my top kpop 2022: Jan, Feb, & Mar

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Singles

 1, 2, 3 – AB6IX

 

I know basically nothing about this group beside the fact that there is not currently (nor has there ever been?) six members. I appreciate the commitment to continuing kpop’s fine tradition of Fewer Members Than You’d Expect. Anyway, my friend kmac sent this song to me, and I immediately loved it. It’s cute, the music video is cute, it's good old-fashioned singing and dancing.

Can’t Control Myself – Taeyeon

I know INVU was her bigger release, and it’s good too, but this kind of emotional ballad is bait for me. I love the drama of the MV too.

Devil – Max Changmin

From the very beginning vocalizations to the final chorus, this is top-notch vaguely sacrilegious vibes, and I am here for the cinematic drama of it all. Devil bless you, Changmin.

Do It Like This – P1Harmony

I actually entirely missed this song when it first came out, but when I saw them perform it for KCON, it hooked me. The hand-punching chorus choreo is very satisfying.

Ghost Town – Moonbin & Sanha (Astro)

This was a gift from the Spotify algorithm, and I am very grateful for it because this song is soooo my type. The sound, the theme, the vocal performance, all of it. I’d actually never seen the MV until I looked it up for this list, and it’s exactly what I’d expect: nothing but a small budget, moody lighting, and a vision.

GingaMingaYo (the strange world) – Billie

Not my usual sound, but my friend kmac trapped me in the car and made me listen to the album immediately after she bought it. The pre-chorus chant has been stuck in my head ever since.

Maniac – Max Changmin

If you haven’t watched this MV, you’ve been missing out on one of the year's most fun MVs in my opinion. And the song! The frantic but well-controlled energy of it is perfect; Changmin is truly at the top of his game here.

 

suit dance – OnlyOneOf

I am not immune to pretty men dancing in suits. It is a oft-repeated concept for a reason. But OnlyOneOf brings their signature sensuality and unusual sound to the classic concept to turn out something that feels fresh.

 

Too Bad – WEi

Another case of “I don’t know this group; my friend kmac sent it to me.” Such a fun song, perfect for when you need a pick-me-up.

Weekend – Taeyeon

Addicted to this… I made my coworkers listen to it. An anthem for working adults. When the weekend comes, you really can do whatever you want, so true, Taeyeon. I know this actually came out last year, but I'm counting it for this year because it came out on her album this year. And also this is my list, and I can do whatever I want.

B-Sides

Airplane Mode – Max Changmin
 

My bread and butter is chill, pretty songs that I can put on and listen to while I write. This song is very chill and very pretty, and thus it is inevitable that I would love it.
 

Alien – Max Changmin
 

This song is such a funky groove; it sounds like something that would play at a resort in space. Love the contrast between Changmin’s low and high tones here too.
 

Better Than Gold – NCT Dream
 

Lately, I’ve been playing this at the start of the work week to put me in a better mood. Frankly, there is no higher calling for a song.
 

Dirty Dancing – Max Changmin
 

Observant readers will notice that basically the entire Devil mini album made it onto this list. I will not repent; it’s a damn good album. The instrumentation in this song got me right away.
 

Rewind – NCT Dream

 

Chenle, Haechan, and Renjun sound so good on this track. Everyone sounds good but especially them.
 

Same Same – STAYC
 

Found this one while doing my KCON homework. The “oh woah” in the chorus immediately got caught in my ears and hasn’t left yet.
 

Saturday Drip – NCT Dream
 

This song has taken over my brain. I no longer have thoughts. There is only “drip drip drip like Jackson Pollock.” I sincerely fear it will be my top-played track on Spotify by the end of the year.
 

Siren – Taeyeon
 

This is one of those songs that just scratches an itch in my head. Plus, her voice is especially lovely on this track, I feel.
 

You Better Not – Taeyeon
 

I love the pre-chorus and chorus sooooo much, it’s so fun. Great for long-distance drive sing-alongs.
 

Young Luv – STAYC
 

I understand why they picked Run2U as the lead single because it’s definitely the more “public friendly” track, but I think this song could’ve absolutely crushed it as a more unexpected choice.