Songs That 'Left an Impression' in 2023

This entry is the one you've all been waiting for (?), content about 'the music I love' lol

I'll be sharing not just music released this year, but songs I listened to for the first time this year that I thought were 'wonderful'.

This isn't a ranking, so I'll just write them down freely in no particular order.

Luis Miguel - Sabor a Mi

I've always loved Latin music, but this year, better late than never, I was digging deep into Luis Miguel's tracks, especially those in the Bolero genre.

'All I can give you is my flavor'
I am moved by the melancholy in Luis Miguel's voice as he sings with all his heart. By the way, I also discovered that EXO covered this song a long time ago. Do Kyung-soo's Spanish singing is the best...

Young Jonn - Sharpally

This year, I also got into Afrobeats.
It was a song that taught me that FM-style strong Pluck bass also shines in Afro music.
The piano melody that flows here and there is beautiful.

Complexive - Paft Dunk

Just having a strong Lead and Bass with resonance and what sounds like a Comb filter ringing out is already the best.
I've always loved Complextro-style tracks, so this completely hit the spot for me.

TAK X Corbin - Tic! Tac! Toe!

Recently, this is a work by the geniusTAKsensei, who has also participated in Kwon Eunbi's and NCT 127's tracks, and the equally genius top-liner Corbin sensei, who belongs to the same company.
It's a song from a Korean rhythm game (DJMAX), but the quality is just too high!
Wouldn't it be strange if this were already Eunbi-unnie's song? lol
It starts quietly with a sub-bass in the verse, a Comb-style synth starts playing chords in the pre-chorus, and the beat comes in with an intense bass pluck in the chorus.
In the second half of the chorus, the top line is the same melody, but the chords follow a descending progression.
Man, it's wonderful (muttering).

By the way, I was able to meet TAK sensei for the first time at an event this year, and his DJing, editing, and track selection (track making) were the best...!
TAK sensei, who is active while crossing between EDM and pop, is also someone I admire.

NATTY - Sugarcoat

Sugarcoat is the K-pop song that shocked me the most this year.
I've been quietly watching Natty since her SIXTEEN days, so I have thoughts like 'I can't believe she's become this mature...', but
no, no, her vocals are just too amazing here.
The style is reminiscent of Y2K-era Hikaru Utada, but
the range and the accuracy of the difficult vocal runs are wonderful in every respect.

EPIK HIGH - Screen Time (Feat. Hoshi)

Back in college, I used to commute while listening to Epik High's 'WE'VE DONE SOMETHING WONDERFUL', so when I heard this new release, I couldn't help but cry...
As for the song structure, it's the familiar Epik High style, centered on piano backing and a swinging hip-hop beat.
Even so, Tablo's lyrics touch my heart.

And I didn't know that Hoshi-kun, who is usually active in the performance team for SEVENTEEN, had such a delicate singing voice.
His sorrowful singing voice fits the lyrics, which contain questions and a lingering sense of attachment.
Including that point, it's wonderful.

SHINee - Satellite

I think this type of chord progression usually starts with a minor, like
Bm | E | A7 | D
, but the bold spirit of attacking with hard-hitting major chords like
B | G | A7 | D
is wonderful.
That said, it doesn't feel too bright, so I wonder if the secret lies in the sound design...

Fujii Kaze - Hana

While evoking a Showa-retro feel, Fujii Kaze sings the message,
Even a wilted bouquet doesn't lose its beauty or preciousness
, gently and with a slightly breathy voice, over a dry beat with just the right amount of bass.
I think this is a one-of-a-kind work that shows off his uniqueness, something that seems easy to imitate but no one else can do.

ICEx - COUNT DOWN

I participated in composing the title track 'CANDY' for ICEx, but I was blown away by the rhythm and lyrics of this song that convey the 'heart-pounding feeling of adolescence'...
I think this might be the first song where the phrase 'yabai' (crazy/amazing) is used so effectively.
I want to write many more shocking B-side songs like this too lol

Morning Musume. '23 - Wake-up Call ~Mezameru Toki~

The J-pop song I was most addicted to this year.
The whole-tone descending top-line melody, the sudden triplets, the key changes,
the way they drop a half-step instead of a whole step on 'Mezameru tokidane' in the chorus,
and the performance that leaves no room to breathe,
everything is just too insane... (of course, that's a compliment).
Bravo to the current Morning Musume members for pulling this off!

That's all!
This turned into a long and rambling post, but I hope to write another note introducing music I like soon :)