#10. Pristin V - Get It
Apparently people slept on "Get It" but it's the best ever released by Pristin (even though this is a subunit). It's kinda sad, but this is what optimal Pristin looks like. The song matches the instrumental in the hard-hitting nature, while everyone serves up that femme fatale look. From Eunwoo's vocals to Rena's rapping, each member puts in a solid performance for a well-rounded track. Without any aegyo bullshit or unnecessary moments, it's easy to see why "Get It" earned a spot on this list. Hopefully the rest of Pristin can get on this level for the future.
#9. Stray Kids - I Am You
Stray Kids are the new kids on the block, and they've amassed quite the early portfolio. "I Am You" is a refreshing take on the typical energetic dance track mixed with some powerful rapping. Like SM, JYP finally has some solid rappers with this generation of groups. As far as first impressions go, they remind me of GOT7 if GOT7 had actual rappers. Changbin, Han, and Felix make the highlight reel (though the latter is mostly on voice alone) and the singers aren't bad either. I imagine they will pan out nicely thanks to their rapping and composition abilities.
#8. DAY6 - Shoot Me
Fun fact: this is the first time JYP Entertainment has had two representatives on a Best Of 20XX post since 2011 when Wonder Girls and miss A both made the list. Now Stray Kids join hands with DAY6 as the glory of "Shoot Me" is fully appreciated. "Shoot Me" is fantastic because (a) the song is brilliantly composed, (b) this is not a slow track, and (c) there's no rap from Brian. As an aside the music video is whatever. "Shoot Me" is full of energy and is exactly what you want out of these instrument-jamming kids. I'm telling you if DAY6 was around when I was in late middle and high school, I'd undoubtedly be their biggest fan.
#7. iKON - Love Scenario
While I personally prefer groups to stick with their guns (much like the #6 selection), branching out works when you discover you might be good at something else or hit jackpot. This was certainly the case with iKON's "Love Scenario." Much more mellow compared to previous songs, "Love Scenario" is comforting while still playing to iKON's strengths. Rap breaks from Bobby and B.I are delightful, much like Junhoe's voice. This track also started a trend of having the whole gang sing the last part of the song, something that "Killing Me" and "Goodbye Road" featured. Anyway, "Love Scenario" is wonderful and happens to be iKON's most viewed MV on Youtube. Coincidence? I think not!
#6. Dreamcatcher - What
Dreamcatcher are quietly going on a run that rival some of girl group history's best. This is thanks to "What" which marks the 6th(!) entry in a string of Jpop-esque rock tracks since the rebranding. Where would they be without the drastic changes? Probably disbanded, but anyways... "What" is aggressive - listen to that beauty of a chorus - from the vocals to the instrumental, and the rapping plus chanting. This encapsulates what Dreamcatcher is all about, and this shit's magical. It ain't broke, so don't fix it.
#5. IU - Bbibbi
The year is 2035, and IU is still releasing quality music. Okay so it's 2018 but my point remains. In her tenth year in the industry, IU brings us a graceful, relaxing tune with "Bbibbi." With quirky lyrics leaving interpreters guessing, her pure voice glides through the song. Also one has to point out the choreography: I don't think I've ever seen an IU video highlight the moves of every single chorus. Furthermore, there's a fucking dance practice video for this song - you think they want to show off that choreography? Every year IU continues to show us why she's one of the greatest to ever step in a recording studio.
#4. Mamamoo - Wind Flower
Amidst the direction Mamamoo was trending in (looking at Solar's pole dancing in "Egotistic"), "Wind Flower" brings back to basics what made this group excellent in the first place: gorgeous vocals. There's not much distraction from the background instruments and even then, the voices of each member powers through with catchy and energetic sounds. Also Moonbyul. Goddamn her verse was fucking amazing. Best girl group rap of the year by far. The video boasts peak Mamamoo visuals (yes even Wheein's short cut) and ends in a McDonald's. Classy!
#3. Seventeen - Thanks
The members of Seventeen found their stride in 2018 and it started with "Thanks." This is the trademark dance anthem of the year and don't let the music video distract you. Whoever the choreographer is needs a raise because this has some magnificent work. In an attempt to avoid spoiling much (because you're gonna see this during the Kpop Awards), it's a great dance with plenty of moments. Not to be outdone, the rest of the song is top quality: the emotional vocals and rough rapping work together in the usual Seventeen synergy. Along with Pristin, Seventeen survived the "snap" from their selections earlier in the year.
#2. K/DA - Pop/Stars
At first I thought it's kinda sad that K/DA is here given only half are Korean singers but...this is essentially a subunit (promotional material for League) and the song is fucking incredible. The driving bass, the sound effects, and the music video are quite exciting by themselves. Throw in Miyeon's smooth voice along with the more powerful ones of Jaira Burns and Madison Beer and you've got a symphony of magic. Then of course there's Soyeon's rap who people can't get over both in sound and video. I talked about Moonbyul's "Wind Flower" rap but Soyeon has a super strong case here, too. Not to disrespect Jaira Burns and Madison Beer in any way - because they did an awesome job too - but Soyeon and Miyeon definitely stole the show.
#1. Red Velvet - Bad Boy
Surprising absolutely nobody, Red Velvet's "Bad Boy" takes the #1 spot on the Best Of 2018. If "Thanks" is the dance track of the year then "Bad Boy" is the R&B track of the year (from Kpop groups anyway). Sultry voices and a smooth instrumental are the foundation of their slower style which are polished to perfection here. I've long said this is Red Velvet's stronger side. The presence of a matching choreography and absence of a poor rap showing also do the song huge favors. Furthermore, an equally flawless English version exists which is a rare find nowadays. Perhaps the only negative from "Bad Boy" is that it was released too early. Being succeeded by the less impressive "Power Up" and "RBB" after such high expectations is unfortunate but hey it happens. Damn, I'm really excited for RedMare. Getting to see this performed live will be a treat.
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