Hi everybody, and welcome to a new Something Different Sunday, in which I talk about, well, something DIFFERENT than books.
Last week, I listed my ten favorite songs of 2020, the non-kpop edition. Which means that today, it’s time for my ten favorite kpop songs of the year!
And yes, this definitely warrants a post all of it’s own. I fell in love with kpop about 4 years ago when I was going through a rough time after losing my job and I just needed a distraction that was something completely new and different and not filled with memories, you know? That was when I got into anime, kdrama and eventually, kpop. And I’ve been hooked ever since.
I know kpop is a genre that meets a lot of prejudice. With bands like BTS and Blackpink becoming an international phenomenon, of course this only increases the scrutiny. And while the kpop industry definitely has its flaws, and it is completely understandable if it’s not your thing, I do fully believe that there are some amazing artists and songs out there that deserve worldwide recognition for their talent.
So today, I’m sharing the ten kpop songs that I fell in love with this year. I added the rule that I could only list one song per artist, because otherwise this post would have been all Dreamcatcher, Stray Kids and SuperM and I’m not even exaggerating.
Let’s get started!
THE ABSOLUTE FAVORITE:
Dreamcatcher – Scream
I don’t even know how I could choose between Scream and Boca, both Dreamcatcher releases in 2020 that I ADORED, but I figured since Boca is number one on my Spotify 2020 Wrapped, Scream deserved its time in the spotlight on this post. I’m pretty much obsessed with these ladies and their talent and Scream is one of those songs that feels like it was made just for me. The epicness of the song, the rock vibes and influences, the meaning of the lyrics, the powerful choreography and the fierceness of these ladies owns my heart.
Please, I don’t want to scream
BTS – On
BTS is getting so much recognition worldwide and I’m so proud of these boys for all they’ve achieved. While the funky, all-English, Dynamite or the emotional response to COVID-times, Life Goes On, would also have been good choices, my personal favorite BTS song of 2020 is On. (Followed closely by Black Swan) It’s again such an epic song, and a super motivational power jam. Also, the dance break. THE DANCE BREAK <3
Can’t hold me down ‘cuz you know I’m a fighter
Ateez – Answer
I fell in love with this song from San’s opening notes and only kept falling after that. And the choreo is just so flawless and I’m not only referencing the hip thrusts.
Let’s make a toast like a thunder
Solar – Spit It Out
How to choose between any of the amazing Mamamoo songs or equally awesome member solo songs this year? It’s a tough choice, but the fact that I’ve listened to Solar’s Spit It Out non-stop this year and am still not remotely sick of it, makes it my winner. I love the beat, the choreo and the empowering lyrics.
Because I love me, there’s no need to judge
IU ft SUGA – Eight
This song is such an emotional masterpiece and I can’t begin to explain the awe I have for IU and this song. Every time I listen to it, I just get the urge to go and dance in the rain or something to celebrate life and how it’s both beautiful and sad.
Meet me in that memory that was once beautiful
Forever young
Stray Kids – God’s Menu
No band can hype me up quite as much as Stray Kids. I’ve loved every single song and album by them and God’s Menu hooked me from the start. It’s such a motivational power jam (yes I’m definitely into power jams) and I love everything about it. I also admit I’ve been doing the Du Du Du choreo way too much and at inappropriate times.
Cooking like a chef, I’m a five star Michelin
Monsta X – Fantasia
Though I definitely miss Wonho, I have to say I ADORED this first comeback without him. The entire album was fun and powerful and Fantasia especially had just such funky vibes and the choreo is on fire!
Fantastic that’s me cuz I slay
Top of the top my level is A
SuperM – One (Monster & Infinity)
Though I first heard about these guys in 2019, 2020 is definitely the year I became a fan. Their entire album has been on repeat since its release and I had so many hits to choose from, but even though ‘100’ is my most listened to SuperM song according to Spotify, I need to shout out ‘One (Monster & Infinity)’ here because it wormed its way into my heart and will now reside there forever. This is just such a band full of powerhouses, like the kpop Avengers, and I’m in awe.
So if you’re aiming anywhere, aim high
Day6 – Zombie
Though this is definitely not a power jam like most of my top ten, this song describing the bleakness and monotony of human existence is not only hauntingly beautiful and relatable, it also feels like it should be a given in any 2020 list.
Yeah, this is my life
Always dreamin’ for a dream to come true
This meaningless life
Everglow – La Di Da
Everglow is one of those kpop groups that I wouldn’t call myself a huge fan of, but I’ve still LOVED every one of their comeback songs. In 2020 we had Dun Dun and La Di Da and both were just such solidly FUN pop songs.
Got no time for haters
To all the bad guys and the players, I’m like
La-di-da-la-di-da-da
Honorable mentions
Oh man, this top ten was way harder to make than my list last week, so I just want to mention some honorable mentions, songs and artists that I loved and just narrowly didn’t make this top ten (in no particular order):
Tell Me:
Are you into kpop?
What were some of your favorite songs of 2020?
Do we have any in common?
Wow, another great list here, and some new stuff for me, loved, loved Dreamcatcher. Thanks for sharing.
So happy to hear you loved Dreamcatcher and discovered something new! 🙂
I am not into Kpop at all but thanks to you now I know a little more about it!
I’m happy to hear I introduced you a little bit to the world of kpop! 🙂