Rules
- 1 song per artist per list
- No set rankings (order is generally good to best)
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"Gasoline" - KEY
- co-written by Key
Music Video (English subs available)
Live performance from SMTOWN LIVE 2023 (English subs available)
I realized there haven't been many hype songs on my lists so far, so I decided to add "Gasoline" last minute. Originally, I had Max Changmin's "Devil" on here, but since I talked about him a lot on my b-sides list, I decided to remove it. Not to mention, there were a number of great b-sides on Key's Gasoline album, and he JUST missed my top 20 b-sides list, so the least I could do was put him on this list.
The single opens with a triumphant brass sample, and it also anchors the entire song. The sample immediately sets the tone, and it reminds me a bit of "Gonna fly now", the theme song from the first Rocky film. "Gasoline" is just a catchy bop that gets stuck in my head really easily. The one interesting part in the song is the fact that it has two different choruses. The second chorus does change the flow of the song, but it's good and adds intrigue to the song. I like the post chorus that acts as an outro as well.
SM Entertainment tends to have some of the visually stunning music videos in k-pop (as they should, considering the money they have) and this single is no exception mainly thanks to Key serving FASION in a number of runway worthy outfits. This isn't unusual for Key, SHINee's lead rapper/lead dancer is known for putting on a show. If you love his outfits, I highly recommend looking up his music show performances, since he performed with several of the iconic mv outfits on those shows.
"LUNATIC" - Moon Byul
Music video (English subs available)
Music show performance
Here we have another catchy bop that easily gets stuck in my head. "LUNATIC" was the first time Moonbyul actively promoted with a more fun, upbeat sound as a soloist. One of my favorite producers, Inner Child from Monotree, co-composed and co-wrote this song, and I think they did a pretty good job!
My favorite part has to be the second verse, which features a change up in the instrumental and Moonbyul's strong rap. The instrumental of the rap part is awesome, but it does stick out like a sore thumb from the rest of the song. I wish it had been incorporated a little better, but I guess another way to look at it is it fits the idea of a lunatic being unpredictable? The chorus is a lot of borderline nonsensical fun, but I kind of love that about it. The single she promoted prior to "LUNATIC" was pretty serious, so it was fun to see her having fun with this one!
The music video has an amusing plot line, and the choreo is a lot of fun as well! There are lots of silly bits throughout, and the chorus choreo is so addicting! And Moonbyul really sells the concept through her facial expressions while performing "LUNATIC." This single's such a fun ride, as was her follow up single, "Cheese in the Trap." "C.I.T.T" is a pop rock track, so you would think I'd pick that single instead, but "LUNATIC" has stuck with me a little more for some reason!
Other nominee(s): "C.I.T.T (Cheese in the Trap)"
"Left" - HA:TFELT
- co-composed by HA:TFELT
- written by HA:TFELT
Live performance
HA:TFELT is a play on the word "heartfelt", and that perfectly describes this single. "Left" is an all English single with only soft electric guitar and a few simple samples serving as the instrumental. This song is relatively simple, but HA:TFELT's beautiful vocals shine brightly, and the lyrics are so genuine. For me, these lyrics are especially relatable, though I'm sure many people can relate to at least some parts of this song. I'm not sure what else to say other than this song really moved me. I highly recommend watching the entire mini concert that I shared. She performed all the songs on the LEFT EP, and all the songs sound great live!
"Love Me or Hate Me" - Song Soo Woo
Music video
Live performance on it's Live
Song Soo Woo was the winner of the competition show, CAP-TEEN, and "Love Me or Hate Me" was her debut single. It's a pop rock song filled with confidence and attitude, and I loved it from the very first listen. I really like her vocal tone and the way she delivers the lyrics. I do wish this song was a little longer though.
I like how the mv version of the song starts out dreamy and soft, before getting into the actual intro of the song. The it's Live band used the mv version for their arrangment, and I really liked how it sounded with the band overall. I will say the keyboard is a little loud in the band mix, and I would have preferred it more in the background.
Unfortunately, she caught covid pretty early in the promotion period, so we didn't get too many "Love Me or Hate Me" performances. Also, she left the company that debuted her shortly after releasing this song, so I'm not sure what's in her future. I hope she will continue to release music independently somehow!
"Love Me or Hate Me" English translation
"Switch" - Kim Woo Seok
- co-composed by Kim Woo Seok
- co-written by Kim Woo Seok
Music video (English subs available)
Music show performance
Wooseok is part of the k-pop group, UP10TION, but hasn't promoted with them since 2018. I started getting into his solo work last year, but it was this single that really hooked me. I love the guitar and the bright, slightly dreamy atmosphere created by the synths. It would be nice if the song built up to something more at the end, but I like it a lot regardless. I can see how some would find this song boring, but this song just really fits my music taste somehow. Also, there aren't many male soloists doing this sound lately, so I think it stands out in the k-pop soundscape.
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Just realized my singles list has been all soloists so far, but there are bands in the next two parts, I swear! Hopefully I'll be able to get part 3 out tomorrow!
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