Favorite OST from 2021

"Wake Up" by Weeekly - for reasons unbeknownst to me, there are few group acts contributing to OSTs which is a shame. This is one of the exceptions and it is exactly the high energy pop that "Hello, Me!" should have delivered (but outside of this theme song and a few outstanding scenes from Lee Re didn't). The horn section puts it over the top as my favorite for 2021.

"If I Could" by Amin - Another show where the target was hit far more squarely by its signature song than in the drama itself. This is an excruciatingly raw song about loss and grief and holds up as well on the hundredth listen as it does on its first. 

"I Am Lost" by Lee Seung Yoon - the verses are ok but when Seung Yoon gets to the big buildup in the chorus, man, he totally crushes it. 

"Story of Us" by Jo Yuri - syrupy sweet theme song that was a perfect fit for a light rom-com (which sadly lost its way during the second half of its run). 

"Realise" by Joe Layne - more of a rock instrumental although there's a smattering of lyrics. It's a cool song and it fit perfectly with the swagger on display from Park Hyung Sik and Han Hyo Joo.

"Christmas Tree" by V - lovely, dreamy little ballad that doesn't seem like it fits either of the main characters at all but nevertheless blends in to the show so effortlessly

"On the Floor" by Hyun Sin Young - layers pop vocals over electric guitar riffs that delivers the same energy that Jo Yoo Jung did as Yu Ra (someone please cast her in a big show in a lead role)