Manga and Anime Maniac

Foreshadow

Owned by Be:Lift

NO.14

Google Images

Coming in at No.14 we have AESPA with their 2nd mini album GIRLS.

I've been a fan of all their title tracks and I definitely prefer their 2nd mini album against their 1st, for me this mini album is full of amazing tracks and concluding it with their previous digital tracks was the icing on the cake for me.

Girls

Owned by SM Entertainment

Illusion

Owned by SM Entertainment

NO.13

Google Images

Coming in at No.13 we have MIRAE and their 3rd mini album MARVELOUS, last year MIRAE appeared as one of my honourable mentions, this time they get to appear in my final line up. All their albums are really good and they've definitely been part of my favourite rookies. This album though was my favourite of theirs this year.

Marvelous

Owned by DSP Media

MIRAE

Juice

Hyunwoo

NO.12

Google Images

Coming in at No.12 we have Astro's Moonbin and Sanha with their 2nd mini album Refuge.

This album had to be included in my top 15 list as I couldn't stop listening to it, the title track WHO even appeared as my 5th most listened to track on my Spotify wrapped. Each track is catchy and memorable and definitely my favourite release of theirs so far.

WHO

Owned by Fantagio

fantagio 판타지오

Ghost Town

Owned by Fantagio

fantagio 판타지오

NO.11

Google Images

Coming in at No.11 we have WEi with their 5th mini album Love Pt.2: Passion.

There's something for me with WEi doing dark and grungy style title tracks, Spray is definitely one of my favourite title tracks of theirs and of their 2 mini albums released in 2022, this one is definitely my favourite, I was hooked from the start of each track.

Spray

Owned by Oui Entertainment

WEi

Moonlight

Imbabey

NO.10

Google Images

Coming in at No.10 we have Golden Child with their 6th mini album Aura.

Golden Child have never appeared in yearly album charts, and this time it's all thanks to seeing them live at MIK in London. I knew they were gearing up for a comeback when I went to see them live, so decided to check it out and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this album, I'll definitely be following them more from now on.

Replay

Owned by Woollim Entertainment

woolliment

3! 6! 5!

Dark Space

NO.9

Google Images

Coming in at No.9 we have Kim Yohan with his 1st solo mini album Illusion.

I absolutely love this album, and had it on repeat quite a few times, each track is amazing, it's one of those albums that when it finishes, you restart it.

Dessert

Owned by Oui Entertainment

WEi

Selfish

yuju

NO.8

Google Images

Coming in at No.8 we have Chungha with her 2nd full album Bare & Rare Part 1.

I've known of Chungha since her solo debut, and I only really listened to her title tracks but because I was going to be seeing her live at the MIK Festival in London, I checked out this album as it was released just before and I loved it. Each track is amazing, I was obsessed with Sparkling and seeing it live put it on a whole new level. Whenever I hear Sparkling and California Dream, I get goosebumps and it takes me right back to MIK.

Sparkling

Owned by MNH Entertainment

CHUNG HA_Official

Crazy Like You Ft. BiBi

Chaecado

NO.7

Google Images

Coming in at No.7 we have Tomorrow X Together with their 4 mini album Minisode 2: Thursday's Child.

So far Minisode 2: Thursday's Child is one of my favourite TXT albums, for me it's right up there with The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY. For me TXT are one of the most versatile K-pop groups out there, for me there's nothing they can't do.

Good Boy Gone Bad

Owned by Big Hit Music

Thursday's Child Has Far To Go

Zaty Farhani

NO.6

Google Images

Coming in at Noo.6 with have TVXQ's Max Changmin with his 2nd mini album Devil.

I decided on a whim to watch Changmin's Devil M/V and I was hooked, so I took the plunge and listened to the album and for me it's a musical masterpiece. It's something I'd not heard before as a K-pop fan. From the first listen, I knew this album would be making and appearance in my top 15.

Devil

Owned by SM Entertainment

Maniac

Owned by SM Entertainment

NO.5

Google Images

Coming in at No.5 we have Stray Kids with their 7th mini album MAXIDENT.

One of these days, Stray Kids will rank higher than No.5, and one think is for sure, is that Stray Kids are always consistent, they never fail to bring something new and push the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable in K-pop. This is why they're one of my favourite groups to watch and listen to.

Case 143

Owned by JYP Entertainment

JYP Entertainment

3RACHA

Jaeguchi

NO.4

Google Images

Coming in at No.4 we have KINGDOM with their 4th mini album History of Kingdom: Part IV. Dann.

This album from start to finish is aesthetically pleasing and is my favourite album from KINGDOM, they still remain to be one of my favourite rookie groups, and while I was gutted by Chiwoo's departure, I can't wait to see how much Hwon grows within the group.

승천 (Ascension)

Owned by GF Entertainment

KINGDOM (킹덤)

단심가 (Promise)

Owned by GF Entertainment

KINGDOM (킹덤)

NO.3

Google Images

Coming in at No.3 we have BTS with their anthology album PROOF.

I fought with myself on whether to include this album as part of top 15 because it's not necessarily a whole new album, but the choices of songs included as well as the Cd only of demo tracks meant I couldn't keep it out of my countdown. Each track takes you back in time and allows you to see their growth as a group.

Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)

Owned by Big Hit Music

For Youth

Owned by Big Hit Music

PENTAGON 펜타곤 (Official YouTube Channel)

NO.2

Google Images

Coming in at No.2 and just missing out on the top spot we have PENTAGON with their 12th mini album In:vite U.

This album is definitely one of my favourite albums released in 2022. and if you saw my top 15 for 2021, you'll know it's a big jump up my chart from that year. The more I listen to PENTAGON the more I fall in love with their music and they're amazing live too. I'm so glad my friend Mary kept pushing me to pay attention to them.

Feelin Like

Owned by Cube Entertainment

Call My Name

Owned by Cube Entertainment

PENTAGON 펜타곤 (Official YouTube Channel)

Before we find out who has claimed the top spot, lets have a look at some honourable mentions for 2022.

AB6IX - Take A Chance

Google Images

Sugarcoat

Owned by BRANDNEW Music

BRANDNEW MUSIC

APR PROJECT - BOYHOOD S#2

Google Images

장면 (Scene) (Feat. 호현(Feat. Ho Hyeon))

Owned by APR Entertainment

APR PROJECT

JUST B - = (NEUN)

Google Images

Me= (naneun)

Owned by Bluedot Entertainment

JUST B

Woosung - MOTH

Google Images

Phase Me

Owned by Transparent Arts

WOOSUNG

ONF - Special Album [Storage of ONF]

Google Images

Your Song

Owned by WM Entertainment

ONF OFFICIAL

Treasure - The Second Step: Chapter Two

Google Images

Hello

Owned by YG Entertainment

TREASURE (트레저)

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!

NO.1

Google Images

Coming in at No.1 we have Girls' Generation and their 7th full length album Forever 1.

I may be being bias with this one but for me this album was worth the 5 year wait and was the perfect way to celebrate their 15th anniversary, that being said 2023 is my very own 10 year anniversary for listening to both Girls' Generation and K-pop.

This album is just stunning and harbours all things Girls' Generation, showing that you can release new music while still keeping that original sound.

I hope we don't have to wait another 5 years to see them get back together again.

Forever 1

Owned by SM Entertainment

종이비행기 (Paper Plane)

Hansa Creative

So there it is My Top 15 K-pop Albums of 2022, as always I'm super excited to see what music 2023 will bring.

I hope in 2023 we finally get to see APR Project officially debut and I hope we get to see more of the TRCNG members join them.

My January is already full of comebacks with VIXX releasing a new song, Moonbin & Sanha releasing a new mini album, as well as MONSTA X, NCT 127 and Tomorrow X together all having comebacks.

I also hope I get to go to more K-pop concerts this year with Mary, I just know I'm in for another K-pop filled year, especially with SuperM making a return as well as EXO coming back too.

2023 lets get it!

Who had the No.1 spot for you?

Which albums were your favourite on 2022?

Let me know in the comments below.

See you soon!

안녕

(Annyeong)

さようなら

(Sayonara)

再见

(ZaiJian)

Bye

Monday, 5 December 2022

A Musical Christmas Countdown: December 5th 2022

Hello

안녕하세요

(Annyeonghaseyo)

こんにちは

(Konnichiwa)

你好

(Ni Hao)

Google Images

Today's song is making it's 5th appearance on my countdown, it's a song that I can't wait to listen to once we get into the winter months.

Google Images

Today's song is Girls' Generation's 'Diamond'.

Owned by SM Entertainment

Yoong Chan

Google Images

안녕

(Annyeong)

さようなら

(Sayonara)

再见

(ZaiJian)

Bye

Monday, 14 November 2022

Girls Generation - Forever 1

Hello

안녕하세요

(Annyeonghaseyo)

こんにちは

(Konnichiwa)

你好

(Ni Hao)

Forever 1 is Girls Generation's 7th full length album.

On the 17th may 2022, SM Entertainment announced that Girls Generation would be releasing an album in August, to celebrate their 15th anniversary, their 1st release as a group in 5 years.

On the 27th of July 2022, the first set of Mr. Taxi Teaser Images were released.

On the 28th of July 2022, the 2nd set of Mr. Taxi Teaser Images were released.

On the 29th of July 2022, the 3rd and final set of Mr. Taxi Teaser Images were released.

On the 30th of July 2022, the Forever 1 Mood Sampler was released.

Owned by SM Entertainment

GIRLS' GENERATION

On the 31st of July 2022, the first set of Cosmic Festa Teaser Images were released.

On the 1st of August 2022, the 2nd set of Cosmic Festa Teaser Images were released.

On the 2nd of August 2022, the 3rd set of Cosmic Festa Teaser Images were released.

On the 3rd of August 2022, the final Cosmic Festa Teaser Images were released.

On the 4th of August 2022, the Forever 1 M/V Teaser 01 was released.

Owned by SM Entertainment

On the 5th of August 2022, the Forever 1 M/V Teaser 02 was released, along with the first Forever 1 Teaser Image, as well as the release of the M/V and the digital release of their 7th full album of the same name.

Owned by SM Entertainment

Owned by SM Entertainment

On the 6th of August 2022, the first set of Forever 1 Images were released.

On the 7th of August 2022, the final set of Forever 1 Images were released.

On the 8th of August 2022, the Forever 1 album was physically released.

On the 5th of August 2022, on both YouTube and TikTok, Girls Generation held a live event called "Girls Generation Forever 1 Countdown Live", to introduce the album and to commemorate their 15th anniversary with their fans.

Sooyoung and Tiffany co-wrote on the lyrics for Seventeen.

Sooyoung and Tiffany wrote the lyrics for Villain, with Tiffany also co-composing on the track.

Forever 1 peaked at No.2 on the Circle Albums Chart, No.9 on the Oricon Albums Chart, No.28 on the UK Digital Albums Chart and No.16 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart.

Circle Sales = 288,567+

Oricon Sales = 12,033+

Giving the album a total of 300,600+ in sales.

*YouTube views correct at time of writing post*

The M/V for Forever 1 has so far gained 49,057,158 million views, with the views continuing to increase on a daily basis.

Forever 1 was released in 2 versions: Standard and Deluxe.

The Standard version is set out like a paperback book case and comes with the Cd, photo book, random postcard, random folded poster and a random photo card.

The Deluxe version is set out in a box case and comes with the Cd, photo book, lyrics paper, sticker sheet, random ticket, random invitation card, a group photo card and a random photo card.

Photo books for both versions are different.

Track List:

Forever 1

Lucky Like That

Seventeen

Villain

You Better Run

Closer

Mood Lamp

완벽한 장면 (Summer Night)

Freedom

종이비행기 (Paper Plane)

Standard Version

Deluxe Version

As you can see and not surprisingly, I have both versions of the album, I love the layout for both versions, and I especially love the photo books for both versions, especially for the Deluxe version. The pictures, styling and colours are just stunning.

I mentioned above that there is a group photo card, which because I have mine in my phone case at the back of my phone, I forgot to take a picture.

The album itself for me, is well worth the 5 year wait, each track is catchy and embodies Girls Generation, what I love about Girls Generation is that they kept their sound and style pretty much the same throughout their career, following their own musical route rather than going with what is popular at the time, and this album is no different.

What's not to love about Forever 1, no matter how many times I listen to this song, it gives me goosebumps. I love how they included the music for Into the New World in the bridge, it connects their beginnings, especially after being away for 5 years. I love the line distribution, it's definitely one of my favourites. I will also admit that when I watched the M/V for the first time, I cried.

Forever 1

KBS WORLD TV

I love the melody and vocalization for Lucky Like That, for me throughout the song they all have their moment to shine, and I think it's a song that shows how they've all grown vocally. Also the melody is stunning, it's a song that always gets me singing along.

Lucky Like That

Seohyun's vocals at the start of Seventeen are stunning, and each of the members vocals fit the melody perfect. I love the contrast between the vocals and the raps, I love when we get to hear Hyoyeon rap. Out of all the tracks on this album, this gives me b-side nostalgic.

Seventeen

Puno Autopop

I've been in love with Villain since they teased it on their live countdown, I have to say it's definitely my favourite b-side on this album and it's still a track I listen to a lot. I love Yoona's rap, it's definitely one of the highlights for this track for me. I think I can honestly say too that this is overall my favourite GG b-side.

Villain

I can remember being conflicted when I first heard You Better Run, I didn't know if I liked the vocal to rap section in the verses, but the more I listened the more I fell in love with the song. I love how they said it was a continuation of Run Devil Run. For me this track reminds me of their I Got A Boy album, as I think it's a style that would have fit perfectly on that album.

You Better Run

Chaecado

Closer makes me think of their Lion Heart album, and this is one of the tracks that always gets me singing along to the chorus. I love all their vocals, they fit perfectly with the melody, and I love that we get Hyoyeon rapping again. Overall this track for all their vocal tones.

Closer

Puno Autopop

I love the melody and chorus for Mood Lamp, it's such a calming and relaxing song. Also again their harmonization is stunning.

Mood Lamp

For me 완벽한 장면 (Summer Night) has a similar vibe to Mood Lamp, the tempo is just increased a little. The style of this song also reminds me of something that would be on TTS' Dear Santa album, it has a slight wintery and christmassy feel to it.

완벽한 장면 (Summer Night)

Chaecado

I love Freedom, it's one of those songs that when I see the title, the chorus comes straight to mind. I love that they all stand out and that no-one outshines the rest. I love the melody for this track, it's perfect for all of their vocals.

Freedom

The melody for 종이비행기 (Paper Plane) is perfect, as is the track itself, it's another of my favourite tracks from this album. For me this song is not long enough, it ends way too quickly. For me, vocally, this is my favourite track, I feel that you can hear their emotion and sincerity in this song. It never fails at making me feel emotional.

종이비행기 (Paper Plane)