Following in their label-mates FTIsland‘s footsteps, CNBLUE were the second big idol band from FNC Entertainment. They perform in a somewhat lighter, pop and funk influenced style, and have enjoyed incredibly success in both Korea and Japan. And although their biggest digital hit to date, I’m A Loner, didn’t quite make it on my list, they have plenty of strong singles to choose from. So, which one’s the best?
10. Intuition (2011)
Adding a disco stomp to their soft rock style, Intuition seals the deal with its surging, multi-pronged chorus, coming across as a Korean equivalent of Maroon 5.
9. Lady (2013)
One of the group’s funkier moments, riding along a delicious bed of rhythm guitar and a glittery dance beat.
8. Puzzle (2016)
Going right for the pop jugular, Puzzle’s synth-drenched, 80’s inspired dance pop feels like CNBLUE at their most accessible.
7. Go Your Way (2014)
The band tackles stadium rock with this hands-in-the-air anthem. Go Your Way is straight-ahead rock music at its most rousing.
6. Love Girl (2011)
A shimmering, lighthearted blend of inventive guitar licks and sunny, sing-along melody, Love Girl endures as one of the group’s most potent pop moments.
5. You’re So Fine (2016)
A bouncy, springtime pop track that added warm brass and a mature, loungy feel to the group’s upbeat sound. (full review)
4. Cinderella (2015)
Borrowing the electronic elements from their Japanese output, Cinderella offers a disco-kissed punch of catchy refrains and swirling pop guitar.
3. Radio (2014)
Pushing further into electronic dance music than they ever had before, Radio anchors its experimental sound with a dynamite melody and commanding vocal performance.
2. Can’t Stop (2014)
Beginning as a ballad, Can’t Stop soon bursts into one of the group’s most addictively sing-along choruses, bringing with it a sense of 70’s-tinged euphoria.
1. I’m Sorry (2013)
Punching forward with full-fledged pop/rock intensity, I’m Sorry catapulted CNBLUE’s music to an edgier, more aggressive place, giving us the band’s stickiest hook in the process. It’s a brilliant melding of syncopated, dance funk beats and crunchy guitar riffs, capped it off with an indelible post-chorus refrain.
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Wow! I’m really impressed that you’ve heard of their Japan releases. Nice list! With that said, I’d always, always put “In my head” on top of my list: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbIjifrHjc8 and “Royal Rumble” and “feeling” as close 2nd-3rd. Just please, Tattoo (especially the powerful live version), Where you are, and Wake Up too.
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