The Top 100 K-pop Songs of 2023 (Title Tracks and B-sides) – (30-11)

30. Perfect Night – LE SSERAFIM

Easy-to-listen-to does not have to be a bad thing, and something about the entire construction of ‘Perfect Night’ has propelled it to be among the best of this song type that came from 2023. It grows more and more addictive with every listen.

29. A to Z – CRAVITY

CRAVITY attempts (and succeeds) at the hyper-pop genre with ‘A to Z’. Its chorus melody is one of 2023’s biggest earworms, also carrying slight tinge of unexplainable sadness that keeps you longing for more.

28. Misty – NCT 127

Misty is an unexpected vocal-focused song from the more rap/talk-singing-based NCT unit that utterly succeeds in demonstrating why NCT has some of the most talented vocalists in modern K-pop. Strengthened by its interesting production choices and atmospheric instrumental, ‘Misty’ is a song for the ages. Many have stated how they believe that it is one of the best K-pop songs they have ever listened to, and it is easy to see why.

27. Hurt – NINE.i

This song is sheer pop excellence. ‘Hurt’ never fails to remain an engaging piece of music from beginning to end, burgeoned by the power of classic melodies that just ring true.

26. Hold On Tight – aespa

The interpolation of the Tetris theme, aespa’s bitingly fierce vocal delivery, and standout melodies, make ‘Hold On Tight’ an easy 2023 standout. If only it was longer!

25. Back to the City – Kep1er

This is arguably Kep1er’s best song so far, and it was a wasted opportunity to not make this into the title track. It is very well-made, from its production that harkens back to the sound of the 80s, to its melodies, with its refrain being simple yet effective.

24. THE WAY TO – TREASURE (Vocal Unit)

‘The Way To’ is my favorite ballad of 2023, uplifted through its use of real (sounding) instruments and its stripped-back nature, as well as the commendable vocal performance of the Treasure vocal unit utterly immersed in the emotion within.

23. Spicy – aespa

Offering one of the most gritty and bombastic production from any K-pop song this year, ‘Spicy’ aged into one of aespa’s best songs to date, allowing the members charisma and charm to fully shine through.

22. ETA – NewJeans

Among all 2023 NewJeans singles, ETA ended up having the most staying power thanks to its distinct, somewhat creepy, melodies that sounds quite unlike any other.

21. In Bloom – ZEROBASEONE

Though it is somewhat eclipsed by some of its b-sides, ‘In Bloom’ successfully establishes ZEROBASEONE’s signature bright sound with is bass and drum production that is incessant yet never cloying.

20. Fast Forward – Jean Somi

While hailed by many as generic (which is true), I find that ‘Fast Forward’ is simply quite satisfying to listen to, Its dynamic pre-chorus and talk-sung post-chorus effusing with charisma make for great highlights. One can’t go wrong grooving to its house beat in a club!

19. Autopilot – PURPLE KISS

‘Autopilot’ is essentially a song with a classic synth wave production that is tastefully executed. There isn’t a single moment in the song that is not melodic, and the fact that it has been given to a group that has the vocal prowess to deliver it full justice makes it all the more satisfying.

18. WE GO – The Wind

‘WE GO’ is propulsive and intentional, perfectly capturing the high-end of the summer’s energy with its energetic production and powerhouse vocal.

17. New Kidz On the Block – ZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE’s catchiest song, ‘New Kidz On the Block’ takes its house influence to deliver a sleek and addictive groove matched with its splendid chorus that is an absolute earworm.

16. Standing Next To You – Jungkook

Jungkook’s leading tracks in his solo album are all excellent, but ‘Standing Next To You’ is their king, staying true to its MJ influence while still sounding fresh thanks to Jungkook’s superb execution and charisma shining through the whole track as well as the dramatic contrast between the sparse verses and blossoming instrumental in the chorus. Could he still grow into a signature sound? Yes, of course, but credit needs to be given when it is due.

15. Memories – RIIZE

Memories interplays between NCT-esque spoken vocal delivery and a cathartic, chugging chorus that is simply immemorable. It could arguably be 2023’s best chorus, tugging at one’s heartstrings in places that one would not think to be there. 

14. LIP GLOSS – THE BOYZ

‘LIP GLOSS’ is everything that ‘THRILL RIDE’ wished it was, being among the best summer songs of 2023. It is very convincingly executed, in spite of its outlandish lyrics that could only work thanks to the charisma and charm of The Boyz. It does not take itself too seriously, embracing this playful quality wholly.

13. Killer – KEY

KEY is arguably the best K-pop male solo act at the moment, and ‘Killer’ is a perfect example to demonstrate why. When an artist is fully aware of one’s strengths and is simply capable, a song like ‘Killer’ is the outcome. There have been many excellent pastiches of the 80s synth wave movement in K-pop in the last few years, most noteworthily, EVERGLOW’s La Di Da, but Killer still manages come out among the top.

12. The Feeling – SHINee

‘The Feeling’ stands as 2023’s song of the summer, harkening back to the forgotten nuances of youth through its unique melodies and polished delivery. No other song quite creates this particular vibe and atmosphere so successfully, making one go places through its entire listening experience.

11. Wait For You – PLAVE

PLAVE brings classic boy-band excellence with ‘Wait For You’. Wait For You’s melodies are relatively simple yet masterfully crafted, touching the heart and soul. Chances are, one would be unable to forget them after the first listen. Along with the emotive and heart wrenching delivery of the PLAVE members, there is little to not love.

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