One of the nice things about Infinite‘s music is that it has manifested into its own entity. It has become a recognizable style to the ear of most K-pop listeners and it made Infinite untouchable solely on the fact that it’s a style that belongs to them and them only.

They are those guys who sound like an ’80s synth-pop boy band, the group with all the pretty, atmospheric songs. They’ve attained this core component of the bigger picture in less time than it has taken others to do the same, and that much is impressive.

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Let’s take a moment to ourselves, shall we, as we thank the powers that be for an Infinite comeback this month.

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As one of today’s most musically unique boy bands in Kpop, Infinite’s presence in the Korean music scene is kind of a breath of fresh air. Their style is all their own and they’ve managed to take that style and expand on it through their recent endeavors in the music industry. They’re one of my favorite boy bands for this very reason, as well as for the fact that I’ve been following them since their conception (like a good hipster would be).

This week, they released “Only Tears“, a ballad, ahead of their May 15 comeback. Not surprisingly, it sounds like a good ol’ Infinite song. “Only Tears” was originally a solo song performed by Sunggyu for the group’s recent concert in April, but it has been specially laced with all of the members’ voices in this release.

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I’m kind of loving everything popping out of South Korea’s womb this month - it’s as if producers decided, “Hey, there’s a clean slate upon us. So why not set the tone with sheer awesome?” Like they genuinely care about actual musical value and the standard in quality of Korean music. We can do away with the trends and faults in Kpop 2011 and follow the common practice of kicking off a new year on a good note, because Kpop certainly seems to be doing a mighty fine job of it already. If we can avoid a jinx, 2012 may just be the next 2009 (knock on wood).

To feed today’s optimism, I give you Baby Soul & Yoo Jia’s “She’s A Flirt”. A spawn of Woollim Entertainment (home of boy band INFINITE), this rookie duo recently dropped their first single together, following Baby Soul’s sudden solo debut in November of last year. I’m not sure why Woollim decided to shoot the shit and throw out this duo after a short-lived solo season for Baby Soul or if they had this whole thing planned and she just happened to function as a tease for the group. Either way, I’m glad Woollim kept their word and debuted a female anything. They hit it out of the park with INFINITE, so hopes are currently set at a near high for Baby Soul & Yoo Jia. If their debut single, “She’s A Flirt”, proves anything, it’s that these sweethearts are talented and well aware of where they fit in Kpop.

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The year is nearing the end, folks, and in true celebratory fashion, McRoth’s Residence is here to present its third annual “Top Kpop Songs Of 2011”!

Below is a list of 25 Top Kpop Songs (with reviews), written by yours truly (McRoth), plus contributing writers drowningn00b and lolpenny. That’s it! We sat through the rules, and now it’s time to enjoy the songs that we at McRoth’s Residence thought were some of the best of the year 2011.

QUICK REMINDER: These 25 songs span from July to December. For the 25 songs chosen for January - June, please check out the Top Kpop Songs Of 2011: Mid Year Roundup, which features 2NE1, B2st, DBSK, SISTAR19, and many many more!

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*** Full list of Top Kpop Songs Of 2011 (July - December) post and commentary can be found only on mcrothsresidence.com

> ”Top Kpop Songs Of 2011” playlist available on YouTube (Here)

> ShortForm ‘‘TOP KPOP SONGS OF 2011 Party’ announcement will be made on Facebook and Twitter very soon!!

> McRoth’s Residence is now on Tumblr - follow me here

> “Top Kpop Songs Of 2011: Mid Year Roundup”

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> TOP KPOP MVs OF 2011 (coming soon)

> POLL RESULTS: Best Album Of 2011 (12/19/11)

> POLL RESULTS: Best Mini-Album Of 2011 (12/23/11)

> McRoth’s Residence: Best Album and Best Mini-Album of 2011 (12/23/11)

As if Infinite weren’t already one of my top five favorite Kpop boy bands of this generation, they had to go and tug at my heartstrings with a damned Christmas song.

“White Confession (Lately)” was released this week as Infinite’s first winter single.

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The key to a really great Christmas pop song is to not over think it. If an artist stays too traditional, things end up cheesy. Step too far out of the box and the song starts losing meaning. Christmas songs have to be done just right for them to work, especially if they’re original. ”Lately” is a perfect example of how I think it aught to be done.

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“Lately” was composed by Sweetune, who also worked with Infinite on their previous albums. Given the fact, it definitely explains why this single sounds so…Infinite.

“Lately” was pushed just enough for it to feel like a Christmas song. It has all the bells, whistles, and strings to fit the bill, but what’s really special about “Lately” is that it’s an Infinite single through and through. What I mean is that it was composed with Infinite in mind, and thus makes it easy to identify it with the group.

In “Lately”, every member plays their role and in the end it all comes together as perfectly as it does in any Infinite single. You have a dash of an 80’s influence, a sprinkle of rap, and a good serving of Infinite harmonies. It’s all right there.

This just so happens to be a little more Christmas-y than usual, that’s all.

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