Looking Back: The Top Three K-Pop Songs of September 2009

Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard!

September 2009 Overall Thoughts

Closing out the third quarter of 2009, K-pop’s biggest agencies dominated. I’m talking specifically about SM and YG Entertainment, who not only fill my entire top three but also spill over to the honorable mentions.

The big story of this month has to be debuts. September saw the debut of f(x) and NS Yoon-G, as well as boy group Shu-I and girl group H.A.M. Yes, these were actually real names of K-pop groups! H.A.M’s song, in particular, exemplifies a time when girl groups could perform bubblegum pop in a lower, more powerful register. I’d love to see this approach make a comeback.

Elsewhere, a number of idol groups spawned soloists. 2NE1’s Dara, Tritops’ Goon and g.o.d’s Kim Tae Woo each released songs. The latter is a particular favorite, even if it sounds a bit like worship music at times. Shinhwa’s Jun Jin and After School’s Uee also collaborated for His & Her Situation, while Whale and Jo Kwon put their spin on 90’s hit Dunk Shot (which NCT Dream would cover nearly eight years later).

But for me, the month belongs to G-Dragon and Super Junior-M. Depending on my mood, I I like Breathe even more than Heartbreaker. And SJ’s Super Girl is great in Mandarin or Korean. It’s got that crunchy SMP sound, highlighted by an iconic vocal hook.

Honorable Mentions

Dara – Kiss (video)

Goon – I’m Superman (video)

H.A.M. – TT Dance (video)

Jun Jin & Uee – His & Her Situation (video)

Kim Tae Woo – Love Rain (video)

NS Yoon-G – Headache (video)

Shu-I – Bomb Bomb Bomb (video)

T-ara – TTL (ft. Supernova) (video)

Tae Goon – Betrayed (video)

Whale & Jo Kwon – Dunk Shot (video)

TOP THREE SONGS

3. f(x) – LA chA TA (full review)

2. Super Junior-M – Super Girl

1. G-Dragon – Breathe

Original Article