On Tuesday, Dec. 29, MTV released their "The Best K-Pop B-Sides of 2020" list. Keep on reading to see if your favorite b-side track made their rankings.
The publication noted that the year 2020, well, sucked. Despite that, it still managed to be a good year for K-pop music. The industry was quick to adapt to the pandemic, creating digital alternatives to what was normally in-person events, such as fan signs and virtual concerts.
This year was especially great for BTS, who scored three number-one hit singles in the United States and nabbed their first Grammy nomination. NCT also pushed boundaries this year with their two-part album, "Resonance", and debuted two new members to their roster.
It was not all that great, however. K-pop still had difficulties differentiating between culture and costume, making people of color (mostly people of African descent) feel unwelcome. Corruption also upended the careers of hopeful trainees and already debuted idols.
Despite that, K-pop still provided people with much-needed comfort in this unpredictable year. Here are the K-pop b-sides that were not chosen as singles, but still shined, according to MTV.
The number one song they selected is BoA's "Start Over," a track from BoA's tenth Korean-language studio album, "Better." The song was included in the album, which celebrates her 20th debut anniversary. "Start Over" is considered a hidden gem in the album, with BoA's raspy-edged timbre perfectly matching with the song's desperate urgency and their plea's to the other person, saying that they will love her and that she will start over.
"Start Over" is emotional and raw, so much so that you will feel like the protagonist of the song once you listen to it.
The second best K-pop b-side, according to MTV, is Taemin's song "Clockwork," which was included in his "Never Gonna Dance Again : Act 1 - The 3rd Album" album. The song perfectly suits this year - the lyrics talk about a life warped by memory and repetitive limbo.
In the song, Taemin is in despair, wailing in frustration. "Clockwork" has a reflective chord reminiscent of dramatic musical theatre. The piano sounds are haunting and will have you sucked in. The song is highly reflective of this year, where every day felt the same by spending it indoors.
Give it a listen to hear it for yourself!
From 3-23, the ranking goes:
3. STAYC - "Like This"
4. WOODZ - "Accident"
5. BTS - "UGH!"
6. DAY6 - "Afraid"
7. Stray Kids - "Any"
8. Hwasa - "LMM"
9. GFRIEND - "Labyrinth"
10. TXT - "Ghosting"
11. ENHYPEN - "Into: Walk the Line"
12. ATEEZ - "Horizon"
13. SuperM - "Wish You Were Here"
14. WayV - "Domino"
15. (G)I-DLE - "Luv U"
16. EVERGLOW - "NO GOOD REASON"
17. NCT 127 - "Love Me Now"
18. Baekhyun - "Poppin'"
19. SF9 - "Like the Hands Held Tight"
20. IZ*ONE - "Open Your Eyes"
21. A.C.E - "Clover"
22. JOOHONEY - "SMOKY"
23. Weeekly - "Top Secret"
Did your favorite K-pop b-side make the list? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lewis
