A review is just a snapshot in time, and sometimes I end up regretting the way I rated a song. There are so many factors that influence the longevity of K-pop. Familiarity, album context, live performances and cultural saturation can all boost or sink a song’s fortune.
I run this feature during the mid-point of each year, giving me the chance to adjust song ratings that are no longer accurate. This year, there were far more “risers” than “fallers,” which isn’t too surprising. In general, songs tend to grow on me as time passes.
Any track I’ve rated a 9.25 or higher isn’t included here (unless that rating fell). Those songs are more likely to approach a “perfect ten” rating in the future, and that’s a different post entirely! I’m also not including songs released in the past week or so, though the longevity of NCT Dream’s Hello Future is looking good…
Below, you’ll find my biggest risers and fallers of the year, each with a newly-evolved rating to match its climb or descent. Each section is ordered from biggest to smallest shift in rating. Make sure to leave your own “risers” and “fallers” in the comments section!
Risers & Fallers Archive: 2016 // 2017 // 2018 // 2019 // 2020
RISERS Brave Girls – Chi Mat Ba Ram (review)
Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 9.25
Almost immediately after publishing my initial review, I realized that my 8.5 rating was not going to cut it. This is a bonafide summer anthem, and hit me hard as the days went on.
MCND – Crush (review)
Old Rating: 8 >> New Rating: 8.75
It seems I underestimate MCND each time they come back. Crush is such a playful jam, and grew more addictive with each listen.
MCND – Not Over (review)
Old Rating: 7.75 >> New Rating: 8.5
Underestimated again!! Seriously, watching the guys perform these songs live makes all the difference.
ONEUS – No Diggity (review)
Old Rating: 7.25 >> New Rating: 8
This will never be my favorite ONEUS title track, but I learned to appreciate it for what it is — flamethrowers and all.
STAYC – ASAP (review)
Old Rating: 7.75 >> New Rating: 8.5
This has become a sleeper hit on the Korean charts, and I’m not immune to the powers of ubiquity. ASAP is too catchy to ignore.
Super Junior – House Party (review)
Old Rating: 7.5 >> New Rating: 8.25
That jarring breakdown sunk House Party’s initial rating, but as usual I came around to it.
AB6IX – Stay Young (review)
Old Rating: 8.25 >> New Rating: 8.75
This may lack the punch of some of AB6IX’s titles, but that gorgeous synth gave it unexpected longevity.
Lucy – I Got U (review)
Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 9
Lucy always impress, but I Got U has proven itself a more durable pop hit than its simple structure first suggested.
Nu’est – Inside Out (review)
Old Rating: 7.5 >> New Rating: 8
I was really hard on Inside Out. A strong album gave the song more context, and improved its standing.
OnlyOneOf – libidO (review)
Old Rating: 9 >> New Rating: 9.5
I loved it on release day and absolutely adore it now. Will this one eventually turn “legendary?” Only time will tell!
Twice – Alcohol-Free (review)
Old Rating: 7.5 >> New Rating: 8
I still don’t think this is the right sound for Twice, but the song’s subtle hooks have definitely gotten under my skin over time.
TXT – 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) (ft. Seori) (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 9.25
Being released on the final day of May prevented this from taking its rightful spot at the top of my monthly round-up. What a grower this has become!
Smaller risers:
CIX – Cinema (Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 8.75)
Oh My Girl – Dun Dun Dance (Old Rating: 8.25 >> New Rating: 8.5)
Sejeong – Warning (Old Rating: 8.25 >> New Rating: 8.5)
SHINee – Don’t Call Me (Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 8.75)
UP10TION – Spin Off (Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 9)
ENHYPEN – Drunk-Dazed (review)
Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 8
I’m sorry. I know a lot of people love this one. The vocal processing no longer bothers me, but I’ve come to really dislike that repetitive, droning chorus.
Kingdom – Excalibur (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 8.25
I think I still enjoy this more than most, but the best thing about Kingdom is their concept and visual. The song hasn’t held up at the same level.
Rocket Punch – Ring Ring (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 8.25
Honestly, the vocals just feel really strained, and that came into greater focus after watching them perform this for a few weeks on music shows.
TRI.BE – Doom Doom Ta (review)
Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 8
This is still ridiculously catchy. But like a commercial jingle, I can really only enjoy it in small doses.
WEi – Bye Bye Bye (review)
Old Rating: 8.25 >> New Rating: 7.75
Initially, I was excited to hear these guys perform a more melodic track. But, Bye Bye Bye is as generic as summertime K-pop gets, and lands in the 7’s because of that.
BAE173 – Loved You (review)
Old Rating: 9 >> New Rating: 8.75
A small tumble, but a so-so vocal performance knocks Loved You out of the 9’s.
fromis_9 – We Go (review)
Old Rating: 9 >> New Rating: 8.75
I still really like this… just not enough to give it a rare “9” rating.
Kim Sungkyu – Hush (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 8.5
Infinite’s Sungkyu in the “fallers” section?? I still like this song (and love him as a performer). I just haven’t played it very often since release.
