Songs on this list will be ranked based on various criteria, wherever applicable: How the song sounds, lyrics, interpretation/meaning, MV, choreography, repeat-ability, etc. Regardless of reason, it will have something to do with me. This list/ranking is just my opinion, and since it's Apink, is certainly likely to change. But I hope you all enjoy! You might even be surprised.
Honorable Mention- Perfume (from Pink Memory): I know I'm sort of cheating including an honorable mention to a list of 16 things (which is long enough on its own), but I had to give this Apink song the recognition it deserves. I narrowed it down to "I Need You" and "Hush", but ultimately chose "Perfume". When I first heard it, I really didn't like it. Didn't sound anything like them, but then I slowly kept listening to it more, and loved the beat of it. If they ever did a band concept, this would be the song I think they would pick. I could picture them performing it with all their instruments. And I could see myself performing it on Guitar Hero/Rockband, or in my living room, which may or may not have happened, lol. It's just such a jam and unique from their typical sound.
15. Love Like A Fairytale/Once Upon A Time (from Pink Luv): This song's lyrics are wonderful because it talks about love as it relates to fairytales, which is one of the oldest comparisons in the world, but still effective. It talks about the girl's yearning to find their prince and find that glass slipper. Not really saying that they want a fairytale love, but how long they are willing to wait. Their belief in love is clear to feel in this song. I also love how the end of the song plays something that sounds like a music box, which is also nostalgic of many fairytales and films of olden days past, such as Disney ones. A nice, subtle touch.
14. 04/19 or April 19th (from Une Annee): If you know about the history of this song, you know it's a song Apink wrote to celebrate the anniversary of their debut, as well as a thank you to fans. I'm always a sucker for that stuff because it's nice to know the idols think about us the way we do them. Also, Chorong wrote this song, which is a beautiful and touching composition. This is a song that really shows their hard work and appreciation for how far they have come. Every time I listen to it, a different memory comes up from their history. But one image/performance always stands out that makes this song unforgettable.
13. What A Boy Wants (from Pink Memory): When it comes to picking a bias in a group, I have to be honest, usually I put maknaes last because I feel like they have to earn my attention, being so young. But that wasn't the case with Hayoung. She's never really been cute the way a maknae should be, she is more beautiful/gorgeous. But the thing I like most about her is how active she is, not just socially, but in terms of the group. And that is very true with this song, that she wrote! That is an achievement in itself since many idols do not write their own songs, let alone good ones, but she did, here. The song is catchy and very interesting, once again highlighting an oblivious lover. The girl seems to know how she feels, but wonders why the guy doesn't know, which is what she wants. After all the songs Apink has sung, you think they'd know us guys are dumb, lol, but their songs still hit us in the right spot, and this is one of them. One of the best songs off Pink Memory, in my opinion.
12. LUV (from Pink Luv): Finally, a main title track song has made the list. "LUV" is one of Apink's most popular songs, being commercially and critically well received for its vocals and mature, yet innocent tone, compared to many of their cute songs. They were already popular when this song was released in 2014, but this song cemented their status as not just one of the best girl groups in Korea, but one of the top groups, overall. Personally, I love the way the song is arranged/composed; it's a lot different with having Eunji and Bomi lead off the songs with the chorus, Naeun is part of that too, as well as Chorong at the end, which I love. It gives the others a chance to shine. The music video is also very sad in tone, which is very fitting of the autumn look they were going for. Honestly, I used to loathe this song because it wasn't as upbeat as some of their other main tracks, but its vocals touch me. And that has always counted when it comes to APink.
11. Sunday Monday (from Pink Blossom): This is one of Apink's favorite songs, and when you listen to it, it's no wonder why. Its message about loving someone, everyday and wanting to be/see them, is a contagious and heartwarming message that really makes you think about the special moments you have with people. Apink sings this song all the times to fans, which I find really sweet, because as a diehard Panda, it means a lot to know that they care. As a pop song, this delivers on all levels, but I love the guitar sound in this song, because it really seems like a song that could be performed acoustically for that special someone. And if anyone is good at capturing love, it's Apink.
10. NoNoNo (from Secret Garden): I feel like not much has to be said for "NoNoNo"; it is one of Apink's iconic songs that launched the group into super-stardom after their short hiatus when they came back as 6 members. There are so many reasons to love this song, but a few reasons why I love it are because of the lyrics, which are catchy and show how much of a healing song it is. And the fact the MV gives so much fanservice, as well as shows the fun you can have in life to get over any negativity. Eunji's high note at the end is an exclamation point. When life gets you down, just say, NoNoNo (I went there, lol).
9. Good Morning Baby (from Pink Luv): I feel as though few Apink songs are as refreshing as "Good Morning Baby". It's so upbeat and hearing this song alone gives you a sign that it is going to be a good day. But what does it for me is the choreography for this song, which is so fast paced, as well as the lyrics, which talk about a couple, and how one person loves waking up to another person because they're in love, but takes the time to appreciate every part of their day together because that is what makes it/them special. I just feel rejuvenated when I listen to this song, so I hope you do as well.
8. Remember (from Pink Memory): Apink's most recent comeback has a special place in my heart because it was the first comeback of theirs that I followed once I officially became a Pink Panda. The song itself has garnered mixed reviews from fans, it seems, but I love how unique it is. The composition of the song mixes in a lot of different chords and sounds. And visually, in terms of color and depth, I think it is the best looking music video. The girls change hairstyles and sets many times, it literally feels like you are going with them on a vacation (can I, please). One other thing I also love is the fact the choreography matches the lyrics, such as when they are writing on the sand; that is my favorite part, as well as the fact all the girls get so many lines. A great comeback by Apink, in my opinion, perfect for summer, and one of their standouts for sure.
7. Secret (from Pink Luv): This song does so much for me. It is a ballad, but not the typical, slow one I think many are accustomed to. One thing I love about the Pink Luv album is how the sound is so mature, and how prominent Apink's vocals are. Their look and choreography are great, but any group can have that. Not many groups have vocals, which Apink has, especially soulful ones, like they have in this song. When they sing this, I feel as though I am transported to some venue and just listening to them tell me their secret. It gives me a blues vibe, which fits in with how emotional the vocals are. Just powerful!
6. Attracted To U (from Pink Memory): I'm sure I will surprise people putting "Attracted to U" so high on the list, but this song touches me so much on an emotional level when it comes to love and relationships. First off, it's a ballad, which scores major points. But its lyrics capture a feeling so perfectly. Apink has always been good at that, and it's no different here, as the girls sing about that feeling when they realize they like somebody. Things are different to them, days seem longer, sad songs on the radio seem different than before. It is so truthful. Its choreography/performance live is something I also love. It's simplistic, but still shows off their gracefulness. Check out its lyrics, and I think you'll be impressed. This song isn't a main title track, but has so much emotion it it.
5. Secret Garden (from Secret Garden): Apink has done so many ballads that it is hard to pick the best one, especially since they all have good vocals and each one is a standout in its own right. But "Secret Garden" has always been one of my favorite gems. Its lyrics are wonderful, about opening yourself up to a person, but I love the MV because of how simplistic it is. The girls have on little makeup, are dressed up in white to represent their goodness/purity. And with such minimalist detail, we are left to focus on Apink and the scenery, which is I often do, anyways. The standout thing about this song, though, is that everyone sings in the chorus, not just Eunji, Bomi, or Namjoo, one of the few times it happens. And I don't just mean backing vocals, everyone does. All of the member's have wonderful vocals, but when they sing in harmony, it's beautiful. It reminds me of another song I love, "How Deep Is Your Love", by the Bee Gees, since they sang in harmony all the time. The girls rarely do this, but when they do, it's special, memorable, and you remember why you fell in love with them in the first place. I've listened to this song so many times, now I just hope to see it performed live, someday.
4. BubiBu (from Une Annee): KPop is big on aegyo, and if there is any Apink song that personifies cuteness, this might be it. This song off Unee Annee wasn't the main title track, but it was one of the promoted singles. And for good reason. It's so damn catchy and cute, and the choreography might be one of my favorites. But its lyrics are what catch my eye, in unison with its cute theme. It seems to represent the feelings a girl or person might have for someone, but they can't explain it, so it's BubiBu. I don't know about you guys, but that is so sweet and true of when you fall in love. You are all over the place, and it's hard to often pinpoint how you feel. One thing is for sure, this song is wonderful and magical. When I hear BubiBu, I just think of magic because that's what falling in love is really like, such as when I fell in love with Apink <3.
3. Mr. Chu (from Pink Blossom): If you know anything about me, you know why this song is on here. But if you don't, let me explain. "Mr. Chu" was the first Apink song I ever heard in my life, and it made me fall in love with these 6 magical/wonderful girls. That alone is a reason why it is so high, because it has lots of sentimental value for me. But aside from that, the song is a triumph. It's catchy, cute, it's choreography is in synch and one I do often; its lyrics once again capture a specific moment in a relationship, which I love. It's music video is one of my favorites, with its brightness/colors. And the image that if you like someone, the best thing to do is be patient. As well as the fact that the best present is yourself. I get such feels from this song, especially for APink. Hearing it for the first time, you know why it's a hit. If it wasn't for "NoNoNo", I think this would be their signature song.
2. I Don't Know/Mollayo (from Seven Springs of Apink): The only Apink song I call by its Korean name is their wonderful debut song, "Mollayo". Sometimes, debut songs can be forgettable, but not the case with Apink. Their debut song was so fresh with its lyrics about how a guy is so dense, he doesn't realize she likes him, lol, as well as the MV, which has so many memorable moments. I always remember seeing Naeun, first, and how she introduces us to Apink, Gikwang being knocked out (how did that happen), Bomi bumping into the door, Eunji giving a bookmark, etc. Little makeup, not too many fancy sets, just the girls belting their hearts out and singing. A debut song is just supposed to let the world know you have arrived, but Apink didn't just do that with this song, they showed off their cuteness, while at the same time, showing the skills they had, as well as a consistency and sincerity they would continue to have throughout their whole career. The song is just amazing, but Eunji's high note at the end speaks volumes. It's 2016 and 2011 was a long time ago, but "Mollayo" will always be their first song. And one of the best debut songs ever for a KPop group.
1. My My (from Snow Pink): Now, my favorite/top Apink song of all time is, "My My" from Snow Pink. I admit, if I could have, I would have put this and "Mollayo" as my top songs, but I wanted to be truthful to this list, so I put this at number 1, which was a tough decision to make, when I love all their songs. This song has a lot of traits as "Mollayo": cute, wonderful choreography, and strong vocals, but one thing I love about it, like many Apink songs, is that it sounds like they are singing directly to you. "You're My My", sounds like they are saying I am their special person, which resonates instantly with me. Not to mention, it has wonderful line distribution and a MV that starts off sweet, but then gets fierce with its memorable imagery, such as them partying and then dancing in NBA jerseys, which was so memorable/standout and ahead of its time. It was just such a unique and wonderful look. I think overall, that is what sets it apart from "Mollayo". I love that song, but this song just refines everything a little bit more. Their dance and vocals have improved, and they are even more cute in a song with lots of color, fanservice, and an Eunji high note. That is a winning combination for me, and why Apink is My My!
So, here are my favorite/top 16 Apink songs! With the girls still being active, it is certainly not finite and subject to change at any time. This was one of the hardest lists I ever had to write (I'm already thinking of changing some of the choices now, lol), but I enjoyed the challenge and examining why I love Apink so much. I hope you enjoyed reading and gained more of an appreciation for these 6 wonderful girls like I have. One cliche thing I hate about KPop is when someone says a group's songs all sound the same, but you can tell from this list that is not the case. Even if songs do have similarities, there is a special meaning or story for all of them that make them stand out. Which ones are your favorites? Happy Valentine's Day! And thanks for reading! Apink, fighting! SARANGHAE <3
