Recently, the famous American magazine specializing in music and popular culture - Rolling Stone - voted for the list of Top 100 best songs of 2024 by artists around the world.
Of these, four songs by K-pop artists and groups made the list, including “APT.” by Rose (Blackpink) featuring Bruno Mars at number 21, “How Sweet” by girl group NewJeans at number 35, “New Woman” by Lisa (Blackpink) featuring Rosalia at number 70, and “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” by boy group ENHYPEN at number 97.
Rolling Stone explains how “APT.” came to be and became a hit: “One night in the studio, Blackpink singer Rose taught her group how to play APT — a Korean drinking game — and it seemed like a pretty fun time.
She correctly reasoned that the game's associated mantra - the word “apateu” - might make a catchy melody for the new song.
And so this addictive hit was born, in which Rose's labelmate Bruno Mars drops in some soulful yearning, while a sweet punk-pop beat keeps things moving at breakneck speed.”
For NewJeans, Rolling Stone reviews: “Since their 2022 debut, NewJeans has brought sounds and genres not commonly seen in K-pop to the forefront.
“How Sweet” is no exception, with its contrasting high-energy electro-pop beats and clear, resonant vocals.
Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein's vocals shine as they sing the line "Cause me and you are different/So I won't stay, I'm leaving," turning lyrics about escaping a bad situation into something that feels liberating and joyful.
“How Sweet” continues to be an experimental, fresh and unique musical release from NewJeans”.
Meanwhile, Lisa and Rosalia’s “New Woman” is described as “a late-90s teen pop explosion with a Swedish groove that couldn’t be more perfect.” In the song, “both global stars showcase their respective sides of the spectrum.”
