Best of 2009: July #6 - #1

Who topped my list for July? Kpop or not kpop?

#6: Brown Eyed Girls - 잘할게요

Correct me if I'm wrong but the title of this translates to 'I'll Be OK' or something like that. The Brown Eyed Girls may have taken over kpop with Abracadabra and now Sign but I love the fact that they used to be ballad singers and that they can actually, actually sing - unlike a lot of the girl groups today. Their vocals may be processed to infinity and doctored in every way possible but there are songs that prove they have the vocals to be one of the most influential girl groups. I love the bells/whatever instrument that is in the background - it makes the song sound like a fairy tale.

#5: 2NE1 - I Don't Care

2NE1 have become gigantic in such a short span of time that it hurts. I don't necessarily adore I Don't Care but I think it has to be on this list - it was a big enough hit to be nearly influential this year. And whether I like it or not, I Don't Care has always been a hit in the making. It's got a boring instrumental and the song revolves around the melodic hook, I'm just thankful that the hook actually has a melody. This is one of the few songs with rap parts I can actually stomach so for that, I gotta give it to the girls. It was also the song that proved to me that my favorite voices in the band are Minzy and CL - they sang exceptionally well. (Hmmm, time to do a vocal commentary! Next year, I promise.)

#4: Kristinia DeBarge - Somebody

There's a part of me that says I can't like Kristinia because of this and this and this but there's another part that screams "I LIKE HER SONGS". I think the latter part won when I was choosing the songs. She's not the best at what she does and she's not this or that but I love the fact that she's doing what she does. Somebody is one of the few songs from her debut album that really made an impact on me - potential single, perhaps?

#3: Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart

Taio Cruz was one of those acts I was listening to Christmas last year at about this time and so listening back to this song reminds me of that time, even if this exact song wasn't even out then. The guy has the ability to make songs that one, sound like hits in the UK and two, appeal to me. LOL. No really, I'm not one to adore hits but Taio makes them well. He may not be in Craig David's league in the world of British R&B (I highly doubt anyone will) but he has his own appeal.

#2: Jordin Sparks - No Parade

I've said it once but I'll say it again - No Parade is stunning. The piano part at the beginning makes me melt, the chorus makes me tear up and how the song builds up makes me burst out crying. If I'm depressed enough. But really, the chorus is stunning and the emphasis on the piano throughout the song makes me smile. This song won't work though if the singer doesn't know what he/she's doing - Jordin does. Although I don't think she deserved to win her season of Idol (Yes, I'm still bitter - BLAKE!!!), she has learned how to be a good singer over the years.

#1: Ola - Sky's the Limit

I'm afraid my love for European pop still managed to rule this month - Ola's single just knocked all the (tough) competition out of the race. The melody, the super pop-y arrangement and the whole package are just too good to be left out on. It's catchy, well-produced and Ola can damn sing.

New Music!

A lot has been happening and I haven't had the time to properly digest everything since I got sick. I'm feeling a lot better now - better than yesterday but I'm stuck at home for the next three days.

• For those of you who loved the severe pop-y-ness of BoA's Milky Way during the KPOP special and Etude - the song I featured a few days ago, there's another song in that category. My Boy is honestly like a mix between Milky Way AND Etude so do check it out.
• So Kristinia DeBarge has covered Varsity Fanclub's Future Love. I was surprised, to say the least but I do love the version now - it's so, her. The girl is continuing to impress me as I hear more of her stuff - I just hope she gets some attention at the very least.
• Since yesterday Leona Lewis songs have been leaking like crazy - three full songs and one clip but I haven't heard the first Ryan Tedder song that leaked (mainly because Mediafire is being a pain..). Perfect Stranger's not my type, Brave's nothing special but I Got U has the potential to blow me away. It hasn't done the job yet but I think once we get the whole song I'll start going crazy. The melody reminds me something songwriters here would give a band, surprisingly - let's see where the song will go.
• OLA! I adore the guy - reminds me so much of a male Agnes Carlsson. Sky's The Limit is armed with lyrics that can make your cringe but don't because the song is just so pop-y that you don't mind. That's what I call pop music.
• There's a new Brown Eyed Girls teaser out and even if they made a song with the most brilliant bridge ever, I'm not impressed. Will have to wait for the whole song, then.
• Daughtry has covered Poker Face. Haven't heard it and I don't have any intentions to - unless someone tells me it's any good.
• Whitney Houston has a new song out? Haven't heard it either but I think I'll give it a shot later - it's bound to be decent at the very least.

What to expect in the near future:

• I've set up a few interviews with some indie artists so that should come through most probably in the next month or so. YAY!
• Apparently it's new single season in Korea and US and UK artists are slowly leaking new stuff so that should keep me preoccupied.