[Bonus] Best Of 2013 (#8-#5)

8. Dynamic Duo - Hot Wings (feat. Hyorin)

Unlike last year, there isn’t much presence from the males on this list. But Dynamic Duo is here to help us a little. “Hot Wings” is excellent showing of the rapping off Choiza and Gaeko, and along with LeeSSang’s “Tears” these two songs have pioneered the hip-hop realm this year. The medium paced song is ridiculously catchy as far as the chorus goes, and with the charisma and talent of Dynamic Duo, the song is just pleasant from start to finish. Speaking of, Hyorin’s guest appearance is incredible, with her sultry high voice making the highlight of the second half of the song.

7. Sistar - Give It To Me

Last year, Sistar made rank #10 off “Alone” and the classy sexiness. This time, with “Give It To Me”, the song is a straight upgrade from “Alone”. Bora’s rap is upgraded, the vocal work between Soyu, Dasom, and Hyorin are upgraded, the sexiness is upgrades, and the pace and MV are also upgraded. While the chorus may have been on the bland side for a Sistar release, the fluid breathy verses from Hyorin and Soyu more than make up for things. With the prominence of Sistar this year, and the most likely departures of Wonder Girls and KARA, Sistar has even more room to thrive for the upcoming 2014 year.

6. EXO - Baby Don’t Cry

EXO finally released the official track “Baby Don’t Cry” even though the teasers came out over 2 years ago, and it’s just as glorious as was teased. Jongdae is impressive, and the support vocalists from Baekhyun and Lay especially, were very strong. The chorus is one of the best out of ballads this year. The song itself is very consistent, and while Chanyeol and Tao’s raps came seemingly out of nowhere, the rap was very soft and kept with the rest of the song, making the rap breaks one of the better ones seen this year. There’s no MV or choreography, so EXO would earn near full marks on the impressive vocals and complimentary rapping.

5. Younha - Not There

How do I describe Younha’s “Not There”. It’s so…different in sound and structure than what I’m used to. While I would never classify this song as “indie”, compared to what Younha usually releases this certainly feels “indie”. While I did appreciate the variant with Eluphant’s multiple rapping sequences which were very good, the version in the music video with heavier strings instrumentals was much cleaner and I appreciated the softer background noise paired with Younha’s precious vocals. I preferred the clean voice accompanied by the various instruments than the rapping support with a more electronic sound. Younha’s 2013 year was very productive, and while none of her songs made the very top, she’s comfortably placed two songs in the best of the best.