Well it's time for a year-end countdown I guess
TBH I hate this period because I have a TON of work to do (take final exams, decorate house for Xmas & New Year, save money...)
However, I still try my best to make time for this thing
I will also try to comment on yours as much as I can
Hope you guys will enjoy this
Love :heart:
This year, we see the super growth of K-pop (notably the famous "Gangnam Style)
That doesn't mean K-pop in the past is not that good; in fact, it was great too, or even better
As a "crazy" fan of K-pop for 6 years, I introduce my #1 K-pop songs from 2007-2011
2007. Wonder Girls - Tell Me
I think this song set a trend for "idol" K-pop up 'til now (b/c I'm not talking about ballads range). I mean before this song, "idol" K-pop is not much different from modern US music at that time as it contained too much R&B/Hip-hop material. The idols dance was also "hardcore", too difficult; the concept is too dark. The were also some too-cute-but-boring idol tracks.
This song is totally different. It's cute but not so boring. The dance is intense but easy to follow and learn. In fact, the song and dance was a phenomenon in South Korea in 2007. The super cute-&-catchy 70s disco music is also a charm point This song actually made me a K-pop fan (I used to hate K-pop back then)
2008. Wonder Girls - Nobody
Another WG's song. (I'm not biased!). I remember in 2007, Wonder Girls became a household name in Korea; but in 2008, they already became a household name in most-of-the-Asian countries (wayyy more famous than *cough* Girls' Generation)
The song also follows the same trend: catchy disco music, cute and easy dance... It had once again proved that Wonder girls is the #1 girlband in Korea. The thing is this song also helped them "travel" around the world. By "travel", I mean you can actually listen to it everywhere in Asia, from cafe. shop. school... and its also loved in Europe.
In 2009, the English version charted on Billboard Hot 100, (a real deal "bitch" ); in fact, its the 2nd song from Korean act to do so, Gangnam Style is the 3rd btw.; just to show how popular this song is
2009. Girl's Generation - GEE
In 2009, WG left Korea to pursuit "American Dreams". It gave the opportunities for another girlband to shine. Yass its GG or SNSD. I mean everyone has their own reign. The super cute & catchy song immediately took number 1 spot on Korean charts for like 7 to 10 weeks Its a huge feat since most songs at that time only spent 3 weeks or so on top-chart.
Its like a "revenge" and also "revival" of the SNSD (b/c all of their previous release didnt have much impact nor success as WG's). It made the band a household name in Korea, starts a super long SNSD-reign or even legend (maybe 'til now)
Some people says the song's success comes from a lot of luck (release on a very first day of the year, Wonder Girls left Korea...) However I think sometimes luck plays an important role, still you have to be good enough to achieve success right?
After checking all the comments, all I can see is that you guys LOVE the banner. Then again I will say it's not mine ; but still I have a good taste right?
Again, because you guys want English/Western music, I will show what you want
This issue will cover the #40 to #36 English songs of the year!
LUMINEERS - HO HEY
This song is so cute; the "HO HEY" thru out the song is weird at first, but it turns out a charm but also strange point. I'm glad that it gains its position on Billboard Chart these days, their albums are also sold well, they also earn a Grammy nomination huh? Look at their happy faces now
ALEXANDRA STAN - LEMONADE
2012 is also a successful year for Romanian singer Alexandra Stan. Her song "Mr. Saxobeat" became a worldwide hit. But TBH I don't like that sing at all; despite having catchy tune, its lyrics seem... off. Lemonade is different, both the tunes & lyrics are so relaxing, but still have something fresh! She also looks "fashion" and beautiful in the video
NORAH JONES - HAPPY PILLS
Norah Jones is back with "Happy Pills". I really like both her music style this time. This song is cute and catchy with a retro style. It sounds like something you would be heard in the 80s. The music video is also very retro and romantic, its like a short film with a surprising ending!
She looks very classy and elegant!!!
ALICIA KEYS - GIRL ON FIRE
Even though, it has the very same beat with her previous "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart"; this song turns out to be MUCH MUCH better. I was quite disappoint with her previous album too b/c I can't find my favorite songs there. However, Alicia prove that she can still release good music with "Girl on Fire". The video wise, I dont know why she dress like Asian here (Chinese, Arabics..? ). Maybe it deals with the song's meaning right?
JASON MRAZ - I WON'T GIVE UP
Seems like Mr "Geek in the Pink" has changed both his hair style and music style. Music wise, the change is good, the song is very meaningful, his vocal shines bright thru out the song. Hair wise, IMO the change is... ehhh
Again the graphic-wise is not made by me, I asked Google for it LOL ; Thanks for commenting all my chart, I will comment on yours!
IMO, 2010 was a wonderful year for both J&K POP
So instead of only revealing the number 1 song on 2010; I will introduce the most iconic songs of that year K-POP section: In 2010, there were such a lot of comeback of the old & legendary artists such as Rain, Lee Hyori, Wonder Girls, etc. Together with a massive debut of brand-new-artists, Korean music market was extremely more exciting and busier than ever!!!
GIRLS' GENERATION - OH! (#1 song btw)
Although the Oh's success can't be compared to their previous GEE, Girls' Generation still managed to protect their "Most popular girlband" status from such strong competiors like KARA and 2NE1. This song, in fact, helped them have more impact and become more well-known outside the South Korea.
To me, I have a special feeling for the song. Whenever I listen to it, it always reminds me of the New Year and even Lunar New Year (my most favorite holiday BTW ). I don't know why, maybe b/c this song is so fun and optimistic?
MISS-A - BAD GIRL GOOD GIRL
I think calling them "Super Rookie" is totally okay. The reason is: This song is their first release or debut single; however it managed to get an all-kill on music charts, staying there for about a month. Its huge feat since new artist with a debut song never had an all-kill on music charts before (Digital-chart-wise and TV-station-chart-wise)
I love the music of this song, its a Europe dance track that I can listen to it for a long time without feeling bored
2NE1 - CLAP YOUR HANDS
The "Super rookie" of 2009 made a fierce comeback in 2010 with a bundle of 3 hit songs All 3 songs were released about the same time, and all of them rise to the top of the chart consecutively. Its actually also a new achievement b/c most Korean artist only have 1 song or maybe 2 to chart, but these girls have even 3 songs on the chart at the same time, and those even replace each others for the top spot
They are also called "Super Rookie" b/c when they releases their first materials, they took the top spot as well, but only on Digital-field, Miss-A appeared and took the title away from them LOL But still 2NE1 IS the Super Rookie among acts that debut in 2009, which includes T-Ara, 4Minute, f(x) and even my fav After School
I love this song more than those 2 "Go Away" & "Can't Nobody". The Hip-Hop path is the way they should have gone, but they didn't This song has less impact than other 2 not b/c its not good enough but b/c it was released first so it has less anticipate...
HOT POTATO - CONFESSION
This song is very sweet and the video is very cute too It managed to chart well even without any proper promotion! "Confession" proves that even with the domination of idol music in K-pop, Korean indie music still exists and makes impact to the audience or should I say General Public Check out the song if you havent heard of it yet
WONDER GIRLS - 2 DIFFERENT TEARS
This song clearly has less impact than their previous hits most likely because the promotion for the song was too short (only 2 weeks). However, in Digital market, this song sold just as well as any of the hit songs that I mentioned before. In fact it took the top spot on Gaon Chart (official chart in Korea) for 3 weeks, only a week less than Miss-A's song! Can you imagine a song that were promoted only 2 weeks but took the top spot for 3 weeks? South Korea is different from American, the artist must promote their music, go singing on live broadcast for the GP to know and but their new releases But seems like the Wonder Girls ain't need that!
The song is fun and will make you wanna dance when it starts. The video looks fun b/c of the retro-vibe, colorful pieces and funny stories
J-POP section: 2010 was also a wonderful year to me! TBH I rarely listen to J-pop before but in 2010, I started to listen to J-pop a LOT. It's also cool actually
AKB48 - HEAVY ROTATION (#1 song btw)
It would be a big mistake if I don't include "the J-pop Video of the year" here. It's famous (or infamous i guess) for most of the controversies it made: girls flip skirts to show underpants, underage kids to wear revealing clothes, serving lesbian **** acts to general public, degrading womens value in all kinds blah blah However, its an undeniable fact that this is the most viewed Japanese music video to date! The single also sold a lot, help them to became one of the best-selling Japanese Artist in 2010!
To me, I think the music is dazzling at first but after few listening it's very addicting! I always love colorful videos (go ask Wonder Girls and Girl's Generation LOL) so this video is not the exception
KAT-TUN - D-MOTION
They often release dance track but this track is very different (that's why it's on B-side ). This track is very upbeat and I really love it! Unfortunately, I don't have the youtube link for the video so I can't post it here. Anyway, I think it should be an A-side, but maybe they think Japanese people won't like it.
EXILE - I WISH FOR YOU
This song has a very catchy chorus LOL Its a eletronic with a little touch of rock track. EXILE also won a Japan Records Awards in 2010 (Japanese Grammy) for this song and since then become one of the most iconic J-pop song! The video is kinda meh IMO
PERFUME - NEE
This dance track is also very catchy! I used to hate their super autotuned songs, but this song turns out to be good b/c of the autotuned! Its also a track that I can dance to! The video is cool too!
SDN48 - GAGAGA
This is also my favorite J-pop song in 2010! This song has a K-pop vibe in it; in fact, it was composed by Korean musician. Maybe that's why its very similar to Brown Eyed Girls or T-Ara's mid-tempo dance tracks? GAGAGA stuck in my head after first listening, its extremely catchy. Their voices are cute but not the cute voice of most Japanese female idols, which annoys me. However, the song didn't have much success nor impact as it was expected. That's why they disbanded earlier this year They are my fav act too, but TBH I only found GAGAGA is the only great song from them. I also agree that the video looks very cheap!
This song actually made me a K-pop fan (I used to hate K-pop back then)
); in fact, its the 2nd song from Korean act to do so, Gangnam Style is the 3rd btw.; just to show how popular this song is 
Its a huge feat since most songs at that time only spent 3 weeks or so on top-chart.
the other years were nice. Let's see 2012 
; but still I have a good taste right? 
LUMINEERS - HO HEY
ALEXANDRA STAN - LEMONADE
NORAH JONES - HAPPY PILLS
ALICIA KEYS - GIRL ON FIRE
). Maybe it deals with the song's meaning right?
JASON MRAZ - I WON'T GIVE UP
I'm just getting into "Ho Hey" 
However, its an undeniable fact that this is the most viewed Japanese music video to date! The single also sold a lot, help them to became one of the best-selling Japanese Artist in 2010!