As mentioned previously, I seriously have way too many favorites and barely any time to really talk about them all in-depth! So I reduced to 23 bsides that really highlighted the year for me. This are written in the order from most played to least, but they had all been consistently replayed all throughout the year! And just a reminder, I will not be including artists, albums and/or songs that were mentioned in my previous faves of the year blog for 2023 (i.e. albums / artists ) as I already dedicated a space for them and I wanna give a chance to all my faves 🫣 All in all, let us continue this party🤩

 

: : : : enjoy reading ! 。。‿‿ ⌲

 

 

PREVIOUS YEARS

 

2019: title tracks | bsides

 

2020: title tracks | others

 

2021: title tracks shuffle

 

2022: titles & bsides swap steph vs. won

 

 

 

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#1

Tinnitus by TXT

My obsession for this song was pretty clear from the moment it was released. I actually loved this song from the teasers/highlights before the album even came out and the moment I finally first heard it, it was like a missing piece in my life had finally been found! This was my #1 most replayed song of the entire year (just ask apple music sksk) and for a very good reason! I mean the afrobeats combined with the depth that the lyrics bring?! How can one not be obsessed? IMPOSSIBLE! If you ask me.

 

 

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#2

Good Enough by Xdinary Heroes

When someone asks what is the definition of stunning, just show them this song! They will most definitely understand. Every time I listen to this song, I cry because it is not only beautiful but so freaking poetic. The fact that .. wrote this song for a crush he had but never got the chance to even tell them how he felt, makes it even more devastating (like it is so real). “Just let me wave to you, not wave goodbye” is one of those lines that just hit so hard, that you will be unable to be the same person after one listen! Good Enough as whole is a true gem! I love that they even decided to make a video for it as if it didn’t hurt enough lmao! Gosh, the visuals were just as sad yet beautiful as the sounds. IMMACULATE!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#3

Rose by GOT The Beat

This is just a banger! Let me tell you..that 808 hit harder than my mother’s chancla, UGH! Not enough people talk about how great this song is. It’s honestly one of the forgotten jams of GOT The Beat’s first ever mini album and I am here to change that. I love how gorgeous the vocals are (those deadly harmonies seriously do something to me) and them being contrasted by raspy tones and hardcore raps. The combination of trap with R&B is just so enticing, and just the way these queens are delivering every verse screams LUXURY and BEAUTY! Please go give Rose some love, as it describes how beauty can be dangerous, not only through it sounds but the lyrics as a whole!

 

 

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#4

Can’t Say Goodbye by KEY

There isn’t a single time that Key doesn’t come through! I have no words to explain how perfect “Can’t Say Goodbye” really is. The way it has been on a loop since the moment it was released is INSANE! The moment you hit play, you just know that you are trapped in a dangerous zone that you won’t be able to get out from (but that’s a good thing hehe). The funk is so real in this, those strings and bass are just too powerful to handle and then you bring Key’s incredible voice to the mix, ugh it is almost as if he was made a song like this! I love how catchy it is as well, pretty much it is the perfect track*_*

 

 

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#5

Cinderella by EXO

EXO comebacks are always TOP NOTCH! There is always gold to be found no matter what they release. Cinderella literally owns my entire heart. The way that song slaps, with the vocals, the harmonies, the production, EVERYTHING! I remember the first I listened to this, I just froze because HOW?! WHY?! It didn’t need to hit that hard, seriously.

 

 

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#6

Marriage by OceanfromtheBlue

Oceanfromtheblue is one of my most recent soloist obsessions! His voice?! Absolutely incredible. His vibes?! Only impeccable. I am just happy I live in the same era as such a legend. His album that goes by the same name as his stage name, is just epic. Every song moves me in ways I never thought possible. Idk why I suddenly became so addicted to “Marriage” specifically, it so short yet combulluded in a way that just gives everything it needs to. Marriage is a love letter, a declaration so deep that would hit your soul. I am not sure who the female voice in this song is but she does a wonderful job not only matching oceanfromtheblue’s tone but also just bringing a side that was much needed to the mix! I literally listen to this song everyday right before I go to sleep because it gives me a peace of mind! Go listen to it!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#7

Slidin’ by KAI

From the very first moment, Kai’s 3rd Mini album came out, I knew that Slidin’ was going to make it pretty high on my faves list. The title not only gave it away but the this song just had the right type of vibes all throughout. It’s sultry, it’s very much R&B influence, you get Kai’s immersive vocal performance (this soft texture in the way he is approaching this song is absolutely captivating)… what more can you even ask for?! I love the prechorus melody so much and the call-n-reponse type of chorus. Through the song, if almost feels like Kai is painting a picture for us listeners. I love how dynamic his presentation in this song is, especially the way he sings that “I wanna groove all night long” line (I dead have to repeat it about 20 times before being able to move on)! So good, so hot – that’s the way you can describe Slidin’ in a nutshell.

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#8

I Am You by P1Harmony

Idk how many of you know this but P1Harmony is one of my bg ults. All of their songs are just too great for words to really explain. The first I saw the tracklist for their ‘Harmony: All In’ album, I was the most curious about this song because of its title is the same as one of my favorite Stray Kids’ songs lol. That thought was a bit superficial but my excitement was more than granted because this song did not disappoint one bit. It exceeded and excelled every single one of my expectations with the hardcore R&B influence and vocals that would have you taking a trip to heaven! This song is nothing short of gorgeousness. I swear the instrumental for this song is laced with something, literally true eargasm, so pretty, so pleasant! The balance between both raps and vocal moments are incredible. This song feels like a warm blanket, it’s so soothing. Please I beg y’all to go listen to it.

 

 

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#9

Crescendo by Monsta X

This is funny because I actually didn’t think much of this song after listening to the album the first time, but the way that changed in a matter of a few days?! This song is truly something else. It’s just true thrill in mp3 format. I love the switch ups in it so much, this song has so many layers but it comes together in a well that just scream PERFECTION. The best to describe it is sensual and dark, which matches Monsta X so well. The vocals are amazing, as always, but what truly shines in this song is most definitely the raps! I mean, we know that Monsta X has one of the strongest rap lines in the industry, but the way they went off in this song should be research because OMFG! Crescendo is jus that BOP, it’s as simple as that.

 

 

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#10

I’m Unhappy by aespa

Contrary to the name of this song, every time I listen to this I instantly smile lol! Such a good song. I feel like I have said this about every song so far but seriously THE VOCALS, just too freaking good. It almost feels like they are luring you into a different world, once you close you are in for quite the ride. The lyrics in this song are marvelous, love the way they seem to describe this disconnect they feel in their life and use their lore as a way to explain it, GENIUS! I genuinely just really appreciate what this song brings.

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#11

Bad Habits by Crush ft. LeeHi

I have been wanting to scream to the world about Crush’s wonderego because it is truly way too damn good. All 19 tracks, are filled with greatness but Bad Habits has been on replay from the very first moment I fully listened to it. It not only combines that familiar feeling we get from Crush’s musical style but brings something new and addictive to the table. This song features LeeHi, who voice is that of angels and matches so well with Crush’s stunning performance as wel. I love how meaningful the lyrics are, talking about being in love with someone so deeply that even in the arms of a different person you seem to still go back to them.. Such a relatable feeling put into a sweet and beautiful melody, how can you not love it?! Nothing short of perfection, if you ask me!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#12

Michelangelo by B.I

This song hits so freaking hard til this day I cannot get over it! From the very first note, it has that powerful, legendary, anthem-like energy which I am always here for. B.I’s flow is incredible (as always), the way he marvelously delivers every line, speaking facts by comparing himself to Michelangelo, who was a legend of his own, and well-known for only bringing to the world masterpieces (just like Hanbin is doing for us). This song would make you feel like a boss, which I totally love about it and probably the reason why it just resonates with me to the point I cannot stop listening to it over and over again!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#13

Roll With Me by Shownu & Hyungwon (MX)

2023 brought to us amazing units, I’m afraid and Shownu and Hyungwon is definitely one of those unforgettable ones. The way this was their debut but their power and just the talent that thet provided through every single song on “The Unseen” EP was just truly UNREAL! Roll With Me was for sure the one song that caught my attention the most, how I wish it could be my first time experiencing such greatness again! This song is full of swag and flavore. It’s fun and super catchy, kinda mysterious because of its melodies and the way each of these kings approach their verses. Their timbres are quite similar, which plays such a big factor in how gorgeous they sound in unison. Love their voices, love this beat, love everything that this song gives!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#14

Lost by D.O

I know some people do not listen to D.O’s solos as much, and that clearly needs to change because the man is too powerful and too amazing to be missing out on. I mean, I might be a bit bias, as Kyungsoo stan, but seriously go listen to the greatness he provides and you would be on the same page as me hehe! Lost is clear proof of that very fact! I personally love both the regular and the acoustic versions of this song (though I lean a little more towards the acoustic version because his voice shines a lot more)! This song is fun, it’s groovy, it’s the breakup song that you would find comforting due to its very much serotonin-packed energy! I love how edgy yet familiar D.O’s approach in presenting this song to us is! Seriously, what an incredible composition!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#15

Love Colour by SF9

Sf9 is one of those groups that constantly releases bangers yet they aren’t talked about enough and that makes me so mad! Like let’s be fr, why are people sleeping on the kings?! They started 2023 freaking strong with a mysteriously fun concept that is ‘The Piece of OF9’. I was in love with every single track but Love Colour was the one that really sticked with me throughout the entire year. Why? Simply because it brought a familiar energy to tracks I enjoy by Sf9 such as ‘Like Hands Held Tight’ or ‘Fall In Love’. Idk why but I hear some latin influences in the production, as well as the R&B nature of it, along with the stunning vocals. This song is very flirty, and it really conceptualizes the feeling of being drunk in love really is like! I adore that about, which is why I hit that replay button every single chance I get.

 

 

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#16

Busted by Woodz

This is a BANGER! This might make some people mad, but quite honestly I thought I wasn’t going to like any song from the ‘OO-LI’ project after listening to the first three songs as well as the pre-release – and this is coming from me, as one of the most excited people for this album because the concept pictures were so cool. I was sad that I wasn’t vibing with it, but then Busted started playing and I got this HUGE smile on my face right away! THIS WAS IT! THIS WAS THE ONE! OMG! With this one, Woodz not only took us back to his rapper days but the amount of energy and just feels that he was able to expressed to this track was just done so well. You can tell that this man is serious about his craft! You can feel what he is feeling, and the way he compliments just that with the production of the track is just so MIND-BLOWING! The hardcore rock with the electrica, with even at times some ballad influences – TRUE PERFECTION!

 

 

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#17

Topline by Stray Kids ft. Tiger JK

Stray Kids and Tiger JK is the type of combo that you wouldn’t expect at first hand but it is just so perfect! This is such a powerful move because Tiger JK is a legend, BIG in the khiphop scene, not to mention one of SKZ biggest influences and favorites! I was surprised that this song was on a slower type of feel compared to other tracks on this album but I think it was the right call because you get to see all of their deliveries really shine! As Han, himself stated, this track really shows SKZ’ hiphop abilities to the max. I love the lyrics, and the way they are highlighting the fact that they are the ones who create their own path and reach high levels! INCREDIBLE as a whole!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#18

Paradise by Jay

It is no secret that iKON is one of my favorite groups! Everything they seem to release is just timeless and incredible. I love that Jay (as one of my biases of the group) was finally able to release his first solo project and he definitely slayed every part of it, Paradise was my favorite track from it from the very first listen. This song is makes you wanna just get and dance there are hints of jazz, and sensuality, and then you mix in the fact that Jay’s vocals are just heavenly! I am just so in love with everything it brings, and ofc that dance performance that came out from it, made it even better! Definitely a must listen!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#19

Violet Crazy by DPR Ian

I think Christian is a fan favorite, not only for kpop fans but also for those who are not! His music is so meaningful, powerful and incredibly easy for anyone to vibe with. “Dear Insanity..” has to be one of my top favorite projects of his because I seriously loveeee all the tracks to death! I was actually going to include it into my favorite albums list but then I realized that as much as I love every track, I do not listen to it as much as I do those who actually made it to that blog sksks. However, it is safe to say that Violet Crazy is definitely on a loop for me, which is why I decided to include it on this list instead. I have probably mentioned somewhere that I feel like this song was made for me because I love anything that has to do with the purple realm sksks. This song has influences from both R&B and rock, which are personal favorite genres of mine, so it was easy for me to love on the first listen. I seriously feel like I am riding through another dimension when I am listening to this song, love how through the lyrics Christian aims to explore the complexities of emotions humans have to deal with… not to mention, the visualizer is just so gorgeous, which elevated the song for me as a whole!

 

 

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#20

Margiela by Penomeco ft. Paul Blanco

I don’t even know how to explain this but this song is just TOO GOOD for even word to describe. Seriously just let the music do the talk and go listen to it for a clearer skin. All I am going to say, however, is that Penomeco and Paul Blanco make such a great duo, their voices match soo freaking well and I love how wonderfully this song manages to caress your ears from the beginning til the end!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#21

Tarantino by U-Know

This song is the definition of theatrical greatness! Gosh, it is so freaking cool. Yunho’s voice really shines all throughout this track and I love how it is completely complemented with that guitar and the whistles that show up here and there. I love the repetition of the word ‘Tarantino: and how it is not only playing tribute to this renowned director but it takes it very seriously! You are in for a wild ride with this one if you ask me!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#22

Jenga by Kimsejeong

I was late to the party with this one, as I listen to the album like 3 months after it was released but I am so glad that I didn’t completely miss it out because that would have been miserable. The whole project is seriously one of the most gorgeous pieces of art you could get and I recommend everyone to give it a listen if you haven’t! Jenga was truly my #1 favorite after the first listen and for a good reason! It is such a cool, intricate song that would get stuck in your head easily. I love how much rock influence it has, and the melodies are just so bright and pretty, Sejeong’s voice is so soooo lovely, I cannot get enough of it!

 

 

『••✎••』

 

#23

4 U by Loco ft. Sumin

Last but definitely not least, we have another incredible piece of work brought to us by the one and only Loco! Some of you might not know this, because I rarely really talk about it, but Loco has been one of my TOP favorite rappers since forever! I love how unique his vocal quality is and how he has been able to establish a name for himself with his style and charm! I was so excited to see that he was a releasing a full album in 2023, and I can say for a fact that I was satisfied with every part of it! I actually had a hard time picking a song to put on this list because they were MANY that stood out to me! But after some back and forth, I made the decision of “4 U”, this song is just a true chill vibe, that reminded me of some wonderful times I have had thanks to Loco. I think Sumin was the perfect addition to it as well, her voice is just so soothing and it contrast Loco’s more raspy tendencies extra well! The vibes are right. The sounds set the mood, and the lyrics are true poetic greatness~! 100% recommed!

 

 

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Thank you so much for checking this blog out! Don’t forget to check out Pt.1 for my favorite title tracks of 2023. I hope that we share some faves (if so, let me know which ones in the comments hehe). 2023 was an amazing year for releases, there was really a lot to pick from! I try to give love to many, as multistan and all lol.

 

This will be the end of my “end of the year faves” series. Hope you all enjoyed reading hehe. I wanna end this by reminding you all to stay safe, hydrated and warm! And ofc, do not forget to listen to bops for a better life