Man, time sure is flying fast. Wait, is this what they call deja vu? Around six months ago, I published an article listing all my favorite K-Pop releases from the first half of the past year and with the influx of new music, I am very much excited to list down my favorite songs from the second half respectively. This year surely ain’t prolific just in drama and issues but also in addictive and quality songs. Remaining subjective towards the author’s personal taste, here are The SLY Choices.
See more: The SLY Choice | Favorite K-Pop Releases from the 1st Half of 2018
Golden Child | Let Me
First up is from the first single album, “Goldenness”, of my very adored and possibly most favorite boy group at the moment, Golden Child. One thing to notice about Golden Child is that they truly never fail to deliver fun songs yet perform an equally exhilarating stage with choreography. “Let Me”, in particular, remains to be my most favorite Golden Child title track up to date.
Gugudan SeMiNa | SEMINA
We know we all needed the official debut of the three ladies we all rooted for in Produce 101. Following the undeniable popularity they received after performing Nikki Yanofsky’s hit “Something New” as part of their audition for the said program, they continued the contemporary jazz sound and so an absolute masterpiece, “SEMINA”, was created. The song not only proves their consistent quality but of course their singing skills as well.
Leo | Touch & Sketch
Six years into VIXX’s debut, Leo followed the steps of Ravi as the second member of the group to have a solo debut. Leo is particularly known for his sexy image and golden physique hence the concept for his solo debut leaned more towards the sultry and intimate side. His solo debut album titled “Canvas”, contained songs by which all are written by LEO himself. All songs were composed by him as well, sans the title track.
HINP | Rumor
One of the hottest talks of 2018 is probably the third edition of the Produce series, Produce 48. In the show’s “30 Girls 6 Concepts” challenge, the nation’s producers created a group that not only captivated the audience but also the Korean music charts. HINP, an acronym for a rather silly meaning “Hot Issue of National Producers”, took on a daring and sexy concept for the song “Rumor”. Unfortunately, it failed to win the challenge, but ironically it soon emerged the most popular out of the six songs.
Memory Fabricators | To Reach You
Another one following “Rumor” is a song by a group that particularly exuded talent in singing. “To Reach You” is a new jack swing song that is mixed with the public-friendly fairy-like concept. The national producers created the group seemingly because of the members’ innocent images yet it may also be interpreted as a group of main vocalists.
Kim Sunggyu | Shine
You may wonder, Sunggyu is currently in the military, yet how is he included in this list? One thing I like about Woollim Entertainment is that for every concert, a few months later, a live album is guaranteed. “SHINE” is the title track of Sunggyu’s live album of the same title.
Nam Woohyun | If Only You Are Fine
INFINITE may have not had a comeback for the second half but its members are not hidden in the shadows. As a matter of fact, Woohyun even had his first comeback. Woohyun is one of the group’s main vocalists. He frequently sings many parts in INFINITE songs but in his solo songs is where his vocals reach its highest potential. Most of the songs in his second album, “Second Write”, are self-composed so we can see a glimpse of Nam Woohyun as an artist.
GOT7 | Lullaby
Ironically, the song is titled after a song that is made to make children sleep, yet the boys made it so hot you can barely feel drowsy at all! Though the reviews for “Lullaby” is divided into positive and negative, I am one of the people who really loved the song. It’s catchy and is not like any other GOT7 song before. This marks GOT7’s third studio album with “Present: YOU” which is intended to be a gift for their fans.
fromis_9 | Love Bomb
To be quite honest, the only reason I bothered to check the song out is to see how Gyuri is performing outside Produce 48. However, the song is so good that I had it on repeat in my playlist! Most people call fromis_9 failures while comparing them to other Mnet produced groups like I.O.I and Wanna One. They may be under-performing, but with amazing songs like this? They sure ain’t failures as artists!
April | Oh! My Mistake
If you have read some of my articles before, I am pretty vocal about loving April songs, and this too, is not an exception. April is just that one group that NEVER releases bad music. “Oh! My Mistake” is probably one of the best girl group songs I’ve heard the entire year. It’s disappointing how April debuted the same year as Twice, Oh My Girl, and GFriend but still can’t get the popularity they deserve.
Golden Child | Genie
Visuals? Check. Quality song? Check. Extraordinary talent? Check. Anywhere you look, Golden Child is the epitome of a perfect boy group! “Genie” is just a major attestation to that. Less than two years into their debut, Golden Child already released four albums, by which all are crazy good. I’m truly looking forward to Golden Child’s path towards the top.
IZ*ONE | La Vie En Rose
2018. Female. Rookies. Of. The. Year. Not accepting arguments, face the facts.
Twice | Yes or Yes
After the disappointment of “Dance The Night Away”, I had no expectations for “Yes or Yes?” but it took me by surprise how good and addicting the song is. Even the choreography is easy to follow and the music video is quirky yet captivating. Catchy song with a catchy hook, that’s Twice for you!
Gugudan | Not That Type
One thing I absolutely love about Gugudan’s concept is that they have no definite concept at all. You may view it as not being tied to being sweet girly girls or mature sexy ladies. This gives the ladies the element of versatility in which they completely nail every concept every time. This comeback is inspired by the hit American movie “Ocean’s 8”, and so Gugudan delivered a funky and badass song. “Act 6: New Action” paved way for them to showcase their dancing skills more, despite their best dancer leaving the group due to health issues.
Lovelyz | Lost N’ Found
If you loved “Destiny” then I’m sure you will also love this song. Like April, Lovelyz is also that group which never fails to deliver quality music. “Lost N Found” is a mesmerizing experience but the most memorable part is the music video which is probably Lovelyz’ best thus far. The performances are accessorized by sparkly microphones that gave the comeback era more identity.
Day6 | Days Gone By
To end this list, we have the five handsome boys of Day6. Really, the band is too good that even before you listen to their songs, if you know it’s by them, you know it will be really good. The title track of their new album, “Youth Part 2: Remember Us”, is a retro synth total bop titled “Days Gone By” and as expected, it’s exceptional.
Though 2018 is probably the most boring year for me as a fan of K-Pop, it’s undeniable how tons of amazing music were released in just the span of twelve months. Thanks to these artists and their songs, my 2018 became less dull and extra spicy.
