10. Big Bang - Loser
Let's kick off the top 10 with a slow yet enjoyable song. The title and lyrics of "Loser" sounds depressing but that's part of the song's beauty. You can feel the defeated emotion in each member's parts, most notably in the rapping from G-Dragon and T.O.P. Taeyang's bridge is also just as moving, even Seungri's faded choruses, too. The video expanded on the sad nature of "Loser" with various scenes of every member in the sad_zone. Pinpointing where this song could've done better is tough, but the simple reality of being a slower song puts "Loser" at a disadvantage with some of the other upbeat tunes. A well-rounded song no doubt but not the best on the album. But don't worry, we'll soon get to that.
9. Taeyeon - I
Did someone say Taeyeon solo? Of course this would find a spot here. Slightly unorthodox (at least compared to what is normally expected of Taeyeon) but unquestionably serene, the pop track has familiarity to her past OST work, while incorporating rock elements to make "I" something special. The repetition in the chorus isn't too bothersome when you take in Taeyeon's vocals. From Taeyeon's hair porn, Verbal Jint's surprise appearance, and the wonderful New Zealand visuals, the music video is also a treat. "You Think" was very close to making the list but was just barely edged out in the end. Taeyeon will gladly put the SNSD name on board either way. "My life is a beauty," indeed. The world could use more Taeyeon solo goodness. Let's hope this comes sooner than later.
8. EXID - Ah Yeah
Capitalizing on the "Up & Down" momentum, EXID moved onto "Ah Yeah" early in the year. With perhaps the smartest decision to follow in the footsteps "Up & Down" as opposed to straight up making another version, "Ah Yeah" is damn good from start to finish. Armed with the best verses in 2015, Hani and LE set each other up for success and delightful contrasts between the sultry vocals and aggressive rapping. Junghwa's awkward transitions still leave much to be desired, but her parts here are better than anything else in EXID's title tracks. Solji continues to provide extremely powerful vocals that make me want a Dasoni comeback more and more each passing day. This song seemed untouchable for a good 6 months, and surprisingly this placement seems low despite all the praise.
7. Big Bang - Sober
With the desire to avoid repetition, let's just say what has to be said about "Sober." It's an incredible track to rock out to all day every day. It's perhaps the most complete track on the "Made" album and definitely has the fewest faults compared to the others. The drums and other noise drive the instrumental and that only furthers an already confident Big Bang song. Consistent performances out of G-Dragon and friends plus a vivid (and trippy!) MV culminate in a pleasant product. "Sober" certainly lives up to the Big Bang standard and the hype of being the album's #1. Given that this veteran group may all be enlisting soon, the statement from "Made" was profound and impressive.
6. Mamamoo & eSNa - Ahh Oop!
Rising stars Mamamoo teased their album by releasing the "Ahh Oop!" single in April. This song quickly rose through the ranks back then and quickly rose through the ranks now. "Ahh Oop!" is 3 and a half minutes of addicting ear candy. Mamamoo and eSNa is a pleasant combination and strangers to the group might have mistaken eSNa as the 5th member on the team. By now everyone knows the singing titans they are, with a capable lineup of Solar, Wheein, and Hwasa. These ladies deliver with talent, sass, and energy (especially evident in the final chorus). As we trend into the very best, a shared attribute is that these songs are all accompanied by superb raps, and Moonbyul is no exception. The rap in "Ahh Oop!" provides buildup into the final stretch and honestly is my favourite overall rap inclusion of the year. You can't go wrong with "Ahh Oop!"
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