We’ll take a brief hiatus from the usual Sunday Open Discussion post today because my annual “Risers and Fallers” feature always spurs conversation.
Every July, I like to take a look at which songs have either grown or sunk on my own playlist. With years of reviewing under my belt and a pretty solid understanding of what makes a song work for me (or not), this feature has become less dramatic over time. My ratings adjustments aren’t very big this year, but some feel notable — especially when it means a song gets vaulted up to the 9’s.
As usual, my “fallers” are all songs I still genuinely like. They just didn’t have quite the longevity I’d expected. There weren’t any high-rated songs that took a steep nose dive. So many of my 2022 reviews could be concisely summarized as “meh,” leaving little room for big changes.
We still have yet to see a 2022 title track with a rating above “9” ?
Make sure to leave your own “risers” and “fallers” in the comments section!
Risers & Fallers Archive: 2016 // 2017 // 2018 // 2019 // 2020 // 2021
RISERS
DKZ – Cupid (review)
Old Rating: 8 >> New Rating: 8.75
Yeah, the quirky verses ended up working their way into my brain. But, that summery chorus proved to be the real boon for Cupid’s longevity.
DRIPPIN – Zero (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 9
Zero vaults into the 9’s with ease. It’s the rare 2022 title track I look forward to playing over and over again. There are just so many bits to look forward to each time.
iKON – But You (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 9
Another song that vaulted into the 9’s, which is no surprise given its synthwave sound and focus on big melody.
NCT Dream – Beatbox (review)
Old Rating: 8.25 >> New Rating: 8.75
Beatbox’s upbeat energy proved irresistible in the long run. I love that chorus.
OnlyOneOf – Skinz (review)
Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 8.75
This isn’t an enormous rise, but it was big enough to push it to my top spot back in January.
Pixy – Villain (review)
Old Rating: 8.25 >> New Rating: 8.5
Again, not a huge jump. But, Villain’s chorus is too good to ignore.
PSY – That That (ft. Suga) (review)
Old Rating: 8.5 >> New Rating: 8.75
It’s all about the beat with this one!
TNX – Move (review)
Old Rating: 7 >> New Rating: 8
Kind of an inexplicable jump, but this one really grew on me after watching performances. That second verse (with the orchestral sample) is so good.
VIVIZ – Bop! Bop! (review)
Old Rating: 8.25 >> New Rating: 8.5
I still think VIVIZ are capable of more than this, but Bop! Bop! had more staying power than I’d expected.
FALLERS
Changmin – Maniac (review)
Old Rating: 9 >> New Rating: 8.75
I still like it. I just don’t find myself listening to it often.
Jinjin & Rocky – Just Breath (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 8.5
This is still lots of fun, but I’ve found myself listening to the album’s b-sides more often.
Onew – Dice (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 8.5
Dice proved to be a little too light to compete with the bigger releases this year.
TXT – Good Boy Gone Bad (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 8.5
I go back and forth on this one. I just wish it had a stronger chorus.
Xia Junsu – Hana (review)
Old Rating: 8.75 >> New Rating: 8.5
I love Xia, but this hasn’t endured long on my playlist.
