Since I didn't follow Kpop much at all throughout the year, I originally only had 12 tracks on the ballot which wasn't enough to justify a separate post for honorable mentions. Thus, two songs ended up getting cut from the final version which is unfortunate but hey that's the theme of 2020. Also I am once again bitching about the formatting because it won't every align everything properly or the way I want. I will continue to be tilted about this shit as long as Blogger keeps it up. Or I eventually stop writing here...
#10. K/DA - More
Damn if K/DA doesn't release powerful music consistently. Last month I talked about the 1million cover, but this month it's time to talk about the song. And yeah, I'm never getting to that album review... Anyway, Soyeon continues to put in work. Her verse is incredible at setting the tone and pace for the rest of the track. Lexie Liu's Mandarin bridge was also delightful. K/DA have shown their talent at mixing multiple languages seamlessly. What can I say, I'm a sucker for multilingual music, and "More" uses all three extremely well.
#9. Suhyun - Alien
Kinda wild to think that Akdong has been active since 2012, yet we only got a true Suhyun solo release this year. "Alien" is distinct from the usual AKMU sound yet Suhyun utilizes her talent to still give it a typical feel. Her voice glides through the song and is a nice compliment to the more harder-hitting instrumental. Also I didn't know this but their channel literally posts the lyrics in the video description. Suhyun edges out Chungha for representation here. Retro groove drives "Alien" forward, something it shares with the next song coming up.
#8. Seulrene - Naughty
It's a good thing these lists are for music only, otherwise there'd be an Irene-sized can of worms to discuss. Anyway, "Naughty" has that right combination of groovy powerful instrumental, electric choreography, and soothing vocals. Tutting has always been rare in the dances of Kpop so seeing it as the center of "Naughty" is really cool. Of course that's because of the execution by Seulgi and Irene. The chorus is pretty bland, but overall the pieces fit together very well. This track surpasses their other release "Monster" because of its polish.
#7. ITZY - Wannabe
Sometimes it's groups within the same label that cannibalize each other and their chances for the Best Of series. JYP's Itzy and Twice faced each other with "Wannabe" vs. "I Can't Stop Me," and the truth is only one of these could've made it since they're both cut from the same cloth. The key differences that gave Itzy the advantage were a killer instrumental and rap incorporation. Seriously, anything that Ryujin does make Dahyun and Chaeyoung look like fools. Sorry but that's just the way it is. The chorus of "Wannabe" is also far less grating (with reach notes) than that of "I Can't Stop Me." This is Itzy's most complete song to date and they are vindicated with a placing here.
#6. LOONA - Star
Not to be slowed down by Haseul's health issues, Loona kept up with promotions in 2020 and "Star" was undisputedly their best of the bunch. Granted I've linked this version which is an English edition of "Voice" but that's more of a formality, as I use music videos for these whenever applicable. The song in either language is gorgeous and I love how they made the English chorus rhyme with the Korean one. Excellent vocal coverage from the whole roster, nearly flawless English composition, and the usual LOONA expectations with instrumental and video production make up for some of their other lackluster releases.
#5. GFriend - Mago
After a four year hiatus, GFriend makes their triumphant return to the Best Of 20XX series. They gained traction early this year with songs like "Crossroads" and "Apple," but it was "Mago" that really catapulted them and showed off the new form. The silky voices of Yuju and Eunha continue to shine while the other members are a great supportive cast. Like I mentioned during their review, given my lack of attention to the scene, anything that immediately makes an impression will be rewarded and that's exactly the case: GFriend have the highest ranked girl group song in 2020. It looks like heading under the BigHit wing was an amazing move for both parties.#4. Lee Hi - Holo
Thank God Lee Hi escaped the shithole that is YGE. She signed with AOMG over the summer and immediately gave us "Holo," which is right up her alley. Hopefully, AOMG will give more of a shit about her and actually release new music consistently. Anyway, Lee Hi's soulfully rich voice resonates all around the track and the video can punch you with some feels, too. Much like "Breathe," the emotions coursing through this song hit home and hit hard. This is exactly the type of emotional track that I needed given 2020. Inject straight into my veins. Speaking of emotional music...#3. DAY6 - Zombie
No sugarcoating here. "Zombie" tackles and brings to light the subject of mental illness, which will ring gigantic bells for many people, including myself. Especially in a year immediately on the heels of Sulli and Hara's suicides, then promptly got ravaged by a pandemic. There's not much else I can say. An outstanding performance and message from Jae and the squad. Additionally, "Zombie" also boasts a gorgeous English version much like Loona and "Voice." Granted it's a little easier for them since they have natural (fluent?) English speakers, but credit is due regardless.
#2. IU - Eight (feat. Suga)"So are you happy now?" The questions we ask ourselves day after day. As you can see, there's a pretty specific trend that is present in the top dogs of 2020. IU came so close to repeating as the #1 spot after the magnificent "Blueming" but will have to settle for second with "Eight" and Suga's feature. Whereas "Zombie" was solemn and soothing, "Eight" adds some more uplifting elements whether through the instrumental or her voice. Simply put, another gorgeous composition by Suga and then equally gorgeous execution from IU.
#1. Younha - Winter Flower (feat. RM)This song premiered in Feburary and I knew at once that it was a lock for this post, though it was a matter of where exactly among the rankings it'd fall. But when you take a close look at this masterpiece, you'll see why it deserves #1. Younha has arguably the best vocal performance of the year in "Winter Flower," as her extensive range prevents her from reaching - something that has plagued other vocalists like Yuju, Chungha, or Jihyo. Then on the opposite side, RM's rap is the best of its kind and really only in competition with Suga from IU's "Eight." BTS didn't place any songs in the Best Of 2020, but with the top two tracks being composed by their members and paired with potent rap features, they are certainly worth mention. Finish with a flexible instrumental and there you go: SOTY material. Younha has never claimed this honor and I'm glad she was finally about to. That's all for today. Only the Kpop Awards and Late Report remain and 2020 will be wrapped up.
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