It's Monday, and that means it's time for a fresh, tailor-made, ATEEZ-centered playlist to start your week right.
Normally for these music mixes, we prefer to build a playlist around ATEEZ music, making them the most prominent artist on the list. We are very loyal and faithful Atinys. However, today I am breaking the rules (or rather, as GD suggested "changing the game") so that I can talk about my Top 23 Songs of 2023, in which I limited myself to choosing only one ATEEZ track (may Hongjoong forgive me).
23. "Fireworks" by AIMERS
Who even are Aimers? No idea. But this song is sweet and pleasant and I'm glad that Spotify got at least one thing right on a daylist for once.
22. "BLAME IT ON ME" by TWICE
It's giving "I Love Rock 'N Roll", not the Joan Jett or even the Britney Spears versions, but like, the version from Smallville with Lois and Chloe singing karaoke. And I do not mean that as an insult.
21. "Diamond Life" by THE BOYZ
This song is so weird and buzzy and I don't know why I like it but I just do. I'm really not sure how else to describe it or how to explain why it's on this list. Actually, I'm going to say something that maybe three people in the whole world will understand--but it reminds me weirdly of the music in one of the later levels in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 after Tails flies you to Dr. Robotnik's airship. You know, the one with all the buzzsaws. Also, side note: the music in Sonic 2 absolutely slaps.
20. "Make Me Feel" by EVERGLOW
Finally, we got new Everglow music this year. While my feelings about the group are a bit mixed, I do have a soft spot for them. They were the last concert I went to literally right before the lockdowns began. EG have always had b-sides that are pretty different from their title tracks (similar to ATEEZ) and this song is no exception. I wonder if their comeback would have been received differently (i.e. better) if this had been their TT. We'll never know, I suppose.
19. "Color" by CIX
Cix is one of those groups that I'm only vaguely aware of, but when they release something I try to always check it out. 459, a title I do not understand, was the first song of theirs that really hooked me. Color is soft and kind of bouncy and feels encouraging in a weird way.
18. "NEW DAYZ" by TRENDZ
I've been paying attention to Trendz's releases since learning that Leez was working with them, and I have to say, they don't disappoint. I think the part of the song that really sells it for me is the "Whoa-oh-oh-AH-oh-oh"s in the pre-chorus.
17. "Baddie" by CRAVITY
I like Cravity generally, but the bass line is the true star of this show. It's unfortunate there's no MV.
16. "Feel Me" by Golden Child
This song just makes me feel good. Like I'm at the end of an 80s teen movie.
15. "Attitude" by fromis_9
This is the most recent addition to the list. In fact, I just heard it this morning (on Dec. 31, lol) on MBC Gayo. So, by rights, it really shouldn't rank this high. But it's one of those immediate affinity things. This song and I, we understand each other.
14. "Heaven" by BTOB
I'm sad that BTOB music is pretty hit or miss for me, honestly with a few more misses than hits. However, when their music hits, it tends to really HIT. This song feels nostalgic and earnest and very much like a song that would play at the climax of some coming of age movie that probably involves some kid discovering himself through the arts.
13. "Hurt" by NINE.i
I think this falls into the "drum and bass" sub-genre? I don't think I normally like this genre, but there's something about this song that just works for me.
12. "Do or Die" by Lim Young Woong
It's me and the Ajummas on this one. I love a song that feels fit for a festival and lots of joyful jumping.
11. "DOXA" by SECRET NUMBER
I have a very specific memory of watching Hongjoong and Yunho learn this choreo early one summer morning and getting quickly addicted to the chorus. It reminds me of Dreamnote's Ghost in ways that I cannot explain.
10. "Nightfall (feat. Bryan Chase) by TAEYANG
I can hear the similarities between this song and the other songs I've described as "vibey" but I need a music nerd to explain it to me. I swear there is a specific formula for these types of songs that I will automatically love--I just don't know what it is. And I need my Spotify to figure it out for me.
9. "Sweet Misery" by SHINee
Basically everything that I said about Taemin's Blue I could say here. Except we also get Onew, Key, and Minho to add to the vibes and it's excellent.
8. "Bubble" by STAYC
Truthfully, I don't pay a lot of attention to Stayc (or GG's in general, more on that later), so I had no idea this song existed until they performed it at some festival that ATEEZ was also performing at. I fell for it instantly. It's so bright and fun and energetic, and I always need more of that in my life.
7: "Blue" by TAEMIN
There is a specific kind of vibey song that just washes over my soul and soothes all my jangles. And when you combine that sort of vibe with Taemin's general softness, it's just so good.
6. "Autopilot" by PURPLE KISS
Angst and synths and I'm sold. That's literally all it takes. I do enjoy that Purple Kiss are strong vocalists as well. I'd really love for them to take off. (Pun absolutely not intended.)
5. "Broken Melodies" by NCT DREAM
One of the best bridges in music this year. That's all.
4. "Journey" by WOODZ
Woodz was in Atlanta a few weeks ago and now I kind of regret not going to see him (I had reasons at the time, but they feel meaningless now). Journey is the sort of inspiring and epic song that I constantly seek. It makes me want to Do Important Things.
3. "Propose" by Dreamcatcher
DC are my ult GG and have been ever since I learned that Siyeon was an ATEEZ fan way back in my baby Atiny days when that was enough to make me fully check out a group. And I'm so glad I did. Their music is amazing and the members are super endearing. One of the reasons I'm so deeply sad about Hongjoong and Yunho leaving Idol Radio is that probably means the end of any and all ATEEZ x DC interactions. They'll never give me that collab, will they? Anyways--Propose is dark and sultry and dramatic, and you know I love drama in my music.
2. "Run" by xikers
I would love to be able to say that I watched the babies perform this song live, but unfortunately, they did not perform it on tour. Rather they made a performance video that they played between acts. Which might be one of KQ's most questionable decisions of the year (now THAT would be an interesting list. . . ). Still, now we have the music video that was recently released. And the song remains amazing and perfect.
1. "Silver Light" by ATEEZ
This song needs absolutely no introduction or explanation. Especially since I've already gushed about this song both here and here (and also a little bit here). So it is no surprise to me or anyone else that Silver Light tops my 2023 list.
If you would like to hear all my truly fantastic picks for the year, here's the playlist:
On January 1, 2022, I made the decision to keep a Song of the Day playlist for the year. The goal was to expand my kpop palette and discover new songs and artists. It was a lot of work and took a lot of time, but I did manage to complete it. This past year, I chose not to keep up with my musical explorations, but in 2024 I'm bringing it back. I find I miss being on top of all the new releases and having a reason to deep dive into soloists and lesser known artists. I may or may not check in every so often to update on my progress.
Here's to more synthy, dramatic, vibey music in 2024. Have a most excellent week.
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