Folks, it’s that time of the year again. No, not Christmas. LISTS!
For me, 2010 wasn’t a particularly great year for Kpop. We were ear raped by auto-tune and electronica, eye raped by ridiculous outfits, and left speechless by stupefying choreography (2PM – I’ll Be Back). A distinct lack of arguably the biggest heavyweights in Kpop, DBSK and Big Bang, did not help matters either. It was however, a year for a LOT of debuts and groups coming out with their sophomore albums.
Here’s my vote for the top Kpop albums of 2010. I have had to draw some inspiration from McRoth’s series of posts (
here and
here), as quite frankly, my memory is fuzzy on what was actually released in 2010! I also find it troublesome ranking things, so this will not be in any particular order. I will list 10 things though, as 10 is just a nice, round number ^^
2NE1 – To Anyone
The album that split everyone’s opinions. I’ve never seen the words ‘ear fuck’ and ‘so addictive’ so often in reviews for the same album. As I’ve said in my previous review, the auto-tune HAS to die down for their next album. It’s a dying trend anyway. Who gives a shit about T-Pain now? No one. Even Kanye isn’t using auto-tune much these days. Nevertheless, To Anyone had a varied track list, and the beautiful track of It Hurts showed everybody how soulful the fearsome foursome could be (bar Dara). Did the excessive use of auto-tune kill a few of my brain cells? Yes. Did I love the album? Yes.
4Men – Sorry
Gorgeous voices + great melody = win. What can I say? Hello! was on repeat 100 times in one day. No lie. I used to think Brown Eyed Soul were the Korean Boyz II Men. I now pass that accolade to 4Men (or 3Men, as it should be)
Shinee – Lucifer / Hello (re-release)
I loved loved loved Shinee’s first LP. I really did not expect the new SME idol group to have such great voices and such a mature sound. Their second LP had more character, and you could really tell that the guys had more input into the direction and writing of the songs. Lucifer was an outstanding single, so intense, with an unbelievably addictive hook, and powerful choreography to top it off. Hello was another great single. I know opinions were split, but it was a huge grower and was on my ‘now-playing’ list for a LONG time.
T-ara – Breaking Heart (Re-release version)
Going Crazy for You was so fucking addictive. So much auto-tune, but I loved it. The MV gave me a migraine though. And Jiyeon, God love her, so adorable. T-ara aren’t vocally strong, but their producers know how to make addictive tracks. It helps that they look HOT.
Epik High – Epilogue
EPIK. Run Run RUn Run Run RUN
MBLAQ – Y
I surprised myself with this entry, but I thought Y was a fantastic EP which showcases both their dancing and vocal talents. All 4 tracks: Y, One Better Day, What U Want and Last Luv, left lasting impressions and I still listened to them months after the release. This is in contrast to BEAST, who whilst I think they are talented too, need better songs. I like their mini albums, but get bored with listening to them after a week or two, which is never a good sign. Really looking forward to more from MBLAQ, especially G.O., who had a fantastic 2010, featuring on songs with the sexy J.ae and the not so sexy Nassun.
Taeyang – Solar
Another album that split opinions, especially with the first promoted single. I personally loved I Need a Girl. I liked the MV, the choreography was refined and the bonus featuring by best chum G-Dragon was pretty snazzy. Tracks like Superstar, Where U At, Wedding Dress, Look Only at Me, Prayer, After You Sleep, made this sophomore album a very, very strong effort by Taeyang. In addition, I’ll Be There and Connection in the International Edition made Solar a hugely well-rounded album. As a whole, possibly my favourite album of 2010.
BoA – Hurricane Venus
I first got into Kpop because of BoA, 10 years ago, so I can’t leave her off the list. I HEART BOA, and this album just made me reinforce my love for her. The album surprised me, with several tracks having a sort of ‘indie’, acoustic feel to them. A big change to her previous Kpop releases, which were either power ballads, dance music or power pop. The music was also very different to her Jpop sound, which is much more RnB-ish (which I love btw). Just goes to show how diverse she can be.
Brown Eyed Soul – Vol 3. Brown Eyed Soul
The ultimate chill album. I love putting their album on the background whenever I’m working. Just so CHILL. Love them. I also found this album to have a more ‘throwback’ feel to it. Does that even make sense?
Honorable Mentions – 2 albums that are yet to be released, but I can definitely see them in my top 10.
GD & TOP
Big Pimpin. That is all.
Oneway – Rainy Days
Their first LP has only been released a couple of days ago, but only for retail. But judging from their debut EP, and their titular track, I expect nothing but greatest by these very talented guys.
Tags: 2010, 2ne1, 4men, boa, Brown Eyed Soul, Epik High, GD & TOP, MBLAQ, Oneway, SHINee, t-ara, Taeyang
Qoobie: Certified Asian Junkie 