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Singles

Begin - Yoojung (OnlyOneOf)

If I could only name one thing about kpop that excited me this year, it would be OnlyOneOf's undergrOund idOl project (or the "be" series, which they appear to be calling it on YouTube.) From the initial announcement, it was already intriguing--rather than a regular comeback, each member of their group would release a solo project every month. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the first release "Begin" was a thrill. Even in 2022, it's rare to see something as outright queer in kpop as this MV, but OnlyOneOf has been pushing the limits on that for some time. Little did I know that the rest of these solo releases would only double-down on the queerness.

Blow - Jackson Wang

I was anticipating this from when I first saw the teaser, and it did not disappoint. One of the best English-language releases to come out of the kpop world in some time, especially recommended for sexy song lovers. Clever lyrics, sensual delivery, a hot guy in a corset…what more do you need?

Candy Sugar Pop - Astro

Nothing I like better than good old-fashioned singing and dancing with an emphasis on the singing. A strong contender for Song the Summer 2022 at least in my household. From a younger boy group, this track and concept might've been a little too sugar-y sweet for my tastes, but Astro approached with it with a more mature take that I appreciate.

Fearless - Le Sserafim

A really solid debut overall. I checked this out after watching the Hybe Game Caterers episodes because the short bob hair girl charmed me so much there. Like Zoom down below, it’s also made an important contribution to “English kpop lyrics I sing to my cats.” What you lookin’ at, what you what you lookin’ at?

Flip That - Loona

Another track found during my KCON homework. Something about the chorus is simultaneously underwhelming and addictive in a way I can't pin down. I like the airy and unreal feel of the song and MV concept a lot.

Ghost - Taeyong

I look forward to the day when Taeyong releases a full solo album because all the music he’s been dropping independently has been great. I dearly wish this track was on Spotify, but at least I have an excuse to watch the performance over and over. It’s a low budget affair, but Taeyong carries it well with his ridiculous level of charisma.

Good Boys Gone Bad - TXT

More kpop guys should be getting filmed in trash heaps and open graves, I feel. I don’t properly follow the tall boys, but I always check out their comebacks because it’s always worthwhile. While this is far from my favorite release of theirs, who can resist the appeal of some bad boys? It’s a classic for a reason! Great use of whispering on the chorus too.

Hot - Seventeen

I’m usually perfectly happy to just listen to a song, but occasionally there comes a track that I MUST watch along with its music video. This is one such track. So much is crammed into these three minutes…some highlights for me: basically all of The8’s parts but ESPECIALLY what he serves up for the second chorus, Woozi’s stompy bit at the beginning, Dino’s arms at the end, Jeonghan’s steampunk fallen angel concept and the particular way he does the belt-grabbing hip dance in the chorus, Hoshi’s wiggly little “I can’t breathe” center dance, that one glimpse of Jun with the skeleton, Wonwoo stomping his glasses because he has the Sharingan now… another strong contender for Song of the Summer 2022.

Love Theory - Taeyong & Wonstein

I was obsessed with this from the moment it dropped, and I remain obsessed with it. Never have I felt more cursed by the fact that SM Station releases rarely (never?) make it onto albums because I NEED to have an album for this song and its entire visual concept. The silly English lyrics. Taeyong’s little fairy dance. The Lisa Frank maximalism of it all. The sun lady in a knit sweater. Wonstein’s hat with holes outfit. The fact that COVID-19 exists in this music video’s universe??? Incredible, all of it. SM, if you’re listening, you can slap this one song onto a CD and sell it for $25, and I will buy it.

Zoom - Jessi

It’s been a long road for Jessi, so I’m really glad that she’s remained committed to her personal style. I know she left her label recently, so I'm wishing the best for her career going forward. Her delivery on this track is so catchy. The line “I see you looking at my P-I-C” alone has gone triple platinum in my household in my household because I’m always using it on my cats when they watch me eat lol.

B-Sides

Badster - Hyo

By all rights, this shouldn't be here because it is actually a single and it came out three years ago. But! It was included on Hyo's first mini-album this year, so I'm counting it. It's my list! I do what I want! Anyway, if this doesn't get your blood pumping, you should probably see a doctor.

In the Whale - Onew

Dice the song didn't especially appeal to me (besides the Sailor Moon vibes), but as you're about to see Dice the album is my true love. This song is so gentle, and it feels like a bridge between Onew's usual ballads and the synthy music that's all over this album.

Love Phobia - Onew

This song is so simple, but it makes such a wonderful canvas for Onew's gorgeous voice.

On the Way - Onew

Immediately got added to my driving playlist. This song feels like it would've fit right in with the other B-sides on Carly Rae Jepsen's Emotion album--and since that is easily one of my favorite album ever, it's very high praise from me.

Pose - Loona

More KCON homework. Good use of the sample. Good use of chanting. Good use of camera sound effects. Possibly my favorite song that I've heard from Loona thus far?

Punk Right Now - Hyo & 3LAU

Again, this shouldn't be here since it is also a single from three years ago. But it was on the mini album from this year! Blame SM for not giving her a proper album release until 2022. This song is sooooooo cool and addictive. The contrast between her voice and the electronic instrumentation? Delicious.

Second - Hyo ft. BIBI

Another actually-a-single but this time from a year ago. Her mini-album was basically all her old singles plus a new one, I guess. But I'm not just glad they got released so I can own them. I especially love her voice on this track.

Shadow - Seventeen

There are plenty of strong B-sides on the Face the Sun album, but this is the stand-out for me. It's just so my taste? And a good showcase of their vocals.

Sunshine - Onew

Another good fit for Carly Rae Jepsen's Emotion album lol. As you'd expect from the title, this is a bright, fun song that errs away from being too cheesy.

Yeowoobi - Onew

My favorite track off of the Dice album, which is really saying a lot since basically the entire album except the title track is on here. It's simultaneously really heavy and really light in my ears, and I love the contrast.