Apologies for the click-bait title. I don’t often use them, but I really wanted to share this track and I wasn’t sure how to do it. I don’t write “Buried Treasures” for J-pop, nor do I feature a countdown dedicated to Japanese b-sides. So, I thought I’d attempt to catch everyone’s interest before writing about what’s probably my favorite song of the year so far.
I say “probably” because writing about pop music is often like comparing apples to oranges. That’s why I choose to separate countdowns into formats and regions in an attempt to have some kind of classification system.
At any rate, this spectacular song comes from the recently released album from Tokyo Gegegay — the first since that moniker essentially became a solo project for leader Mikey. The track is called Top Down, and it’s a total banger.
Here’s why I love it:
1. The Beat
This beat is seismic. Playing this at high volume in the car is an experience I highly recommend. And rather than rely on bass for its power, the track kicks right down the middle with incredible force. In this way, it’s very reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s early-90’s work, which just happens to be a sweet spot for me.
Better yet, this addictive groove keeps consistent throughout the entire song. I’m so sick of music with overly-fussy, ever-changing percussion that fills the space with tinny sounds. Top Down‘s instrumental is commanding and confident and the song allows itself to luxuriate in this vibe.
2. The Performance
I love Mikey’s vocals. They’re sinister and weird and gutsy. He attacks the groove with gusto, often snarling his way through the track. A downright otherworldly bridge is one of the song’s highlights, but I’m even more smitten with the impassioned ad-libs that come later. There’s such presence and personality in this performance. You’re not going to mistake him for anyone else.
3. The Continuity
So many pop songs these days feel like various segments forced together. Producers are forgetting the art of the segue. Top Down‘s pieces are distinct, but they flow together with such ease and panache. I adore the way the verses move into the pre-chorus, shifting rhythm but keeping the track’s core momentum in tact.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9.5 |
Grade: A
And as a bonus, here’s a video of Ryuhei from boy group BE:FIRST dancing with Mikey to the song:
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
THIS is COOL. And I love a great drag look. That tutu with the hard hat is iconic!
My favorite A-side is Onew’s Circle – so much vocal emotion and passion with a beautiful arrangement. My favorite B-side is Seventeen’s Dust – sweetly melancholy while being propulsive yet somehow delicate.
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I agree with Onew’s “Circle”, it is basically unskippable on my list.
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I thought the picture at the top was Miley for a good minute there!
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Wow, I really like this one. The “clickbait” headline is entirely justified.
My favorite K-pop song of the year so far? If I was a critic counting down the best K-pop songs of the year so far (J-pop’s a different matter), sitting at my #1 would be NewJeans’ Ditto. (Their 3 singles from the new EP would also rank high.) Best song, best music video.
In 2022, the big stories for me were the return of peak-era Sweetune in the form of 2 singles by RoaD-B, OnlyOneOf’s solo series, and the debuts of NewJeans, IVE, Fifty Fifty, & Le Sserafim.
What in 2023 compares to those big moments from the previous year? Nothing, as far as I’m concerned, except for NewJeans’ 2 releases. The other 2022 rookies put out lesser material then their previous work. (I know others don’t agree – Cupid was huge for 50/50, everyone but me went wild for IVE’s singles, and Le Sserafim’s EVE was a slight course-correction after the terrible Unforgiven – although I still don’t get the thinking of their new “album.”) But there’s been no letdown in what NewJeans has put out; it’s an exciting time to chart their growth and vision. They’re the big story for me of 2023 so far.
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My favorite songs of this year would have to be IVE’s I am and Shinee’s The Feeling. Lately I’ve been playing Perfume and Move quite a bit. Funny how they’re also songs from units of their respective groups.
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my favorite song of the year so far is undoubtedly I AM by IVE. if I had to choose a boy group song, it’d be In Bloom by ZEROBASEONE. it really gets better with every listen
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The click-bait😂…it’s your blog, you can do whatever you want. Nice song!
I swear I’m not an NCTzen but my two favorites Kpop songs so far have been “Perfume” by DoJaeJung unit, and “Broken Melodies” by NCT Dream.
Honorable mention: “Fix You” by TAN.
On the ladies’ side, “Iam” by IVE.
On the soloists’ side, “Bad Revenge” by From20.
Unrelated: About INFINITE’s comeback, I listened to the highlight medley and I felt the need to rein in my expectations.🤞🏻 Really, really, really looking forward to NINE.i’s album though!
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my favorite song of 2023 currently is undoubtedly loreen’s tattoo, its just such an immense song to me
for kpop, ive’s i am and u-kiss’s the wonderful escape
for jpop, mrs green apple’s magic
also, to bring some positivity in after hearing xikers’ k**ng, i want to share some good news. shinjiro atae came out at his fanmeeting yesterday
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omg its not koong??
all jokes aside, my favourite releases have got to be onew’s circle, key’s killer, shinee’s the feeling (guess which group is my ult), ive’s i am, and chaeyeon’s knock.
really excited for infinite tho!
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Shocker of the year, right? 😆
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wow! That was such a fun song! First time listening to this artist – Besides the catchy beat and music – I really enjoyed his voice. The gruff raw voice really adds to the snappy vibe!
My fave kpop songs so far this year – well I don’t have that THIS ONE IS KING vibe that instantly so far. Maybe picking the closest to the top contenders – Ive I Am for gg and Vienx On My Way for bg.
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VI’ENX are super!
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Oooh, I liked Break the Romance, but I LOVE this!
I’ve gotta say, ever since you featured Don’t Blow It! by Moonchild I’ve been playing it nonstop. I don’t like the bridge at all, but the chorus is enormous enough to make up for it, for me anyway – the brassy, slinky sax underpinning it (as well as the verses, which I love!) with big bold vocals over it, and a catchy melody, even if it’s not the most innovative or exciting one. I was humming it after one listen, and when I went back to listen to it while writing this I ended up playing it another four times haha.
I’ve also really enjoyed Coming Dawn (that guitar!), Embers, and Bright Side by Oddlore; on the k-pop side Shinee’s The Feeling is a standout that had me misty eyed on the first play, and I love Twice’s Set Me Free – something about it reminds me of a second gen song I would have listened to nonstop in 2012.
Also, thank you for featuring so much Finnish pop on your blog, because so much of it is truly killer 👌
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My favorite this year? I’ll have to check my list, its quite extensive.
Right now I’m tentatively having
Broken Melodies – NCT Dream
Fireworks – &Team
Tied as favorite so far. Which is odd as I like neither groups nor any of their other songs at all. Also makes me introspective as my top 50 has and high rankers contain a lot of male/ bgs despite having preference to girl groups. Guess boy group music is just better produced at the end of the day?
Album goes to Ateez – Outlaw this year and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. I felt exhausted listening to the entire thing and you know what? I like that compared to “easy to listen” groups.
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Contenders so far for Song of the Year for me are:
NCT Dream: Broken Melodies (what is it about this song? It’s the sort of song that makes me stop what I’m doing and just listen and feel)
Woodz: Drowning
Xdinary Heroes: Dear H
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I also want to give a shout-out to Superkind’s newest song Moody.
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I love that song!! ❤ It’s been around for a few months and I’ve loved it from first listen! Happy that they are finally able to get some show performances 😀
It’s probably one of my top 10 songs of the year!
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Man oh man how to do a growly baritone.
And somehow it is available on US iTunes.
Nick, I have accept your dare to play in the car nice and loud, which I shall try forthwith.
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My favorite song is IVE’s Cherish. It’s so good!
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Love it! The clickbait title was worth it lol. Since you don’t have a category for songs like this and in honor of this first title, maybe a new category for Clickbait Worth Songs? 😹
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btw is the rest of the album good? if so, then i’ll listen to it from start to finish!
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The second half is too slow for me, but it’s a long album so you can easily cobble together a killer 11-song project. Here’s my preferred track list, and it’s awesome:
1. G120 (works well as an intro)
2. Break The Romance
3. Top Down
4. Minikui Cinderella
5. Ero
6. Outsider
7. DANCE@HERO
8. Kamomega Tonda Hi
9. Goose Bumps!
10. Unfinished Puzzle
11. Hello, My Friend
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My favorites so far:
NMIXX Rollercoaster
Billlie Eunoia
Itzy Bet on Me
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Also millennium parade & Ringo Sheena Work
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My favourite song this year is… dun-dun-dun! IVE’s I AM! woohoo (honestly embarrassing because I saw many people not liking the song because of the chorus BUT it was the thing that drew me in)
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I’m so glad you wrote about this song! It’s fantastic!
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To early to narrow it down
So far AESPA / Thirsty
NEWJEANS / SUPERSHY
I like all of the IVE’s singles (Japan/ Pepsi included!) but not top tier to me
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I find the absolute best song of this year is Purple Kiss’ Sweet Juice, it’s slight? lesbian undertones and the whole concept, I just love that song.
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