My Favorite K-Pop Songs of 2016: May to August

Since 2016 is almost over I'm rushing to get my other lists about 2016 up. So please excuse me if there are any ugly typos. Here are my favorite Korean songs of 2016 from May to August! There's no particular order this time around. 

Save Me by BTS - BTS almost never disappoints me and this time is no different. I think the thing I liked most about this song is how calm it is compared to some of their other releases. I think I was able to fully appreciate there talents because the instrumental wasn't too overpowering.

Lucky One by EXO - Love this song! The disco vibe works really well on EXO. They have the power and the finesse to pull off a song like this.

Monster by EXO - This song is so lit. If you know people who like turn up music or amazing choreo then introduce them to this song.

All In by Monsta X - I love Monsta X. They are one of my favorite up-and-coming groups. They do a good job at sounding like a group, if that makes sense. To me you can really sense how close they are listening to some of their songs.

I Like That by Sistar - I'm so glad Sistar came back with a slightly different sound from their last two summer hits. They sound really great, everybody's talent was on display.

Cheer Up by Twice - I didn't like this song at first but the more I was forced to listen to it the more I got into it. I think my favorite thing about Twice is how easy it is to pick up their choreography. It's so much fun to dance along to their songs.

Why So Lonely by Wonder Girls - The Wonder Girls really impressed me with this song. Their 80s themed comeback didn't really grab me but this song has me obsessed. They did reggae really well.

Starlight by Taeyeon ft Dean - I am definitely becoming a fan of Taeyeon's music, but by adding Dean to the mix I fell in love. This song is so perfect in so many way, I can't even explain it, just go listen to it.

Butterfly by Beast - It was sad to see Beast lose one of its members but the great thing is that the remaining five members lack nothing in the talent department. I enjoyed listening to them in this song and hope that whatever they do is successful.

Emptiness by Madtown - I hope Madtown's star continues to rise. I know Jota is aiding in that department quite a bit but I want new music in 2017. This was their last release of 2016 and it's a great way to show their versatility.

Heartbreak Hotel by Tiffany ft Simon D - Gray is a master producer so you already know that the song was going to be good. Tiffany's voice and Simon D's rapping actually went quite well together. It's a nice song.

Where Do We Go from Here by G.Soul - I'm so in love with G.Soul's voice and it lends itself perfectly to this R&B ballad.

Far, Far away by G.Soul - Another reggae song!!! I was raised on reggae so I know how infectious it can be so I totally support the trend of Korean artists using the Jamaican staple. G.Soul definitely did the genre justice not just with his voice but also with the fun video.

woo ah by Crush - Our baby Crush has grown up so much. This was good song to usher in Crush's career as a full fledged adult. He continues to meet and exceed our expectations with his sweet voice and groovy music.

I Just Wanna Dance by Tiffany - Sometimes I want to dislike what any girl group member does but then I listened to it and ended up loving it.

Rose by Elo - Seriously, AOMG never lets me down, I don't care which artist it is I am never disappointed. Elo brought the heat with ROSE and his album 8 Femmes.

Chewing Gum by NCT Dream - I like it!!!! Usually a song like this would irritate me but for some reason I just fell in love with it and had it on repeat for the longest time.

Skip by Crush & Han Sang Won - Great song with a bit of a retro flair. Love it!

City Breeze by Jay Park - I repeat: AOMG never lets me down! Love this new jack swing song. It's a classic in my book. Of course the lyrics are cheeky but that's just Jay Park for ya.

Lotto by EXO - I kind of like the play of lotto/louder but more than anything this a good workout song. Wouldn't say that I haven't heard a song like this before but EXO does it so well that I can let it go.

And July by Heize ft Dean & DJ Friz - Heize and Dean's chemistry set off a lot of ships this summer. This song is undeniable. Not only does it have a refreshing hip hop instrumental, it has Heize and Dean's unique vocals. All of that together is pretty great.

Thought of You by John Park - John Park's voice honestly makes me melt. It's so soulful and it goes so well with this song.

Why by Taeyeon - The song grew on me. At first I was a little annoyed by Taeyeon's vocals but I couldn't deny her talent in the end.

Shut Up & Groove by Heize ft Dean - The song that started it all. These two make a great team, and I hope to see more of it in 2017.

Try by Jimin Park (15&) - I love Jimin's voice. 15& has two of the best vocalists in K-pop so it's no surprise that Jimin's strong vocals kick this song up just the right notch.

B L U E by Samuel Seo - This year I discovered Samuel Seo. He mixes a few closely related genres like R&B and Hip Hop with electronica and gets a really interesting and addictive sound. B L U E is just one example of his talents.

Rendezvous by Sik-k - This year I also fell in love with Sik-k. Unfortunately his time on SMTM4 was short but he was able to showcase his talents outside of the show with multiple songs and Rendezvous is just one of his addictive singles from 2016.

Can't Help Myself by Eric Nam ft Loco - I love Eric Nam and I am glad that his musical talents are starting to get more attention. This a is a fun song that suits Eric's voice well. No need to talk about Loco, he's awesome.

Girls I've Never Seen Before Are Pretty (Crush on You) Babylon ft Lil Boi - I love Babylon! His voice is amazing, dancing's amazing, circle of friends? AMAZING! Anyway, love this song it shows off all his amazing-ness in one addictive tune.

Good by Loco, Gray ft ELO - "Everything's Good!" I think that line perfectly explains this song.

Shut Up by Unnies ft Yoo Hee Yeol - This was supposed to be just a project for a group of variety show misfits but it became one of the biggest hits of the summer. I think the reason why it's so lovable is because it has a relateable message that was delivered by not only talented but very hardworking ladies.

Mei Guan Xi by Gary - Gary kept the promise he made on the Chinese version of Please Take of My Refrigerator. I still can't believe that he rapped an entire song in Chinese. I am also impressed at the production. It doesn't feel or sound like a throw away beat; he diligently worked on a track for his Chinese fans.

She is by Jonghyun - This kid! Love this song. The retro vibes have been flowing through SM all 2016 but nobody did it quite like Jonghyun. His voice matches really well with the sound. And he honestly gave me slightly Prince vibes.

Like You by Hoody - This song is a bit underrated in my opinion. I would love it if Hoody could get all the love and attention she deserves in 2017. This song is a calm R&B track that shows off Hoody's smooth vocals very well.

Fantasy by Fei - Even though it sucks that Miss A also lost a member this year I am happy that Fei and Jia could fully show off their musical talents this year. The video for this song was quite sexy which goes well with the song, but I wasn't expecting it because I view Fei as a pure person (at least when she's on variety shows). Really enjoyed the song though.

Love Paint by Nu'est - I really enjoyed Nu'est's sound in 2016. It was a nod to 90s R&b with a bit more updated edge to it in the more electronic chorus.

Think About You by Jun.K - This song really had me feeling some type of way. I was listening to it and all of sudden started screaming. It's so good. We already knew Jun.K could hold it down but he slayed us all this time.

Secret by Cosmic Girls - Cosmic Girls is another group that I hope delivers great results in 2017. I surprisingly liked this song upon first listen. If you know me, you would know that doesn't happen a lot with girl groups.

Ready for Your Love by J-Min - Very nice song. It honestly reminded me of something that a JYP artist would put out so I was a bit surprised that it was from SM, but it was a nice change of pace from SM's usual offerings.

Wave by R3hab X f(AMBER+LUNA) - SM Station has produced quite some entertaining tracks. This was one of my favorites, I really enjoyed it. I especially loved that we could see Luna and Amber showing off there musical talents more this year.

Boombayah by Blackpink - Probably the biggest rookie group of 2016. YG didn't disappoint, they really didn't. I will say that the song was off-putting at first because it's so similar to something that 2NE1 or Big Bang has already done but it's so fun that it just ends up being stuck in your brain.

Whistle by Blackpink - Whistle was a bit more original but it definitely has a familiar YG sound to it. Either way I think the two singles were a great way to introduce YG's newest girl group.

My Favorite K-Pop Songs of 2016: January to April

It may be very late for this post but I finally have a laptop again so I am going post!

1. "The 7th Sense" by NCT U - Do you know how impressed I have to be in order for a rookie group to be my number 1 song? The answer is "very impressed." So, they're finally here: SM's massive trainee project group. Leading the pack is NCT U and may I say that if this is the quality of NCT hen I am most definitely on board. Upon first listen the last thing you're thinking is that this song was produced, not just performed, but produced by a bunch of rookie idols from SM. But lo and behold The 7th Sense. First of all it's "dee jaym." And second of all the choreography that these kids are stunting is just sdjhdfidhsfdefjiuhfhf. I'm kind of in love but in a strictly platonic way. You know what I mean? Anywho, if you're looking for a trendy song that will still blow your socks off then this is the one!

2. D (half moon) by Dean - I'm shocking myself by not having dean at #1, but what can I say? Those rookies raised the bar for all rookies, in every nation. But, Dean. Oh Dean. To me this child (I'm like 3 years older than him) can do no wrong, musically speaking. As if he didn't leave a big enough impression last year with songs like I'm Not Sorry, and Pour Up, he continues his quest for world domination with the absolutely lovely Half Moon D. The great thing about Dean is how his music just does something for you, you don't even know what it is but you know that it's his songs that are doing something. This particular song makes you want to dance and cry at the same time. Best part to me though is that the brother runs, he runs all over the song and being the American I needs dem runs.

3. I Am You, You Are Me by Zico - Zico's star continues to rise and his talent continues to shine as he takes on more and more genres. This time is goes for a more R&B feel and pulls it off quite well. Of course the song dominated charts in Korea, but it also dominated our hearts.

4. Don't Forget by Crush ft Taeyeon - I just love this song. He and Taeyeon sound so great on the same track, I didn't expect that. It's a sad song but also really sweet, it was on repeat when it was first released and months later I still listen to it often.

5. What 2 Do by Dean X Crush X Jeff Bernat - Such an awesome slow jam. These three are some of the best R&B artists out today and the fact that they collaborated just made me to happy. Like Crush's Don't Forget the song has a bit of angst to it but it sounds so sweet that you just can't stop listening to it.

6. Toy by Block B - BLOCK B'S BACK!!!!! Their sound this time around isn't as...aggressive as I'm used to but the song is just so good that I can't stop playing it. Leave it to Zico to write another hit and leave to Block B to execute it perfectly. Not one weak spot.

7. Sentimental by WINNER - Winner's long awaited comeback also deserves celebration. The unusual but totally awesome "cover teasers" that YG released made me want to listen to the song so badly, glad I wasn't disappointed. It's great song with a mix of rock and hip hop.

8. Fly by Got7 - I am so proud of Got7! For me, they have been ones to watch since 'A.' With each comeback they bring their a-game and continue to get better and better. I really think the song is a testament to their growth as group, nit just as singers and dancers and rappers but as a unit of 7 people from different backgrounds. I look forward to more awesome things from them.

9. bonnie & clyde by Dean - Had to do it. You know Dean is worth two spots in the top 10. The kid has been running non-stop since first coming into notoriety last year and I couldn't be more excited. Bonnie & Clyde sounds a bit darker but is actually quite romantic. Of course, can't leave his heavy electronic sound far behind and keeps the track very current.

10. Think by Reddy ft Jay Park - So despite it coming at #10 on the list this is one that I still vibe out to whenever I hear it. I love it so much. First of all you have Reddy's melodic rapping then you throw Jay Park's classic featuring in there to take it to another level. I'm just like done. Love this song so much.

11. Your Face by Louie X Lee Hyun Woo - You should have seen the look on my face when this song first started, and then the look on my face when Lee Hyun Woo started rapping. I thought for sure he'd get the bright idol treatment, but the song is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. And can I just say that Lee Hyun Woo held it down. Not just the singing, but homeboy actually spit a bit of fire. Didn't expect him to rap at all, and I definitely didn't expect him to be good at at. All I can say is bravo!

12. EPILOGUE: Young Forever by BTS - This is such a moving song. I literally cried when read the lyrics. As sad as the song is, it's also quite uplifting. It's like we know we all have to grow up sometime but we all need to hope that we never give up on our dreams. Love the message and BTS delivered it so perfectly.

13. Overcome by Nu'est - I am slowly but surely becoming a Nu'est fan. There's something explosive about this seductive R&B song that I just can't stop playing it. The video makes no sense to me, but what videos do?

14. woo hoo by Mamamoo - I am actually quite shocked by how popular Mamamoo is becoming. I am actually really glad they are getting attention they deserve. Their voices are just ridiculous and they are on full display in this song with their signature retro R&B vibe as well.

15. Still Alive by JYP - I think we should all give JYP a standing ovation for being the company president of many popular idols but still putting them to shame with his own skills. I actually don't think JYP is a good singer but this song is just so perfect that I can't help but love it.

16. Hogu by Giriboy ft Brother Su - Giriboy is always a good source for good music and he continues to bring some of the best this year. Hogu is a great song featuring his signature singing and his genius rapping skills.

17. Hello by Yong Hwa X Sunwoo Jung A - One of the first songs of 2016 and it's an icy break up song full of sentiment. Both of their voices sound great together so I can't help but like it.

18. What the Spring? by 10cm - Isn't jealousy great? Instead of a typical happy spring time song we get a spiteful one that sounds just as playful and "springy" as any. Love it!

19. Holding on to the End of This Night by Hwang Chi Yeol, leeSA - I know this is a cover, but it's such a good cover. Instead of sticking with the song's R&B sound, it instead has a more rock sound which lends itself perfectly to the singers' voices. And Hwang Chi Yeol straight up brought the house down with his powerful singer.

20. Baby Baby by Winner - This song! Even my mom likes it and that means a lot. If I'm being honest the singing parts of the song don't sound as great as they did on empty but the feeling's still there. It's Winner's first single in almost two years so it's hard not to love the bluesy track.

21. Drip Drop by Taemin - I didn't know how to fell about this song when I first heard it. It sounded like Taemin was singing over noise instead of music, but it quickly grew on me.

22. Breathe by Lee Hi - YG is finally letting Lee Hi back into the world as well. YAY! Breathe is a great ballad song showing off Lee Hi's maturity and her flawless vocals.

23. Hide & Seek by Astro - I didn't expect to like this song, especially if I was using other Fantagio artists as benchmarks but much to surprised I loved it. Not only is the video bright and fun but the song is as well. Plus, I just think these kids sound better then some of the other (to not be named) artists of Fantagio.

24. No-Yes by Big Brain - If you're looking for Korea's answer to Boyz II Men then you've found it. These dudes can really sang. They have the type of powerful voices that you just don't hear very often.

25. Good for You by Eric Nam - Love Eric Nam, at this point I don't think there's a person that doesn't love Eric Nam. But, this is the first time that I really loved one of his songs. Eric Nam has never had a bad song but they just haven't been earth-shattering. Good For You isn't necessarily earth shattering either but Eric Nam rocks the soft R&B sound making his voice seem more at home and the listening experience more pleasant.

26. Rough by G-Friend - G-Friend is one of those groups you just can't escape. With pretty much everybody in Korean entertainment making reference to them you're kind of forced to listen to their songs and eventually they grow on you. Rough, however is the first song that I liked from the first time I heard it. The EDM intro completely hooked me and I like the remainder of the song as well. Hope to hear more from them.

27. Night Drive by Echae en Route - This unassuming song is so great. The beautiful instrumental filled with violin, and the soulful delivery of the lyrics just kind of sticks with you.

28. Between Us by Babylon ft Dok2 - I really hope that Babylon just gets more and more attention as time passes on. He has all the talent from singing to dancing, and gets quite a bit of love from his colleagues in the industry so I hope that we get to hear him more and more. This song is just the perfect R&B song from the strong and smooth vocals to the sentimental lyrics.

29. No Love by Lucky J - I just really like this song. It sounds familiar and different all at the same time The great thing is that all the members of Lucky J sound really great together.

30. Feel So Good by B.A.P. - So, to be honest I like B.A.P. but I didn't like their first release after resolving their legal issues. This song I like much better for some reason. I think the other song was just a little too dated and even though this song is familiar as well, it feels a bit more on trend which works well for a group like B.A.P that's starting fresh.

32. You're So Fine by CNBLUE - I really like that CNBLUE doesn't shy away from different genres despite being a rock group. The songs big band/jazzy vibe makes it more bright then a typical rock song so I love it.