In a blinding flash, 2023 already feels long gone. Left in its wake are the seventy groups debuted, seemingly countless comebacks and no shortage of moments that left K-pop fans’ jaws on the floor. It was truly an unforgettable year, reflected best by the sheer quality of title tracks released.

From fun choreography and inspiring lyrics to insane vocals and snappy production, this was an insanely good year for K-pop and some very painful cuts were made. Here are my picks for the ten best K-pop title tracks of 2023.

10. “Bite Me” Enhypen

After mostly toning down their vampiric concept for recent comebacks, Enhypen brought it back full force on their sixth EP Dark Blood. Released May 22, 2023, the group kicks off the title track “Bite Me” with a hypnotizing harmony before diving headfirst into an utterly addictive beat. The bass blasts during the pre-chorus as Niki, Jay and Sunghoon take turns all but commanding you to “come here and get some.” It’s both unexpectedly and enticing, as if nothing good will come of getting involved with them, but it’s too tempting to resist. The only thing this song is missing is a real ending, fading out awkwardly after the second chorus without capping off any of its themes. Regardless, “Bite Me” is a marvelous return to form you can’t help but sink your teeth into.

9. “Performer” Vanner

Fresh off their Peak Time win, Vanner returned strong with the Veni Vidi Vici album on August 21, 2023. Its lead single “Performer” almost feels retro, from the whistles in the beat to the “na na nas” in the chorus. The production is so bright it borders on bubble gum, a breath of fresh air in a year full of bass-heavy bangers while being utterly danceable in its own right. All five members glow with post-victory confidence, but rapper Sungkook (formerly Ahxian) particularly stands out with his low voice and high-energy bars. “Performer” is as much a celebration of how far Vanner has come as it is how far they still have to go, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

8. “seOul drift” OnlyOneOf

OnlyOneOf aren’t strangers to bold choices and strong statements, so “seOul drift” was just the latest example when it dropped March 2, 2023. They set the mood with squealing tires and exhaust fumes baked right into the track, only to drop in an oil-slick bass line and a buzzy synth line. Every member has a chance to strut their stuff as rappers, but I’m always a sucker for a good call and response moment. To my delight, rapper Mill and vocalist KB deliver with effortless confidence. Really, the entire song is an exercise in fearlessly going after what they want without concern for limits and this song makes you feel like you’re right next to them in their passenger seat.

7. “Do or Die” xikers

With the help of producers EDEN, Maddox, Ollounder, Peperoni and even labelmate Kim Hongjoong (ATEEZ), Xikers crafted a deliberately messy banger with a relentless bass line and fuzzy guitar. There’s no reason why a song by a K-pop boy group should have this much riot grrrl energy, yet this insanely talented group of young men somehow pull it off. It’s not a purely punk track, using vocal distortion and hip hop production elements, but it doesn’t need to be to perfectly illustrate the rookie group’s youthful energy and rebellious spirit. It’s a carefully crafted rebellion, due to its sleek production and the very nature of K-pop as a genre, but the members’ performances still manage to make “Do or Die” feel authentic.

6. “Unforgiven” LE SSERAFIM & Nile Rogers

The moment it was announced LE SSERAFIM’s May 1, 2023 comeback would be co-produced by legendary producer Nile Rogers, I knew it was going to be something special. These girls certainly did not disappoint, releasing a call for solidarity with anyone who refuses to conform to anybody’s standards but their own. LE SSERAFIM somehow pulls off an “I’m not like other girls” concept in the least toxic way possible, inviting anyone and everyone to “come and cross the line” with them. Each of the girls contribute their own unique charms and powerful vocals against a twanging, almost rubbery baseline and perfectly-mixed trap snares. They may not be “forgiven,” but they don’t let something that trivial stand in their way.

5. “쉿 (Shhh)” Kiss of Life

Rookie girl group Kiss of Life burst through the gate with their debut track “쉿 (Shhh).” Released on July 5, 2023, the girls traverse a genre-blending celebration of individuality with jaw-dropping vocals and flawless harmonies, while lyrics like “you are you no matter what anyone says” and “take off the clothes that don’t fit/and throw them away” drive the message of staying true to oneself home. The production is almost reminiscent of The Neptunes, from the tongue clicks of the spare chorus to the jubilant horn line. Throughout “Shhh,” Kiss of Life are feeling themselves without any care for what anyone might say about them. Despite being so new to the scene, these girls have already proved themselves as consummate performers to keep an eye on.

4. “Break the Brake” Xdinary Heroes

Xdinary Heroes don’t just want “some more,” nobody is going to stop them from getting it. Following up “Freakin’ Bad” from their April 2023 comeback, “Break the Brake” shoved right past it upon its October 11, 2023 release. The synth itself seems to bounce with anticipation over pulse-pounding drums as Od.e and Jungsu pull the listener in before Gaon pushes them off the ledge with a single “alright, I’m ready/go, go, go.” The song never slows down from there, held aloft with the band’s electric chemistry and unrepentant ambition. Lead guitarist Junhan steals the show right at the end with a squealing, rapid-fire guitar solo without breaking a sweat. It’s easily their most aggressive track to date, they seem beyond comfortable in this lane.

3. “Bouncy (K-Hot Chili Peppers)” ATEEZ

In my opinion, ATEEZ’s music peaked in 2022 and everything else has been a well-deserved victory lap. One such example was the delicious ear worm “Bouncy (K-Hot Chili Peppers),” a braggadocious banger that has more fun than any single person in any room. They know they’re on top and are beyond comfortable there, best shown with lines like “nothing stands in our way/try to stop us” and “if you wanna know how let me show you right now.” Every member bleeds confidence all over the track, with Wooyoung and Yeosang being consistent standouts. Topped off with a club-ready beat, glass-shattering high notes from Jongho and white-hot bars from Mingi, Hongjoong and vocalist Seonghwa, this song practically has steam rising from it with every play.

2. ” 퀸카 (Queencard)” (G)-IDLE

On their sixth EP I Feel, released on May 15, 2023, (G)-IDLE delivered a flawlessly crafted K-pop bimbo anthem. As sassy at it is catchy, “Queencard” is the perfect song to blast when you just want to feel hot and confident with your besties. With lines like “my boob and booty’s hot” and “I’m twerkin’ on the runway,” leader and lead rapper Soyeon produced a delightfully vapid celebration of shameless vanity and self-love no matter how you look. There’s no doubt these girls are taking selfies when the camera shutter clicks during the pre-chorus, and why shouldn’t they? As Sophia Gomez pointed out for Clash, the song’s title “퀸카 (queen-kah)” is Korean slang for “popular” and they know that’s exactly what they are.

1. “Hard” SHINee

How does one put SHINee into words? The K-pop legends have been traversing nearly every genre with the same amount of talent, passion and that unnamable It Factor since their 2008 debut. As such, when their first comeback since 2021’s Don’t Call Me dropped, the world stopped to listen. Shawols and multi-fans alike were treated to a hip-hop-heavy track with unshakeable swagger and confidence, as well as the sluttiest anti-drop of the year. Minho and Key rap like you (yes, you) personally offended them, while Onew and Taemin deliver soaring vocals with inimitable charisma. No matter how many genres SHINee has dabbled in, the “Princes of K-pop” have kept one thing consistent: they were, are and always will be The Standard for the scene.

What favorites of yours made the cut and which ones didn’t? Check out the full playlist below!