IU's 'Lilac,' aespa's 'Next Level' and More Listed in NME's Best K-Pop Songs of 2021

By Robyn Joan Dec 21, 2021

Ranging from songs by solo artists like IU and D.O, to songs by groups like aespa and ENHYPEN, British media outlet NME lists down 25 of the songs they consider as the best K-Pop songs 2021!

Keep on reading to know whose songs made it on the list.

IU's 'Lilac' Named as the Best K-Pop Song of 2021 by NME

Snagging the top spot as the No. 1 best K-Pop song of 2021 according to NME is IU's "Lilac," which headlined her first album in over four years and overall fifth studio album of the same name, and was released back in March of this year.

"Lilac" is described by NME as a song that felt more intimate and knowing than the rest of IU's previous releases. Coupled with nostalgic sounds for an upbeat pop track, NME praises IU for making "breaking up with your young self sound so sweet and poetic" with "Lilac."

(Photo : Instagram: @dlwlrma)

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In addition, NME also points out that the best part of "Lilac" is IU's "dreamy ad-libs" and whenever the horns kick in.

Meanwhile, "Lilac" won a total of eight trophies at weekly music shows, and had topped Gaon's Digital Chart at No. 1 upon its release, as well as peaked at No. 11 on the World Digital Song Sales chart over at Billboard.

aespa's 'Next Level' Named as the Second Best K-Pop Song of 2021 by NME

Following behind IU is SM Entertainment's rookie girl group, aespa! NME has named the four-member group's hit digital single, "Next Level," as the second best K-Pop song released just this year.

According to NME, while some may get confused when they first listen to "Next Level" due to its unique song structure and several mid-track tempo changes, the May 2021 release gives listeners a feeling of thrill with its electro bassline and the powerful vocals of the four members: Giselle, Ningning, Karina, and Winter.

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(Photo : Twitter: @aespa_official)

However, when it comes to the best part of the song, it would definitely have to be its choreography. "You can't even say the phrase 'next level' without stomping your body into position on instinct," NME said.

Over on the charts, "Next Level" peaked at No. 2 on Gaon's Digital Chart, and at No. 3 and No. 65 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart and Global 200 chart, respectively.