espressOH! is nothing but OH!Pressors casually writing about random stuff. Sometimes we want to shit on stuff, some times we want to be laid-back too. Well, whatever it is, have fun reading, or not~.
In the new generation of K-Pop, it’s frequent to hear comments targeting the degradation of the genre’s music quality. It’s true, possibly, in a way. However, I believe that among the new wave of K-Pop are songs that are absolute gems that deserves all the love in this world. Ride on my back and let’s wander towards some of the best songs (according to my personal opinion) by groups of the new generation.
GOT7 – Beggin’ On My Knees
Honestly, Flight Log: Departure is one of GOT7‘s best albums. Had they made Beggin’ On My Knees the title track instead of Fly, the era would have been GOT7’s one top. The song is a groovy dance track that has a very energetic and catchy chorus. Not only the vocalists had their moments to shine, but the rappers did as well. I was actually debating whether to choose this song or Rewind, another song from the same album, but ultimately decided to choose this party-stopping bop. Labelmate, Young K of DAY6, also participated in the song as the lyricist, making this song extra special.
April – April Story
Even though Gugudan, one of my most adored girl groups, released another well-received track the same year, I will still choose April’s April Story over and over again to hold the title best girl group song of 2017. As a matter of fact, “April Story” is my undefeated best new gen girl group song of all time. The song features a sentimental and a more mature approach in pop music. It’s the turning point of April from their series of cutesy songs to a vast solid concept.
Weki Meki – Metronome
Just released a couple of weeks ago, Weki Meki’s 2nd mini album included Metronome. It exuded electronic and retro vibes but at the same time futuristic elements giving justice to the group’s “future girls pop” concept, or something like that. It’s a bop, nonetheless.
IMFACT – Tension Up
It actually tortured me internally, picking the best IMFACT song because honestly, all of their songs are really good. However, I must say that Tension Up keeps the lead amongst the other tracks in their discography. “Tension Up” is a highly funky party song that screams “playful” all-over the length. The vocals were on point but the rap was really amazing as well.
Gugudan – Diary
Let’s be honest, not even The Boots can match up to Diary. Okay, maybe A Girl Like Me can, but that’s the end of the discussion. Actually, I’m still half salty that Jellyfish did not make this song their debut track. Gugudan got a lot of flak over Wonderland that, while is actually a good song, is non-fitting to the members who were literally ladies in their twenties at the time. Anyways, “Diary” is a slow tempo pop song that conveys Gugudan’s emotions not leaving their extraordinary vocal prowess.
IOI – Hold Up
Nothing but respect for B1A4‘s Jinyoung in creating this one of a kind song. Part of Produce 101 girl group IOI‘s final mini album, Hold Up is one of my most favorite songs of the same genre. What can I say? Every second of the song is just perfect and is definitely beautiful. While it’s a shame that the legendary girl group has disbanded, let’s continue supporting IOI by supporting the members in their individual endeavors.
Golden Child – Lady
Of course, there has to be the obligatory Golden Child mention. Above, I have mentioned getting tortured choosing the best song. Apparently, the struggle is bigger for this group. Golden Child has a great amount of amazing songs in their discography. I chose between Damdadi, What Happened, SEA, Lady, and Crush but of course chosen “Lady” in the end. “Lady” is another slow tempo driven track that perfectly featured the vocal capacity of their vocalists. Though not the album’s title track, Woollim Entertainment released a music video for the song, proving the fans’ fondness for this b-side.
Twice – Like A Fool
Do not @ me (of course you can’t we don’t have that function here) but this song proves that Sana is not as bad as people make her to be. Like A Fool is part of their debut album and remains to be the song that keeps a special place in my heart. Even after Twice’s constant releases of new music, “Like A Fool” is yet to be taken down. While Twice is known for their catchy hook songs, let’s not forget that they also have gems like this.
Lovelyz – Circle
It’s not my fault that majority of the best songs of the new generation leans on the ballad side more!!!! Well, can’t help it, Lovelyz‘s Circle takes the cake for their whole discography. The song has everything I want in a song. Powerful vocals, amazing harmonization, a good rap verse, and of course a high quality instrumental. Good Night Like Yesterday was my top 1 before but I guess music taste changes. The goosebumps that I felt the first time I heard the song never fails to appear every time “Circle” comes next to my playlist.
UNI.T – You & I
Though they haven’t debuted yet, UNI.T already served us an amazing pre-debut performance in the form of You & I. As the winning group of KBS’ rebooting show The Unit, they are set to debut soon this coming April. They may not have a “discography” yet, but it’s a waste not to acknowledge the greatness of this song, so let’s have this as an exception.
If you may have noticed, there are some names that you may have expected, but aren’t there. I only chose to include the groups in which I have listened to their discography as a whole. It’s cheating to choose the best, when you haven’t even heard the rest, right?
