K-pop Bops
- Liana Progar
- Jan 5, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: May 12, 2023
Korean popular music, K-pop, is a very large umbrella title. So much music is classified under K-pop that it can be hard to keep up with it all. With comebacks and debuts right on top of each other, you might have missed a few. Many 2021 comebacks seem to be leaning into a rock/band-esque sound, which has received praise from fans globally. While rock songs dominated, for those seeking other sounds, the usual ballads, R&B and everything in between were also released this year, giving listeners an endless ocean of songs fitting for every mood. Selected through emotional-draw and accolades, here's our list of some of the top K-pop songs from Jan. to Oct. 2021.
"Bicycle"
By Chung Ha
February 15
"Bicycle" features in Chung Ha's first audio album "Querencia" and is a confident, self assured anthem. Chung Ha split the album into four sections: noble, savage, unknown and pleasures. “Bicycle” is a part of the noble section, represented by the explosive backing track and confident lyrics like “Coz I’m the baddest queen // I’m sicker than all of them.” “Bicycle” can bring out anyone’s inner sassiness and is a great confidence booster.
"Don't Call Me"
By SHINee
February 22
After three of the members returned from compulsory military enlistment, veteran group SHINee came back with "Don't Call Me," their seventh album. Their title track "Don't Call Me" is a moody blend of old school hip-hop and angsty synth. The backing track features a mix of synth and piano, creating the perfect ear worm melody. The lyrics express heartache and anger stemming from a clingy ex won’t stop calling, preventing the speaker from moving on, creating further turmoil. The album landed at No. 1 on the Gaon Album Chart and the title track reached No. 3 on the
Gaon Digital Chart showing SHINee’s popularity
even after a hiatus.
"After School"
By Weeekly
March 17
Rookie girl group, Weeekly had their second comeback with "After School'' which quickly became a TikTok hit and proved to be a strong title track. Used 15,300 times on TikTok, many people made dance covers of “After School.” The bubbly song expresses the joy of friendship and is all around positive. "After School '' is a super cute and youthful song with playful choreography that will have you looping the music video over and over.
"libidO"
By OnlyOneOf
April 8
With their third mini album, OnlyOneOf took the internet by storm with their risqué title track "libidO." The track is sensual with the artists' whisper singing throughout the song. The group was praised for taking risks with their dance concept. True to the song’s title, the choreography includes provocative moves portraying the human instinct of libido and scalding gazes. At the 2:08 mark, two members are particularly friendly with each other which caused the song to go viral on the internet, eliciting shock, awe and praise from both OnlyOneOf fans and other K-pop fans
alike. Some fans say that OnlyOneOf broke the
“taboo of K-pop” and are “pioneers.”
"Drunk-Dazed"
By ENHYPEN
April 26
"Drunk-Dazed" is rookie boy group ENHYPEN's first comeback since their debut in November 2020. Despite just recently debuting, "Drunk-Dazed" earned the boys their first ever music show win on "The Show" on May 4. This song is a fusion between synth and rock; like the lyrics, the genre of the song lives in a confusing, gray area. The lyrics express the urge to flee, but also the desire to stay. It’s the perfect conundrum. “Drunk-Dazed” is great for a 2 a.m., one-person rager, accompanied with red lighting and plenty of room to jump around, “Drunk-Dazed” will help expel any excess energy.
"Butter"
By BTS
May 21
In their second entirely English single, BTS brought fans a feel-good, pop, EDM-infused song. The Recording Industry Association of America announced that "Butter" went double platinum on September 23. The song morphed into many remixes, the most notable remix featuring American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. This song can easily make you “side step, right, left” to BTS’s beat!
"0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. Seori"
By Tomorrow X Together
May 31
Kicking off a new album series, Tomorrow X Together found a new sound with "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)." In this song, the group pushes away from their typical sound to explore the rock genre. "I Know I Love You" blends together rough and soft pleading singing, expressing the desperate lyrics very well. "I Know I Love You" is the perfect song to scream-sing in your car, releasing all of the negative emotions.
"Don't Fight the Feeling"
By EXO
June 7
Although EXO was still missing some members, their seventh EP marked the inclusion of Lay, a Chinese EXO member previously working on solo music, for the first time on a Korean title track since their 2016 winter EP. The title track "Don't Fight the Feeling" is an upbeat groovy song about being bold, embracing yourself and various forms of love. "Don't Fight the Feeling" is a feel-good dance song that makes listeners feel like they were picked first in kickball or got to have a cookie fresh out of the oven.
"I Got U"
By LUCY
June 16
The title track "I Got U'' from their fourth single album is a sweet, playful song about supporting a loved one. The song is perfect for a long sunny car ride through the hills with the windows down. The song is upbeat yet soft. It is a comforting and supportive song you can lose yourself in. LUCY is a Korean band that consists of one guitarist, one bassist, one drummer, and one violinist, which is something very uncommon within the music industry in general.
"VAMOS"
By OMEGA X
June 30
In their debut song "VAMOS," OMEGA X, puts on a powerful performance; the smoothly sharp dance moves, the strong rapping and airy singing creates a good-time party vibe. OMEGA X consists of 11 members from disbanded or inactive groups. Since the members have prior experience, their performance isn't lacking in the slightest. "VAMOS" includes Spanish and Korean influences and is a charismatic, in-your-face party song. “VAMOS” is carefree and encourages listeners to let down their hair and have a good time.
"Bottom of the Ocean"
By Golden Child
August 2
In a fully English song from their second full length album, Golden Child brought listeners a pop-rock song about love. The song has a funky, little cow bell that adds to the song's youthful energy. You can’t help but want to dance around and sing when this song comes on. The song has an infectious joyful energy to it, reflecting the lyrics about falling head over heels in love.
"Thrill Ride"
By THE BOYZ
August 9
Having gained a substantial following from the Mnet competition shows "Road to Kingdom" and "Kingdom: Legendary War," "Thrill-ing" THE BOYZ's sixth mini album sold 523,630 copies in the first week of release-- 2.5 times the amount of their previous mini album, "Chase." The title track "Thrill Ride" closed out the summer and takes listeners on a thrill ride with sweet vocals and powerful raps. The song is joyful and bouncy, prompting listeners to get up and dance.
"Ride"
By Gaho
August 12
Moving away from his usual original soundtracks and ballads, Gaho dipped his toes into the rock genre with his single "Ride." This song let's listeners hear more of Gaho's range as a singer. “Ride” is a fun and energetic song. The rhythm is easy to ride and pleasing to the ear. Like the title suggests, "Ride" is perfect for any road trip.
"STEREOTYPE"
By STAYC
September 6
The rookie girl group STAYC had their second comeback with "STEREOTYPE." Following the success of their song "ASAP," the girls delivered a bright pop song that's too catchy for its own good. Although it is a bright pop song, the lyrics convey a powerful message telling listeners to not judge someone too quickly based on outward appearances. A positive message mixed with a positive sound, creates an overall irresistibly uplifting song.
"Deja Vu"
By ATEEZ
September 13
"Deja Vu'' marked ATEEZ's first comeback with all eight members since July 2020. "Deja Vu'' calls back to the darker sound ATEEZ started with, which made fans happy. The song is punchy, addictive and just a tad sensual. The raps are smooth and alluring like a siren’s call. The vocals carry tones of desperation and desire. Blended together, “Deja Vu'' makes a strong impression and ensures listeners won’t forget the song. With just a couple relistens, you’ll have the members singing “Da, da-da-ra, da, da-da-da-da-ra” as permanent background noise in your head.
Go Beyond the (Hallyu) Wave
We told you our top 2021 K-pop tracks, but it seems you can't get enough. Spanning from January to December 2021, these 40 songs were selected through emotional-draw and popularity, but weren’t quite strong (or early) enough to make it in our Top 15. Here are some runner ups of our top 2021 K-pop songs.
JANUARY
Jan. 7 - “Fallin’ (Adrenaline) [AB6IX Remix]” by AB6IX, Why Don't We
Jan. 11 - "What I Said" by VICTON
Jan. 11 - "My Treasure" by Treasure
Jan. 19 - "My Turn" by CRAVITY
FEBRUARY
Feb. 16 - "PARANOIA" by Kang Daniel
MARCH
March 10 - "Action Figure" by WayV
March 16 - "House Party" by Super Junior
APRIL
Feb. 2 - "Spider" by Hoshi
Feb. 15 - "Universe" by DONGKIZ
Feb. 16 - "Down" by A.C.E feat. Grey
Feb. 19 - "You make Me" by DAY6
Feb. 20 - "If You Call Me" by P1harmony
MAY
May 18 - “Advice” by Taemin
JUNE
June 1 - "Gambler" by Monsta X
June 7 - "Moonshot" by N.Flying
June 17 - "All Your Fault (Feat. GRAY)" by Yugyeom
June 28 - "Life is Still Going On" by NCT Dream
June 30 - "DAMAGE" by JUST B
JULY
July 1- "Warning" by KINGDOM
July 2 - "Yellow Cab" by DPR LIVE
July 5 - "Hey Hi Bye" by SF9
AUGUST
Aug. 17 - "Wave" by CIX
Aug. 23 - "Thunderous" by Stray Kids
Aug. 26 - "FAME (feat. JUNNY) - Prod. GroovyRoom" by Jay B
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 8 - "Zombie" by PURPLE KISS
Sept. 14 - “BLUE” by Wonho
Sept. 17 - “Road Trip” by NCT 127
OCTOBER
Oct. 1 - “The Feels” by TWICE
Oct. 5 - “Chaser” by WOODZ
Oct. 10 - “MONEY” by LISA
Oct. 15 - “I Don’t Know You Anymore” by Eric Nam
Oct. 22 - “Rock With You” by Seventeen
Oct. 24 - “LOCO” by ITZY
Oct. 26 - “Do 4 Me” by EPEX
Oct. 27 - “Bad Love” by KEY
NOVEMBER
Nov. 10 - “HIDE & SICK” by JUNNY
Nov. 18 - “STAB (Feat. eaJ) (Prod. dress)” by BIG Naughty
Nov. 25 - “Control” by GHOST9
Nov. 29 - “Christmas Evel” by Stray Kids
DECEMBER
Dec. 6 - “Happy Death Day” by Xdinary Heroes
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