5 Times We Thought We Had the Male Lead Figured Out
New Year is the time of enjoyment and celebration. It also brings with it strength to start anew. For some it calls for sleepless nights of partying, while for others it is that time of the year to write those resolutions again and determinedly follow them through. But for drama addicts, New Year is extra special. To us it represents a fresh hope to watch dramas that would shake up our entire Favorites List and surpass everything we have watched so far. We aspire to witness chemistry so wonderful that it ends up setting some serious relationship goals; music so captivating that it is put on replay for months. And while it is always exciting to look forward to what lies ahead, it is equally amazing to look back, with a sense of nostalgia, at all the beautiful creations that swayed us. That made us cry, laugh, sigh, smile, scream, roll our eyes and sometimes, just punch our screen.
On that note here’s a throwback to the best drama OST songs of 2015:
10. "Falling" – Park Bo Ram (Hyde, Jekyll, Me)
Although Hyde, Jekyll, Me was one of the most disappointing dramas of 2015, the OST was definitely not half bad. In fact, even in its native country the OST has received positive criticism for its versatile range. Like a typical drama OST, the songs contain elements of angst and heartbreak (Kim Bum Soo – "Only You"), chirpiness (Snuper) and much more. Interestingly, Baek Ji Young has once again lent her amazing vocals for a Hyun Bin drama (who can forget her super hit song That Woman from Secret Garden?). Here she has sung “Because of You” and while it is one of the high points of the OST, I feel it has been edged (though only by a slight margin) by Park Bo Ram’s melodious track “Falling” which is a sweet confessional number about falling in love.
9. "Oh You Yeah You" - Yoo Sung Eun (Second Time Twenty Years Old)
tvN has a thing for producing soothing and refreshing songs that really suit their image and Yoo Sung Eun’s track from Second Time Twenty Years Old lives up to that reputation. It is another confessional song about falling in love (let’s face it, Korea LOVES romance) but it is different from "Falling" in the sense that it traces no hints of drama, unlike Park Bo Ram’s song which is a bit dramatic although in a very subtle manner. "Oh You Yeah You" has a feel-good vibe that not only appeals to the listeners but also blends wonderfully with the tone of the entire drama and especially with OTP's relationship. This makes it extra special.
8. "You Don’t Know Me" – Soyu, Brother Su (She Was Pretty)
Sistar’s main vocalist Soyu’s collaborative duets with male singers usually stir a good reaction every time, and this beautiful track from She Was Pretty is no exception. Soyu’s silvery voice coupled with Brother Su’s soulful vocals creates a magical atmosphere and simply puts you in a dreamy state. The chorus is especially addictive (used frequently in the drama).
7. "Beautiful Lady" – Jonghyun (Oh My Venus)
One of the most lively and fun songs of 2015, "Beautiful Lady" not only has catchy beats but also thrives on Jonghyun’s delicious voice, which makes the song a favorite among drama watchers. It really suits the bright atmosphere of Oh My Venus which is a typical romantic comedy drama. Many fans have requested a Lau Henry version of the song as they felt it suited his character the most and could imagine his character singing it for Kang Joo Eun (Shin Min Ah).
6. "Sometimes" – Zia (She Was Pretty)
She Was Pretty is the only drama to get two spots on this countdown. But then the OST is just awesome. Every song is good and it was pretty difficult to narrow down the best songs from the soundtrack. “Sometimes” in brief is a sad song and Zia’s gut-wrenching vocal texture only adds to the heartbreak. Being the epitome of the phrase “beauty in pain” (at least within 2015), it is so deep and beautiful that it mesmerizes you into a world of its own.
5. "Attractive Woman" – Kihyun and Jooheon (Orange Marmalade)
Another instance of the Bad-Drama-Good-Soundtrack scenario. Monsta X has been doing well since their kpop debut, but this track was recorded by its members before debut and won hearts. It is a mellow song about a guy’s attraction towards a certain girl. The lyrics are so simple and yet so sweet, it makes one all mushy and swoon-y on the inside. The song has a certain level of innocent enthusiasm that feels like it is the first love of the guy in question. In fact, the song might just remind you of your own first love! That’s what makes this song work the most. Also, Kihyun and Jooheon's voices are perfect for the song.
4. "Confusing" – Juvie and Jang Yi Jung (The Girl Who Sees Scents)
Juvie has one of the most interesting voices I have ever heard. It is sweet and innocent and yet, it’s playful. There’s tranquility yet there is so much color in her voice. Overall it gives a very authentic and refreshing feel to the song and breathes life into it. Jang Yi Jung has done a wonderful job too but it is definitely Juvie’s song. One of the best songs of 2015 that never ever fails to cheer me up and probably a lot of people out there.
3. "Butterfly" – Ha Neul Hae and Kong Bo Kyung (Warm and Cozy)
Warm and Cozy was not only soothing to the eyes (who can forget the breath-taking locales of Jejudo?), but also soothing to the ears in the form of this beautiful song that could probably calm a crying baby and put it to sleep. What I love about this song personally is that it gives a very serene and positive vibe that really lifts my spirits on a bad day. It makes me picture myself on an exotic island free from all worldly worries, something along the lines of Taeyeon’s solo debut song “I”.
2. "Reset" – Tiger JK and Jinsil (Who Are You: School 2015)
Although the final outcome of this drama was extremely disappointing, this particular song has been a favorite among the viewers (and I am no different). Jinsil’s sharp voice blended with Tiger JK’s rap is a magical combination. Vocally both complement each other very well and that really is the secret behind this song. The song is about experiences of getting bullied and wanting a way out. The lyrics are heartbreaking; there is so much anger, desperation and hopelessness in them that it could not fail to strike a chord in you.
1. "Auditory Hallucinations" – Jang Jae In and NaShow (Kill Me, Heal Me)
Probably a very predictable winner but everyone who has watched this drama (and I believe most of us have) would agree this song is marvelous. Of course, the whole OST has been produced wonderfully but this song stands out like no other. As for me, I’ve had stages dealing with it. The first time I heard "Auditory Hallucination", I got goosebumps on my arms. The first time I read the English translation for this song, I cried rather messily. In fact, this is one of those rare songs that have managed to make my cry. It is about a person being held prisoner by voices that stay inside him. It is also about two people trying to find each other through the darkness. It’s been more than a year since this song came out and I am still hooked like it was only yesterday that I heard it for the first time.
NOTE:
The reason I did not rank songs from Healer and Pinocchio is because, although they wrapped up in 2015, I consider them to be 2014 dramas as they started airing then. Otherwise both have amazing OST that I thoroughly enjoyed.
