Same here! I unfortunately switched music platforms midway through the year, so I don’t have any music reviews for the year - with that being said, it’s definitely Dreamcatcher, as they’re my ultimate group.

Woah, I’ve never heard of Listenbrainz! Is this similar to lastFM, where it records your listening history?

For myself, Itzy had one last comeback chance to stay in my personal rotation of ggs. Not that they have had failures of comebacks - but the other crop of groups are just so good right now. Luckily, I’d say this grabs my attention again. I think they should stick to this style of music, which is hard hitting and punchy! Music video itself is a lot of fun too, I liked seeing Chaeryeong’s reflection in the man’s helmet before she decimated them all lol

For big groups, I’m definitely excited for what the Blackpink members will do, now that most of them have signed with agencies for their solo activities. They definitely have the popularity and marketing to bring whatever projects they have to great success, and I’m excited to see their creativity shine after all of the clamors of being in the YG dungeon.

For nugu groups, I’m hoping to see comebacks for CSR and woo!ah!. CSR brings a sound that I haven’t heard since GFRIEND, and I felt that every single one of their comebacks have been extremely strong - I’d even say their 1st year anniversary song was a bop as well. For woo!ah!, they haven’t had a comeback since 2022. One of their members, Nana, has really blown up in popularity and is now in El7z Up, the competition group created in 2023. I’m hoping they can capitalize on that popularity and hopefully get us another comeback soon, as I also felt that they were growing in popularity, with their last song being quite good as well!

Man. Finally. I feel like this is a return to form for Itzy, after a few comebacks I wasn’t a fan of. I know this isn’t the title track, but I’m hoping that this is a sign of things to come, and we get 2020 Itzy back. Still missing Lia, though!

The latest aespa album has been on repeat for me - there were so many good releases in the last few months, but none have taken over my listens like Drama. I usually listen to songs on repeat until fatigue kicks in, but so far, it doesn’t seem like it’s stopping any time soon.

Here’s a link to it if anyone wants to listen :)

This is unexpected. But you know what, props to the person for putting it together! Gave me a giggle.

Agreed. I couldn’t stop repeating Unforgiven for at least a week straight after its release. EPBW was a dark horse but I’m glad they capitalized on it and essentially marketed it even more than Unforgiven.

Thanks for putting this together - I’ll pin this post until the end of the year so everyone can put their results!

Apologies for the late post!

WOAH this was a polarizing song. I am biased as my ult is Dreamcatcher, but even I have to admit that this is a pretty stark difference from the other songs of the past.

It’s been about a week, and I’ll definitely say I appreciate the nu metal-ish feel that the song brings. The aggressiveness and highly confident vibe is really interesting to see! The MV itself showcases all of that.

All in all, I wouldn’t say I would put this in my top 10 Dreamcatcher songs, but with how long the group has been around, I see it as an appropriate (but hopefully temporary) change in sound.

I’m a huge Dreamcatcher fan, so this is no surprise!! I have to give this year to aespa tho - both comebacks they had this year were incredible.

They’ve always created really good b-sides! This album is no exception. Knock Knock and Will I Ever See You Again are standouts for me!

This is Red Velvet at its finest. My initial reaction was to be utterly confused, and then re-watch it again. Second time over, it clicked: The spookiness of what is going on in the MV, combined with the cheerfulness of the song itself, really created this eerie atmosphere that I really really enjoyed! Song itself is a jarring, but I feel it’s really artistic in nature, and something that very few groups can pull off.

Oh man, the VISUALS.

Very very cool music video; the song and video complement each other perfectly. Loving the gritty cyberpunk-ish feel that I get from it - the girls are so versatile, but I feel like this concept fits them perfectly.

I’ve been listening to a lot of IVE recently. I’ve always focused on other groups more, but I came to the realization that every single one of their comebacks get frequent listens on my end. I don’t think I have the mental bandwidth to get into them as a group, but I acknowledge that their discography is extremely strong. I did a complete 180 on Baddie and now it’s a song in my workout playlist.

Hmm…not my favorite song of theirs, for sure. It’s slowly growing on me, but it didn’t capture me like Off the Record did.

Looks like the link turned private. Is this the same video?

IVE back on their bop shit, I love this song already. For me, they’re putting together a discography of songs that have some of the best grooves, with an unforgiving driving bass line that I adore.

Leeseo is really getting my attention with this music video with her presence, and I’m glad to see it! Not sure of the popularity of each member, but I know every time I stop by a kpop store, the only member versions that are available are Leeseo’s, so hopefully this helps change that trend.

Overall, it’s decent. I think I may have set my expectations too high after hearing I DO, but I overall felt like I liked each song less and less as I went along.

Flip It was definitely the most jarring, I didn’t expect a full rap song - I feel like Soyeon is a great rapper, but the rest of the group leaves a bit to be desired. I’m wondering if this is because it’s the first time I’ve ever understood the lyrics (since they’re in English). Outside of the rapping, Miyeon’s pre-chorus was very nice!

Hope this helps!