
The genre of P-Pop has truly evolved, especially in the year 2023 where we saw new groups entering the industry with absolute bops and the established talents making groundbreaking comebacks. Not only did these tracks find success in the Philippines, but it’s also pulled in new fans and listeners from all over the world. While we wish we could list every release from this year (it was absolutely difficult to just choose 15!,) below are our picks for top P-Pop songs of 2023!

HORI7ON has had a wonderful year, from the creation of their group in the first quarter of 2023, to their debut this past summer. “DASH” was the group’s first pre-debut release with an accompanying music video that amassed almost 2 million views in 2 days. The track showcases strong vocals and of course – choreography!

VXON has been known to have mostly darker concepts since their debut in early 2022 and pleasantly surprised fans with the release of “Sandal”. Giving a sexy, R&B vibe, the track was co-written by the members, C13, Sam, Franz, Vince, and Patrick, providing the song with the perfect, genuine touch of VXON.

Making their mark abroad, “Distorted” is 4th Impact’s U.S. debut single and boy, is it powerful! Showcasing their signature vocals, the real-life sisters gave it their all for this women-empowering track. Their music video is also a must-see as it features stunning visuals and an impressive dance break!

“PROBLEM CHILD” by 1st.One is probably the most catchiest track on our list! If you haven’t heard it yet, we can promise you that you’ll be singing “my name my name my name, you got to remember it baby” for weeks after that initial listen. The music video shows the members as villains, so not only is 1st.One a super talented group in singing and dancing, they’re also skilled in acting!

Dubbed as the ACES of P-Pop, fans are used to seeing BGYO in monster mode by putting on powerful performances that feature top-tier vocals and choreography, but the group slowed it down with their single, “Bulalakaw.” A shooting-star wish come true indeed for their ACES who have been anticipating for an intimate ballad from the group that really focuses on each members voices.

The swaggiest and coolest girl group award goes to G22, and their latest track, “LOKA,” proves that! Quick lyrics, tantalizing beats and addicting instrumentals makes this single incredibly different from other songs we’ve heard. G22 did that! Also, the group’s leader, AJ, wrote the track, making it even more impressive.

“Alon” by VER5US got us through the long, hot summer of 2023! The feel-good song is a comforting masterpiece from beginning to end, with its catchy beats intertwined into the impressive vocals from the members. Created by the group’s youngest member, Josh, and the music video produced by Gab, Kheene, Ken, Joe, and Josh, “Alon” is just a sneak peek into the incredible talent this group has!

If you’re in the mood to party – this is the song for you! “Turn Up” by KAIA is a super fun track that will make you stand up and dance along with the addicting and energetic choreography. The lyrics were also written by the group’s members, marking it with true KAIA style and sound!

PLUUS arguably had the most successful debut in P-Pop this year with the release of three tracks, “CROSS MY HEART,” “MY TIME,” and “AMIGO” and each music video garnering 1 million views in record time. Our personal favorite is “AMIGO” which boasts addicting lyrics and beats, with its highlight being the end of the track where the group puts a spin on the classic “Pen Pen De Sarapen” nursery rhyme. Chef’s kiss!

There’s no denying that ALAMAT has one of the best discographies in P-Pop! “Day and Night” proves to be another bop on the group’s list of amazing releases this year as it features a breezy vibe that incorporates modern and traditional sounds in its instrumental. Not only does the music video star the handsome members of ALAMAT, it also has the beautiful Jane De Leon as Magindara. Absolute perfection!

Taking 5th place on our list is YARA’s incredible rendition of the Sexbomb Girls classic, “Bakit Papa?.” Putting their own twist to the song, Gelou, Rocher, Christa, and Kim truly excelled in showcasing their clean vocals and jaw-dropping choreography. You’ll be obsessed with this song – no doubt!

Yes My Love is a group to watch out for in 2024, especially after all of the amazing songs and content they dropped this year! “Rhythm” is the group’s debut track and was the perfect choice to show off the amazing talent this group has – from vocals and synchronized choreography to amazing visuals. Catchy and compelling, Yes My Love has it all! (Special shout out to “Yayakapin” which is also one of our faves.)

Press Hit Play is another P-Pop group that has a no-skip musical catalog! Their latest release, “Brand New,” written by members JP and Yuuki, sings about being thankful for a relationship you’ve been longing for and now have. It also makes the listener want to fall in love – in case they’re living that single life! Press Hit Play’s vocals never falter, and “Brand New” is just another example of that!

At 2nd place, of course we have a BINI song! “Karera” is the perfect song to listen to rounding out 2023 and going into the new year as it shares a message of living your life at your own pace – it’s not a race! Take it easy on the new years resolutions and experience life in the present. Maybe we’re just being biased but aside from BINI’s 2022 release, “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.” the inspirational “Karera” is probably one of their best tracks since their debut in 2021. Who agrees?

It’s no surprise that SB19’s “GENTO” tops our list! This was the group’s biggest comeback yet – kicking off a world tour, being an approved entry for the Grammys, featured on Billboard, shutting down Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles and Times Square in New York for epic performances, and of course, going viral on TikTok with the “GENTO” dance challenge, as some of the world’s biggest artists joined in on the fun – from Chachi Gonzales to K-Pop stars, ENHYPEN, ATEEZ, Minzy and Dara of 2NE1, and so much more. “GENTO” was hands down, a ground-breaking release, not just for P-Pop but for Filipino music history. P-Pop Kings, indeed.
