70. AB6IX – BLIND FOR LOVE [6IXENSE]
Already releasing a full album in their first year, AB6IX is able to boast about their strong composing skills. While BLIND FOR LOVE is rather trendy, its slick production, breezy delivery and simple hook keep it fun and exciting.
69. SEVENTEEN – Home [You Made My Dawn]
While I have enjoyed a few of their title tracks since their change into a moodier, trendier sound, I’ve only been able to connect to about half of them. Home goes for a softer kind of execution and doesn’t quite try to amp up the dramatics. Instead, it relies on a more emotional tone.
68. Super Junior – SUPER Clap [Time_Slip]
Super Junior has had a multitude of line-ups in the last several years due to military duty and scandals, but Time_Slip saw their first “full” line-up in a while. SUPER Clap was something I wasn’t expecting from the group with its pulsating bassline, funky edge and exciting harmonies.
67. GWSN – Pinky Star (RUN) [THE PARK IN THE NIGHT part two]
While the group’s title tracks haven’t quite hit me as hard as their debut one, I have loved how GWSN continues their interesting blend of dreamy bubblegum EDM. Pinky Star (RUN) comes in with a propulsive beat and an unpredictable structure that keeps things interesting and quirky.
66. UP10TION – Your Gravity [The Moment of Illusion]
UP10TION has had an interesting year with two of their members getting quite high in Produce X 101. While it includes neither of them, the group’s company took advantage of this. Your Gravity is the group’s most riveting title track in a while. I really enjoy its strange powerful pop energy that festers into a flashy synth tornado.
65. Taemin – WANT [WANT]
Despite having the most extensive solo discography from SHINee, I actually haven’t paid too much attention to Taemin’s music. WANT is a sexy and groovy pop tune where his charismatic vocals feel totally at home and drive its sultry melody.
64. GFRIEND – Sunrise (해야) [Time for us]
GFRIEND hasn’t quite hit the same musical spot for me the last two years, but it’s no doubt that their music continues to retain its high quality edge. Sunrise‘s bright verses build into a stunning, dramatic chorus that play into the group’s well known string-backed arrangements.
63. Stray Kids – Side Effect (부작용) [Clé 2 : Yellow Wood]
To be honest, I haven’t really focused much attention of Stray Kids since their debut and the majority of their music has left little impact on me. However, their 2019 output has definitely made me notice them. Side Effect focuses on its hard-hitting beat to really rev up the energy and it works. The song has so much power to it.
62. Lovelyz – Beautiful Days (그 시절 우리가 사랑했던 우리) [ONCE UPON A TIME]
Despite only releasing one mini-album this year, Lovelyz wasn’t out of the loop as their stint on Queendom definitely got them some (mixed) attention. Beautiful Days feels like a continuation of their music from last year. It’s not as memorable as “Lost N Found” or “That Day”, but its light, airy energy is a needed addition to this year’s music.
61. PinkFantasy – Fantasy [Fantasy]
Most well-known for their odd concept of having a girl wear a bunny mask, PinkFantasy surprised me this year with their Dreamcatcher-lite Fantasy. While not as hard-hitting as the latter group, its mixture of strings and rock elements helps to create a fun and dramatic edge that reminds me of Korean boy band songs from the early 10’s.
Kuuki to Hoshi 