Top 10 P-Pop Hits of the Decade
#10: “Six7een” (2023) Hori7on
It is undeniable that the success of K-Pop has influenced the current generation of Filipino artists. And no group straddles the two worlds quite as well as Hori7on. The multilingual members themselves are from the Philippines, and were trained by Filipino and Korean coaches before making their debut in the K-Pop market with “Six7een.” The song features a similar fusion of elements, with contemporary verses, a nostalgic, 80’s inflected chorus, and hints of hip hop sprinkled throughout. It could have been a mess, but instead the track comes out invigoratingly unique, and totally irresistible. Much like Hori7on itself, “Six7teen” reflecting a time where identity is still forming and anything can happen. And that youthful spirit of possibility lends the song an infectious appeal.
#9: “High Tension” (2020) MNL48
Myer Clarity - Love Me When Im High (Official Video)
It is impossible to talk about P-Pop without mentioning “Vocal Queens” MNL48. Debuting in 2018 as a sister group to the wildly popular Japanese AKB48, they pioneered a whole new era for the industry, paving the way for all the groups that followed them. In 2020 they embarked on a new chapter with the release of “High Tension.” The music video saw them establish a new sense of identity, ditching their trademark schoolgirl uniforms in favor of a more mature image. While the aesthetics were a huge aperture, the music doesn’t make a total break from their past, but rather creates a throughline, combining the playful energy their fans loved while evolving their sound forward. The result is an irresistible party track guaranteed to make you move.
#8: “Race Car” (2022) CALISTA
Seletron - Space Race (Visualizer)
Oozing confidence and charisma, you’d never guess this was CALISTA’s debut single. Sure, it’s not uncommon for rookies to go hard out of the gate, but the swagger of “Race Car” is only matched by the obvious skills to back it up. The six members boast a mix of rich altos and effortless sopranos, making for a unique, compelling blend of voices. And the song uses that to its advantage, highlighting the members against a relatively stripped down production. The bassy beats act like the thrum of an idling motor, building anticipation through the verses and supporting the power of the vocals in the chorus. With that clever thematic interplay and the starpower of CALISTA, the only thing we want is a few more laps in this “Race Car.”
#7: “BB” (2023) YGIG
Top 10 Pop Stars of the Last Decade
We love a girl’s girl. Warning your fellow ladies about a toxic guy? Awesome. Doing it through song? Perfection. YGIG debuted in late 2022, quickly releasing a string of impressive singles, but “BB” is that really makes you want to look twice at this group. Like the wolf in shining armor described in the lyrics, there’s a prowling quality to this song that suggests the prey have become the predators. Don’t let the sweet voices fool you, these ladies have claws, and they’re sharpening them for the manipulative man at the center of the song’s narrative. All that righteous menace builds to a galloping finale implying this dude better run. Meanwhile we’ll be keeping an eye on whatever YGIG does next.
#6: “The Light” (2021) BGYO
Top 20 Best Pop Songs of the Last Decade
Written by the BGYO members alongside K-Pop hitmaker Distract, the debut single that introduced the group to the world is less a spotlight than a supernova. The siren-like beats that open the track grab your attention instantly, before quickly giving way to driving rhythm that propels the song forward. Meanwhile, the melodic voices of the members layered on top creates an interesting sonic contrast that helps the song to stand apart from your standard electro-pop songs. Though the lyrics about pursuing dreams through adversity are pretty universal, the futuristic production just puts us in mind of a benevolent alien crew landing on Earth to dance us to a better future. And we’re happy to follow. Resistance is futile when it comes to the spark BGYO brings with “The Light.”
#5: “Blah Blah” KAIA
Since the beginning of time, music has been helping people process their breakups, and if there’s one thing we always need when we’re going through it, it’s a “Good Riddance” anthem. Enter KAIA. The five member girl group pulled from their own experience to co-write this song with OhWon Lee, channeling all the frustration of a bad romance into a debut banger that sounds like the lovechild of early Rihanna, K/DA, and Eden’s Crush. Brimming with attitude, the song really gives each member a chance to shine, weaving its verses from airy high notes, defiant raps, and emotive harmonies, as it sets up its confrontational earworm of a chorus. Whatever KAIA is talking about, we’re here for it.
#6: “Shout Out” (2022) 1st.ONE
Hanson Talks 'Shout It Out,' Weird Al
If this song were just the catchy dance track it presents as, it would still be a great number. The verses flow through variations in rhythm and tempo, taking you on a dynamic ride to each high voltage repetition of the chorus. However, “Shout Out” also functions as a tribute to the Filipino veterans of the Korean war. The military inspiration can be heard in the instrumentation and beats of the track. What’s more, while the lyrics could be interpreted to apply to anyone with a dream, once you know the inspiration, you can see that the members are singing from the perspective of the war heroes. It gives “Shout Out” a depth and power that few pop songs can claim.
#3: “Lagi” (2022) BINI
Despite debuting mid-pandemic, this talented octet won fans around the world with their angelic voices and charismatic presence. Though several songs have become viral hits, there’s a certain retro charm to 2022’s “Lagi” that makes it stand out. The bright melody combined with the group’s smooth harmonies brings to mind the R&B influenced girl groups of the ‘90s. But the synth pop production elements give the song a contemporary edge. There’s a bubblegum flavor here for sure, yet the vocal strength of the group gives “Lagi” a freshness that keeps it from becoming cloying. It’s just enough of a sugar rush to put a bounce in your step and leave you wanting more.
#2: “ABKD” (2022) Alamat
From the start, Alamat has been about more than just good music. The multiethnic members place their national identity front and center, taking on social and cultural issues with purposeful pop music sung in multiple Filipino dialects. 2021’s “kasmala” was a powerful statement that earned the group some much deserved attention. But it’s the 2022 single “ABKD” that really shows the best of Alamat. Its message of resilience urges listeners to remember their self-worth and stay confident in the face of obstacles, winning “ABKD” Pop Song of the Year for Cultural Relevance at the 2022 PPop Awards. Refreshingly upbeat, the track is the definition of feel-good. Showcasing the vocal skills of the group, beautifully, the heartfelt lyrics and buoyant melody make it impossible not to smile. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Bling Bling” (2023), DIONE With Its Catchy Chorus, This Song Shines “The Beast” (2022), VXON These Monster Rookies Brought the Ferocious Swagger With Their Debut Single “Here We Go” (2022), 4th Impact The Mix of Pop, Rap, and Marching Band Instruments Makes a Compelling Case to Follow Wherever These Ladies Are Leading “Amigo” (2023), PLUUS These Up and Comers Get Us Rarin’ to Go, Go, Go “BANG!” (2023), G22 This Group Started Off With a Bang, and Have Their Sights Set on the Big Time
#1: “Gento” (2023) SB19
Hailed as the leaders of P-Pop, SB19 started to gain international traction with their 2022 single “WYAT (Where You At)”. The disco fusion track was a great showcase for the group’s versatility, but it was 2023’s “Gento” that elevated SB19 to a new level. Having founded their own management company prior to its release, “Gento” is themed around change and self-empowerment, with lyrics playing on the Tagalog words for “Like this” and “gold.” And strike gold they did. The song marked SB19’s debut on Billboard’s World Digital Sales chart, also making them the first Filipino act to appear on that list. It went on to rack up several Song of the Year awards. With sharp wordplay and heart-thumping beats, “Gento” marks an exciting new peak for a group poised to climb higher still. What P-Pop songs have you got playing on repeat? Share your favorites in the comments!
