[Bonus] Best Of Seventeen

In tune with my sister's 17th birthday which happened yesterday, let's take a quick look at Seventeen's best title tracks. This squad is one the up-and-up with their addicting dance numbers, so you can definitely expect a few (if not many) of those to show up on this list. ...actually, as it turns out, Seventeen only have had six main singles so I guess I'll have to rank them. Maybe I don't listen to them enough but it feels like they've been around for much longer and have released more songs. Looks like a collaboration song will sneak its way in here.

#7. Pretty U

I can't put my finger on why this song isn't very good. Maybe it lacks an addicting melody, maybe it lacks a distinct punch. It could also be that Seventeen's music is generally more hype and "Pretty U" is very mellow. This isn't usually a bad thing, but at the same time a group has to be good enough at different styles in order to be versatile. Let's attribute to this maybe being a missed opportunity in regards to their slower jams. Plus it's not like they can't do slow(er) songs, as you'll see later on.

#6. Q&A (with Ailee)

Here's a question: if this song is up here, is it because Ailee's vocals are so awesome? Or because Seventeen's rappers made nice support contributions? Seems like a little bit of both in my mind, but hey that's what we want to see. Ailee is a superstar and it's good she doesn't overpower these boys with her voice. At the same time, not giving another artist enough lines would've been a problem, too, so it seems "Q&A" hit that magical sweetspot. I would still argue that the last two songs are not particularly memorable. Moving on.

#5. Adore U

Holy shit I never realized how creepy the whispers at the beginning of this song are. Anyway when I think of Seventeen, I think of this track. Dance-focused while being not too heavy and not too soft. This is probably their element - what they're most comfortable with. At least it sure sounds that way. Rap sequences scattered about with pinpoint choreography that manages to squeeze all 13 members into one shot. What's with them always using "u" in place of "you?" That doesn't really make you cooler, sorry to burst your bubble.

#4. Very Nice

Sometimes, quirky is perfect for the situation. And that's what I feel makes "Very Nice" great. Everything from the overalls dancing, to the raps, and the video are all seemingly poking fun at each other so you can sit back and enjoy the tunes. It might not be my favorite Seventeen choreography, but it's definitely the most fun. The quick chants here and there are stereotypical and filler but for some reason it works here. Maybe because the instrumental is so snazzy and seems the right compliment for the tacky nature of the song.

#3. Boom Boom

This is your signature Seventeen dance hype anthem. It has all you want in an exciting dance number. Flurries of formation changes, sharp choreography and moves, and fancy jackets to make everything that much shinier. "Boom Boom" also has arguably the best rap showing out of all their songs. S.Coups in particular spits slow fire and it's great. That bridge is super out of place but you can't win them all. Funnily enough I think having seen this song covered by my dance group made me appreciate the non-dance aspects of this song more. The bridge could've still been axed, however.

#2. Don't Wanna Cry

See, Seventeen definitely can do slow jams. Everything flows together in this piece which makes it far superior to "Pretty U" in every way. Elegant moves that can hypnotize you are on par with BTS' "Spring Day" choreography in terms of how smooth it all looks. Loved the whole "head in shoulder" timed with the lyrics. My main gripe with "Don't Wanna Cry" is that the vocals aren't as good as their other songs. This is probably ironic since (a) most of their music isn't heavily reliant on their singing and (b) the songs with which I consider having better vocals - songs like "Very Nice" - are lower in rank.

#1. Mansae

Nothing puts a smile on my face more than seeing Kpop idols having fun. "Mansae" is all about having fun. While it's not the flashiest in the choreography corner, not the most beautiful with regards to voices, or their best MV, "Mansae" relies on consistency rather than specializing in one thing. The rapping is good, the vocals are good, the dance is good, and the MV is good. Hardly anything is out of place, and it's very difficult to find fully complete songs in today's world. That's why the super well-rounded "Mansae" takes the bacon as Seventeen's finest.