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?
May 2014 Overall Thoughts
In May of 2014, Korea was still reeling from the aftermath of the Sewol ferry disaster, and this extended period of mourning resulted in a freeze on most new K-pop releases. Understandably, that means that this month was pretty barren. The K-pop industry was just starting to rev back into gear, and most of May’s releases were holdovers originally scheduled for an April release.
That being said, May of 2014 included the initial release of an album that, once repackaged in July, would become my favorite full-length K-pop release of all time. Its excellent title track is an easy number one pick for me, and a truly underrated song all around. Numbers two and three are no slouches either, and represent a uniquely K-pop sound that we don’t hear that often any more.
Beyond that, the honorable mentions list is pretty slight because — like I said — there just wasn’t much released this month. Out of my five choices, only two were actual, full-fledged comebacks. A pair of follow-up singles and a (fantastic) CF release round out the list.
Other notable releases this month included the first (and only) album from duo 15& and the debut of Berry Good. I expect both title tracks to be highlights for many fans, but neither one ever did anything for me. Berry Good would go on to release better material, and 15&… well… they’d sort of go on.
To sum it all up, this was not a particularly interesting month. But, it offered quality over quantity with a great top three.
Honorable Mentions
2NE1 – Gotta Be You (video)
Akdong Musician – Give Love (video)
BTS – Just One Day (video)
M.Pire – Not That Kind Of Person (video)
Orange Caramel – Abing Abing (video)
TOP THREE SONGS
3. VIXX – Eternity
2. EXO – Overdose
1. Infinite – Last Romeo (review)
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Last Romeo truly is an awesome song!
By the way, I know this is a little late, but what are your thoughts on the produce x 101 debut evaluation songs; (to my world and Boyness)?
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I like them both more than any of the concept evaluation songs, to be honest. Especially Boyness (though that title is so cringey…)
Hui has mastered the art of the hard-hitting house track — à la Energetic and Sha La La.
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First of all – you don’t like Love Letter???? BLASPHEMY!!!
In all seriousness, my top 3 would be something like:
3. Berry Good – Love Letter (An UTTER CLASSIC, AHEM)
2. OC – Abing Abing
1. Infinite – Last Romeo
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Didn’t 15& debut in 2012 with I Dream? 😮
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You are completely right. Fixed it.
I kept thinking about Sugar being their first album and forgot that it was preceded by multiple singles.
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It’s okay! I was just getting into K-pop around that time, so I just remember those releases vividly. 😆
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I’ve got … nothing!
Somehow, and I don’t know how, I never downloaded Exo Overdose. I’ve seen the video a lot of times, so it seems like I should have it, but it is not on my ipod.
I have the Akmu as released in April – the video was probably May, but in any case “Give Love” is not my favorite of theirs.
I have the 15& “Sugar”, but not a frequent listener of it.
And then the only other kpop-like song I have that month is the Pentatonix cover of “Gangnam Style” which my daughter likes to listen to.
So, basically, nothing!
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My Top 3 is basically like yours but It was an Omega battle. To be honest I was having a blast while I was choosing my first spot but in the end My Bias came through and I had to choose them but 2nd and 3rd are also pretty strong contendors.
3: EXO – OVERDOSE
2: INFINITE- LAST ROMEO
1: VIXX – ETERNITY
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