Bunni Pop's Best of 2023: The songs and albums I had on replay
In no particular order, here's what I had on replay this year
When there seems to be a new comeback every day of the year, it becomes hard to keep up with every single new music release. So while most publications and blogs are posting their Best of 2023 lists, I decided to do something slightly different.
I scrolled through my Spotify algorithm and looked at some of the top played albums and songs from the last year. From there, I narrowed down some highlights I want to give a shout-out to below.
And boy, was it difficult!
So without further ado, here are some albums and songs I had on replay in 2023. Shout-out to my friend Ting for helping me compile a playlist of favourites from the year! And if you’re curious to read more of my monthly faves, click here to view the full archive.
Albums
The Rose - DUAL
It’s been a big year for The Rose, who in October 2022 released their debut studio album HEAL, toured the world and played in some of the biggest music festivals in the world. But it was their second album DUAL this September that allowed The Rose to reach new heights, even making it on the Billboard 200 for the very first time at #83.
While DUAL features The Rose’s signature style of emotional lyrics and comforting tunes, the band also does quite a bit of experimenting on their tracks. In ‘Alive’, they surprise listeners with dubstep during the climax of the song. They also play with EDM in tracks like ‘Cosmo’. But, it’s their song ‘Nauseous’ that sounds the most like the pop-punk/emo tracks heard in the late 2000s. When I spoke to The Rose in August, Woosung told me they’ve often always been inspired by groups like Green Day, All Time Low and Boys Like Girls. ‘Nauseous’ is a fun take on the genre. And it’s great to see The Rose playing with different styles in their music.
V - Layover
Layover may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But I personally loved this project because it perfectly encapsulates V. To me, Layover is all about setting a vibe, and I love the mellow, slower tunes he’s favoured here. This project is meant to be listened to as you unwind after a long day, and it shows that not every song needs to have a catchy hook/bridge to reel you in.
I also think it’s commendable to see V make a project that favours more artistic choices rather than commercial ones. Leaning into vintage R&B and jazz, V also keeps things present utilizing sound effects like phone alerts, falling rain, lo-fi beats and pitched-up vocals. Plus, his baritone voice also adds particular emotional depth due to the slower nature of his songs.
Fans will know V also has a silly, fun and goofy side. But like the title, Layover is just part of the journey of his life as an artist. I’m sure we’ll see other parts of V in future projects.
NewJeans - Get Up (EP)
It hasn’t even been two years since NewJeans debuted, but the group has already become global superstars in their own right. Get Up is NewJeans's second EP. And while its runtime is only 12 minutes long, this was the EP that I had on loop for weeks on end.
The six-track EP explores a range of emotions and stories from teen love and crushes to unrequited feelings. NewJeans has found a following for their minimalistic and understated sound, and Get Up is a treat to listen to. Songs like ‘New Jeans’ and ‘Super Shy’ experiment with elements of the jersey club scene, synths and UK garage. Meanwhile, the single ‘Cool With You’ is quieter in theme, but really lets NewJeans’s vocals shine through individual runs and gorgeously layered harmonies.
Through storytelling and music, NewJeans is truly one of the most exciting musical acts right now. With members between the ages of 15 to 19, NewJeans is a group that has always portrayed what it’s like to be a young person growing up today. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
Seventeen - FML (EP)
Eight years since their debut, FML is a testament to Seventeen’s longevity and strength as a group. From fun, sexy, emotional ballads to show tunes, the 13-piece group can execute any concept they set out for.
FML also marked a new achievement for the 13-piece group. The six-track EP became the most pre-ordered album in South Korean history with 4.64+ million orders back in April.
Seventeen set the tone strong with their energetic lead single ‘Super’, which utilizes alternative jersey club and kick rhythms. It’s the ultimate hype song, but also reassures fans of Seventeen’s bond over the years (as heard in lyrics like “I love my team, I love my crew. We already made it this far!”)
However, it’s the performance unit track ‘I Don’t Understand But I Luv U’ that had me sold. The song is so sensual with its ‘80s style electric guitar intro, coupled with the boys’ vocals. But the moment I saw Hoshi, Jun, The8 and Dino perform this during the Follow tour had me completely shook in my seat. The loosening of the ties! The body rolls! More sexy R&B in K-pop, please!
AGUST D - D-Day (album)
Marking the final installment of Suga’s Agust D trilogy, D-Day has the BTS rapper coming to terms with the anger and resentment of his past and finding liberation in the present. We see this right off the top as the album begins with the intensely trappy ‘D-Day,’ which features the lyrics “Future’s gonna be OK, OK, OK, look at the mirror and I see no pain.” As if he’s free from the whirlwind of his thoughts that were previously trapping him, Suga raps about “not wanting to be tied down to his past”, almost in a celebratory joyous mood.
That’s not to say that this album is a jolly one. In fact, Suga also digs deep into heavier topics in songs like ‘Amygdala.’ Named after the brain’s trauma processing center, ‘Amygdala’ recalls various painful moments through his lifetime such as his mom’s heart surgery, an accident during his teen years that result in a shoulder injury and finding out about his father’s liver cancer. It’s an incredibly heavy song with an even tougher-to-watch accompanying music video. While the music video itself is a bit triggering and uncomfortable to watch, it’s also cathartic to see Suga reaching out to his younger self to say that everything is going to be okay.
Yet, for me, the highlight of the album is the track ‘Snooze’ featuring The Rose’s Woosung and the late Japanese pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto. The track is incredibly powerful as it sends a message to aspiring artists not to give up on their dreams despite the tough path ahead. This song is exactly what makes Suga such an inspiration to many.
BSS - Second Wind (Single Album)
Seventeen’s silliest sub-unit BSS made a long-awaited comeback this year with the release of their single album Second Wind.
The album is written specifically to motivate you at different points of the day from morning, noon to night. The BSS members have described the project as something to help you get through the busyness of the work and school week, which is SERIOUSLY needed after a difficult year full of bad news. In particular, the lead track ‘Fighting' (featuring Lee Youngji) was the absolute motivation and serotonin booster.
Songs
THE NEW SIX (TNX) - ‘Kick It 4 Now’
I have to admit, this song really sneaked up on me! While TNX hasn’t been around for long, I was immediately sold the moment I heard the track ‘Kick It 4 Now’ this past summer.
The track is a clear tribute to the new jack swing movement. And the music video's costuming and sets remind viewers of a time when bands like Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC topped the charts.
While competition in the K-pop boy band space is fierce, TNX has been able to stand out largely due to their mentors. As artists under P Nation, TNX work closely with hitmaker PSY. TNX has also worked with Penomeco — a member of the hip-hop crew Fanxy Child (alongside Crush, Zico, Dean, Millic and Staytuned). Penomeco has also been credited for helping compose many of the TNX's songs. Looking forward to see how this group grows in the future!
MiSaMo - ‘Do Not Touch’
MiSaMo is the first sub-unit of Twice, featuring the group’s Japanese members Momo, Sana and Mina. The trio’s debut has been a long time coming. But boy, has the wait been worth it.
MiSaMo’s debut EP is called Masterpiece, and it certainly is a work of art. MiSaMo’s lead track ‘Do Not Touch’ is undoubtedly the standout of the project, with the girls singing about the importance of consent and respecting boundaries. The music video also has the girls playing with Greek mythology themes and acting as subjects in various paintings. Mina, Momo and Sana all look stunning! Also: shout out to Momo’s lower register. We’ve all known this woman can sing (as seen in this cover of Taemin’s ‘Move’). What a difference it makes when a song is in the right range.
XG - ‘Left Right’
What I would GIVE to listen to this song for the very first time again! While I know Y2K is back in style, I think XG is the group that has perfectly encapsulated the era to a tee from their R&B vocal stylings, bucket hats and baggy parachute pants.
‘Left Right’ was the song I had on repeat for days. The melodic hooks and the girls’ vocal harmonies are just gorgeous to listen to. I have been addicted to this track from the very first listen.
Now months later, I still vibe to this song and find something new to appreciate on it with each listen. It captures the essence of the pop-R&B tracks heard from the likes of TLC back in the early 2000s, but also sounds very modern to the times. Pop music is not dead!! I can’t wait for XG to come dominate in the years to come.
Tomorrow X Together - ‘Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)’
I don’t care if Tomorrow X Together has already moved on to another chapter. But I’m going to need this group to promote ‘Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)’ as an official single.
‘Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)’ is one of TXT’s most sonically unique tracks and the group’s first foray into the afrobeats genre. This is an incredibly addictive and danceable song. But, it’s also quite profound. The track has the boys singing about their dreams of being successful rockstars, despite feeling like a failure. And while they feel lost and lonely at times, music is the way to help them cope through it all.
I will never forget the moment this song came on during TXT’s headlining Lollapalooza set, which was met with loud cheers the moment its opening tune started playing. Thousands of fans chanted along as the members swayed in synchronicity across the stage. This song is a complete gem, and we need to give it the attention it deserves.
Kai - ‘Rover’
No song has had a grip on me in the early months of 2023 like Kai’s ‘Rover’. The song was just about everywhere on social media, with the EXO singer dancing to his song with fellow idols like ATEEZ’s San and Seonghwa, TWICE’s Momo, NMIXX’s Kyujin and even Physical 100 contestant Yun Sungbin. It’s wild to think ‘Rover’ is actually a remake of Bulgarian singer DARA’s ‘Mr. Rover.’ Kai managed to make it sound like his very own with his seductive and sexy flair.
Jimin - ‘Like Crazy’
I had absolutely no idea what kind of sound Jimin would pursue when he announced he was releasing a solo album earlier this year. Would it be more Latin-inspired, like his solo song ‘Filter’? Or more melodic and chill, like ‘Promise’? Turns out Jimin is going the ‘80s synth pop route with ‘Like Crazy,’ which just gets better and better with each listening experience.
Jimin, known for his sultry and sensual moves on stage, perfectly plays to his strengths with this single. It grabs you the moment it starts.
I’ll be the first to say that I haven’t always liked how Jimin’s voice is used in some BTS songs. But here, he uses his higher register to the best of his ability. What results is an intoxicating and energetic song that gets more addictive with every listen.
ATEEZ - ‘BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)’
What can I say? This song is fun and spicy! While I haven’t always warmed up to the noise genre, what made me actually enjoy this track a lot was just how committed each member of ATEEZ was to the bit. From the campy lyrics to the saucy choreography, this is a level of unhinged and chaos I want to see more of in K-pop. Hats off to San especially for his ultra flexible moves.
Jung Kook - ‘Yes or No’
When Jung Kook released his debut solo album Golden this year, he made a hard push for the overseas market, releasing all his songs in English. While I have had mixed feelings about his big North American push, Golden did have some gems. One of them was ‘Yes or No’, which was co-written by Ed Sheeran. I instantly loved this song because it was a callback to the One Direction songs I loved listening to back in the 2010s. ‘Yes or No’ is also the kind of track that allows Jung Kook to flex his versatile singing voice through beautiful harmonies and vocal runs.
Red Velvet - ‘Underwater’
Red Velvet never fail to stun me with their unique concepts and gorgeous vocals. And while Chill Kill is an incredibly solid album, the one track I kept turning back to was the sensual and sexy ‘Underwater’. The vocal layering and production took me into another world. And Ms. Wendy has never sounded better!
Not that you need more proof of the latter point…but I highly recommend you all to watch Red Velvet’s most recent ‘Killing Voice’ episode.
LE SSERAFIM - ‘Perfect Night’
Who knew a song made for the game Overwatch would be such a hit? This song completely won me over. It’s breezy and ethereal. It also takes me back to good times spent with my best girlfriends during a night out. What makes the song work so well for me is just how the LE SSERAFIM members’ vocals blend perfectly together, along with the fun choreography. I will forever be obsessed with all the outfits the LE SSERAFIM girls have been wearing to promote the song. From pink dresses with ribbons to ‘80s-inspired fitness athleisure, I need all their outfit details please!
Listen to Bunni Pop’s faves wherever you go!
And what I’ve been up to…
I am currently travelling until mid-January! I hope to pop in here from time to time, especially as I have a few interviews to roll out over the next few weeks. But you are probably more likely to find me more actively on Instagram at @bunnipopletter. Happy holidays!
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