Several K-pop tracks have earned a place on Rolling Stone‘s prestigious list of “Best Songs of 2023,” underscoring the genre’s growing influence on the global music scene.
Of particular significance is NewJeans‘ exceptional achievement as the sole K-pop group featured in both the “Best Albums of 2023” and “Best Songs of 2023” categories by Rolling Stone.
On December 1, the authoritative music media outlet unveiled its highly-anticipated list for “The 100 Best Songs of 2023.” For the first time, a total of nine K-pop releases were featured in the list.
Rolling Stone ranks the 100 best songs of 2023:
6. Super Shy, #NewJeans
47. Super, #SEVENTEEN
55. MOONLIGHT SUNRISE, #TWICE
58. Rainy Days, #V
67. FLOWER, #JISOO
75. Cupid, #FIFTYFIFTY
95. aespa, #Spicy
99. Seven (feat. Latto), #JUNGKOOK pic.twitter.com/9Xn5QfwBBk— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) December 1, 2023
NewJeans‘ pre-released track and title song, “Super Shy,“ from their 2nd mini-album Get Up, secured an impressive 6th position. Notably this marked the highest-ranking K-pop song on the list. According to Rolling Stone, the particular track was a “breakthrough” for the girl group. “The song is one of the purest pop thrills of the year, with a dreamy melody,” they added. “In true K-pop fashion, the accompanying music video is just as captivating.”
Prior to this ranking, NewJeans’ Get Up also secured the 33rd position in Rolling Stones “The 100 Best Album of 2023.”
Other K-pop songs that made it to Rolling Stone’s list
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN‘s “Super” claimed the 47th position. The title track from their 10th mini-album FML is the second-highest among K-pop songs. In their list, Rolling Stone praised the group’s inspiration drawn from Chinese mythological creature Sun Wukong. As well as using this as a metaphor for their impressive growth in their eight-year journey.
Next K-pop songs that made it to the list are TWICE’s pre-released English single “Moonlight Sunrise,” from their 12th mini-album Ready to Be, which secured the 55th spot.
Meanwhile, V of BTS earned the 58th position with his pre-released track “Rainy Days” from his first solo album Layover. With this, Min Hee-jin, the producer of NewJeans and CEO of Ador, is the only Korean producer with two songs on the chart. To note, she also helped produce V’s solo debut album.
Other K-pop songs on the list include BLACKPINK Jisoo’s solo debut song “Flower” at 67th spot and FIFTY FIFTY’s viral song “Cupid“ at the 75th spot. Also part of the roundup are XG at 77th with their title track “Left Right” from their third single Shooting Star.
Placing 95 and 99, respectively, are aespa’s “Spicy” and BTS Jungkook’s “Seven” feat. Latto.
How do you feel about this ranking? Should there be more K-pop songs included in the list?
Featured image: NewJeans poses for their 2024 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Twitter/NewJeans
