It's tradition for the Bandwagon team to get together (digitally since we all come from different parts of the region) to run through the songs that made the year what it is. The group chat gets a bit chaotic, but that's what makes it fun.

This year, we saw releases from our favourite artists and discovered acts that would later be at the top of our Spotify Wrapped, Apple Music Replay, or YouTube Music Recap lists. You'll never really know what would end up getting stuck in your head. It could be the opening theme of that anime series, that song they always play at the convenience store downstairs, or even that massive hit that brought an indie band to the top of the charts. Whatever the mood or feel, it's always great to be surprised with music.

Here are the songs that soundtracked the Bandwagon team's 2023.

'Raining in Manila' - Lola Amour

At this time of writing, it's still 'Raining In Manila.' Perhaps this is why the song has been Lola Amour's biggest hit so far. While weather systems and a whole lot of luck probably played a huge part in the success of this song, we can't discount the work and artistry that went into what could be the band's best song yet. In the era of 2-minute TikTok hits, Lola Amour's chart-topping single takes you across a five-minute musical journey, complete with not one, but two instrumental breaks. A song more than just about torrential rain, 'Raining In Manila' overflows with a relatable sentiment – missing your friends and loved ones who left the country to start new lives elsewhere – resonating with millions of Filipinos at home and overseas. Hearing it live with dozens of OFWs felt like a full-circle moment for the song and the band as they played it for the first time for some of their family members based in Singapore. 

In an interview with Bandwagon, vocalist Pio Dumayas shares how "the topic of the song is something deeply personal to me because a lot of my friends left the country so I felt like only they understood what I was feeling. I didn’t realize that a lot of people also experienced something similar so I’m really proud of the fact that people can seek comfort in the song".

A certified new classic, the song has become bigger than the band itself, with millions of streams, soundtracking thousands of IG reels and TikTok videos, inspiring dozens of covers (including the ridiculously good parody 'Waiting Here Sa Pila' by Michael V and GOT7 BamBam's sultry version), and taking Lola Amour across sold-out shows in the Philippines and beyond. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Tapestry' - Snow Man

Though more famously known as a dance group, Snow Man is not one to shy away from vocal-heavy and emotive tracks, and in ‘Tapestry’ they let those vocals shine. Featuring a mix of classical Japanese and pop ballad tunes, the song’s richly layered instrumentals are juxtaposed with lines that are sung by each member solo, creating a deeply textured melody that’s a journey in itself. 

As a side note, I wish the music video had captured the essence of the song more; nonetheless, the dance is spectacular with a boldly feminine and solemn flair that perfectly flows with the feelings the music invokes. It’s the type of undertaking I’ve come to look forward to a lot from Snow Man (2021’s ‘Secret Touch’ quickly comes to mind here), and I hope we get to hear and see more of it again soon.  - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

'アイドル (Idol)' - YOASOBI

Unless you have somehow managed to stay off social media for the entire year, you would have heard YOASOBI’s ‘アイドル (Idol)’ (more than once) by now. Since its release in April, the upbeat J-pop number has spawned a plethora of TikTok dance covers from both music fans and artists, including ATARASHII GAKKO!, ENHYPEN, Stray Kids, LE SSERAFIM, TWICE, and aespa. 

Despite its immense popularity with the social media community, the term “viral hit” does not seem like the right one to use when talking about the track. You see, what YOASOBI have created is no mere catchy tune that you will dance to for a month and forget about after that. Instead, it is an ingeniously put-together piece of art from a duo who are clearly in love with their craft. 

In the production department, Vocaloid producer Ayase skillfully inserts trap, pop, and electronic sounds, and even choral vocals, into ‘アイドル (Idol)’. The final product is something to behold, but it is equally fascinating to listen to the track repeatedly to observe Ayase bringing his creation to life like a painter putting precise brush strokes on a canvas. Then there’s singer-songwriter Ikura, who is, as always, a reliable presence in the vocal department. Flaunting her vocal range, she alternates between bright line deliveries to rapping in a lower register without so much as breaking a sweat. Equally impressive is Ikura’s breath control, which stands out in a song so fast that gives those of us listening barely enough time to breathe. 

I had already fallen in love with ‘アイドル (Idol)’ before learning the meaning behind its lyrics, so the number’s commentary on idol culture came as a huge bonus to me. If you have not had the chance to closely examine the track’s lyrics, you should do so (the song has also been remade in English, should you wish to check out that version). In a time when catchy melodies and beats are prioritised over thoughtful lyrics, it’s a delight to see YOASOBI delivering both in equal doses. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

‘파이팅 해야지’ (Fighting) - BSS 부석순 (SEVENTEEN) feat. Lee Young Ji 이영지

2018’s ‘거침없이’ (Just Do It) had been such a CARAT favourite, that when news came out that SEVENTEEN’s resident comedic trio, Boo Seungkwan 부승관, Lee Seokmin 이석민 (DK) and Kwon Soonyoung 권순영 (Hoshi), would follow it up with a whole single album, Second Wind, the whole of CARAT Land was elated. Its title track, ‘파이팅 해야지’ (Fighting) exceeded expectations, too – becoming a true anthem of the year and even picking up some Daesangs along the way.

‘Fighting’, without pretence, is precisely doing the work it was meant to do, as the title and chorus suggest. Apparently because “We’re all earphone-wearing zombies / Everybody needs a boost up pumpin’” (우린 다 이어폰 꽂은 Zombie / 필요해 모두 다 텐션 Up pumpin’). At the same time, however, it’s no run-of-the-mill, corny-*ss motivational song. It dials up the camp (the corporate drone and Formula 1 cosplay in the music video, for instance) and is characteristically unserious, as you would expect from the one and only BooSeokSoon. Not to mention the stellar Lee Young Ji 이영지 with her impeccable bars. It’s unforgettable.

Listening to ‘Fighting’, no matter the time of day, is pure serotonin. But seeing BSS perform it live is also a religious experience, too. Being among a crowd of thousands and seeing even idols and K-Drama stars thoroughly getting a kick out of this anthem at AAA 2023 was a core memory for me, and that short but impactful set only proved that they’ll always live up to their promise: to be “everyone’s BooSeokSoon” (여러분의 부석순). - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'You'll Be Safe Here' - Rico Blanco

When Rico released his teaser for ‘You’ll Be Safe Here’ (Rico’s Version), I knew we were in for something special. Revisited 20 years later, the track is given a fuller mix with a matured voice and more vibrato than before. It’s warmer, like a touch of sunlight on your cheek in the December cold or a comforting embrace that holds you safe through the night. 

I’m not gonna lie—when I think of Rivermaya, this is the song that comes to mind. It’s one of the songs I look forward to when I catch a Rico show, and finally having it on streaming platforms is huge. Any Rivermaya fan would tell you they’d been waiting for it to come out officially online. The sentiment remains—it was worth the wait. - Kara Bodegon-Hikino, Writer

'Anything You Want' - Reality Club

I fell in love with Reality Club’s ‘Anything You Want’ at first listen. From the initial strum of the guitar, I found myself transported to a realm of head-over-heels romance in the eyes of vocalist Fathia Izzati. A love ballad in the modern age, she professes her genuine and undying love for a significant other, which also signals to me that it’s safe to feel vulnerable in this rose-tinted bubble she created. The track starts slow and mellow with a consistent tempo of the drums and guitar before rising to a crescendo of violins backed by Fathia’s storytelling of how she wastes the night talking about “the important and the mundane” with her partner. 

Like most songs, what struck out the most is the chorus where Fathia maintains a lengthy note as she belts “The same song on repeat / You can call me anything you want / It’s fine by me / Number two out of three / He says that it’s his favourite / And I can’t disagree”. By her way of delivery, it’s clear to me how much affection she bears towards her love interest. 

Each time I listen to this tender tune, the weight of her words dawn on me and wraps around me like a long, snuggly hug, telling me it’s okay to feel and come to terms with what I truly want. And what I want, is to play this same song on repeat. - Adlina Adam, Writer

'the grudge' - Olivia Rodrigo

GUTS offered a lot of strong, ballsy singles, all of which I totally enjoyed. But it was Olivia Rodrigo's ‘the grudge’ that I had on repeat for days on end. Tenderly poignant, the song provides a beautiful contrast to the rest of the album, a nice break after the self-deprecating ‘love is embarrassing’ (which I listened to a lot, too). 

‘the grudge’ marries a simple melody with vivid storytelling. It has lyrics that haunt you, evoking certain memories: we probably have our own versions of that Friday in May. And those arguments we imagined in our heads. And the things we tried, we tried, we tried to let go for so long.

When Olivia sang It takes strength to forgive, but I don't feel strong, I just knew. Despite being one of the "softer" songs, ‘the grudge’ is arguably the rawest and most honest track from the album. - Maddie Castillo, Contributing Writer

'Drowning' - WOODZ

In an album filled with stand-out tracks, ‘Drowning’ was the one that stood out the most to me. An alternative rock song filled with solid basslines and a melancholic melody building up to an explosive climax that lasts throughout, it evokes feelings that are heavily poignant but neither desperate nor desolate. I’m so pleased WOODZ has chosen songs that allow him to maximise performing with a band, I’m quite in love with his, and this one in particular seriously showcases their power as a unit, amplifying his power as an artist and the emotional depth of his music. 

WOODZ’s vocal control has always been impressive, but here it reaches an unexpected level that, quite aptly, leaves you breathless. ‘Drowning’ is a breakup song, the lyrics make that clear, but somehow it’s arrangement and the way he sings it seem to dig even deeper than grieving a relationship or another person. It’s hard to succinctly describe, but something about it definitely feels like catharsis. And sometimes that catharsis comes from screaming your lungs out, sometimes it's in admitting that you're struggling with nearly nothing left; this does both, and every listen leaves you wondering how a song about drowning could make you feel so alive. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

‘花’ (Flower) - Fujii Kaze 藤井 風

Sometime last year, Fujii Kaze put up on the ‘gram – for posterity – snaps of him working together with producers A.G. Cook, BloodPop, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Nolan Lambroza. In October, the Japanese singer-songwriter returned with ‘花’ (Flower) [はな・hana], the theme to Fuji TV drama いちばんすきな花 (My Beloved Flower), produced by a collaborator from that bunch: the PC Music stalwart and hyper pop progenitor A.G. Cook (see: Charli XCX and notably, Hikaru Utada’s BADモード). Before this, he had mostly been working with Japanese producer Yaffle, who he has credited with expanding his horizons in songwriting.

‘花’ bears the hallmarks of a Fujii Kaze joint: rough-hewn but soulful piano playing, dreamlike Frida Kahlo-esque soundscapes, and an unshaken optimism in his words. But it also sees Kaze-san taking a bold step and exploring new territory (certainly not to say that everything that came before is history and kaput). This move has rewarded the ‘死ぬのがいいわ’ (Shinunoga E-wa) hitmaker with a gem of a tune, the vehicle for his bittersweet study on impermanence. “Flowers bloom and die. So do we,” he said. “But there must be a flower that never dies. It is the flower inside of us. There is a flower in you that will bloom forever. This song is about searching for the flower within, and trusting in it.” - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'BONVOYAGE' - Dreamcatcher

With ‘BONVOYAGE’, the title track from their eighth mini-album [Apocalypse : From us], Dreamcatcher closed their three-part Apocalypse series on a high. Having warned us of the consequences of climate change and leading a mission to restore the Earth in ‘MAISON’ and ‘VISION’, the K-pop septet now bid farewell to an unidentified party (presumably our planet).

While I thoroughly enjoyed the other title tracks in the Apocalypse era, ‘BONVOYAGE’ stands in a league of its own. What I love about the progressive rock number is that it flows seamlessly despite its very different segments. Following Yoohyeon’s opening lines, the song bursts to life with an explosive instrumental section filled with bass slapping before quietening down to let Dreamcatcher’s vocals take centre stage. The song then picks up again towards its first chorus with intensified drumming and a powerful rock delivery from main vocalist Siyeon. All sonic changes feel like purposeful creative decisions that amplify the track’s corresponding lyrics, and the transitions between them have been perfected by the production team, meaning that you will not have to worry about suffering from auditory whiplash.

Speaking of the track’s lyrics, what makes them particularly memorable is that they are equal parts sad and hopeful, and that is exactly how you would describe bidding farewell to someone important to you. Sure, having to part with a loved one is painful, but knowing that your story with them is not over and that you may be reunited one day is more than enough to put a smile on your face amidst your tears — this is the beautiful message that Dreamcatcher leaves us with in ‘BONVOYAGE’. And when you read the song in the context of humanity’s relationship with the Earth, it instantly takes on a much deeper meaning. ‘BONYOVAGE’ is simply Dreamcatcher at their very best. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

'Inilah JalanNya' - Masdo

If anyone can make aesthetically pleasing sonic experiences, it would be Masdo. Best known for their signature '60s revival pop sound trip, the trio certainly have their way of resurrecting the charm of retro and vintage music within the modern landscape. Looking at the way the band’s identity was inspired by the famous character ‘Do or Masdo’ played by the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee in his acclaimed Do Re Mi (1966) films, it’s pretty clear that this Malaysia-born act cultivates a rare and timeless genre in the contemporary music scene. I’ve been keeping up with the work of band members Ali Sariah (vocals and guitar), Asmawi (guitars), and Putu Ceri (bass) for a while now, and it’s safe to say that they have served an impressive line-up of earworms since their debut. But, of all the swoon-worthy and infectious tracks of romance, I think ‘Inilah JalanNya’ takes the cake.

Something about this track gets you hooked upon discovery (at least that’s what it did for me). I was instantly attracted to the uplifting instrumental opening, Ali’s falsetto at the end of each verse, the vocal build-up in the chorus (no surprises there), and the compelling love story that unravels in the song’s lyrics. Within the length of two minutes and forty seconds, Ali takes us on a story about the growing romance between two individuals. Although tongue-tied at first, the pair are smitten with one another just by exchanging glances and smiles. The track later progresses to conclude how their love would be eternal after marriage.

For eight years since their debut, each subsequent release has consistently risen to the top, which shows the wonders of Masdo’s craft. Seeing how ‘Inilah JalanNya’ has amassed over 10 million streams and landed as one of the top five songs on their Spotify – alongside ‘Dinda’ (2019) and ‘Janji Manis’ (2021) – Masdo is a musical force to be reckoned with. - Adlina Adam, Writer

'dazies' - yeule

Singaporean artist yeule found new sounds in their latest album, Softscars. Shifting away from synthpop and venturing into dream pop and shoegaze territory, yeule explored a new musical direction which resonated with me instantly. 

The lead single ‘dazies’ started hard with monstrous guitar riffs by Nat Ćmiel, while staying true to yeule’s unique aesthetic with textured vocals, glitch synths, and melancholic lyrics. The production of the song was stellar, with the guitar work and riffs bolstered with electronic wizardry by KITCHEN. LABEL act Kin Leonn. Mastered by the highly praised Egyptian sound engineer Heba Kadry, famed for mastering Björk’s Fossora and the recent Sufjan Stevens’ album, Javelin. Together they weaved the heavenly and hellish trip to the digital grunge world of yeule. - Alif Rahmanda, Staff Writer

'keep still' - Clara Benin

When I first heard this song back in July, I immediately couldn't stop listening to it. I've known Clara Benin since ‘Riverchild’, and the direction she’d taken this year has been really exciting. The work she’s done with her co-producers has really leveraged Clara’s strengths and shone a brand new, much deserved spotlight on her music. 

‘keep still’ is a wonderful follow up to the first half of 2023’s ‘small town’, not necessarily in terms of narrative but thematically and sonically, and it’s nice to hear Clara further embrace her pop sensibilities in this song, and absorb how she uses it to express the mellow but raw emotions that have become distinct to her writing. The three-part bridge before the song’s closing line is my favourite, the way it breaks in with each line blending into each other, emphasising the tumultuous nature of figuring out your own sense of worth, before eventually settling into a yet slightly shaky but calm acceptance. 

 Listening to ‘keep still’ that first week since its release, it felt like Clara Benin has arrived somewhere she can take off to even greater heights while being very much still grounded on her identity as a musician, with an essence that is ultimately still her but surer and bolder. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

'Perfume' - NCT DOJAEJUNG

'Perfume' is a stunning debut from NCT DOJAEJUNG, filling the gap that seems to be missing in K-pop right now— a no-nonsense pop release that’s singular in its vision and articulate in its production choices. The song highlights the agility and strength of every member; from Doyoung’s airy singing, Jaehyun’s silken vocals, to Jungwoo’s saccharine tone. 

The song opens with enveloping harmonies that recur throughout the song. The chorus is smooth and easy on the ears; meanwhile, the verses go to more playful territories, combining rousing pop tropes, sultry R&B melodies, flawlessly executed falsettos, an unexpected acapella, a jolting audio pan, ad-libs such as whistling and woos that add texture, and a "brain-tickling" rap-singing verse. 

Once you arrive at the bridge and final chorus, 'Perfume' has transformed and opened up to a bigger and grander soundscape. All these coalesce into a sound that no other unit under the NCT brand has come up with. - Isa Almazan, Contributing Writer

‘Rush’ - Troye Sivan

After a major historical event (the pandemic and its lockdowns) and an episode of heartbreak, Troye Sivan made a breakup album called Something to Give Each Other, and its lead single, ‘Rush’ – in his own words – “slaps people in the face” out the gate. “It's definitely the most dancey, the most unapologetic club [song inspired by] all of the experiences that I've had over the last two and a half years,” the queer pop star told British GQ.

Adrenaline relentlessly gushes out of the bottle. Once-bottled desire and sensuality freely pour out – no inhibitions in sight – it’s “big communication.” A virile chorus in the background, “I feel the rush / Addicted to your touch,” heralds that this pleasure is divine. ‘Rush’ has been destined for the dancefloor – with warm, drenched bodies pressed against each other. “To just be with people and to feel so connected, to be moving as one being and to feel hot and sweaty and sexy and hopeful,” said Sivan.

‘Rush’ has an accompanying music video from noted fashion filmmaker Gordon von Steiner, full of sultry visuals and unapologetic about how it unreservedly portrays queer longing. There’s also a recording featuring Pinkpantheress and Stray Kids’s Hyunjin 현진 (whom the singer met at a Versace show in Cannes) whose contributions make it an even richer banger.

When it comes to naming this year’s track of the summer, I don’t want to pit two Aussie icons against each other, so I’ll just say that I’m mighty glad that it’s up there in the company of greats like Kylie Minogue with ‘Padam Padam’. But something about ‘Rush’ makes it destined to be a timeless club staple. - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'LEFT RIGHT REMIXX' - XG feat. Ciara, Jackson Wang/ Produced by Jakops

I didn't realise 'Left Right' was a B-side to 'SHOOTING STAR' until it was time for me to write this blurb. The song was everywhere – from the radio to friends' playlists and IG stories to K-pop club nights – there was no escaping the catchy R&B track by Seoul-based Japanese girl group, XG. I enjoyed the throwback to the mid-2000s, but what really converted me was the 'LEFT RIGHT REMIXX'.

I was watching Jackson Wang's set with 88rising at Coachella and was surprised to hear a familiar tune. He was accompanied by Ciara who gave the song the authentic 2000s flavour and the pair, together with Jakops' production and XG's excellent vocal delivery, elevated the song into contemporary R&B staple territory. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

‘Standing Next to You’ - BTS' Jungkook 

BTS’ Jungkook’s debut album GOLDEN opens strong with ‘Standing Next to You’, a stunning track that’s rich with hooks capable of reeling you in and wanting more. It bursts with confidence that screams, “Look at me now!” And it’s difficult to look away.

Backed by a big band, the brass and guitars shimmer against the funk-pop tune as Jungkook’s falsetto basically tells us that he’s a fearless popstar who’s here to stay. You can’t ignore the Michael Jackson influence (seen even in the choreography), that’s for sure, but it’s also great to see Jungkook head in this direction with producers Andrew Watt and Cirkut.

A lot of love went into ‘Standing Next to You’. It even has its own Remixes collection, a version featuring Usher, and a music video that showcases Jungkook’s next-level skill as a modern-day performer. It’s a mighty bar to top, but I wouldn’t mind keeping this on loop until he drops his next explosive offering. - Kara Bodegon-Hikino, Writer

'Nurse!' - bar italia

Since last year, I have taken an interest in the new British Post-Brexit New Wave from shame, Dry Cleaning, and HMLTD. This year, bar italia caught my attention after getting signed to the iconic indie label, Matador. 

In Tracey Denim, their first release for the label, the lead single 'Nurse!' establishes the sound and reintroduces the new bar italia. The loose indie rock sound, and the music video incorporated with it set the dark gloomy urban street atmosphere. The jangle noise pop guitar sounds remind me of Thurston Moore, and what makes the trio unique is they have distinct vocal profiles, especially NINA.  - Alif Rahmanda, Staff Writer

'Breakup Never Felt So Good' - Valentina Ploy

Valentina Ploy just dropped her debut album PLOY this year (more on that in the lists to come), but the Thai-Italian singer-songwriter has one more song in store before wrapping up 2023. "Every bad thing is a good thing too," Valentina sings as she mourns a loss while also accepting that fate may have better things lined up for her. "Every end is a new beginning, everything's happening for a reason."

An easy listen, Valentina's lush vocals and effervescent delivery make the song the perfect soundtrack to leave behind the past and enter the new year. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Choco Pie' - FOLK9

Never would I expect a song about ‘Choco Pie’. But now that it’s out there, I’m here for it. Not only is the chocolate-coated and marshmallow-filled snack delicious but who knew that it’s also a treat for the ears? As the song goes “Talking Choco Pie / Sleeping on the floor”, FOLK9 dubbed the track as “a moment of whimsy and enjoyment” and a “fantasy come to life”.

If I could summarise this song in three words, it would be simple, funky, and uplifting. What attracted me to the track at first listen was the contrast between the spunky bassline and glitchy guitar riffs – kind of like blending two different genres. If you watch the music video, you’ll realise that the groovy and psychedelic sound trip of ‘Choco Pie’ is as trippy as Director Kittapas Surinta’s special effects. Together with the repeated verse throughout the song, it certainly paves the way for those tuning in to focus on the instrumentals (which I think is a distinguished factor of FOLK9’s music). 

As the four-piece psych-pop act has put up aesthetically pleasing and mellow tracks such as ‘Slow Dance’ and ‘Romantic Scene’, this track stands on the opposite end of the spectrum given the dizzying upward spiral in energy. So if I’m ever feeling down in the dumps, I know I can rely on ‘Choco Pie’ – confectionery or symphony – to brighten my day. - Adlina Adam, Writer

‘Super Shy’ - NewJeans

Lap it up, ‘Super Shy’ has “sugar, spice, and everything nice” – as that immortal voiceover goes. But the Chemical X so generously poured into the song is an equal mix of spontaneity and plainspokenness. NewJeans have been consistent with this, and it continues to pay off for the ADOR act. As song co-writer Erika de Casier tells GQ’s Raymond Ang, speaking of the camaraderie in the studio that shaped the Get Up EP: “I feel it almost sounds like it's spontaneous and like playing – you can hear the playfulness. Because it was. It was playtime.”

Personally, this was a toss-up between two Get Up singles, namely the blaring clarion call of ‘ETA’ and this relatively more understated track in question. The tipping point for me was in the latter’s ingenious production.

Sang in a mix of Korean and English, ‘Super Shy’ captures the giddiness and racing pitter-patter underneath your chest, while pining after someone who probably doesn’t even know your name (not even the bare minimum). And all that emotion is channelled through club-ready beats: the quintet’s distinct gossamer harmonies ride over a brisk, chugging James Brown breakbeat (referenced via the The Powerpuff Girls theme tune); then throw in some shimmery synths and glitched-out vocal chops for good measure. - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'Panahon' - Unique Salonga

Unique Salonga dropped his new album, Daisy, this year with little warning, and I didn't exactly know what to expect with this surprise return. Veering away from the rich and layered soundscapes of Pangalan, Unique focuses on "simplicity, peace, and love," challenging himself by "using only limited or thoughtfully selected sounds" for his third album.

The lead single, 'Panahon,' sits in the latter part of the album, bridging the story between the budding romance in 'Di Mapalagay,' and ending a chapter in 'Kabanata'. Talking about a dwindling relationship and the regret of wasted time spent on it, the beauty of the song lies in the simplicity of its lyrics and its timeless arrangement and delivery.

In an interview with Bandwagon, the Filipino singer-songwriter also admits 'Panahon' is his favourite track on the record, "Dito ko talaga ibinuhos lahat ng energy ko at tamang tama ‘yung inexpect ko sa naging outcome. Sa kantang ‘to ako pinaka na-satisfy. (I poured all my energy into this song, and the outcome was exactly what I had expected. This is the song I'm most satisfied with on the album.) - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Good & Great' - KEY 키 (SHINee)

When Key passed by BamBam’s show, Bam’s House (뱀집), he shared a mantra he had sworn by whenever he didn’t feel like working, from none other than The Devil Wears Prada: “I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.”

‘Good & Great’, from the SHINee member and all-around entertainer’s latest mini-album of the same name (released September), amplifies this same message, from a chant to a full 3½-minute jam. Late-stage capitalism woes distilled in an only-I-can-make-myself-feel-good anthem, so to speak. “하루 종일 열댓 번을 되새기는 주문: ‘OK 잘하고 있어, 난 이겨내고 있어’,” Key sings. (All day, a dozen times and more, repeat the magic words: ‘OK, doing good. I’m pulling through’)

It’s a departure from his turbocharged previous title track, 'Gasoline,' for sure. The ingredients that make this such a jam are pretty simple: thick, pumping piano chords, an honest-to-goodness four-to-the-floor beat, and repetition without losing the soul – even making it evocative of vintage house, that it feels like a nice addition to an entire canon of uplifting grooves. - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'Like Crazy' - BTS' Jimin

BTS' Jimin is full of surprises this year – from a collaboration with second-generation K-pop icon Taeyang to singing the soundtrack for the latest instalment of the Fast and the Furious franchise. He also dropped his first-ever solo album, Face, which comprises songs co-written by Jimin, about discovering himself as a person and artist throughout the pandemic years.

The lead track, 'Like Crazy,' is undeniably Jimin in all aspects. He utilises his vocal range masterfully in the track taking him from one emotion to another. The Billboard Hot 100 number 1 single also features whispered dialogue from the 2011 film of the same name (one of Jimin's favourite movies), while the music video shows takes us through a hazy whirlwind of euphoria, love, lust, loss, and loneliness. The Deep House and UK Garage Remixes are also worth adding to your house party playlists (or recommending to your favourite DJ friends). - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

Bandwagon's Best of 2023 series continues with Top Collaborations of 2023: Bandwagon Picks.