Fall means the beautiful ballads are here! Come see the ballads that actually got me to listen all the way to the end.

Peakboy – “Loop”

I love the stripped-down feel of this song. It’s rich and layered, and yet simply performed with just voices and a guitar. When Peakboy is on, they are ON.

Choi Hyu In – “Fade”

Choi Hyu In’s velvet voice is a perfect fit for this lovely ballad. THIS is why I still give ballads a shot every once in a while.

Baekhyun – “Every Second” (Record of Youth OST)

Oh man. Baekhyun’s voice is a splendid fit for moving ballads like this one, and it’s a perfect fit for Record of Youth — strong and moving without being overwhelming.

Stray Kids – “Ex”

YAY COMEBACK! Felix’s deep voice is the perfect intro for this contemplative song, and it’s a perfect example of how well Stray Kids handles ballads. I love it.

Onewe – “Parting”

Speaking of rich voices, check out Onewe’s latest – “Parting”. I live for these boys’ emotional depth and their lovely songs, and the amazing guitar solos! I could listen to this one all day long.

BONUS TRACK: SuperM – “One”

Ok, so this is a sponsored MV like the Pepsi one from earlier this year with Kang Daniel, but MAN, is it cool. It’s violently beautiful, from the boys to the set to the technology. And the song is fierce and compelling — watch for Ten and Baekhyun’s shared soaring vocals — and completely worth the listen.

What’s filling up your fall playlist, music fans? Let me know!

Until the next album drops, I remain —

Karie the Maknae

Dramas with a Side of Kimchi