Exid - Hot Pink

Exid is one of a handful of k-pop girl groups who have had an amazingly breakout 2015. Like most listeners, I was late to the party and really only fell in love with them this year. Up and Down and Ah Yeah remain unmatchable, but their new single Hot Pink tries its hardest. It doesn't have nearly as much staying power, but it's definitely a fun track in its own right. The music video feels needlessly sexual/stupid in a juvenile way, and the song greatly benefits from being disconnected to some of those visuals. The random "black guy" bits are a bit of a wtf moment, but the catchy-as-hell hook and beat makes up for that. Now we just need a full album worth of songs that are up to par so that the girls can prove to us that 2015 wasn't just some brilliant fluke.



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San E + Mad Clown - Sour Grapes

Another day, another k-pop track. Seriously, don't be surprised when my top 50 singles of the year ends up being 90% k-pop. Try as I might, I really just can't get into most western (especially American) music these days. In my mind, the Korean stuff is just so much more fun and interesting. Take Sour Grapes as a prime example. This is pure goofy joy, and I'm surprised how much I like it because I've never really been into past tracks by either of these artists. San E I know from appearing in multiple variety shows. It took me awhile to warm to his goofball personality, but it perfectly compliments the tone of this track. Mad Clown, on the other hand, is a rapper I've never really liked. It all comes down to the tone of his voice, which grates on me. Seems like a perfectly nice guy... it's just a personal taste thing. Even so, his parts are fine here. But the highlight by far is the hooky, retro chorus.



(If you decide to buy K-Pop physical album releases -- and my god you should, because they're awesomely presented -- try catchopcd for some of the best prices out there. Use this link to get 5% off your first order!)