I watch a lot of stuff on there. I think youtube has a lot of cool people making cool shit that people should know about. Most of these channels are pretty well known honestly, but youtube is such a massive platform now that people could still not have heard of them. None of these are small channels, but I really like them and think their success is well earned.
I'll try to post 1 a day, starting with number 10.
Deutsch mit Lari
This is the least well known channel and probably the hardest one to recommend unless you also want to live in Germany.
There's not a lack of language learning channels, but this is the one that I enjoy the most. Lari is a German language teacher who just decided to make videos teaching the language for the hell of it. She didn't have to, but I'm glad she did.
You won't learn the language solely from these videos of course, but they help give me a entertaining way to just listen to the language. I'm still in the A1 learning level so these are perfect for me.
There's also just a certain charm to these videos. These are not some professionally put together videos like the Nicos Weg ones I also use to learn German. They're just some teacher who wants to make educational videos in her spare time to help others.
That fucking rules and I really appreciate it.
Granted, this is the most niche of the channels on this list. If you aren't trying to learn German it's not really offering much for you, but on the off chance you are then there you go.
The video I'm linking also shows her cooking some goddamn tasty looking soup so it doubles as a cooking video.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
ā Live Streamingā Interactive Chatā Private Showsā HD Qualityā Free Actions
Free to watch ā¢ No registration required ā¢ HD streaming
Top 25 films (of the second 250 I watched for this project)
Around two years ago I posted a top 25 list of the first 250 films I watched for this project. Since I have now watched another 250 films and discovered many new favorites, the time has come for a second top 25!
Without further ado, I present them in chronological order (because if I actually had to rank them this list would never get out of the editing stage):
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938, dir. Michael Curtiz, William Keighley)
This movie is a storybook adventure come to life, charming, entertaining and beautiful to look at (I miss you, technicolor!). Errol Flynn has an unmatched energy as the titular character and Olivia de Havilland is the picture perfect leading lady, with the exact right mixture of grace and fire. This is may not be a particularly complex or groundbreaking film but it does what it does perfectly and taps into that childlike sense of wonder that few films manage so well.
A Matter of Life and Death (1946, dir. Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell)
One of my most delightful discoveries since starting this project have been the films of Powell and Pressburger - I'm not sure what other directors could boast releasing three of the greatest films of all time in three consecutive years (those being A Matter of Life and Death, Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes). This film mixes a deeply moving love story with a metaphysical court room drama to great success and this strange mixture is mirrored in the film's form, with some experimental but mostly conventional cinematography.
Ace in the Hole (1951, dir. Billy Wilder)
As grim and cynical as it is sharp, this movie plays out like a feverish nightmare. I was honestly shocked at how dark this movie got, considering the time and place in which it was made, but that is absolutely what the story needed and I'm glad Wilder got to tell it this way.
A Star Is Born (1954, dir. George Cukor)
Has there ever been another star to reach the heights of emotional intensity that Judy Garland did in her time? I was lucky enough to see this movie on the big screen and I can't imagine watching it at home, because Garland is so larger than life, I can't see how a smaller screen could contain her. That's not to take anything away from James Mason, who gives a tragic and intense performance for the ages.
Johnny Guitar (1954, dir. Nicholas Ray)
Joan Crawford in your butch black shirt save me! Save me, Joan Crawford in your butch black shirt!
Bigger Than Life (1956, dir. Nicholas Ray)
Surprise, it's another Nicholas Ray melodrama! Ray had this habit of creating highly emotional stories that hid some sharp social commentary, but the commentary is barely hidden this time and it is shockingly subversive. Mason gives another intense performance but here it tilts fully into unhinged territory and he is terrifying to watch. The ending feels a little slapped on but it also feels like the only way Ray could get away with everything that came before.
Mon Oncle (1958, dir. Jacques Tati)
This movie feels like a precursor to Playtime, one of my all-time favorite films (incredibly novel opinion, I know). The sets are meticulously designed and a delight to behold, and Tati's performance as Monsieur Hulot (the titular uncle) is charming as always. I especially adore the contrast between the traditional and modern Paris, as well as the unconventional sound mixing that refuses to privilege dialogue, leaning into cinema's strengths as a visual medium.
Jules and Jim (1962, dir. FranƧois Truffaut)
This is by far my most recent watch on this list and it's still kind of percolating in my head but I loved it when I watched it and my fondness for it has been growing daily. It has that charming, youthful irreverence that the French New Wave is so known for, as well as one of the most complex depictions of a female character I've seen in french cinema.
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962, dir. Robert Aldrich)
Bette Davis is one of my all time favorite actresses and this is one of my all time favorite performances. She puts everything into this role and the rest of the film compliments her perfectly; it's funny and dark, tragic and absolutely unhinged. And Joan Crawford is good too, I guess.
Tokyo Olympiad (1965, dir. Kon Ichikawa)
This blew my mind when I first watched it, seeing what incredible feats documentary filmmakers were capable of so early on in the genre's history. It is also the perfect counterpoint to Riefenstahl's earlier documentaries about the Olympic games; where she emphasized nationalism and feats of strength, Tokyo Olympiad focuses on the humanity of it and the power this event has to bring us together. Probably my favorite section of the film focuses on an athlete who was the sole representative of his newly independent country and who did not qualify for the finals in his field (unfortunately I don't remember the country or the sport). But just the fact that he made it to the Olympics, that he got to represent his country on the world stage, is an incredible feat in and of itself, and the film recognizes this.
The Wild Bunch (1969, dir. Sam Peckinpah)
This movie is everything a western should be - exciting, violent, and deeply critical of the ugly history it is depicting. The characters are not good people but they are compelling and incredibly fun to watch.
Woodstock (1970, dir. Michael Wadleigh)
Another mindblowing documentary that pushes the ability of the medium to its limits. It captures a unique moment in time, a spirit of rebellion and hope for the future that unfortunately feels worlds away from our current cultural landscape. It is also an incredible display of the emotional power of music. I cried during Janis Joplin's performance and it felt impossible to match, but then it is immediately followed by Jimi Hendrix and I could feel my soul descend to a higher plane of existence. It is my life's goal to see this film in the theater.
In the Realm of the Senses (1976, dir. Nagisa Åshima)
Everything is sex, except sex, which is love and beauty and death all intertwined and impossible to separate.
Atlantic City (1980, dir. Louis Malle)
Rarely has a setting felt so integral to a film. Everything from the story, to themes, to the characters revolves around and is subservient to the setting of a declining Atlantic City whose glory days are far behind it. It is also a microcosm of American society at large, at least as people were experiencing it in 1980 (although it's pretty relevant today, I would say).
Gallipoli (1981, dir. Peter Weir)
This is the movie that definitively convinced me that anti-war films are indeed possible to make, just not in Hollywood (Come and See had me thinking this, but Gallipoli proved to me that it wasn't a unique feat of just one film). We barely see the war in this movie but it is all about the incredible tragedy of it.
Koyaanisqatsi (1982, dir. Godfrey Reggio)
I was completely expecting this movie to put me to sleep and instead, it was one of the most viscerally intense and haunting viewing experiences of my life. It is hypnotic in the very best way and somehow captures the ennui of modern life without a single word being spoken.
Paris, Texas (1984, dir. Wim Wenders)
This film is an intoxicating mixture of tenderness and brutality, and a deeply moving depiction of our longing to reach out and connect to one another. This is the other film on the list I got to see in the theater and the cinematography was absolutely breathtaking on the big screen.
Trust (1990, dir. Hal Hartley)
This is such a delightfully strange film, almost but not quite set in our reality. The strangeness makes the gentleness of the love story all the more touching; this is one of those movies that makes me happy to be alive.
Safe (1995, dir. Todd Haynes)
I have been kind of obsessed with this movie since I saw it, so much so that it will actually be a focal point in my master's thesis. Everything in the film, from the cinematography to the soundtrack to, especially, Julianne Moore's performance, builds to this overwhelming sense of anxiety and dread, and Haynes' refusal to give an easy answer (or any answers at all) makes it all the more unsettling.
Scream (1996, dir. Wes Craven)
I do like scary movies, yes. I especially like movies that are scary, funny, and feature a bloody final girl and (more than) a touch of homoeroticism.
The Blair Witch Project (1999, dir. Daniel Myrick, Eduardo SƔnchez)
Look at that, another scary movie! I am probably more susceptible to this movie's attempts at scares than most viewers, because I've only very recently started to build any kind of tolerance for horror, but it got me so good. The simplicity just makes it better; it may only do one thing but it does it very, very well.
Dancer in the Dark (2000, dir. Lars von Trier)
I'm always kind of hoping when I watch a new Lars von Trier movie that maybe I won't like this one, because I don't know what it says about me that I enjoy his films so much but I know that it can't be good. But this movie belongs just as much to Bjƶrk, who gives an incredible acting performance and an all-time great vocal performance. I was left a sobbing wreck; to this day, just humming 'The next to last song' to myself brings a tear to my eye.
I love a good twisted love story and it is beautifully told here. Form also compliments function to a tee; a story about an obsessive compulsion to create perfect art is mirrored in the absolutely meticulous cinematography and costuming. Daniel Day-Lewis gives the performance of a lifetime here and while I do miss seeing him in the theater, what a film to end on!
Roma (2018, dir. Alfonso CuarĆ³n)
This is one of those movies where nothing happens, in that there isn't a traditional plot (events still take place, obviously), because it's about life, man. It's a type of film that needs a deft hand and a filmmaker with something to say, and CuarĆ³n has both in spades. Funnily enough, this movie reminds me a lot of Paris, Texas; it has that same mix of tenderness and harshness that compliment each other.
ā¢ I feel bad for him, I really do but I'm not conected to the character a lot.
No. 14: John Morris
ā¢ Awsome character, but I wish I had known him a lot.
No. 13: Alucard
ā¢ A neutral feeling about him, I don't understand his hype as a character, but in the plot of most of games is okay.
No. 12: Maria Renard
ā¢ I'm attached to both young and old versions, but I wished that she and Alucard are just friends and not too much shiped.
No. 11: Mathias Cronqvist
ā¢ This bastard could be a little better if at least didn't used Leon and others for his plan of revenge.
No. 10: Richter Belmont
ā¢ I have a small atachment for him but his characterization in Nocturne of Recollection did better at the same level as Rondo of Blood.
No. 9: Sara Trantoul
ā¢ This friged woman is the one who has the most kills in the fanchise (after Dracula), but she went from a damsel in distress to a badass weapon in the history, but my love for her never died.
No. 8: Eric Lecarde
ā¢ This man is to me a symbol between feminity and masculinity (if you look in Japanese and American/European versions), but he is cool with Alucard's Spear then if Alucard used himself.
No. 7: Trevor Belmont
ā¢ This Mr. Legs has to be like of of the most cocky people that I ever saw in games and his level of sassiness around Hector in CoD gives a different energy.
No. 6: Hector
ā¢ This man has all my confort in the world. His relationship with Rosalie is really cute, but his revenge against Isaac was almost his downfall, if Julia didn't tell him.
No. 5: Shanoa
ā¢My favorite girl of all times. Like Hector, she has all my confort in the world. She was like a weapon to Ecclesia, until she learned Barlowe's true intentions.
No. 4: Soma Cruz
ā¢ This man has the bad luck to have Dracula's powers and being his reincarnation. He is like a survivor of Dracula's influence and I'm proud of my boy.
No. 3: Walter Bernhard
ā¢ I'm moraly questionable when it came to this bastard because I like him. He was chill about his game and all victims that died. I have to admit that he is the only vampire in the series that I really like.
No. 2: Leon Belmont
ā¢ My sunshine that didn't deserved all that pain. Just like Shanoa and Hector, he has my confort in the world and I would stuck around him like a koala, just to hug him.
No. 1: Juste Belmont
ā¢ My favorite Belmont and character in the entire franchise. I can relate to him more in everyday life, which explains why I like him then the rest of characters.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
ā Live Streamingā Interactive Chatā Private Showsā HD Qualityā Free Actions
Free to watch ā¢ No registration required ā¢ HD streaming
Oh boy, itās that time of year again - where I listened to too much music and now Iām making myself choose what the best ones (in my opinion) are but Iām bad at making decisions. Obviously I didnāt listen to everything, that would be impossible, but I did my best and honestly a lot of my picks will not be surprising. Iām very predictable.Ā
This yearās list is similar to last yearās, in terms of categories. But I think choosing was a bit easier than last yearās. Still hard obviously because I simply love too much of what came out this year, but the way my lists are structured, I believe it includes most of everything I loved from this year.
The rules I put upon myself in terms of choices are similar to years past, but please take note of them before reading further. Thank you in advance for reading my list!Ā
RULES:Ā
If an album was chosen for top album (group or solo), I tried to choose a different title from a different album OR a completely different artist all together for top title track (group or solo) to showcase as much variety as possible (and to challenge myself). If an album was chosen, it can be assumed I love all, if not most, of the songs on that album anyway.Ā
Top b sides are okay to chosen from top albums, as it only makes sense, and there can be multiple from a single artist but only ONE SONG per album.
None of these lists are in any particular order. Itās hard enough to choose top of anything, let alone put them into a numbered order.
And with that, here's my top music of 2024!
Top 6(+1) Group Albums/EPs
ATE - Stray Kids
Are we surprised? Another no skip album from SKZ. Even the festival version of the title track is fire. Thereās not too much to say on the matter other than that I love every song so of course it had to be here. Iām in this Stay shit for life.Ā
GOLD - ITZY
Lia is back! Not only do I adore all the new songs on this album but they gave us āFinal Ver.ā of all the group tracks from Born To Be, and it just makes it all feel so complete. That fact alone makes this a top album for me. Plus the double titles were both amazing while being completely different vibes.Ā
Killinā It - P1Harmony
Their first full album and what a banger. Every track is unique but is completely their style. Getting to see a lot of these songs live obviously gave me a bigger appreciation but even without that fact, I love every single song on this album.Ā
Armageddon - aespa
Another first full album and another case of every song is unique but suits the membersā vibes so well. No skips, I adore every song. The double title tracks were perfect for promotions. I love that they gave us a lot of short preview videos as well during the lead up to release.
Troubleshooting - Xdinary Heroes
THIS ALBUM! Again, another first full album but holy shit, these guys really found their sound with this one. The emo rock vibes throughout while still having each track have its own flair. Incredible. And the vocals! Play this album at my funeral. Bury me with it.
CRAZY - LE SSERAFIM
Choosing between this one and EASY was tough but I chose CRAZY because the b sides just hit more somehow. Even the intro track setting the vibe for the entire EP, this one has such a hype factor. I loved it.Ā
Fe304: BREAK - NMIXX
This one blew me away. I love these girls, I love their music, but thereās always at least one or two b sides I donāt vibe with. But this one, no skips. They hit this shit outta the park, for real. I could listen to this album all day.Ā
My girl. Sheās finally here. Her artistry has always been incredible to me and it shows in this album. It feels like she was finally let free and poured her everything into it. I adore her and her music. This album was beyond fantastic.Ā
Sir.Robert - Bobby
His first album since Lucky Man and what a follow up. All the songs are bangers and bops. Everyone knows Bobby for his hard rap tracks, but this album includes so many of his softer tracks and itās a vibe I love to see from him.Ā
NA - Nayeon
I canāt believe how good this album is but also I can because itās Nayeon. What a queen, what it girl energy. Her last one was good but this one, never skip. Every song is a 10/10 and I could listen to it forever. I love it so much, I even bought it, and I donāt own a single Twice album.Ā
TEN - Ten
This album proves that when you set this man free, he makes magic because god damn. Every song is a bop and each one makes you wanna move, as to be expected from a dancer. Since it seems like WayV has had more releases this year, I hope we get more Ten solos as well.Ā
Fake Happy - Seori
A short little EP but a good one. As always, her voice is so calming and honestly I love anything she releases. But this one has some great relatable messages throughout it, in both the title and b sides. Itās one of the things I love most about her music.
Element - BM
Congrats to BM and his first EP! And what a banger EP it is. This man will always be in his fuckboy era and maybe thatās where heās meant to be because heās good at this vibe. What a freak (affectionate).
Top 6 Hip-hop/R&B Albums/Singles
dopamine - Junny
I love when my boy Junny releases an album. Thereās a whiff of fuckboy energy in this one but itās played off with enough rizz that it suits him super well. His voice will always bring my joy and happiness. We love a Canadian.Ā
Yours Truly - Camo
My girl, my angel, my queen. An album release is always a blessing. Thereās a lot more R&B vibes this time around and I love it. Thereās not much to say - I love her and her voice and her artistry. 10/10.
16 Fantasy - Lee Young Ji
I think this is her first EP? Which is crazy. I feel like sheās been killing it for years, and this project is no exception. Itās so unequivocally her. I first saw her like four years ago on the Good Girl program and to see how far sheās come, itās really amazing.
3:33 - Dean & FKJ
Dean giving us one single project every year but you know what? Iāll take it. I adore this one. Itās everything I want out of a track from him, and itās only two tracks. The piano, his vocals, and a slight chill beat. Bless.
SPOT! - Zico & Jennie
An insane collab but also another Zico bop. Like if Zico made it, itās gonna bang. Put Jennie on the feature, itās a certified classic. Their chemistry is incredible and it seemed like they had fun doing it too. So I have fun listening to it.Ā
Domino - SAAY
This one came out of nowhere for me but my god, is it beautiful. Her voice is phenomenal and the track itself is dark and bass-y, really contrasting her lighter tone. But girlie also has range. I would love more like this from her.Ā
Top 6(+1) Girl Group Titles
Mr. Vampire - ITZY
This was my top song on Spotify and YouTube Wrapped this year, and rightfully so. When this song dropped, I was obsessed with it. Honestly, Iām still obsessed with it. That silly flute sound and the playful vibes. AND I got to see it live this year. It had to go on the list, for sure.Ā
EASY - LE SSERAFIM
You know me, I love a song that makes me feel like a bad bitch. But Easy is that subtle bad bitch vibe that makes you feel like you could take on the world by barely lifting a finger. Hence the title. Also the choreo slaps. They murdered it with this one.Ā
Heya - IVE
THIS SONG. As soon as I heard it, I said SOTY. When that bridge moved into Yujinās high note and then the final chorus drops, itās like a dopamine shot to my brain. Inject this song into my veins, seriously.Ā
Whiplash - aespa
Another subtle bad bitch for me. Runway energy. Also the styling for this era was incredible. Honestly, the concept elevates the track for me a lot. This era also made me realize I bias Giselle. So itās a good one for sure.Ā
Cosmic - Red Velvet
Itās a Red Velvet song, what can I say really? Cosmic does feel special though. Wendyās final high note that moves into the chorus really make me feel like Iām flying. And it has that overall retro vibe. Itās such a beautifully made song.Ā
Howling - XG
One thing XG is good at is mixing hard rap with beautiful melodies and this is THAT song. The raps are fantastic but itās really those melodies in the pre chorus and chorus that pulled me in. Also a new entry for the K-pop cat/dog scale.Ā
Hip-hop is Stray Kids and Stray Kids is hip-hop. Itās one of the genres SKZ does best, aside from their own of course. And I love when they talk their shit. āWhen youāre sinking, Iām fishingā? āSay hello to Nemo ācause I canāt seeā? Insane.Ā
Ice On My Teeth - ATEEZ
If you know me, you know I love a classical piece on a hip-hop track. The blend of classical and hip-hop is quite literally perfect on this one. The concept itself is amazing too. ATEEZ can master any vibe but this one suits them incredibly well.Ā
Deja Vu - TXT
Itās true what they say - any song called Deja Vu is gonna be a bop. This is another song for me where the melodies carry. The song itself is just so well made, and the rock style break down for the dance break is amazing.Ā
Sad Song - P1Harmony
Piwon only makes bops, I swear. How can they make me dance to a song about being sad? The first comeback after I saw them live and it makes me wish this song had come out before their tour. I love it so much.
Nallina - NEXZ
A new boy group, and theyāll appear later as well, but this song really surprised me. Itās very laid back but upbeat and fun. Itās hard for me to get into new groups most times but these guys make some fun music and their choreography is always stellar.Ā
Giant - Stray Kids
Another SKZ entry. I have many reasons to include it; 1) itās a good song, 2) theyāre talking their shit again, 3) it came out right after HYBE called them short, 4) Hanās silly sneeze rap, 5) ādo ra me fa, king giantā. Do I need to say more?
Top 6 Solo Titles
Shopper - IU
This song is so incredible, and it is heightened by the music video a bit. It feels like an experience. And as a girlie who loves retail therapy, the song itself kind of speaks to me. AND itās an IU song. Canāt go wrong.Ā
Like A Flower - Irene
The vibe of this song is immaculate. We love an afro beats dance-y type track. The concept of comparing oneās self to a flower has always been my favourite too. As a solo debut, I wasnāt expecting this for her but it suits her so well.Ā
LURE - I.M
The only music Monsta X related music release this year, and it was a great one. The laid back R&B vibe suits his voice so well, so this vibe wasnāt surprising but it was appreciated. The lyrics are also kinda wild but thatās what I love about him.
Freak - Yuqi
Another one thatās heightened a bit by the music video. We love a āitās okay to be weirdā kind of message in a song too. When it comes to solos, Yuqi really knows her sound and what works for her.Ā
Letter To Myself - Taeyeon
This song felt very uplifting and hopeful, which is a feeling Iām needing going into the new year. What else can I really say about this? Itās a Taeyeon song so of course itās high quality. I really love the more down to earth vibe sheās been going with lately.Ā
Mona Lisa - Soojin
I think this song was fantastic for her. The sound was perfect and it made it possible for her dancing to be showcased more than her debut. Just my opinion but this one felt so much more her and I hope she releases more in the new year.Ā
SPECIAL: Band Comeback Mentions
DAY6 - Fourever & Bandaid
What can I say? Day6 came back from the military and killed it this year. Like objectively, they had multiple hit songs over their two albums and itās so deserved. Personal favourites: Welcome to the Show, Happy, Get The Hell Out, Sad Ending from the Forever album, and Melt Down, Monster, Iām Fine from the Bandaid album.
ONEWE - OFF ROAD
They did have their EP earlier in the year, but I really loved this single album. Off Road is a great summer title coming out at the tail end of summer, but the two b sides on it were also super top tier to me. I think it came out at the perfect time too. Just enjoyable all around.Ā
Rolling Quartz - Victory & RE:BOLD
One album and a single this year, and I believe they keep getting better. I liked Victory as an album but the RE:BOLD single is probably their best song to date for me. Something about it really showcases that energy I love from them but in a new way. Itās hard to explain but I really love it.Ā
Xdinary Heroes - LIVE and FALL
Insane releases this year. I already included their full album above, but I have to mention this one. Similar to their Day6 seniors, they decided to do a single every month, just for about four months, before releasing them all with some b sides on an EP, and every song CRUSHED. So many different genres explored and they mastered all of them. Personal favourites: Save Me, Boy Comics, Feeling Nice, and Love and Fear.
Dragon Pony - Pop UpĀ
A new k-band that surprised me a lot. The quality of their music is a lot higher than I expected from a new band. I know nothing about them other than that I am excited to hear what they do next. Personal favourites: Pop Up, Traffic Jam, and Ouroboros.
Top 6(+1) Boy Group B Sides
I Like It - Stray Kids
I like it. What can I say? I know there was the big thing about how itās a situationship and whoa crazy, but like itās just objectively a good song. Itās playful, itās cute, itās fun, I like the switch up when the instrumental kinda goes dark. Itās good.Ā
Shaboom - ATEEZ
Reggaeton? In my K-pop?? I adore this song. Itās so unique and Iāve never heard anything like it in K-pop. I love ATEEZ for trying new genres like this because I think this in particular suits them super well.Ā
Late Night Calls - P1Harmony
Iām still bitter they didnāt do this one on tour. Itās one of those fun dance-y tracks but not like big dance, more like groove. Does that makes sense? It makes me happy. It makes me wanna move. Itās easily a favourite from them.Ā
Bounce Back - Stray Kids
I love when SKZ talks their shit. And I love when Han talks his shit. We love a Han track. Seriously though, this song feels good. Like I could run through a wall. And the whistle motif feels super nice in my ears. Itās a good diss track.Ā
Higher Than Heaven - TXT
This song feels like serotonin. It makes me happy for some reason. I love the chorus when they go higher when they say āhighā. It feels cathartic almost? I dunno. Itās hard to explain but itās definitely a favourite.Ā
Feeling Nice - Xdinary Heroes
This song is dopamine. Iām obsessed. Something about the bass line tickles my brain in the right way. Inject it into my veins. Itās probably their best song to date, and itās a b side. Thatās insane.Ā
Falling Up - Stray Kids
Now Iām just being self indulgent but itās my list so fuck you. I love this song. Itās definitely OST coded, because itās an OST, but it stands so well as a SKZ song as well. I adore the vocals in it, I love the guitar through the instrumental. Itās just lovely.
Top 6(+1) Girl Group B Sides
Love Is Lonely - NMIXX
This song is beautiful. NMIXX is incredibly strong in some many areas, but most people talk about their performance and dancing. But Iād argue that their vocals are just as strong, if not stronger. And this song showcases that beautifully.Ā
Sunflower - Red Velvet
Just another serotonin song. Itās upbeat, itās fun and playful. I love the energy it gives me. And the fact that itās called Sunflower makes it even better, iykyk. The chorus is my favourite part, the way theyāre like calling out together. It makes the build up feel so gratifying.Ā
Flight, Not Feelings - aespa
WOW, this song. When I first heard it, I was confused. Like I didnāt understand the beat, but a couple listens later and I knew it was my favourite on the album. I love boom bap, combined with their lovely vocals. Itās fantastic.Ā
Bad Girls R Us - ITZY
Itās cheeky, itās playful. I love when the guitar comes in. The genre bending it does is super fun to listen to. I think ITZY always does this type of vibe super well. Their strong songs are good, but these fun melodic b sides are always their best to me.Ā
Right now - NewJeans
I love a drum and bass track. Itās literally my favourite genre of music. NewJeans does this vibe super well. Their light vocals float over the fast beat and itās like perfection to me. Am I being dramatic? Oh well. I love this song.Ā
Vision - (G)I-DLE
More drum and bass. What can I say? This was an early favourite in the year, no contest. I love the style of the instrumental obviously, but my favourite part is during the chorus when the girls are using a light higher vocal, you can hear a lower mumbled vocal underneath it just slightly and I think that adds a lot. Ā
Smart - LE SSERAFIM
Phenomenal. The only downside to this song is that it wasnāt released in the summer. But it was definitely played in the summer. Itās a song that gets you moving, even if you donāt know how to move. Catch me shaking ass in the kitchen to this.Ā
Top 6 Hip-Hop/R&B B Sides
Here We Go Again - Junny
Junny was really in his bag with this one. The instrumental is really fun and groovy, and it really lets his voice float over the top. I absolutely adore his lower tones in particular. Itās just an all around good song.Ā
Wings - Camo
Like I mentioned above, this album was phenomenal. This song in particular is one of my favs - another drum and bass type beat. Her laid back rap over the kind of fantastical instrumental is just too lovely for me to ignore.Ā
Kiss Me Now - Mirani
Something about the melody on this one. Itās so infectious and playful. The beat is bouncy. Itās just a genuinely fun song. I love when sheās does more sing-songy rap as well. I think it suits her style super well.Ā
Sugar Rush - BIBI
This song is so damn fun. Itās an ass shaker. The lyrics are so good - one of my favs: āI donāt need a man for no dessert / I got popsicles in my freezerā. Girlieās always got the best concepts, the best messages. And she gives me the bad bitch feeling I need to survive.
EGO - Camo
Itās the instrumental on this one. Itās pretty minimal all things considered but I like the vibe. Itās slow and smooth. I have a chill vibes playlist and this song would definitely go on it. Actually, it probably already is.
figure8 - Junny
This song feels safe. Does that makes sense? Itās the acoustic vibe, his voice, the lyrics. Everything about it feels like a hug on a cold winter day. Youāre standing the the snow with your boo and youāre huddled together to keep warm while you wait for the bus. Itās lovely.Ā
Top 6 Solo B Sides
Embers - BM
I adore this song so much. I love that heās singing! We donāt get singing BM too often but I love it. This song showcases that a lot. Itās slow but groovy, and itās still thotty like the rest of his album but itās somehow sweeter than the rest.Ā
Iāll die if I donāt listen to this song at least once a day. Once again, a groovy song, a song that makes me wanna dance, that makes me want to fall in love at a bad party. Most of the songs on her album are a bit sad and slow, but this one is such a vibe.Ā
Ups & Downs - Taeyong
I was pretty shocked when I heard this because Iām used to Taeyong from NCT. Which is good, I like him. But this song is so much more chill that what Iād heard in the past and I really enjoy it. I found it getting stuck in my head at random times.Ā
Vermillion - Wendy
I liked a lot of b sides from her album but I found myself always coming back to this one. I mean, we all know sheās a phenomenal singer but paired with this kind of grand instrumental really caught my attention.Ā
Lie With You - Ten
We love yearning. I feel it in my bones with this song. The upbeat instrumental but sad lyrics about loving someone you arenāt allowed to openly love. Star crossed lovers kinda track. I adore it.Ā
Butterflies - Nayeon
Queen Nayeon, she canāt make a bad song. It was hard to just pick one from her album. It's cute, itās fun. And she raps on this one! Which I love to see her playing all the parts on her solo pieces. Not much else to say, itās just really good.Ā
Top 6(+1) Collab Tracks
harmless - Bobby (feat. Chanmina)
They did this collaboration for ME SPECIFICALLY. When I heard this was dropping, Iām pretty sure I screamed. I love them both so much and their energies together is electric. Two idgaf rappers, itās a collaboration made in heaven.Ā
SICKUHH - NMIXX (feat. Kid Milli)
This was so unexpected but so appreciated. We know I adore NMIXX, and Iāve been listening to Kid Milli on and off for a couple years at this point. I think the girls killed the rap track and his feature added that extra spice. Plus itās a Dem Joints beat.Ā
Come Back To Me - Kang Daniel (feat. Chungha)
I love their voices together. End of sentence. Itās a collab that I never knew I needed. I think itās the perfect track for them both to be on. Itās super minimal to let their voices shine. Itās perfect.Ā
Butterflies - Camo (feat. pH-1)
Wow, Camo on the list again? And with pH-1 this time?? An obvious pick. I love both of these artists so much and their vibes match each other so well on a chill but bouncy track like this one.Ā
Fraksiya - Mark Lee (feat. Lee Young Ji)
Mark Lee doing a for real diss track, and not against himself this time. And with Miss Young Ji?? Oh my goodness. He said with no rest time! He knows! Itās too good. Their chemistry is fire. I donāt need to spell it out for you.Ā
Rush - Junny (feat. Bobby)
Junny again, but with Bobby this time, hello. Another unexpected collab but Iām never gonna complain when two of my favs get together and absolutely destroy a track. This one is laid back and a lil sexy tbh, and they both sound awesome on this one.Ā
DND - Young Posse (feat. BM of KARD)
I love this one, mostly because BM making and hopping on the track with his lil sisters is cute af. But also this song is just really pretty. The girls have super lovely voices for being advertised as a rap group, and BMās feature adds a nice little flair. Itās fun.Ā
Top 6(+1) Singles
Only One - VCHA
I feel sad considering everything thatās in the news surrounding these girls. This song released and I felt like it was their best so far. Iām very heartbroken to hear how they were treated, what they went through, and I hope they get justice.
Sticky - Kiss Of Life
Song of the summer, easy. These girls are so damn talented and I love that theyāre bringing grown women sexy back into K-pop, reminiscent of Sistar and older Mamamoo. Itās so fun and we need more iconic summer bops like this.Ā
distraction - AleXa
I kind of hate that the reason I love this song is because I relate to it 100%. These lyrics are almost word for word what I wish I couldāve told myself when I was in my previous relationship. I wish I had this song back then. Shit.Ā
Ride the Vibe - NEXZ
This is the song that made me go, āoh these guys have a good vibeā. I love the chill start and then switch in the drum and bass style. I will admit that it did confuse me at first but I quickly started to love it and Iām still obsessed.Ā
Wait - Hyolyn
Song of the summer part 2. From the summer queen herself. And she got everyone shaking their asses with this one. I love it. It makes me wanna sit on a beach with a refreshing drink and just soak in the summer vibes.Ā
Done - naevis
The debut of the first fully computer generated idol. The music video really blew me away - technology is wild, like how is she not real? Youāre telling me the girl on the screen isnāt real?? But Iām also fascinated by the fact that her voice is an amalgamation of all the aespa girlsā voices. Itās all very interesting to me.Ā
Diamond - TRI.BE
More tears from me on this one. The lyrics made me cry a lil bit. Itās a very sweet message, uplifting and nice to hear on a bad day. The instrumental is upbeat and fun - sticking to their overall vibe - but with a message thatās so wholesome, it could warm the darkest heart.Ā
SPECIAL: Rookie Mentions
Young Posse
These girls fascinate me. Theyāre a rap heavy group and all their mainline MVs are like purposefully not well done, but well done, green screen/VFX heavy videos that kind of rip off the style of old GTA games? Like howād they come up with the concept for these girlies?? Iām so interested in them even though their titles arenāt really my style. I love their b sides, I love their vibes. Iām curious to see where they go. Notable songs are DND, Scars, and Skyline.
NEXZ
Theyāve appeared on this list a couple times already. I enjoy them a lot - their songs are good, theyāre very good dancers, fun to watch. I think theyāre likely going to go far being under JYP to a certain extent. But they also clearly have so much talent already that Iām excited to see what else they come out with. Notable songs are Ride The Vibe, Nallina, and Hard.
BADVILLAIN
I was so surprised to hear that Emma was debuting in a group. I really loved her on SWF, sheās such a talented dancer. And the rest of her group are also incredibly talented. The songs got the bad bitch energy I love. Their debut was so solid. Thereās not a single song by them that I donāt like. Iām so excited to watch their journey. Notable songs are Yah-ho, Hurricane, and +82.
82MAJOR
Now I havenāt listened to them much but I was drawn in by the fact that P1Harmony Keehoās little brother is in this group. Their songs are fun, really unique in certain ways. Theyāre great dancers. Iāve liked what Iāve seen so far and Iām curious to see what else they do. Notable songs are First Class, Choke, and Stuck.
MEOVV
I think these girls are powerful. They are small, they are young, but they are powerful. They have a lot of talent - singing, rapping, dancing - and theyāve clearly trained for a while. I was super impressed by their debut. I think theyāll definitely go far. Being under the Black Label, I just hope they get consistent comebacks. Notable songs are Meow, Body, and Toxic (their only songs, lol).
Top 6(+1) MVs
Love Wins All - IU
I cried. Multiple times. For like a month. Every time I saw this video, I couldnāt help but cry by the end. Serious props to IU and V for their acting. I really felt like I was watching this tragic tale of two people who care for each other so much and want to be happy so bad, but death follows them no matter how much they run. The world building in a relatively short music video is impressive. They show you very quickly how everything works, why the characters are running, what their dreams are and how those dreams can never be possible. The story matches IUās beautiful vocals so much. They weave together to paint this tragedy. And by the end, when the characters meet their end, you really feel for them. You feel their love for each other, whether it be romantic or platonic - I know some interpretations vary. Itās just so incredibly well put together from start to finish. The first masterpiece of the year for me.Ā
One Spark - Twice
I cried again. Shocking? Not really, hear me out. Even if youāre not a huge stan of Twice, you know their impact. Their journey. How special they are. And if you know K-pop, you know a lot of groups donāt make it as long as Twice has - 2025 will be their 10th year. So when this music video came out, itās this triumphant call out that theyāre still here, theyāre still going, theyāve only just hit their golden days, and they donāt plan on stopping. These are women who truly love what they do, they love each other and what theyāve accomplished, and thereās no end in sight for them. And thatās plainly illustrated by the count-up on the elevator throughout the music video. Starting at their debut date, going up to 2024 - the music videoās release date - before changing to say ātimelessā. Twice is timeless - an endless flame, an everlasting blast. They sparkle beautifully and will shine forever. And they wonāt let you forget it.Ā
Armageddon - aespa
So Iāve talked about storytelling thus far in these music videos. Letās talk about effects enhancing story. This music video, and this era even, was insane for aespa. They leaned into this dark horror concept, but still stuck to their roots with AI. And yes, thatās a sore subject when it comes to art and video. But this video is clearly an example of AI done right. The scenes in this music video arenāt AI generated, but AI assisted to achieve the vibe and feeling they want for their storytelling. The VFX team used AI tech to enhance the visual effects to create images that are creepy and off-putting almost. Which matches where their story is leading. If you know a bit about aespa lore, you know that at this point in their story, the computer/AI world and the real world are mixing when they shouldnāt be. And that creates these distorted images, faceless bodies, butterfly monsters and sirens. The use of VFX in this way is the reason the story feels chaotic and āis this the same story?ā, but thatās the point. Itās a new era with new tech and itās done beautifully.Ā
JJAM - Stray Kids
At first, this video doesnāt seem like anything special. Itās a silly music video for a b side off their main album of the year. So why is it here? Editing and cinematography. Every cut and camera move is motivated by the music and in a lot of cases, thatās what a music video should be. Yes, itās telling a story. But the story would be diminished if the editing was off or the camera movements didnāt match. It makes the whole experience more satisfying to the eye, whether you realize it or not. During Changbinās first verse, the cuts and push ins with the camera match his cadence. When Hyunjin is mopping the floor with slime, his movement stutters along with the instrumental. When the beat drops and the choreography starts in the chorus, they use speed ramps and light flashes during the bass drops to accentuate the movements, to make the impact feel bigger. Itās those little choice that really make the video feel just a bit spicier, you know?Ā
Howling - XG
I couldāve chose any of XGās MVs to go here - Woke Up, IYKYK, Something Aināt Right - because every XG MV is going to have insane VFX that are just mind blowing. But I decided on Howling because of how editing is utilized to compliment the song because I think itās really well done. When I talked about this song above in the title track section, I mentioned that itās got strong raps and beautiful melodies that blend perfectly, and they show that in the edits visually. Almost to the point where it could be too much for some. What I mean by that is, we start with a rap section - it goes Cocona, Jurin, Harvey, Maya. The editing increases in speed as we move through each member, Harveyās section being the most chaotic (almost unwatchable), then starting to slow down again during Maya, before itās slowed to hardly any cuts for the vocal membersā sections in the pre chorus, then picks up to a normal cutting speed for the choreography scenes in the chorus, and then speeding up again with Jurin when the rap comes back in. Rinse and repeat for that verse. Itās like a rollercoaster, and it matches the song beautifully, adding to its overall impact, and probably why this is my favourite song from them to date.Ā
Zombie - Everglow
Can you believe this was their only release this year? Illegal. Anyway, I love this video. Itās haunting, just like the song. The visual storytelling is fantastic. The unhinged laugh to start off. The all white room in white outfits and white hair. The lighting feels overbearing and bright, which is a huge contrast from the darkness of the song. The acting is fantastic as well - the obsessive nature over the phones which symbolizes this love they had that turned them into zombies - a super creative way to show this kind of toxic obsessive love. The wind blowing to symbolize the insanity, the unrest. The dial tone paralleling a flatline, phone cracks and bleeds, showing the death of this love. The stark white room being splattered in blood for the final chorus. But also the yandere aspect to the song itself saying, āyou drove me crazy and you might think this love is dead but Iāll keep coming back for you like a zombie.ā I think visually and thematically, everything is so cohesive and strong. What a phenomenal drop to be their only one of the year.Ā
Railway - Bang Chan (Stray Kids)
Now hear me out. Yes, heās attractive. But aside from that, the quality of this music video is insane. And mind you, itās a solo b side on a special album, not even a mainline album. My jaw hit the floor when I watched it for the first time, simply because it was so unexpected. All the solo MVs were great up to this point, but Chanās exceeded all expectations. The colour grading is so gritty and fantastical - really like youāre being transported into this different world. The acting is insane - I knew he could act but I didnāt know it was that serious. Like get him in a k-drama asap. The way the sound effects blend so well with the track itself - it was like the music was made with the music video in mind for it to blend so seamlessly. The editing as a whole is so attention grabbing, captivating, chaotic and hungry - the moment you think you know whatās going on, it throws you for a loop. And that can be said for the story as well. Iāve loved to see how Stays are interpreting it online - Chan has a way of showcasing these struggles he has with his own mind, his own psyche, in a way you donāt expect. It was the same with Red Lights. Everyone thought this was a sexy toxic love song, and maybe it is, but maybe not in the way you first thought. My interpretation is that, like everyone, he has two sides to him - one side he considers bad, and another that tries to keep that side tied down, even if heās maybe drawn to that ābadā side of himself. And sometimes the ābadā Chan escapes, reeking havoc, until he gets it under control again. And thatās the train that never sleeps. The unending ride that is his own psyche. Itās so relatable and fantastic. I am in awe at his creative genius every day.Ā
If you've read this far, thank you for your time! I'd love to hear what your favourites of the year were. Do we have similar choices? Are they completely different? Did I miss a song that you absolutely loved? Feel free to let me know! I'm always open to listening and talking about all music.
And that's the end of music in 2024. It's been a good one, seriously. Again, I definitely missed lots because there's just so much that comes out all the time. I feel incredibly lucky to live in a time where I can listen to so many incredible things and where the possibilities for music are endless. I can't wait to see what 2025 will bring! š
