talked about this song before, but "Last Dance" is beautiful. Daesung and Taeyang lead the charge, but G-Dragon and Seungri aren't to be overlooked with their vocals either. "Last Dance" is a beautiful farewell even though it's not technically a farewell. When those opening notes come on it can ruin any happy vibes you've got going on. It's not sad in the traditional sense, but listening to it envelops me in an aura of somberness. Call me a gloomy individual if you wish, knock yourselves out.

[Misc] Bias Power Rankings VIII: Summer 2017

The true way to get back into writing is by updating my Bias List. But more revisions are in order as I plan to release a new Power Ranking for girl groups, vocalists, rappers, and visuals over the next three months. Anyway here are my top 12 / 16 Kpop girls heading into the summer.

Honorable Mentions: Seungyeon / Hwasa / Victoria / Hani

Seungyeon will continue to be on the outside looking in, but her potential as the next Minzy of her generation is well-stocked. Hani and Hwasa plummet out of the rankings due to relative inactivity. I know Hani and EXID made a comeback but I haven't really been feeling it. Thankfully Hani grew her out her hair. Lastly, poor Victoria. She has actually been in this section of the list since my first installment in November 2014. She's OG to another level and legacy will keep her here forever until either f(x) makes a comeback or disbands, and I'm hoping it's the former that will happen.

[Misc] The Return

The hiatus is officially over as I'm done with school. I've never kept track of when and for how long I've been inactive, but I think it's been around 3-4 times now where I have not published something every month. Thankfully this is still (only) May and there's plenty of 2017 left to go. I'll figure out whether or not I'll scrap the writings I had during April, and go from there. Reviewing Twice's "Signal" might be a good refresher, and or updating the Power Rankings series. I look forward to writing regularly again!