TXT, IVE, NewJeans, Sunmi, And LE SSERAFIM Make NME's "The 50 Best Songs Of 2022" List

A number of Korean songs made it onto NME’s year-end list of “The 50 Best Songs of 2022”!

On December 5 local time, the British publication unveiled its annual roundup of its picks for the 50 best songs of the year, which spans many different genres.

TXT’s B-side “Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go,” which was produced by Beomgyu, made the list at No. 49. Derrick Tan wrote, “This bright, bouncy bop—performed by Tomorrow X Together’s synth-pop unit Soobin, Beomgyu, and Taehyun—uplifted spirits with its straightforward, feel-good melodies. The trio exuded positivity and optimism for the future following an emotional break-up, with Beomgyu’s ‘today’s hashtag: “Break up”/Then paste “glow up” next to it‘ line proving a stroke of genius.”

The next K-pop song on the list was LE SSERAFIM’s B-side “Impurities,” from their recent mini album “ANTIFRAGILE.” Derrick Tan noted, “LE SSERAFIM got their band name from an anagram of the phrase ‘I’m fearless’—so it’s not surprising that they understand that confidence can be drawn from all manner of places. On this cool, ethereal electro R&B song, co-written by member Huh Yunjin, they calmly declared that one’s flaws are actually glorious testaments to life.”

One spot up came Sunmi’s “Heart Burn” at No. 43, with Derrick Tan writing, “Sunmi’s best songs are undeniably the co-productions she’s made with frequent collaborator FRANTS (‘Narcissism,’ ‘Tail’). But the ex-Wonder Girl’s dreamy ‘Heart Burn’—reminiscent of ’70s Fleetwood Mac—ventured out of that comfort zone to rank among her best releases yet. Its flirty lyrics, delivered in her raspy vocal style, matched the growing blaze of a midsummer romance.”

IVE’s “LOVE DIVE” ranked No. 30, with Karen Gwee writing, “Looking back on K-pop in 2022, it’s been the year of rookie girl groups punching far above their weight. Case in point: IVE and their sophisticated seduction anthem ‘LOVE DIVE.’ This slice of alluring electro-pop reels you back in again and again, whether it’s to savour the confident, flirtatious lyrics and gorgeous backing melodies, or to pick up on all the sonic flourishes studding the production like diamonds in the rough.”

Finally, the highest-ranking K-pop song on this year’s list was NewJeans’ “Hype Boy,” which came in at No. 26. Rhian Daly wrote, “In a time where lots of pop groups feel like they’re chasing the same sounds, styles, and attitudes, K-pop rookies NewJeans’ debut provided a refreshing change of pace. ‘Hype Boy,’ their second release, was the jewel in their crown—its flashes of ’90s R&B melded with modern pop production an immediately addictive combination, and a chorus so cool and catchy you had no choice but to join the rising four-piece in longing for their ‘hype boy.'”

Congratulations to all the artists that made the list!

What were your favorite songs of 2022?

Watch NewJeans in their variety show “NewJeans Code in Busan” with English subtitles below!

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