Right on schedule, my indecisive self says hello once again! During my annual New Year’s Eve/Day listen to my favorite songs of the year, these songs popped up on the playlist and they definitely left a lasting impression on my 2023 music year. So here’s 10 more tracks worthy of my Top 40 (50?!) of 2023!
“Stay” by Han Seung Woo
Han Seung Woo is back with his latest album Scene. And the three tracks of the album are a great showcase for his diverse musical range as well as his growth as an artist. The feeling of longing for home is so beautifully expressed through Seung Woo’s performance here. And the other two tracks from the album Scene are equally as great too. Really love this release from him.
“Navy Blue” by Wooseok
PENTAGON’s Jung Wooseok included two solo tracks in his special unit album with Wanna One alum Kuanlin in 2019. Both of which I really loved. I always enjoy when “Always Difficult Always Beautiful” and “Domino” by Wooseok pop up in my music rotation. So seeing that he has finally returned with new solo music really got me excited. Even more so after I actually listened to the two new tracks from the single album Empty Paper. Both title track “Navy Blue” and “Sketch” are just so good. The self-composed tracks are the perfect showcase for Wooseok as an artist.
“Atlantis” by WAKER
I have not heard much about WAKER either. But the rookie group’s title track “Atlantis” definitely grabbed my attention! The enthusiastic pop track is the perfect debut title track to introduce anyone to these obviously talented rookies. The feel-good and positive lyrics are matched by the group’s energetic performance. And the song allows them to show off their talent and charms as well. The rest of the full(!) album Mission of School has a diverse mix of tracks, showcasing what the group is capable of. A really great debut!
“Voyager” by Catch the Young
I have never heard of Catch the Young before, but YouTube Recommendations came through once again. And now I have been introduced to his wonderful band. Their latest title track “Voyager” is what popped up and it is an amazing introduction to the band. Such a great vibe of a song that definitely makes me want to find out more about them!
“Moonrise” by TIOT
Rookie group TIOT has had a great debut. And pre-release track “Moonrise” was a perfectly refreshing rock-infused pop track that helped to get you interested and intrigued by the about-to-debut group.
“Sweat” by ZEROBASEONE
“Sweat” quickly became my favorite song from ZEROBASEONE. Though the talented group has come out with some good songs and even better performances, “Sweat” is a song you never get tired of. And I’m happy they’ve been promoting the track in addition to the solid title track from the album “Feel the Pop”.
“Sugal” by Maja Salvador
What an unexpected, but wonderful surprise from Maja Salvador! This fresh-sounding pop-dance track fits perfectly into the continually growing P-pop scene. You’ll have no problem getting up and dancing along. Maja shows the youngins how it’s done with a fun and captivating performance of this catchy track. And she definitely leaves no doubt that she’s still the same talented performer.
“Love Me Do” by ASC2NT
Where have I been that I did not know Karam, Injun and Jay of The Boss/DGNA was re-debuting as ASC2NT with two new members? Well, I’m here now and wowow! I definitely love “Love Me Do”. Their debut title track has a cheerful and addictive melody with a bright message that definitely fits perfectly with the members’ fresh and hopeful start.
“Heyday” by XODIAC
I have really enjoyed XODIAC’s music the last year. And they returned with a brand new single album Xoul Day. Synth-infused title track “HEYDAY” is a wonderfully nostalgic track that the rookies offer as a special song for their fans. It even has a cinematic MV that perfectly evokes the great feels of the song.
“Feeling” by Fantasy Boys
Fantasy Boys’ recent release might be my favorite from them so far. Title track “Pitter-Patter-Love” is great and my favorite title from them, no question. And “Make Sunshine”, the second track of the album with the same name, is also really good. But the third track “Feeling” is amazing! Written and composed by member Hikaru, the moody midtempo track has such a great vibe. Not a track I would’ve expected from the group. But a style and sound I hope we can hear more of from them.