Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard!
Which month do you want to see next?
September 2014 Overall Thoughts
After a breathless summer, September of 2014 was a pretty subdued month. There weren’t a whole lot of releases, though some heavy hitters definitely helped to compensate.
To be honest, this September is probably better known for its host of tragedies and changes to existing idol groups. The month began with a fatal car accident involving idol group Ladies’ Code, resulting in the deaths of members Eunbi and Rise. It ended with Girls’ Generation member Jessica departing both the group and SM Entertainment. SM would see more roster changes as we moved into October, but that’s a story for a different post.
Given all of this, it makes sense that September’s music took a backseat to breaking news stories. But, it wasn’t all bad. Although it was a late-August release, girl group EXID’s Up & Down began its gradual ascent up the charts, and veteran acts 2PM, T-ara and TTS made convincing comebacks. In fact, my top three of the month is comprised of these very groups!
Music-wise, September was a relatively diverse slate. There weren’t any overriding trends, though big EDM beats were definitely in favor. Boy groups tended to take a more restrained approach, jettisoning the brightness of summer for more mature vibes.
Honorable Mentions
Ailee – Don’t Touch Me (video)
Beatburger – She’s So High (video)
BTOB – You’re So Fly (video)
F.Cuz – Cha-Ga-Wa (review)
Orange Caramel – Gangnam Avenue (video)
Teen Top – Missing (video)
TOP THREE SONGS
3. Girls’ Generation-TTS – Holler
2. 2PM – Go Crazy!
1. T-ara – Sugar Free
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Oh, what a punch in the gut. I loved Sugar Free so much, and it always killed me (and still does), that post-Sugar Free, all of T-ara’s releases were extremely generic and atypical of the group.
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Sometimes I wonder how I would react if Sugar Free were released today, after years of EDM over-saturation. Honestly, I would probably appreciate it even more for the amazing song that it is! I’d love for a full review of that one from you, because it’s definitely in the upper echelons of 2014 (and all of k-pop in general) for me.
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Pingback: Looking Back: The Top Three K-Pop Songs of October 2014 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
I’ve got nothing. Seriously, I bought zero kpop from this Sept 2014..
A few days earlier on 29Aug2014 – different story – the big Suju Mamacita repackage dropped with Mamacita, Shirt, This is Love, and Evanesce. This month, nothing.
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