It's 2016 in Seoul, but before we embrace the new year ahead of us, we here at KpopStarz would like to take a look back and share some of our favorite tracks of 2015.
1. Big Bang - "Sober"
Given their continued placement in the hearts of teenage fan girls, it's hard to remember that Big Bang has practically spent their most formative years (teens to 20s) in the spotlight of K-pop stardom. That being said, for me, "Sober" is the most explicit sign that Big Bang's music transforms as they age, with lyrical content going from the absolute stereotypical party or love song (i.e. "Always" from their first mini album) to something like "Sober," a more sophisticated view of life, life's meaning, and one's placement in the grand scheme of things. - Tara Edwards
2. "Zutter" - GD&TOP
G-Dragon and T.O.P showcase their playful and quirky sides in a silly rap with a catchy hook. Definitely the highlight of Big Bang's MADE Series. - Annie Sidou
3. Graye X Yeon - "Empty Space
Situated separately from the mainstream, Graye leads the pack of current electronic producers. Unafraid of genre restrictions, his collaboration with saxophonist Kim Oki is as beautiful as it is unconventional. A real gem. - Jeff Tobias
4. GOT7 - "If You Do"
GOT7 returned with a more mature image and sound with their title track "If You Do," showing a welcomed versatility past their teeny-bopper tracks. It made me sit up and notice the boy band for the first time, and even put the catchy song on repeat for a straight week. - Mickey Jamias
5. Red Velvet - "Cool World"
The playlists of top 40 radio stations are littered with groups attempting to do the kind of three-chord anthemic electro pop that Red Velvet seem to pull off so effortlessly. The perfectly dialed-in synthesizer sound and vocals that sound like you are in the room with the band members singing their hearts out, make this group succeed musically where others have failed on "Cool World." - Jesse Lent
6. f(x) - "4 Walls"
"4 Walls" marks the return of SM's popular female group after Sulli left the group. - James Buhain
7. Xia (featuring Tablo) - "Flower"
Xia's "Flower" belongs in an operatic musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song transitions from an eerie melody (that seems to be coming out of a broken music box), to a harp-only breakdown, to a ghostly orchestra with a choir that is being resurrected. This song is entirely unique to K-pop and only Junsu could pull it off so flawlessly and with such confidence. The lyrics compare the singer to a flower that is trying to find its way out of the darkness so that it can reach the sun. The ambiguous lyrics are coupled perfectly with a dark and artistic music video that can leave you feeling as though you just watched a 5-minute retelling of a Greek god short story. - Elsa Blanco
8. Bye Bye Badman - "So Far"
This K-indie quintet may have originally gotten their musical influences from English groups such as The Stone Roses, but this upbeat and soulful song proves that the band has come up on their own. Take a listen and fall in love with the electronic beats way too good not to have on replay. - Rehnuma Majid
9. miss A - "Only U"
The group made their comeback earlier this year with this brassy love song. Flaunting their vocal ranges and style, miss A's 2015 comeback reminded the world about why they're one of the big three's top girl groups. - Tamar Herman
10. BTS - "I Need You"
As the group matures, so does their music. Daring to explore tender emotions while pushing beyond their original musical boundaries, BTS has found a way to broaden their musical horizons and in so doing, have managed to progress to move the hearts of fans the world over. - Leah Westbrook
11. Day6 - "Like the Sun"
Day6 was a refreshing break away from typical debuts. Although it was disappointing to see JYP opt to market them around the Korean club scene rather than through the typical style promotions, Day6 has definitely proven themselves as both a formidable boy group and a talented band. Their title track "Congratulations" was the perfect heartbreak anthem, but "Like The Sun" beats it out with it's upbeat melody and clever references to figures of Greek mythology. - Samantha Marie Lifson
12. Super Junior - "Devil"
A great song with a fresh choreography. - Estefania Figueroa
13. EXO - "Sing For You"
Nothing to say, this song is just so beautiful and nice. - Heidi Kartika
Simply the sweetest song I've heard so far and it accentuates the quality of the vocalists. - Lulu Dewi P
14. Wonder Girls - "I Feel You"
Wonder Girls made a surprising and impressive comeback this August with a new lineup and concept after a three-year long hiatus. The group returned as a band with Yeeun on keyboard, Yubin on drums, Sunmi on bass and Hyerim on guitar. "I Feel You," the title track of 'REBOOT,' is a funky '80s dance song. The beat is catchy and addictive and the pitch is near perfection. Wonder Girls and their music have matured over the years. They have become more than just an idol group. Now, they are true artists. You can hear the girls' passion in their music. Their transformation proves why they are one of the top K-Pop girl groups with a certain standing in the K-Pop industry. They are indeed an inspiration! - Ong Melin
15. SEVENTEEN - "Mansae"
They play such a huge part in producing/composing and choreographing their own songs. It's so catchy! - Nikole Smith
16. Mamamoo - "Um Oh Ah Yeh"
"Um Oh Ah Yeh" was poppier than Mamamoo's soulful hit "Mr. Ambiguity," but didn't lose its retro R&B groove. The band updated the backing to fit more recent danceable hits and the singers get inside an infectious melody. - Tony Sokol
17. Zico (Featuring PENOMECO, The Quiett) - "Yes Or No"
Though it may not be considered pop but more rap, Zico proved that he's more than just an idol. From Unpretty Rapstar to its official release a few months ago, Zico produced a track that followed the trends of current trap music in America but with it's own Korean flare. With a sick drop in the introduction, "Tell Me Yes Or No" is that perfect song to blast in your car when you're out with friends. Similar to the sounds of western rappers such as Future, Fetty Wap and Drake, it's safe to say that after the boom of Keith Ape's "It G Ma," 'Yes Or No' is a perfect follow up. - Lai Frances
18. BTS - "Dope"
The perfect upbeat song to keep you motivated! Gotta make it fire baby. - Angie Mills
19. Jay Park (featuring Okasian) - "You Know"
It has a great beat and a seductive refrain. - Joan MacDonald
20. CNBLUE's Jung Yong Hwa - "One Fine Day"
What it does for you: A smooth-flowing ballad which starts quietly, giving a romantic vibe; slowly builds up to a surprise strong ending. Why other people should listen to it: There is no doubt on the versatile musical talents of the leader of K-rock band, CNBLUE. "One Fine Day," a song from Jung's first solo effort is of a different genre than what his band usually performs. It starts lazily, conjuring the listener with a feeling of sweet, young love before it crescendos into a strong ending, as the man yearns for his lost love. It not only showcases his composing skills; his wide vocal range is also highlighted in this addictive song, especially the repetitive phrase 그날 그날 그날 그날 그날 (that day). During some of his live performances, Jung had conveniently added a string orchestra to back up the melodious tune; together with his suave yet powerful vocals, brought the song to a rousing finish that gave listeners a run of goose bumps and yearning for more! - Wang
21. Red Velvet - "Automatic"
Nothing like a good ol' '90s R&B tune to bring me back. This track is highly underrated, even though its vibe is hard to find in K-pop. Here's to hoping they bring it back in future releases. - Robert Kuang
Those were our picks, but what about you? What songs topped your lists in 2015? Share them in the comments below!
