Sojung continues to flourish in Ladies' Code's music. Her unique sound and ability can be molded into whatever style is needed. In terms of raw skill I think she's top five material, but doesn't quite have the track record to back it up. Nonetheless, "The Rain" was a smooth R&B number and you could see just how comfortable Sojung sounded. Her solo debut with "Better Than Me" has a criminally low number of views - not even cracking 200 thousand after four months.. Maybe because it's a ballad, but c'mon people can't be sleeping on her talent.
9. Jieun (+6)
The surprising solo comeback of Jieun last October gave her career a much needed jolt of life. "Bobby Doll" is delightfully eerie and it was a style that strayed from Secret standards. It's been so long since the whole group was active that I've forgotten just how clear and bright she sounds at all times. The younger vocalists might have a better resume as of late but the solo comeback is better than nothing. Plus, speaking of her group, Secret is supposed to have a comeback this year, so if TS actually delivers on that we could see some more of her fantastic clarity.
8. Minah (+8)
Minah would've suffered huge losses if not for the great comeback a few months ago. I say "great" meaning more on the group actually releasing new music but the song "I'll Be Yours" wasn't too bad of a song. Minah easily elevates into top ten territory with other top talents like Choa and Yeeun leaving. Her crystal clear voice carries Girl's Day and while it's true Sojin, Yura, and Hyeri have respectable voices for supporting roles they're a far cry from what Minah does for them on a regular basis.
7. Yuju (+10)
With vocal titans like Hyorin and Bohyung leaving, it only makes sense for the superstar of the new generation to take center stage. Yuju ties Kei for the biggest climb in the rankings with +10 but hers is more deserved (sorry Kei you're still super adorable). Yuju has been doing well for herself and while GFriend's last two releases haven't been spectacular, she's still making headlines for her voice. In "Love Whisper" and "Summer Rain," she sounds more controlled, a side of her we hadn't seen yet. Her development is astounding and as the older members slowly fade into the backgroud, Yuju is going straight to the top.
6. Luna (+2)
Inactivity is a fickle thing. It's devastating to careers and rankings, but it's also not (usually) under the artist's control. Luna is another unfortunate victim of the inactivity game, having been locked up in the dungeons since "All Mine," which was only through Station. She dabbled in extracurriculars such as "Honey" with Solar and Hani, but what really helps Luna is that she'll be getting a much needed solo comeback in December. Personally I wanted an f(x) comeback more but beggar's can't be choosers. At least S.M. is doing something for her again...
Like Miryo in the rapper list, I can't simply discredit the inactivity from JeA as much as the other vocalists here - her legacy is far too immense. I will punish her a little, but she's too good to be left outside the top five. Besides, she did release a remake "You're Different" back in April. JeA is extremely consistent - a trait common in the highest caliber singers - and her extended history in the industry gives more reason to have her ranked so high. Even among all the newer and younger faces popping up everywhere, it's hard to miss the soothing tones of JeA.
4. Solji (+2)
Solji has had less time away from her group as Jieun, and also has lately returned from health issues to feature in Primary's new album on the track "Diet." For some reason the MV is only half the song... Her return to the studio is far more recent, plus she was always a better singer, thus she enters the top four in the rankings. Solji has a sharp voice that is often used to great effect in EXID title tracks, but is also capable of toning it down for ballads such as the aforementioned "Diet." I can't wait to see her back in the lineup.
3. Eunji (+4)
When you think of consistency in a group and an individual, there might be no better example than Apink's Eunji. Apink as a whole always maintain their signature sound across their releases, and last year's "Only One". and the more current "Five" are no different. She's the vocal pillar of the group and sounds great no matter the song. Her solo discography is growing, and 2017 had the lovely "The Spring" and "Manito" joining her library. She has done incredibly well for herself over the years and absolutely deserves to be in the final three.
2. Solar (+2)
Mamamoo's presence in the Kpop world is unstoppable, much like their charisma and personalities. Solar is a complete dork when she's not in the studio, but once she steps foot in there she is a powerful vocal diva through and through. She has a plethora of skills at her disposal, and she's one of few group vocalists than can stand their own with Ailee, which is an extremely impressive feat. Between group releases like "Yes I Am" and softer solo work, Solar is always in discussion for one of the best girl group vocalists. Solar comfortably takes the silver rank, which means...
1. Taeyeon (+2)
This was a no-brainer. With Hyorin becoming a solo artist, there's little competition blocking Taeyeon from taking that coveted #1 spot. Her group and solo discography is prolific and 2017 only added to that. From "11:11" to "All Night," from "Make Me Love You" to "Fine," she has a little something for everybody - you can't go wrong with whatever you choose. Taeyeon is a superstar, so as long as S.M. continue to care (and there's no reason they wouldn't), you'll be seeing her get plenty of activities to improve on her already stellar resume. Taeyeon is the best girl group vocalist heading into late 2017.
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