On Loop with Lauren

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best) ---------------------------------------- "Zinnia" - 9001 co-composed by Jogon (vocalist, guitarist), Kim Junhyeop (former guitarist) written by Jogon             Music video             Live studio performance      I just discovered this band last year thanks to this single. "Zinnia" was originally created prior to 2022, but it had an official studio album release in 2022, so I don't count this as cheating. I was obsessed with this single for a number of months, and it was one of my most listened to songs on Spotify last year.      Zinnias , which are featured on the album cover, are a type of flower that symbolize steadfastness and lasting affection. The narrator of the song uses them as a symbol of their love for another person, however, the other person does not ac...

  Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best) ---------------------------------------- "Sparkling" - CHUNG HA co-written by CHUNG HA             Music video (English subs available)             Music show performance (the graphic liner though?! 😍)      Chungha is back for the singles list, as are 3 other artists! "Sparkling" is catchy, upbeat synth pop goodness. When I first heard this single, I didn't think it stood out much, but after watching her perform it a few times, it really grew on me.      I really like the guitar, bass line, and percussion on this track, which complement the synths really nicely. I think "Sparkling" is a nice addition to the "new-tro" (new+retro) k-pop trend with its mix of modern and 80s inspired synths/percussion. Chungha’s vocals are also great (as always) on this single. ...

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best)  ---------------------------------------- "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 imme...

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best)  ---------------------------------------- "Your World" - Kim Hye Rim             Music Video             Live performance (acoustic version)      Kim Hyerim was in two k-pop groups in the past, but both groups disbanded, sadly. She was also on two competition shows, but didn't win (she was one of the runner ups on K-pop Star 6 though!) She debuted as a soloist in 2022, and I enjoyed this single off her debut EP!      "Your World" is a pop rock track, co-written by Hyerim, that highlights Hyerim's vocal tone. The verses are quite simple, with a pretty guitar riff and her vocals, then the full band sound comes in during the chorus. Listening to the verses, you wouldn't think she has much power, but her vocals really soar in the chorus to match the intensity of th...

Rules 1 song per artist per list No set rankings (order is generally good to best)  ---------------------------------------- "Simulation" - KWON EUN BI                  Eunbi made her solo debut in 2021, and while I thought her previous albums were solid, I didn't really connect with them. Third time's the charm though, because I really enjoyed several songs on the Lethality mini album! "Simulation" wasn't originally this high on my list, but because of its high replay value, I decided to bump this up into the top part of the list.     "Simulation" has a sophisticated funky, retro vibe, and it really stands out from the rest of the songs on my list. What I really love about this song is the mid-song change up; it fits the concept of being in a simulation while also adding an interesting feature. I think the change up was implemented well, as it doesn't disrupt the flow/vibe of the song entirely. ...