Hello there!

2015 soon ends (is it just me or it passed really fast like I remembered literally nothing from October-November wtf) and I've been thinking I should summarize my KPOP journey from this year.

In my opinion 2015 gifted me with a lof of great songs (and some sad and questionabe releases as well but I'd rather not talk about them), I've spent hours choosing some kind of a top x list... and at the end ended up with SIXTY SONGS. I have no words orz

In deep desperation, I've decided to choose a favorite song from each month and add some honorable mentions. It's still sixty damn songs but at least they are organized. (Just be positive <3)

 

MY KPOP 2015

• songs in order of release a/o in ABC order
• I was trying to choose one song per artist... and it didn't work out BUT I can say that if there are more songs from one artist on this list it's because I truly love both songs, equally.
• I've chosen these as my favorites, I'm sure you hate some of them I list, but please, be understanding! If I haven't listed a song you love, write a comment and we can talk it out. ;)

 

☆ January Favorite ☆

I won't do a "Favorite Kpop Albums 2015 list" but I can't help but tell, Jonghyun's BASE is a really great one. I love the album from start to finish. It really shows Jonghyun's colors and awesomeness as a lyricist and I'm blown away (proud Shawol here <3) Therefore it was hard to choose one song but at the end I've listened to my instinct and it said "NEON" all the way. "Hallelujah" brought tears to my eyes at first listen (no joking, my ex-roommate asked if somebody died lol) but "NEON" is THE Jonghyun song in my opinion. Excellent singing and loveable lyrics... It's so nice to listen to, my January favorite, no doubt.

 

☆ February Favorite ☆

Shinhwa has showed this year too why they are so legendary *badumtts* I was genuinely surprised with this release tbh. I love "Venus" and "This Love" but "Sniper" is one level above those. It's really modern and don't get me wrong, I'm not saying SHINHWA is too old for that, it's just really surprising for me that a group, which has been around more than how much some rookie groups' mean age is, can release something outstanding like this. It's modern but age-appropiate (they're men in a way no men-concept boy groups are) and sooo good musically! I'm not a music expert but I like new, experimenting things and I think "Sniper" is a great example of that.

 

☆ March Favorite ☆

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned once or twice (or like a hundred times asdfghjkl this song) so I don't want to rant on how great "Hurt" is but... Let's just say it's a masterpiece in my opinion. The instrumental music is so creative I have nothing but praises (Albi Albertsson I love you) and the lyrics is nothing too-cliché but very sentimental, just like how I like my meat done my favorite songs to be. And on a side note, I'm a bit disappointed there is no MV for this song. (Yes, it was used in a snippet of "Call Me Baby" but I wanted y Baekhyun singing face and Kai&Sehun dance breakdown and Chanyeol rapping and Suho singing in the bridge and my bias Mr. KJD killing that high note- OKAY I'M FINISHED.)

And yes, I'd put both version on the playlist down. On purpose. <3
Also let's not forget that EXODUS is one of the best albums from this year. It didn't get Album of The Year as a joke! /proud EXO-L to the left

- Honorable Mentions -

• Boyfriend: BOUNCE
  There is no justice for Boyfriend /sighs/ I understand they weren't so successful with their aegyo releases back in the day (for a reason~) but they really should get some awards now. I know, they get one with this one (or with "Witch"? See I don't remember!) but no, I WANT MORE. They're such a developing group. :'(
   
• Donghae & Eunhyuk: Growing Pains
  I literally love everything about this song (singing, MV, rapping, instrumentation...) so let's just skip. <3
   
• Gain: Paradise Lost
  More or less everybody remembers this song but mostly because of its MV which is good and bad at the same time - for once, the MV is well done, I love the symbolics and everything, on the other hand how great THE SONG IS people? I feel the woman power! (Check out the album too if you're interested! It's awesome.)
   
• Red Velvet: Automatic
  MY FAVORITE RV SONG. That's it. <3

 

☆ April Favorite ☆

One of the few(?) songs I've pretty much overplayed this year. I listened to it on the bus, in my home, in my apartment etc. and why? THAT INSTRUMENTAL BREAK! I 80% agree with those who say 2015 was BTS' year because truly had put out two awesome, pretty solid albums. What I like the most about the group is their musical maturity. They're young (half of them are younger than me, younger than my younger brother, I don't want to be a noona fan HELP) and dorky in interviews and such but once they're on stage they're organized, dance impressively and their understanding of music (they even compose like what) amazes me. "I Need You" is the best song Bangtan Boys has ever made as for me. :3

- Honorable Mentions -

• Block B BASTARZ: Zero for Conduct
  I've been waiting for a Block B comeback so much that I was a bit disappointed when we "only" got a unit but damn this unit works! And "Zero for Conduct" is a jaaam /dances (Sidenote: if Block B won't have a full-group comeback in 2016 I'm gonna cry A LOT)
   
• EXID: Without U
  If I was going to be hipster, I'd say I've listened to EXID before they had got popular but NO I won't go there and just will say, I'm impressed with them, After the success of "Up & Down" there was a lot of expectation towards them and in my opinion, they fulfilled them, maybe ever went beyond them. I like their title songs but one which I listen to a lot is "Without U". <3
   
• JINUSEAN: Tell Me One More Time (ft. Jang Hanna)
  I'll be honest - I only know this unit because once "Strong Heart" had a YG Special and Sean was a guest there. /awkward laugh Anyway, now I know Jinusean's music too and can say I'm a fan. "Tell Me One More Time" has a great groove and the MV is fun!
   
• Lim Kim: Awoo
  Another song which could have got much popular. I adore Lim Kim (and Togeworl)'s uniqueness and with this song there's no exception... Also I love cats so what else do we need to talk about?

 

☆ May Favorite ☆

This song killed me and still does every single time I listen to it - in a good way. So smooth, the boys sound effortlessly great (I'm sure they put a lot of effort in it though) and asdfghjkl my favorite from "Odd". I love it more than I love "View", even more than I love the repackage (which is something because I party like crazy when "Savior" plays and literally have an eargasm when "Hold You" comes on). I feel like everything is perfect about "Odd Eye". Even the live performance! /squeals I have no regrets because of putting one more of Jonghyun (and SM) on the list because Jonghyun deserves it. Especially this year. <3

- Honorable Mentions -

• BIGBANG: Bae Bae
  On the contrary if being quite SM biased (I won't deny it, I like the music SM puts out) I do listen YG. From all of BIGBANG's releases this year I pcked Bae Bae because first I went quite WTF on it ("Are those rice cakes?" "Did GD just say sunglass?" "What did they feed TOP?") but for second listen I fell in love. It's quirky and not the usual KPOP stuff but I guess that's why I love it. <3
   
• BoA: Kiss My Lips
  Another great comeback comes with BoA - I wasn't doubting her music but she surprised me with her new album. So many great songs! For Me BoA gives off Kylie Minogue vibes in this album but I'm not saying she's copying. It's just that her voice tone is similar and the production on the album is very high. One of the best albums from this year! I've chosen "Kiss My Lips" but I recommend "Clockwork" and "Shattered" too.
   
• Eddy Kim ft. Solar of Mamamoo: Coffee & Tea
  If you've had too much partying, here comes a slow jam~ Their voices sound well together and the lyrics is lovely. :)
   
• Jang Hyun Seung (BEAST): Ma First
  Aside from the pevertness of the video (at least I felt uncomfortable) the dance break towards the end of the song IS HUGE. Damn JHS, you rock!
   
• ​JJY Band: OMG
  Why people don't love Jung Joon Hyung more? Maybe it's just me but I've rarely seen any good rock songs this year. Well, "OMG" is one of the few. If you like the genre, check it out!
   
• KARA: Cupid
  I'm proud of the girls because although "Cupid" is a new song with a different setting, it still has the usual "KARA-ness" (English level -1234567) and I love it. Especially the chorus! (And Youngjiiiii)
   
• Kim Sunggyu: Kontrol
  Sunggyu (INFINITE) likes Nell, I like both Nell and him, this song is very Nell-like therefore I'm into it. <3
   
• SEVENTEEN: Adore U
  SEVENTEEN was such a surprise for me guys, I can't tell. I know they've been trained for long but I somehow missed out on it. (Oh right, I was busy MISSING AFTER SCHOOL. PLEDIS GIVE AS A COMEBACK NOW) Anyway, now I'm a fan. I overplayed "Adore U" too and I'm egarly waiting for their next song. ^^ (I know "Mansae" exist.)
   
• Zion T.: Eat
  Who cannot love Zion T. and this song.. I cried a river. I cried a river more than JT's cheating girlfriend (if you get the reference, you're my kind of people), damn this song hits you in the feels like HITS YOU HARD! No recover. This is magic. T.T

 

☆ June Favorite ☆

I have a love-hate relationship with 2PM (not a real one fortunately haha /cries). Some of their songs I love and praise to Heaven ("Hands Up", "10 out of 10", "A.D.T.O.Y.") and some of them I just can't get ("Go Crazy"). This time I love them again - "My House" is awesome! I find it outstanding because it's really laid-back, almost like effortless (which by you know I don't mean it's bad) and the MV accompanying it is well done. (Fun fact: the 2nd verse is my life. First Taecyeon raps looking HELLA GOOD - I'm not a Taecyeon fangirl but damnit those eyes and wolf and- then Wooyoung sings really good and then my actual favorite 2PM member sings the chorus ARGHH)

- Honorable Mentions -

• ANDA: Touch
  I love Anda's voice and style. I hope she gets to release more music next year and gets some fame! (Not just because of her MVs khm.)
   
• Boys Republic: Hello
  If I complained because of Boyfriend's lack of fame, I'm about to flip a table because of Boys Republic. You don't know the love I feel for "Video Game" and "The Real One"... "Dress Up"? That song doesn't exist. (Please let's forget about that song /groan) Anyway, even though "Hello" wasn't anything special it is a great song and the boys should be more popular! Hope they'll be in 2016 :')
   
• Ken (VIXX) ft. Hani (EXID): Gap/One by One
  I'm a hardcore Ken/Hani shipper ever since "All The Kpop" so ofc I had to put this on the list. (It's a nice too.)
   
• SISTAR: Bad Boy (ft. Mad Clown)
  "Shake It" was so-so for me (it wasn't necessarily bad but you know 50%-50%). This song from their mini album on the other hand! It's really meaningful for me (idk why), especially Dasom's part which hits me in the gut.
   
• TEEN TOP: ah-ah
  /big sigh What to do with you, Teen Top? "ah-ah" could have been the cooling cocktail in all the hot summer releases but somehow it didn't work out... Maybe because of the title? (what's with this nonsense titles in Kpop nowadays? "ah-ah", "Like Ohh-Ahh", "EOEO"???) Or the bad timing? (SNSD won over everybody and everybody knew that even before their songs came out.) I don't know but I feel regretful. The song is cool.

 

☆ July Favorite ☆

If you know me 0.23456%, you know I'm a huuuuuuuuge ELF. So I was looking forward to this comeback (not to mention I have my birthday in July I was spazzing guys) and it has worth it! "Devil" is a work of art". The grooviest song on this list and my ringtone ever sincle July. (Srsly I haven't changed it yet... and whenever my phone rings, I dance to it with my flatmate haha) Once again, everything is perfect about this song. I'm so proud of the members! They've left us with a lot of great song until they do their military duty. And we'll wait for them with a thankful heart! :')

(On a funny note, let's applaude the fact there are girls in the MV in little clothing and I haven't seen any complaining about that. CHEERS~)

- Honorable Mentions -

• BEAST: There
  "Ordinary" is a good mini-album from CUBE but instead of "YeY" I got attached to "There". The beat is my everything.
   
• GOT7: Just Right
  The message of the song which I like the most about "Just Right." There are so few songs praising a girl without ual context. (Maybe I'm just listening to bad songs Idk that's what I see.) It's sweet but not aegyo on 100%, I like it. Also props for going trap with a sweet message like this!
   
• INFINITE: Bad
  My relationship with INFINITE is similar to 2PM in the aspect that their titles songs are awesome ("The Chaser" is one of my favorite Kpop songs of all time no kidding here) but the rest is meh. Well, with the Bad mini album it hasn't changed for me BUT at least INFINITE titles songs are still TOP NOTCH. "Bad" is among the best releases this year for me. (If "Devil" wasn't...)
   
• TVXQ: Rise As One (Max Solo)
  Since people nowadays are marrying their pizzas, I'll marry Max' voice, okay? SHIM CHANGMIN'S VOICE MARRY ME... Okay, on a less crazy note, it's a waste this song is so short. The vocal execution and production is so high on this one, I'm slayed. <3

 

☆ August Favorite ☆

When I'd joined the KPOP world back in 2013 (lol it was only two years ago) the Wonder Girls wasn't really active so I'm not that familiar with the girls (expect for Sunmi and Yeeun, I like their solos! ... Sunmi is #leggoals since "Full Moon" FACT). As I've seen "I Feel You" found everyone surprised and slayed, as well as me. I like retro (but it has to be good retro) and this song works well as an old and new song as well. I listened to it for a few days nonstop. (Srsly.) And the MV is one of the best this year!

- Honorable Mentions -

• Girls' Generation: Talk Talk
  Go to hell with "Party" (yes I don't like that song at all), put aside "You Think" and "Lion Heart" (those are good but), what I live for is "Talk Talk! I like a lot of genres but r'n'b is the closest to my heart. This song is a really smooth one with nice vocals and rain sound (I like when it's raining in a song lol). <3
   
• Jooyoung: Wet
  Who doesn't get- Nooo, I won't go there! (Restrain yourself, bea, please. Thanks.) The point is Jooyoung is an amazing r'n'b artist and "Wet" is a great r'n'b song. I love every second of it and Jooyoung goes to the military soon why /cries hard
   
• JUNIEL: Sorry
  I'm fan of Juniel and even though "Sorry" is not "Ila Ila" it's nice and the MV is very aesthetic. <3

 

☆ September Favorite ☆

I know, another GOT7 on the list... but "If You Do" was the song which made me flip in September! I listened to this song again and again because it is awesome - I love the instrumental (the bridge... the bridge guys) and I think the parts are split well I mean everybody gets enough lines as I see it. This song made me feel a lot of things too and I like songs which make me feel. (I'm so reasonable /slow claps).

- Honorable Mentions -

• Ailee: Insane
  AILEE IS QUEEN AND FOR A REASON~ "Mind Your Own Business" wasn't my cup of tea but she impressed me again with this song. From start to finish, awesome. <3
   
• CNBLUE: Cinderella
  I'm not an enormous CNBLUEfan but I like how creative "Cinderella" is.
   
• DAY6: Congratulations
  Another rock song on the list WOOHOOO~ I'm looking forward what DAY6 comes up next, "Congratulations" is impressive for a debut. :)
   
• Jessi: SSENUNNI
  I didn't like Jessi in Unpretty Rapstar (at all) but this song is something. I'm not a hard girl (just look at the song I've listed haha) but this song I like. /thumbs up (It's so strong and brave!)
   
• Red Velvet: Cool World
  The whole "The Red" album is amazing (SM knows how to produce songs damnit) and even though "Dumb Dumb" got promoted (for a reason~ ... I obviously shall stop watching more pewdiepie smh) "Cool World" is the dearest song to me. It has an important message about loving yourself and the chorus talks to me. :')
   
• Soyou & Kwon Jeong Yeol: Lean on Me
  Another sweet, heartwarming duet from the duet queen. <3
   
• Yiruma: Dance
  It's not KPOP but Korean music and YIRUMA IS MY IDOL. I unfortunately only has heard of this song a few weeks ago but I listen to it ever since. If you like piano, classical music or Yiruma (or all three) definitely give it a listen! Four and a half minutes of paradise. <3

 

☆ October Favorite ☆

What else? Here wasn't competition for me. My October went with listening to the "4 Walls" album all month. The song itself is everything I want from an f(x) song (or from a KPOP song in general). It's a great mix of the members unique style, singing and holy sh*t, deep house is what f(x) needs. I've been the fan of the group ever since I'm a Kpopper (f(x) is my favorite girl group SUPER FACT). and I'm over the Moon that they're still going strong and could show everybody who had doubts that f(x) is an awesome group for a reason~

I also love the MV. It is confusing but very dream-like just like the music so I'm slayed. <3

- Honorable mentions -

• IU: Twenty-three (Bonus Track)
  Who cares it's not 100% original, I love "Gimme More" and I love this too.
   
• MONSTA X: HERO
  If you happen to follow me on Twitter, you can know that I've fallen in love with MONSTA X ever since I've heard HERO Boradcast Ver. (The origina one is great too but this version is the cherry on the cake I LOVE IT) Aside from SEVENTEEN and Red Velvet, MONSTA X is the rookie group which I have high expectations for next year.
   
• OH MY GIRL: Closer
  I listened to "4 Walls" a lot but I undeniably listened a lot to "Closer" too. I didn't like "Cupid" that much, this one however... It's really a fairytale. I recommend you to listen to it if you hapened to miss out on it! (Fact: Oh My Girls is the only rookie girl group with "cute concept" from this year I like.)
   
• TAEYEON: I (ft. Verbal Jint)
  When I first seen this collaboration, all I could think of was that Verbal Jint must be a happy fanboy because I've seen an interview with him a long time ago and he had chose Taeyeon as the singer he wants to work with. :D Otherwise, I'm happy with this collaboration too. This is the first time I've heard Taeyeon singing this style of song and it suits her really well! Also the fact that she's one of the bst vocalists in KPOP hasn't changed. (Her ad-libs in the bridge give me goosebumps in a good way.)

 

☆ November Favorite ☆

VIXX is one of my favorite boy groups and they didn't disappoint me this time either... Ookay, maybe their outfits this time weren't really my thing (speaking of, have you seen Ravi 98% half during SBS Gayo Daechukje? I flipped!) but the music is my thing like MY THING. Once again, Albi Albertsson <3 <3 <3 And finally Hyuk got enough lines! (Heads up, Sehun, you're next!)

- Honorable mentions -

• 9MUSES: Sleepless Night
  Euaerin's rap section is what I live for.
   
• Brown Eyed Girls: Brave New World
  I like BEG sooo much! This comeback shows how strong they are, hope many girl groups take notes!
   
• BTS: Run
  "I Need U" is great, "Run" is great as well. I especially like the way the MV was filmed, for example how they played with the zoom. /thumbs up

 

☆ December Favorite ☆

My current jam. I'm originally a er for the Hyolyn-Jooyung combo but there's even Bumkey whose voice I adore ever since his duet with Gain (I'm talking about the oh-so-great "Fxxk You") and I'm... I don't know. I re-played this song thrice after listening to it for the first time because this kind of grooviness is hard to find. Also the way the three of them harmonize is EVERYTHING /legit in tears (Also if I don't write a fanfic based on this, I'm a llama. Hi, Amber.)

- Honorable Mentions -

• f(x): Wish list
  It's not fair Red Velvet performed "Wish tree" live and f(x) didn't do the same with "Wish list." /groan
   
• EXO: Unfair
  My favorite from the mini album. Also let's note that this Christmas we have an EXO mini album which doesn't make us cry (you play "My Turn to Cry" and I cry. This is how it is.) The live performances of this song are a bit cringe-worthy, at least for me, but hey it's Christmas, even EXO can be cheesy this time around. (I wished for a y Santa Baek under my Christmas tree but somehow my message hasn't get there hm.)
   
• PSY: DADDY
  Have I mentioned anywhere how proud and amazed I am with PSY? He's not a funny guy - he's a funny guy with great sense of style and music. His album is soo good, "DADDY" is just one pearl among all.
   
• Yoon Mirae: This Love
  I've only known Yoon Mirae as a rapper and Tiger JK's partner and I feel ashamed. She's an amazing singer! "This Love" is a really diva song and she excels at this genre.

 

Aaaand that's it!
/cue fireworks

Omg this took so long... I swear it has worth if only one person reads it haha. :D
What are your favorites from this year? Let me know in a comment~
If you have more question about this topic, don't forget you can ask me on my new ask.fm account. ;)

And if you want to listen to the song I've just listed, here's a useful playlist for you!

xoxo, bea