Among numerous K-pop releases this year, TIME selected the 10 "Best K-pop Songs of 2021 So Far." Aside from EXO Baekhyun and IU, the list will surprise you as it consists of several rookie groups like aespa, STAYC, Weeekly, and more!
On July 1, the reputable American news magazine and website, TIME, curated the top 10 K-pop songs that they think are the best releases this 2021. And on the long list of K-pop artists that dropped their own music amid pandemic, TIME highlighted that they chose the groups and soloists from those that debuted in 2003 to 2020, who had released songs this year.
The songs were selected regardless its genre as well, may it be pop-rock, R & B, and synth-pop, etc.
EXO Baekhyun's "Bambi," IU's "Lilac," Epik High's "Rosario": Icons Who Released the "Best K-pop Songs of 2021 So Far"
Among the artists with a wide spectrum of experience, IU who released her new song "Lilac" in March, entered the list.
Aside from its catchy lyrics such as "Love me only till this spring/Like a warm breeze," the song title also carries a significant meaning.
IU explained that "Lilac" is the reminiscence of her youth.
Contrary to IU's track, EXO Baekhyun's "Bambi" is definitely not for the younger audience. The R&B song is indeed a "bedtime" song, but sexier and more mature.
K-hip-hop icon Epik High's, who collaborated with CL and Zico for the song, "Rosario" also entered the list.
This time, the song is neither about youth nor love but it is a diss song. The start of the lyrics of the song depicts the people who always attack verbally.
Later on, it transitioned with the protagonist who turned the hate they are getting into fuel to success.
Former iKON turned solo artist B.I also proved individual power with "illa illa." TIME commended the songwriter who is also a storyteller through his music.
ALSO READ: NCT Dream, BTS, and EXO Baekhyun are the Top 3 Most Influential Artists in the First Half of 2021 + See Top 10
aespa's "NEXT Level," STAYC's "ASAP," Weeekly's "After School": Rookie Groups Who Released the "Best K-pop Songs of 2021"
The news website also selected songs released by newly launched groups, proving their titles as "Fourth-Generation Representatives."
In the list, Weeekly graced the list with their track, "After School." TIME also mentioned the group as the rising icons of "cheery pop."
Another rising fourth-gen group on the list is STAYC, who stunned with their song "ASAP." The song is not only an earworm with a strong chorus and speedy tempo, but it is also inspirational.
STAYC, with their lyrics, reminds listeners to say to themselves, "I think I'm really cool."
To complete the "rookie monster" girl groups, aespa's "Next Level" joined the list, too!
The song that sounded like two songs combined is a refreshing sound to those K-pop fans who want to listen to a song with a dynamic genre and concept.
In addition to the girl groups, "Love So Sweet" by Cherry Bullet was also selected for their perfect description of the range of sensory feelings that one is feeling when in love through the song.
TXT's “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)” didn't only perform well on the charts but showed a different level of the angst of the five-member group.
Another boy group on the list is ONF, with their track, "Beautiful Beautiful" which has an iconic introduction, chorus, and lyrics.
READ MORE: Media Outlet Selects 3 Idol Groups That Represent K-Pop 4th Generation
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Written by Eunice Dawson
