Aloha, Lobby Rumble readers, Lobbyist? Rumblist? Lobby Rumblers? 2022 has been a year filled with so much! We got comebacks from legendary gen 2 groups, to monster debuts! One thing I do have to say looking back on the year was, it was a huge year for girl groups and soloists. It was just a great year for music and bad for my wallet. The year was filled with alot of ups and downs, with some crazy surprises. Ended the year being won over by newbies Newjeans and Le Sserafim, i'm excited for the future. Now I do have to say if I made this list solely on listens, this list would just be Twice, Newjeans, AESPA, and STAYC. So in order to have variety I forced myself to just pick one song from an artist. So here we go, get your good headphones or speakers ready.
10. Girls Generation - Forever 1
Starting of my list top 10 kpop songs of 2022, is one of the most legendary groups and my first love in kpop, Girls’ Generation with “Forever 1”. Five years after the group's last release they are back with classic Girls’ Generation flavor. Forever 1 hit with that nostalgia bullet that all fans of the girls have been craving. The girls could have gone with a mature or ballad route but it makes me happy they went with a high energy pop song. Listening to Forever 1, you can tell the sound is undoubtedly Girls Generation. Hearing the legendary vocals all come together again just fills this SONE heart.
9. B.I - BTBT
I have to admit I haven't listened to alot of B.I and only know of this song because it was recommended to me on Youtube. Let me just say this song is smooth. From start to end I found myself just vibing with the song and couldn't wait to replay it. B.I voice is unique which i feel helps amplify the impact of the song. Add DeVita into the mix and you have yourself a winner. If there is one song on my list you should give a shot I feel this one deserves your time.
8. Rocket Punch - Flash
My underrated queens Rocket Punch. The girls had two comebacks this year with two great singles in “Chiquita” and recently “Flash”. One could argue Chiquita is a better song and honestly they are probably right. But I choose Flash for this list mainly for the fact I instantly fell in love with the song. The song is a banger with solid production, catchy beat, and shows off the girls vocals very well. It's become a song I play in my car maybe a little too loud and on repeat for my own good. Also shout out to Woolim for throwing some money at the music video, because you can see it.
7. STAYC - Run2u
STAYC is easily one of my favorite 4th gen groups. They have released nothing but great songs since their debut. Their single “Run2u” feels kinda like a melting pot of everything the girls have done up to this point. The song starts off strong and instantly you’ll be bopping your head. This time around the girls went in a retro synth kinda flavor, while also putting the girls vocal prowess front and center. Run2u brings new and refreshing elements that make it a unique STAYC song that won't disappoint.
6. Nayeon - Pop!
Im Nayeon the fake maknae bunny of Twice made her solo debut in 2022 with Pop! The song is an explosion of bubblegum pop that is catchy and addictive. Just after listening to the chorus once, you'll be singing “pop, pop, pop” all day. Pop! Is a great fun summer song with a just as fun music video, both show Nayeon's charisma her fans love to see over and over. Pop! Was a great first title track for Nayeon, and the entire album is a no skip album, well worth your time to listen, and then listen again.
5. Stray Kids - Case 143
Coming off the monster hit that is Maniac, Stray Kids gives us Case 143, and it is a banger! This song is a fun, wacky, playful love song. Doesn't sound like any other Stray Kids song but it's still very Stray Kids. They took a love song and made it their own and again what a fun song. With fun melodies, a catchy and clever hook, and rap verses you've come to love from the boys, its got it all. The song ends in an incredibly strong way which sealed the deal for me. Now the music video is the icing on the cake. An entertaining blend of silliness, choreography, bright colors, fun editing, can't help but smile while watching.
4. Twice - Talk That Talk
One of the busiest, entertaining, and my favorite girl group Twice, came back in 2022 with their 11th mini album, Between 1&2, with the title track “Talk That Talk”. Once again Twice have released a great single. The song has such a feel good energy, and melodies to match that energy, you can't help but want to dance along. The instrumentals and vocals always top tier with Twice and never fail to impress. To accommodate the track the music video is a lighthearted, colorful, emoji, teddy bear filled, internet meme 90’s, 2000’s retro video. The girls look amazing and fierce with fun choreography, there is nothing I don't like about this music video. As a bonus for Twice fans aka ONCE, the video is filled with easter eggs that highlight some of Twice's past 7 years in the business, which was a nice touch and show how far the ladies have come.
3. LE SSERAFIM - Antifragile
I did enjoy Le Sserafim debut tracks, but Antifragile has officially made me a fan. With the group hitting a speed bump with controversy and losing a member. They came out of it with a reggaeton beat inspired, hard hitting single in Antifragile. The track is filled with life, energy and charisma delivered by the girls in such a satisfying way. Antifragile is well constructed and gives each member time to shine. This is for now my favorite Le Sserafims track.
2. AESPA - Illusion
Illusion by AESPA is a bside track off of their 2nd mini album. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against the title track Girls, but Illusion for me is just a better song. The song itself is a mesmerizing pop track that perfectly fits AESPA. One thing that is great about the song is it showcases the versatility of their voices. My only gripe with the song is the weird slurp noise they make after they say “delicious” that at first took me out of it, but the song is so good I've since ignored it.
1. Newjeans - Attention
Now there is something i need to admit, i could have made the top 3 all Newjeans songs. Hype Boy and the newest song Ditto are just as good as Attention, and interchangeable for me, but that wouldn't be fair. So I went with Attention seeing as it is my most listened to song of the year making it my favorite. I listen to this song on the daily to this day, I will not get tired of it. Newjeans really has become a breath of fresh air in kpop. Their more mid 2000’s pop/r&b feel was a nice break from the hard hitting singles that are usually released from groups. There is a nice groove and delivery that Newjeans have in Attention along with their harmonizing hook just spoke to me and I had this song on repeat and has become the song I look for in my playlist and need to play. The music video for this song is bright, youthful, fun and choreography that would hair flip into millions of hearts around the world. Newjeans “Attention” is my number 1 kpop song of 2022, and Newjeans themselves has become my favorite new group of 2022, and i just can't wait for what they do next.