We’re talking books, albums, and concerts since that’s what makes up the most of the rest of my time!
BOOKS
Case File Compendium Series – I mean, this series grabbed my by the throat earlier this year and wouldn’t let go. In fact, there are still several novels on the horizon, so it’s still got a lock on me. He Yu and his former doctor both share the same virus that manifests itself quite differently, but definitely pins them closer to death’s door than most. After years apart they are reinroduced into each others’ lives. First, as sworn enemies, but when egos push things too far, He Yu ends up madly in love with his former doctor. In these most recent novels, Xie Qingcheng is coming around, but he believes pursuing his feelings will gut He Yu in the long run. As is a common complaint I have with most romances – communicate! I feel like the end of this series is gonig to wreck me, but I’m here for it.
Killer Potential – A late entry in the year, this book surprised me in a few ways. Evie Gordon is just a somewhat underachieving SAT tutor when her world is rocked one session. Looking for her student, she stumbles across the dead parents and then finds a young woman behind the wall on the brink of death. When trying to clear her name leads to an accidental murder, she and the mute girl from the wall flee the scene. The rest of the book is spent on them trying to put as much distance between themselves and the crime, but they also slowly start to learn more about each other. However, love cannot conquer all, and the twists at the end of this novel are superb.
The Housemaid – After reading the nightmare that was Verity, I am now forever skeptical of thrillers featuring women in strange situations. However, the premise of this book, as well as the promise of a film adaptation with a very interesting cast prompted me to pick this book up. Within the first few chapters I almost put it down, but not put off by too much at that point I decided to stick with it. And I’m glad I did! The reveal towards the end was almost Gone Girl worthy! If you’re not one for reading, the film will get you close enough to the events in the book, but this author is now officially on my radar.
ALBUMS
K-Pop was still such a huge part of my life this year, so once again, it’s going to dominate this list. But there were plenty of other amazing albums released from Twenty One Pilots, Sleigh Bells, CORTIS, Ghost, and Stray Kids (Karma) this year that are worth a spin.
GOT7
Winter Heptagon – As I’ve slowly started adding new K-Pop artists to my list, the GOT7 spiral I fell into at the beginning of the year was intense. And it was all thanks to the single released from their newest album, “Python.” I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to this song, but what I can say is that it slaps EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Even my sister thinks it’s catchy – that’s a huge win! All of the tracks off of the album are just as good, and it was so interesting learning about this group’s history. I implore you to check them out. PLEASE.
Yugyeom
Trust Me – Because all of the members of GOT7 are under different management, it seems like an impossibility that I may ever get to see them perform as a group, so that’s why I jumped at the chance to see the group’s maknae perform in NYC earlier this spring. I bought the ticket before I ever even listened to his solo stuff, but once I finally did, I fell in love with this album. Not all of the 14 tracks landed at first, but as the months went by, this became an album I turned to when I wanted something reliable and comfortable. “Lolo,” Ponytail,” and “Steppin'” are incredible tracks if you’re going to listen to any of them, but for those allergic to foreign language, might I suggest the closing, all-English track, “Summer Blues”?
82MAJOR
Trophy – 82MAJOR is another group that I became almost immediately obsessed with over the summer. Since they were swining through Columbus on a tour, I decided then and there to give them a chance, and I’ve never looked back. With all of the albums they’ve released in their young career, it all sounds like nothing I’ve heard from K-Pop acts before, and their latest EP, Trohpy, was no different. In fact, they took an even fresher turn here with songs that had more of an EDM/club flair. Though they repurposed two of their self-made soundcloud tracks for this album, it’s no-skips for me. I was so supremely bummed that I missed all of the promotions for this in Korea by one week! Gah!
P1HARMONY
DUH! – Desparate for more concerts and wanting to expand my K-Pop net a little more, I decided to check out this steadily growing group. Apparently they aren’t as big as I think they are, but I still saw them perform at an arena, so… Anyway, I also liked that they share the same label as Ampers&One, so it seemed like a no-brainer that they were up next for exploring. With quite a large discography, I decided to approach them like Don Broco and work backwards. What a wide decision! Their latest EP released earlier this year was also a no-skips banger for me. The title track was so freaking catchy, and “Pretty” was just that, while “Work” was also unlike anything I’d heard before in K-Pop. I’m ready to be a P1ECE for life!
MONSTA X
The X – Ahhh! Finally! The group that initiated me into the K-Pop world finally saw all of their members complete their mandatory military service earlier this year, and they wasted almost no time giving the fans new music. Named The X because of the ‘X’ in their name, but also in honor of their tenth year as a group together made this something special. Each of the six songs was also put together by each member, and they are all so good! “Do What I Want” and “Tuscon Leather” are my absolute favorites, but you won’t be skipping any of the tracks here. Monsta X confirmed why they were my first, and now all I need to do is see them live to die happy. Wish me luck!
CONCERTS
It was another banner year for me for concerts and festivals, so it’s always a challenge to pick my favorites. I can say that this year was the most traveling I’ve ever done for shows, and I’m not mad about it! There were a few new cities I got to explore because of it! Seattle was top tier trip to see the amazing Stray Kids for sure, but seeing P1HARMONY in Fairfax, and Jay B in Baltimore were up there, too!
Yugyeom – I was not that far into my GOT7 journey before I kind of bought a ticket to this show on a whim. The regrets I have now for not also getting a VIP ticket also kind of guts me, especially since he started his mandatory military service late this year. Thank goodness for NYC friends that make these trips possible!
Empire of the Sun – After being a little disappointed in their Just Like Heaven festival performance, I was both nervous, but also totally ready to give one of my favorite bands another shot. And gosh, was this show incredible! I was sitting so close, and Luke sounded so freaking good, and the stage was so theatrical!
Foxy Shazam – Though I’ve seen this group countless times, nothing compares to seeing them in a tiny, packed venue, as they flail about the stage, eating cigarettes and crowd surfing while playing a keyboard. Their talent in unmatched, and if you ever get the chance to see these guys, you absolutely must!
Bear Hands – So many years had passed since the last time I got to see these musical geniuses, that I was thrilled they were finally coming close by again. In a criminally small venue, my friend and I got to witness their greatness again, and they surely did not disappoint!
82MAJOR – Positively obsessed with these guys. They sounded great, the coreography ruled, and even better? They are still small enough that their VIP stuff means I got a fan sign, group photos, and individual photos with all of the members. They are so handsome even after performing that it’s almost not fair. I’m crossing all of my fingers and toes that they come to the US again this year.
Shaky Knees Festival – I don’t usually include festivals in this list, but it was a brand new festival, in a new city (Atlanta!), and what do you mean I got to see Highly Suspect, The All-American Rejects, Cage the Elephant, The Linda Lindas, and My Chemical Romance on the same day?!