I’ve listed my “top tens” for many artists, but it’s time to rummage through entire discographies and rank every single from worst to best. This feature will primarily tackle groups who have disbanded or gone on indefinite hiatus. It’s a way for me to re-evaluate my initial thoughts on their singles run. Don’t be surprised if the order has changed from past countdowns. These things are always in flux!

READ OTHER “RANKING EVERY SINGLE” FEATURES HERE!

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18. In The Night Sky(2011)

I’ve never really cared for this “AS Red” track. It just sounds too dated and the production feels tinny and uninspired.

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17. Shine (2015)

As often happens, a stellar group concludes their activities with a so-so mid-tempo/ballad. Shine is serviceable but uninteresting.

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16. Love Love Love (2010)

Seasonal tracks have little purchase with me outside of the holidays, but Love Love Love gets bonus points for its throwback sound.

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15. Lady Luck (2012)

Easily my least favorite of the group’s Japanese singles, though it’s also the one that sounds the most stereotypically “J-pop.”

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14. Amoled (with Son Dambi) (2009)

Holy vocoder, Batman! Other than that very dated production choice, this duet has actually grown on me a lot over the years.

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13. Play Ur Love (2011)

I find the Virgin album to be slightly hit or miss with some incredible highs and quite a bit of fluff. This pleasant midtempo falls closer to the latter category.

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12. Wonder Boy (2011)

This “AS Blue” song takes a bright, bubbly approach. I love the energy even if it borders on treacly at times.

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11. Because Of You (2009)

This was a major hit but it’s never done as much for me as others. The chorus is a winner, though.

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10. Dream Girl (2009)

A cover of Morning Musume’s classic Love Machine as an OST? Okay! I deduct some points for the fact it’s not an original, but this is still a ton of fun.

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9. Ah (2009)

By 2009 standards, a pretty inauspicious debut. However, that dated Brave Brothers production still feels very nostalgic.

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8. First Love (2013)

For their final official Korean single, the group slowed things to a sensual glide with the slinky First Love.

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7. Heaven (2014)

In many ways, this is a more upbeat companion for First Love. I enjoy it, but it feels like a stepping stone to the far superior Shh.

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6. Rambling Girls (2012)

After School’s first original Japanese single blasts out of the gate with an ultra-catchy chorus and bounding energy.

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5. Flashback (2012)

This is probably After School’s most slamming dance track, very in line with the trends of 2012. It’s a bit generic but also super satisfying in its driving momentum.

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4. Diva (2009)

This took the trendy sound of their debut and matched it with an iconic hook that’s as addictive as it is cartoonish.

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3. Bang! (2010)

Certainly one of After School’s most iconic tracks, Bang still sounds explosive and awesome today. It’s such a unique sound for K-pop.

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2. Shh (2014)

This is so groovy and interesting, playing with musical tropes in a way that makes it feel equal parts familiar and totally alien. I love how the song keeps blooming into new melodic highlights. It’s one of the group’s clear musical peaks.

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1. Shampoo (2011)

Simply one of the best girl group tracks ever. From the warm texture of the synths to the trance production and euphoric chorus, Shampoo stands as After School’s magnum opus and a towering K-pop achievement. (full review)