More Music Favorites of 2014 - Favorite Rookies, Comebacks, and Solo Projects

Favorite Rookies

HIGH4 - I am really rooting for these rookies. Their first 3 singles were well received and I am hoping that the momentum continues into 2015 and beyond. If you listen to the album you'll hear them take on multiple genres and do quite well. They also have a knack for snagging great female features, I hope that trend continues in their music.

WINNER - YG newbies, WINNER not only managed to impress through the competition show Mix and Match, but also through their first releases. WINNER's singles quickly caught fire and rose to the top of charts. It's not only remarkable that their singles weren't typical pop/hip hop song, but also that they had a hand in writing and producing the songs off their first album. Not bad for rookies.

Akdong Musician - YG's folkly twosome ran the show for most of 2014. Not only did their music make headlines but also their cute personalities. These kids are just all kinds of adorable which, in all honesty, breathed life into the usual line-up that YG boasts. AKMU is also another set of rookies that had a lot of say in their music. From what I heard it turned out really well.

Got7- These rookies really did impress with great songs and choreography. So far they have yet to disappoint and I am hoping that as they continue to show us what they can do through their music and their time on variety shows.

Red Velvet - Though Red Velvet got off to a rough start, I think that they handled themselves well musically and performance wise. Their first single Happiness was really fun and catchy and showed off some serious vocal talent. Their second single Be Natural showed that they mastered that balance between sexy and classy. I hope they can keep a classy image into the new year.

Favorite Comebacks

Rain - Rain's 2 comeback songs managed to stay in my head the entire year. Although I am not familiar with Rain's earlier music, I knew how big a deal it was for him to release new music in 2014. Other than a new album, Rain also returned to the small screen in My Lovely Girl. The show was kind of disappointing overall but I am sure that avid Rain fans loved seeing him in something after such a long time.

Seo Taiji - I can't believe he hasn't put out an album since 2009. After hearing the 2 singles from his latest album Quiet Night it really made me a fan. The two songs were amazingly arranged and I finally got to experience what Korean fans have known all along.

g.o.d. - Another comeback that I am sure OG fans really loved. I listened to their entire album and thought it was nice to hear the same sound from their songs when they first began. It was a very nostalgic and fun album. I am definitely a g.o.d. fan now.

Epik High - Probably the best K-Hip Hop album of the year. I listened to a lot of hip hop albums from Korean artists this year and I must say that I most enjoyed this compilation of songs. Though I am really not a fan of cursing in music I think that the banging instrumentals and thoughtful lyrics made up for it.

Favorite Solo Debuts/Acts

Taeyang - It's not like this is Taeyang's first solo project but this one definitely showed his growth and maturity as an artist. I really enjoyed both of his singles, but their were songs on the album that I loved. His vocals are getting stronger and his incorporation of several YG artists show his gratitude and love for his agency.

Geako - I'm not that big a fan of the album but I really loved the 2 singles he released. They were perfect for the fall/winter season. The instrumentals were a little slow and cool, but also had that signature Dynamic Duo sound--a mix of R&B and hip hop that they master with each and every song.

Zhoumi - I don't follow Super Junior-M very closely but I am very impressed with Zhoumi. To be able to hold your own in two different languages is tough but he pulled it off flawlessly. Rewind is one of my favorite songs from this year.

Taemin - Taemin is known for having an amazing voice but it was on full display for all to enjoy in his solo album Ace. If you ever had any doubts about the signing abilities of the members of SHINee just listen to them separately. They are very good at what they do.

For a look at more favorites click the links below:
My KPOP Playlist of 2014
My Favorite Korean Albums of 2014
Favorite Songs of 2014: September to December
Favorite Songs of 2014: May to August
Favorite Songs of 2014: January to April

My Favorite Korean Albums of 2014

I love listening to albums because sometimes the best songs from an artist are the songs that aren't released as singles. To me, you really miss out on knowing what an artist's music really consists of when you only listen to the singles.

This year I listened to quite a few albums, from artists that I haven't heard of, and in genres that I don't commonly listen to. After doing so I feel much more certain of my music tastes, the artists I like, and the fact that Korean music is awesome.

Here are my favorite albums (EPs & mini albums included) of 2014, this doesn't include everything I listened to or even everything I liked, just my absolute favorites in no particular order.

HI HIGH by High4 - I was really surprised by the range of songs. The first two songs they released had more of an R&B feel, so I expected them to carry that sound out, but they successfully did funk, electronic, and even a ballad. I love every single song!

Crush on You by Crush - According to Taeyang, Crush is one of the "new Korean R&B cats." To me he one of the most talented artists to come out in recent years. After hearing Crush's voice of Gary's Shower Later last year I haven't been able to get enough of the kid. Anything he's on I want to hear. His album was ah-may-zing! It had a great selection of R&B songs and incorporated just the right amount of hip hop. One song that was really great was the new jack swing track Hey Baby ft Zion.T. Crush showed off his very best in this album and I can't wait until his next album.

Crush by 2NE1 - Though I am technically a new fan of 2NE1 they have yet to disappoint me. This was an amazing album full of great songs and great lyrics. One thing that always impresses me about 2NE1 is the combination of genres that they do so effortlessly. To have reggae, electronic, R&B, hip hop, and pop in one seamless album can not be an easy feat but they make it seem so natural. I always love that their lyrics are about typical female emotions without sounding whiny.

The Manual (Repackage) by Eddy Kim - This album is what you get when you pair absolutely beautiful vocals with soft and sultry instrumentals. Eddy Kim's mix of jazz and soul is really addicting. The album is soothing but not slow, and it picks up in all the right spots.

Red Light by f(x) - I doubted f(x)'s talent, but this album is so great that I could no longer question how great these ladies are. They're one of the few girl groups that have truly interesting songs, mixing multiple genres of music into one easy to listen to album. From the Bollywood inspired track Milk to the disco, funk track All Night, they manage to effortlessly combine many many different styles of music while maintaining a playful pop sound as well.

Spellbound (Repackaged) by TVXQ - This album launched my love affair with TVXQ, even though my first TVXQ song was Mirotic. This album made me want to listen to album after album and even sparked my interest in JYJ. Every song has a more retro sound, coming from genres like R&B, swing, disco, rock, dubstep, and electronica. It also has a great selection of soulful ballads and heart stopping love songs.

Overdose by EXO - My favorite EXO album to date. I love all of their albums, but the thing I like most about this one is that every single song had a different sound. However, I feel that the change in sound from song to song doesn't alienate any audience member. It shows fans that the members of EXO have grown as people and artists, and that they and the songwriters and producers they worked with are recognizing that.

Rise by Taeyang - There's not a song I don't like. This album received great reception not just from Korean fans but from international fans as well. After listening to the full album it's easy to understand why. The album is a great mix of dance tracks, hip hop tracks, and slower more soulful tracks. The first song usually sets the tone of an album and Rise definitely sets you up for an amazing listening experience.

2014 S/S by WINNER - YG was definitely on a roll this year. Not only did their mainstay artists shatter records and break boundaries but their rookie groups managed to claim top spots of their own. Much like most YG artists there was no barrier put on WINNER's songs. There's great range and the selection of tracks show off the talents of all the members.

Blink by Clazziquai Project - SUCH A GOOD ALBUM! I didn't even know this electronic/jazz group existed, but after listening to their latest album I've pretty much fallen in love with them. The thing I like most is the very thoughtful arrangements of their songs. When dealing with this mix of genres I feel like some people fail to truly combine them in an enjoyable way, but Clazzi has completely mastered it. The smooth vocals of Alex and Horan also accompany the instrumentals perfectly.

Play by Akdong Musician - These fun folk artists are also among YG's chart topping rookies. The album is really beautiful--enough said.

The Vgins by Ven - Mix R&B, hip hop, and a little dubstep and you get head-bobbing awesomeness. I like this album's bouncy tracks as well as it's notable features (Beenzino, Deepflow, Odee). Ven's vocals are very unique (reminds me a bit of Zion.T) and they pair really well with the percussion heavy instrumentals.

Go Crazy by 2PM - This album is like the 70s brought back to life. Almost all of the songs have a disco/funk sound. It's a really awesome album full of great dance tracks.

Ace by Taemin - Our little baby is growing up and talking about things! Anyway this album was a great display of not only Taemin's vocal talents, but also his talent as a performer.

These are some of my favorite tracks off of other albums that I really liked.

*Shoebox by Epik High: Happen Ending, Rich, Spoiler, Burj Khalifa
*Locomotive by Loco: Hands Up, You Don't Know, Thinking About You, No Manners, If I, Hold Me Tight
*Up All Night by Beenzino: How Do I Look?, Up All Night
*Full Moon by Sunmi: Full Moon, Burn, Who Am I, Frozen in Time
*Sugar by 15&: Star, Sugar, Oh My God,  Rain & Cry, Silly Boy, Somebody
*Inspiration by Louie (of Geeks): Where You At?, Are You Up?, Side Mirror, Walk, High, Change the Game, Secret

Favorite Songs of 2014: May to August

It's now August! Another four months of hypnotic K-Pop awesomeness have passed and there were more rookie debuts, comebacks, and singles than I think I could handle. But I tried to keep up as much as possible. From the new songs I've listened to, in the months of May to August, here are my favorite songs in order by most listened to.

1. A by GOT7: This was the quintessential summer song. I think the word that best describes the song and its MV is "youthful." The song and video were so full of life and fun, it's really hard not to move whenever the song comes on. The MV showed off their dance moves in all the right places and also featured a different and diverse background.

2. 사람냄새 (Your Scent) by Gary & Jung In: I am loving this collaboration soooo much! Their first song of 2014 had me bobbing my head endlessly. Their unique voices go amazingly with the piano instrumental and the chill R&B sound.

3. Miss Right by BTS (방탄소년단): This year I have completely fallen in love with the Bangtan Boys. As a Hip Hop Idol group they really do combine impressive rap skills with sweet melodies. This song is a great example of that. 

4. 너를 원해 (Want U) by 정기고 ft. 빈지노 (Junggigo ft Beenzino): Junggigo has gotten a lot of attention this year for his duet with SISTAR's Soyu. He continues his strong presence with this groovy medium tempo song featuring the amazing  rapping skills of Beenzino. As much as I love Junggigo's unique voice in this song, Beenzino's flow is probably the most mind blowing part. 

5. Give Love by Akdong Musician: This adorable brother/sister duo continues their theme of unrequited high school love in this upbeat guitar driven song. I must admit that as lovely as the song is the music video is what really keeps me coming back for more. 

6. Hug Me by 크러쉬ft. 개코 (Crush ft. Gaeko): Crush's strong vocals, Geako's rhtymic rapping, and the multifaceted instrumental bumps this R&B song up a few notches. This song and the video is a display of Crush's many talents which include songwriting, composing & producing, and even dancing. Though this is one of the singles released from his album I will tell you that every single song on his album, "Crush on You," is special and worth listening to over and over again.  

7. 눈,코,입 (Eyes, Nose, Lips) by Taeyang: Probably the most internationally successful song out of this group, Eye, Nose, Lips is Taeyang's first single from his highly popular "RISE" album. The song is beautiful and easy to sing along to which is probably one of the reasons that it has been number one on the Gaon's weekly karaoke chart for months. 

8. 새벽한시 (1AM) by Taeyang: This more uptempo song, with the same message of a missed love, just has a hold on me. 

9. 해요 말고 해 (A Little Close) by 하이포, 김예림 (HIGH4, Kim Ye Rim): HIGH4 finally returned months after their instant hit Not Spring, Love, and Cherry Blossoms ft IU. They continue their trend of working with amazing female vocalists that not only provide sweet accompaniment but also a love interest. This song also continues in the groovy R&B/Jazz that separates them from quite a few idol groups. BONUS: the guys show off more dance skills in this MV.

10. Saturday Night by g.o.d.: This was my first taste of g.o.d. but it will not be my last. Aside from amazing vocals and an instrumental that would get even the oldest fan moving, the MV is just pure awesomeness as it features the members meeting up after years apart and talking about the lives they led. It is magic--a must watch!

11. Night & Day by Wheesung: This is only my second Wheesung song ever! My first was his cover of Insomnia. Wheesung has a very unique voice that lends itself well to this power ballad. 

12. Good Luck by Beast: It's a good pop song. The video's a little weird and I am not a fan of Junhyung rapping in English, but overall it's a pretty good song. 

13. 너란 여자 (Obsession) by 보이프렌드 (Boyfriend): Boyfriend is one of the more underrated boy groups but they are very talented and this song is proof of that. Their vocal skills and dance moves rival some of the best. 

14. 공허해 (Empty) by WINNER: All that teasing paid off! WINNER is still riding high at the top of charts since officially debuting. There is something really familiar about this song, but there is also something new and fresh about it. I think my sister described it best when she said "Same sound, different feel." It is really unexpected for a debut song but it is really addictive. 

15. 컬러링 (Color Ring) by Winner: I was not expecting this as a debut song from a YG group but it is such a good song. It's very soft and simple, but has very strong vocalists and rappers. 

16. Mr.애매모호 (Mr. Ambiguous) by 마마무 (Mamamoo): This song is a great throwback track to 60's R&B, one of the golden ages of Western girl groups. It's a fun song that gets you moving, while the video features some of your favorite artists like Baek Ji Young, Wheesung, Bumkey, and Jong Hyun from CNBLUE playing various roles as the group films their music video. 

17. Sugar by 15&: 15& makes a comeback and it is sweet. This song has a great soul undertone and the ladies have absolutely amazing voices. The video is fun too. 

18. 터치 마이 바디 (Touch My Body) by 씨스타 (Sistar): The song is really good, like really good. The sax in the back takes an otherwise pop-y song and gives it just the right kick. 

19. Solo Day by B1A4: The perfect road trip song of 2014! The video is really enjoyable--a must watch. 

20.  행복 (Happiness) by 레드벨벳 (Red Velvet): Despite all the controversy that swirled around this group when they debuted, I must say that they are one girl group that I am excited to watch. Their debut single was upbeat and catchy and had a decent message. Also, the ladies' vocal skills are quite impressive.

21. 달링 (Darling) by 에디킴 (Eddy Kim): My favorite acoustic vocalist returns with this simple and sexy song. I saw that there was some concern over the MV because of its multiple and various innuendos, but as a rather conservative American I must say that the video is not even close to being racy.

22. HER by 블락비 (Block B): Can I just say that Block B killed it with this song? I didn't really like Jackpot; I'm not a big fan of the chorus and verses sounding so different. But this song is much more consistent in sound and a lot more fun to me. The rockabilly sound with a kiss of hip hop is really great and the song is very well done. 

23. 자리비움 (Summer Time) by 다이나믹듀오 (Dynamic Duo): Dynamic Duo takes summer to the next level. I only recently became a fan of the hip hop duo, but I have listened to all their albums as a duo and most of the songs they've been featured on. I really can't get enough of the group. The thing I really like about DD is that their style of music is closer to original hip hop and a lot of times mixes in old school R&B with Hip Hop rather than going the electronic route. This makes the song easy to listen to and easy to understand (you know, if I spoke Korean). I also praise them a lot for using scratching in the song which is almost non-existent in popular Hip Hop tracks anywhere these days. 

24. 한여름밤의 꿀 (A Midsummer's Night Sweetness) by 산이, 레이나 (San E, Raina): I didn't realize how beautiful Raina's voice is. It makes this sweet song that much sweeter. San E's rapping skills are really impressive too. My parts are when they harmonize--so sweet!

25. 단발머리 (Short Hair) by AOA: I just got into to AOA this year and so far I have been enjoying their singles. This particular single puts in me in a really good mood just by the sound of it, and after looking up the translated lyrics I am in a better mood when I listen to it. 

26. 굿 바이 바이 (Good Bye Bye) by NU'EST (뉴이스트): This song has a very familiar k-pop sound with the ever so popular dub-step addition. Although the song isn't all that interesting and the video has the same dreary concept that so many videos these days have, I can't stop singing "Goodbye Baby, Goodbye Baby!" It's catchy and it's not a bad sounding song even if it's not spectacular. 

27. 괴도 (Danger) by 태민 (Taemin): SHINee's maknae comes out strong with this one. This song was a very good debut song because it was different enough from the bulk of SHINee's songs. It was a bit more edgy and sexy, but just as awesome. The song and the video showed off Taemin's various talents in a great way. I am also a big fan of the Michael Jackson-esque dancing and video.

28. Danger by BTS (방탄소년단): Their are so many dangerous artists in Korea and BTS is definitely one. The song isn't necessarily anything to write home about and neither is the video, however they didn't disappoint either. Even if you don't really like the song, you'll probably find yourself listening to it more than once.

29. 자전거 (Bicycle) by Gary & Jung In (정인&개리): Gary & Jung In are killing it! My Korean music tastes are definitely shifting to more Hip Hop, R&B, and songs that infuse those genres in, so you can't really blame me for liking the duets of one of the most popular Korean Rappers and one of the most popular Korean R&B singers. Everything about this song makes the sad end of summer feel good.

30. 아야야 (MAMACITA) by 슈퍼주니어 (Super Junior): SUPER JUNIOR'S BACK!!!!! And just in time to make this list. Had this song come out sooner it'd be higher on the list, because I love listening to it. The sound is really familiar to me. I've heard a number of 90's R&B songs from America and Mexico that have a similar sound, and just like this song they were all really great to listen to, especially while driving. 

31. A Real Man by Swings (스윙스) & Ailee (에일리): More Hip Hop, because it's that good! A very classic sound that is familiar to anyone who has listened to late 90's/early 2000's  Hip Hop/R&B collaborations from the West (or Ariana Grande). It's smooth with just the right beat. Ailee's vocals, though softer than usual are fabulous as always, and Swings' flow is still as good as it's ever been. Also, the song was produced by Gray, a master producer and a budding solo artist. If you haven't heard Gray's first EP, Call Me Gray, then now would be a good time to listen to it. I give this song 2 thumbs up!

Although these months were also riddled with tragedy I am grateful for the effort that all these artists put into to making sure that they please fans and succeed. I sincerely hope that we not only see more wonderful debuts, comebacks, and songs but that last few months of 2014 will be filled with nothing but happiness and triumphs for artists and fans alike.