Final 12 months, Music Financial institution’s World Pageant was interwoven into KBS’s year-end competition. This 12 months, they’ve chosen to broadcast it individually however I assumed I’d cowl it anyway as a result of (like final 12 months) elements of it had been stronger than most of the correct year-end phases.
This 12 months’s theme was “The Golden Path” and the present was held within the Tokyo Nationwide Stadium. This measurement of venue enhances issues vastly from a visible standpoint. I really like watching filmed variations of reveals in massive venues as a result of the gang power turns into such a giant a part of the expertise. I’m wondering if it’s as enjoyable in individual? I imply, can the faraway seats even see something?
Like final 12 months’s present, there have been plentiful pictures of viewers members going loopy for the performances, which I really discover fairly charming as a result of it’s good to sense that change of power between viewers and performer. That’s what Ok-pop’s weekly music reveals are lacking, actually. I do know followers need close-ups of their idols’ faces 100% of the time however there’s extra to a efficiency than that. Power is so necessary.
One factor that made this 12 months’s present distinctive was the addition of mega-popular J-pop act Snow Man. Sadly, they didn’t carry out their greatest materials (aside from W), however as a longtime fan it was nonetheless a surreal feeling to see them wedged between Ok-pop acts. Sadly, KBS hasn’t uploaded movies to YouTube, however the distinction between their songs and all of the Ok-pop surrounding them was fairly humorous.
As all the time, this rating represents my very own ideas, that means it can closely favor music I loved this 12 months in addition to performances that re-arrange or remix present songs.
11. izna – Fairly Lady
They picked good (if apparent) songs for his or her cowl phases this 12 months. Kara was an particularly good selection for Japan. It’s all the time good to listen to a Sweetune music in 2025.
10. ATEEZ – Blind + In Your Fantasy
This had very humorous staging. They all the time deliver the drama. I’m not acquainted with Blind and didn’t assume a lot of it, however I’m glad they preserve giving In Your Fantasy its due on these year-end phases.
9. NMIXX – Spinnin’ On It + Blue Valentine
I really feel like NMIXX proceed to be haunted by mic points which make elements of their year-end performances exhausting to listen to. Nevertheless, I appreciated the “winter” mixture of Blue Valentine. It’s not likely a music that advantages from remixes, however this felt extra like a modest enhancement in locations.
8. IVE – Insurgent Coronary heart + Pricey, My Emotions + Perspective
I nonetheless have my points with Insurgent Coronary heart (it feels prefer it needs to be on Ok-pop Demon Hunters), but it surely sounds good in a stadium. Following that, all of the strolling to (and on) (and round) the stage was type of refreshing counter-programming to all of the night time’s extremely choreographed routines. Typically fierce stomping suffices.
7. KiiiKiii – I Do Me
This combine ought to have been the official model of the music. It’s not remarkably totally different, but it surely has a extra particular perspective and I just like the added digital parts – significantly the dance break.
6. Hearts2Hearts – Genie
Ah, Hearts2Hearts overlaying the type of music they need to have debuted with. Severely, SM, give them a music like this.
5. KickFlip – My First Love Music
So far as the brand new combine goes, I feel I respect what they had been attempting to do greater than the sound of the ultimate product, however this was an fascinating reinvention. Extra importantly, I assumed the efficiency itself was nice. I cherished the added dance break.
4. ZEROBASEONE – Satan Sport – Iconik
I don’t have a lot love for Iconik, however I ADORE Satan Sport and the dance transition between songs was superior.
3. NEXZ + TWS – Hit & Lalalala Dance Battle
Effectively, these two teams had an excellent night time they usually maximized their joint slay right here. This was fairly spectacular.
2. NEXZ – Beat-Boxer
This was superior! You all know I really like a rock remix, and THIS is easy methods to do a rock remix! A lot power for a music that may completely deal with it. I want a studio model.
1. TWS – Overdrive + Countdown
No fancy rearrangements right here, sadly. Simply two of the 12 months’s greatest songs carried out with reside vocals and a ton of power. Severely, I have to see extra folks on the web raving about how proficient this group is. So many Ok-pop acts really feel nearly constrained by their choreo and formations. TWS deliver issues to life in a method that’s not simply posing and posturing and shouting. A efficiency like that is merely a delight to look at – particularly in such a giant venue.
