SS501 was DSP Media’s juggernaut boy group in the mid to late 00’s. Along with groups like TVXQ, Shinhwa, Super Junior and Bigbang, they’re responsible for writing the template of modern k-pop, but unlike those other groups, I feel like they don’t often get as much recognition as they deserve. Leaving behind a stellar kpop discography, SS501 released their last single as a group in 2010. Since then, members have gone on to solo careers and sub-unit Double S 301 promises to come back next week for their eleventh anniversary. That makes it the perfect time to look back at their ten best title tracks!

10. Snow Prince (2005)

A classically cheesy boyband pastiche, complete with swelling chorus and chintzy dance-pop beat. But none of this is a bad thing!

9. U R Man (2009)

U R Man presented a newly matured sound, highlighted by its layered chorus and repeating, ever-heightened key changes.

8. Coward (2007)

Taking cues from the 90’s club sound, Coward surges forward with an incessantly chirpy beat and glossy, irresistible hook.

7. Fighter (2006)

Flirting with a harder-edged, rock-influenced sound for the first time, Fighter‘s big, theatrical chorus set the stage for greater things to come.

6. Love Like This (2009)

Free from any gimmicks besides its stop-start structure, Love Like This is so successful because of its focus on straightforward pop melody and a surging, singalong chorus.

5. Unlock (2006)

The most successful of the group’s rock-inspired productions, Unlock chugs forward with a crunchy hook and powerful, guitar-driven beat.

4. A Song Calling For You (2008)

Taking a cuter, more personality-driven approach resulted in one of their catchiest singles. That sea-saw post-chorus refrain is maddeningly addictive.

3. Love Ya (2010)

Building on U R Man‘s lush, layered sound, Love Ya went one step better with its sleek, sexy hook and orchestral flourishes.

2. Deja Vu (2008)

Deja Vu‘s stuttering verses perfectly set up what is the group’s most dramatic chorus. The layered vocals give the song an operatic punch that contrasts perfectly with the harder edge percussion that fuels the track.

1. 4 Chance (2006)

With its slinky, sinuous beat and Michael Jackson inspired chorus, 4 Chance stands as the pinnacle of SS501’s singles run. Start to finish, it’s the funkiest piece of music they’ve put their names to. It’s also a song that holds up incredibly well ten years later, due to its crisp, perfectly realized production and bevy of well-placed hooks.

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