Best of December 2024
With the end of 2024 approaching, December has promised to end the year with a bang, delivering us with some strong comebacks and releases across the musical world of K-Pop. Whilst we get ready to celebrate Christmas, and prepare to say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025, here are some of my favorite B-sides of December for you to enjoy and see into the new year with.
“drinks or coffee” - Rosé
BLACKPINK's Rosé made her long-awaited solo debut this month with the release of rosie, her first official album. Of the twelve tracks, the seductive fifth song "drinks or coffee" stands out as my favorite B-side. With its alluring synth arrangement and Rosé's hypnotic vocal delivery, "drinks or coffee" is soothing on both the mind and ears, combining a calming and melodic vibe with comforting vocals and lyrics that draw the listener into Rosé’s story. Whilst not upbeat in the traditional sense, the song has a sound that would work perfectly in a club setting—getting those familiar and unfamiliar with Rosé's work up on the dance floor and dancing under the strobe lights.
“Hold My Hand” - HAN (Stray Kids)
Stray Kids member HAN dives into new sounds with “Hold My Hand,” his solo single from the group’s first-ever mixtape release, HOP. Many know HAN as a musical all-rounder—someone who knows how to approach a track with sharp rap techniques and charming singing abilities. “Hold My Hand” further emphasises his versatility as an artist, with him taking on a rap-rock sound that perfectly fits his diverse and distinct vocal range. If Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK, South Korean rap rock band N.Flying, and HAN were to merge as one and create musical magic then “Hold My Hand” would be that magic, with HAN’s vocal delivery and tones reminding me of Takahiro Moriuchi and Lee Seunghyub, respectively, throughout. HAN continues to deliver rockstar vibes in the tracks music video with his black, grunge-inspired outfit and guitar, with this rockstar side of HAN, something I would love to see continue in future solo (and Stray Kids) releases.
“Kiss My Troubles Away” - TWICE
From TWICE’s latest EP STRATEGY, the second track “Kiss My Troubles Away” became my favorite B-side. A full-English language track, “Kiss My Troubles Away” is deliciously TWICE coded with its cheerful and light pop melody and addictively repetitive lyrics of “Won’t You Come and Kiss My Troubles Away” in each chorus. In this track, their vocals perfectly move along the upbeat and synth-infused backtrack, adding a gentle touch of pop nostalgia into the modern song. From the very first listen, the catchiness of the melody and the lyrics (particularly that of the chorus) stay stuck in your head, making you want to keep this song on repeat and sing along with TWICE all day.
Edited by Cara Musashi