Paula, Author at K-POP LIFE • Page 4 of 4

EXO: The Essential Playlist

As one of third-generation K-Pop’s top groups, EXO boasts of an impressive discography—from sweet ballads to aggressive dance tracks—that will never be boring. Are you ready to dive into their universe? Here are 10 songs that are well-loved by EXO-Ls that even casual K-Pop fans can truly enjoy.

Top 10 EXO songs

1. Growl (2013)

Growl is EXO’s representative song—and is essential in any EXO playlist. This dance track won many year-end awards, including the Disk Daesang at the 2013 Golden Disk Awards and Song of the Year at the MelOn Music Awards.

2. Miracles in December (2013)

This ballad song is from the group’s second EP of the same name. The Korean version features main vocalists Baekhyun, Chen, and D.O. The track has a beautiful, flawless melody, accompanied by smooth vocals on piano and strings.

3. Overdose (2014)

Overdose is that strong, loud, and fast dance number that cannot be left out of your EXO playlist. This song is perfect for going all out on your last five minutes on the treadmill. Also, this is EXO’s last release as a 12-member group.

4. Call Me Baby (2015)

Exo’s got dance tracks down to a fine art. Call Me Baby, the lead single from the album Exodus, is a fun, charismatic, energetic, and addictive tune that only gets better with every listen.

5. Love Me Right (2015)

Love Me Right is equal parts funky, sweet, and smooth. This gem from 2015 is a well-produced single with catchy lyrics that showcase each of the members’ vocal colors.

6. Monster (2016)

Monster is one of two lead singles off the EX’ACT album. Its heavy, intense sound is accompanied by powerful choreography that is a delight both for your ears and eyes. It was also a big hit both in Korea and internationally and was even named one of the best K-Pop songs of 2016.

7. Ko Ko Bop (2017)

With its chill, reggae-inspired sound, Ko Ko Bop is the group’s signature summer track. It’s the perfect song to listen to on a road trip or a beach outing with friends. Plus, Ko Ko Bop was so popular in 2017, it inspired a viral dance challenge.

8. Tempo (2018)

Tempo is the lead single in the group’s Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (DMUMT) album. It’s a dynamic track that can hype you up even on a gloomy day. And that a capella bridge…*chef’s kiss*

9. Love Shot (2018)

Love Shot will make you attempt to copy Kai’s body rolls. But more than that, it’s a slick dance track with just the right amount of sexiness. This is also EXO’s first music video to hit 400 million views on YouTube.

10. Don’t Fight the Feeling (2021)

The group might be on hiatus at the moment as most members are currently enlisted in the military, but they haven’t forgotten EXO-Ls. This special album—the first to feature Lay since 2018’s DMUMT—is a gift from the boys to all fans. Don’t Fight the Feeling is a cheerful and exciting song that will remind you why EXO is one of the best K-Pop acts around.

EXO Songs – Honorable Mentions

Lucky One (2016)

Lucky One is the other lead single from the group’s third studio album EX’ACT. It’s a great, energetic pop song that will automatically make you move to the beat.

Artificial Love (2016)

EXO has tons of B-sides that deserve equal billing on every fan’s playlist, and Artificial Love is one of those tracks. The hard-hitting beats can get you up off the couch and busting out your club moves in no time.

Power (2017)

Want a shot of confidence to help you through the day? Put on this song for an instant energy boost! Fun fact: EXO performed this upbeat track at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. It was also featured at the Dubai Fountain Show.

Gravity (2018)

This song is a B-side from Don’t Mess Up My Tempo that would’ve done well in promotions. The sound has a retro electro-pop feel that, coupled with the group’s vocals, you won’t get tired of hearing.

Celebrating 15 Years of Super Junior: The Essential Playlist

Super Junior has been on the K-Pop scene for 15 years. Since their debut, they’ve tried everything from energetic dance tracks to melodic ballads to Latin-infused sounds. To celebrate 15 years of Super Junior, here are 15 of their songs that deserve a permanent spot on your playlist.

15 must-listen songs from Super Junior

1. Twins (2005)

The boys came out swinging on November 6, 2005 with Twins (Knockout). The song’s got everything a K-pop record should have—powerful vocals, signature rap, robust choreography, and a fiery (literally) music video. Fun fact: fans know Twins as Super Junior’s debut single, but not many know that this is a cover of British boy band Triple 8’s song Knockout.

2. U (2006)

Go on a nostalgic early 2000s sound trip with SuJu’s classic pop offering. The track is their first as a permanent group, after maknae Kyuhyun joined in 2006. It is also the song that gave the boys their first music show win.

3. Sorry Sorry (2009)

No doubt about it, this is THE Super Junior song. Even non-K-Pop fans have at least heard of this 2009 mega hit. The repetitive, chant-like chorus gets stuck in your head without being annoying, while the choreography continues to inspire numerous dance covers from rookie idols to regular people.

4. It’s You (2009)

Super Junior isn’t only known for their energetic dance tunes—they also have beautiful mellow numbers as well. One of those songs is the soft dance track It’s You. It’s a lovely song, one where all 13 members got the chance to showcase their vocals.

5. Bonamana (2010)

This track is the lead single off the group’s fourth studio album, and follows the funky, upbeat, electronic pop style of Sorry Sorry. It was the group’s fastest song to win first place in a music chart show (KBS Music Bank), and went on to stay on the top spot for three consecutive weeks.

6. Mr. Simple (2011)

Mr. Simple follows the trademark “SJ Funky” sound—dynamic, in-your-face, and unique. It still feels fresh even 10 years after its release. This is also the first Super Junior music video to reach 200 million views on YouTube.

7. This is Love (2014)

Super Junior’s shift to a more mature sound is captured in this pop-jazz ditty. This is Love feels like a serenade to E.L.F.—which is why the song needs to be included in every fan’s SuJu playlist.

8. Evanesce (2014)

You can truly feel the song’s message of love lost in this emotional track. It also highlights the guys’ vocals. Plus, Eunhyuk’s dance segment in the music video is equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking.

9. Devil (2015)

Devil is part of Super Junior’s special 10^th anniversary album. It is the laid-back sibling of Sorry Sorry, with a similar catchy and cheeky hook, but layered with smooth vocals.

10. One More Chance (2017)

Written and composed by Donghae, One More Chance is a sentimental pop-rock ballad from Super Junior’s eighth studio album Play. It’s a great song to listen to on cool rainy evenings.

11. Black Suit (2017)

After a two-year hiatus, SuJu returned with Black Suit. It’s a great comeback song—it’s a dynamic, playful pop dance track that showcases the group’s crazy, fun-loving personality.

12. One More Time (2018)

Super Junior x Latin pop? Yes, please! The group collaborated with Mexican pop-rock band Reik for an appealing, classic Latin-infused sound. The release also marked eternal maknae Ryeowook’s return from military service.

13. I Think I (2019)

I Think I is one of the pre-release singles from the group’s ninth studio album, Time_Slip. This song—the whole album—is special as this is the first since all the members completed their mandatory military service. The track is a fusion of Latin pop and R&B, built for easy listening on a chill afternoon.

14. Burn the Floor (2021)

Burn the Floor is a pre-release single that could have worked well as a title track. The song fits the concept of their most recent album Renaissance, with orchestral sounds for its opening, and verses that bring out the guys’ vocals. Plus, the music video is stunning—a great reminder that the men of Super Junior are amazing performers.

15. House Party (2021)
Yes, people still need to mask up and practice physical distancing! With House Party’s catchy and relevant lyrics, the K-Pop legends remind all of us to continue following health protocols. This song even earned the approval of the World Health Organization’s Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.