Credits: Lifestyle Asia
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After nearly eight years together, 2NE1 released their farewell single, Goodbye, in January 2017. It marked the end of an era for one of the most revolutionary girl groups in K-pop history. The release was the group’s first new music in almost four years and brought tears to the eyes of their devoted fans, who had long hoped for a comeback. But as fans wept through Goodbye, they also began reminiscing about the incredible legacy of 2NE1. With a discography filled with attitude-packed anthems, heart-wrenching ballads, and genre-defying experiments, how does Goodbye rank among their 18 official singles?
Here’s a look back at the highs, the experiments, and the moments that defined 2NE1’s groundbreaking career, ranked from 18 to 1.
18. Clap Your Hands
Released in 2010, Clap Your Hands felt like a miss from 2NE1’s otherwise explosive catalog. Though catchy, the song tried too hard to imitate the electro-pop trends dominating Western charts at the time. Despite a lively chorus, the track fell victim to overuse of Auto-Tune and saturated production, which dampened its impact.
17. Do You Love Me
Do You Love Me was released during a period where 2NE1 seemed to be in a creative lull. The song felt like a retread of their earlier hits without adding anything fresh or exciting, highlighting the group’s struggle to find a new sound while working on their sophomore album.
16. It Hurts
This 2010 jazz-inspired track was a refreshing deviation from the group’s electro-pop comfort zone. However, while It Hurts showcased a soulful side of the group, it lacked the emotional depth and maturity that 2NE1 would later demonstrate in other ballads.
15. I Don’t Care
With a reggae-inspired beat, I Don’t Care added a new flavor to 2NE1’s early sound. Yet, despite its catchy chorus, the verses fell flat, making the track more memorable for its vibe than its musical intricacy.
14. Fire
The song that started it all. Fire introduced 2NE1 to the world with its electrifying energy and CL’s iconic opening line: “I go by the name of CL of 2NE1.” The song laid the foundation for their future sound, a mix of attitude, catchy hooks, and energetic electro-pop bangers.
13. Falling in Love
A light-hearted, reggae-lite track, Falling in Love arrived just in time for the summer of 2013. While the song’s breezy sound matched the season, it didn’t break new ground for the group. Dara’s confident delivery was a highlight, but overall, the track lacked the boldness of their previous work.
12. Try to Follow Me
Try to Follow Me marked a turning point for 2NE1 in 2010, as the group began to settle into their identity. The snappy dance track featured an energetic performance from all members, with Minzy’s dynamic delivery stealing the spotlight.
11. Go Away
Despite an over-reliance on Auto-Tune in the verses, Go Away was a fierce break-up anthem. Bom’s sugary-sweet chorus made the song irresistibly catchy, while CL’s unfiltered moments gave it an extra punch.
10. Ugly
Ugly was an unexpected gem in 2NE1’s discography. The song’s raw lyrics about self-doubt and insecurity resonated deeply with fans, while its rock-infused chorus showed the group’s willingness to experiment with different genres. Despite its imperfect execution, Ugly remains a fan favorite for its vulnerability.
9. Can’t Nobody
With its explosive chorus and fierce rap sections, Can’t Nobody is quintessential 2NE1. While it didn’t push boundaries like some of their other tracks, its high energy and relentless hooks made it a staple in their live performances.
8. Goodbye
The group’s final release, Goodbye, is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that strips away their usual bravado to reveal a more vulnerable side. With simple guitar strums and heartfelt lyrics co-written by CL, the song was originally a letter to Minzy after her departure from the group. Its emotional weight makes it one of 2NE1’s most poignant releases.
7. Come Back Home
Come Back Home saw 2NE1 embrace trap and reggae elements, long before these sounds dominated the charts. Released in 2014, the song’s futuristic production and hybrid genre approach made it a standout moment in their later discography.
6. Missing You
While Goodbye tugged at the heartstrings, Missing You remains 2NE1’s most powerful ballad. The song blends tender emotion with experimental electronic flourishes and alien-like harmonies. It’s a testament to the group’s ability to fuse different sounds while delivering a heartfelt message to fans.
5. Gotta Be You
An underrated track from their Crush album, Gotta Be You hinted at the exciting new directions 2NE1 could have explored if they had continued as a group. The song’s mix of trap and synth-pop was ahead of its time, with Minzy and Bom’s powerful vocals driving it to new heights.
4. Lonely
Lonely stripped away 2NE1’s typical bombastic energy to reveal a softer, more introspective side. The emotional ballad showed that the group was just as adept at conveying vulnerability as they were at exuding confidence, offering fans a glimpse of the women behind the personas.
3. Hate You
A melancholy, electronica-infused kiss-off track, Hate You showcased 2NE1’s ability to master subtlety. The icy delivery and swelling electronic beats made this one of their most emotionally charged and underrated singles.
2. I Love You
The 2012 single I Love You marked a departure for 2NE1, as they tackled love—a topic they had previously avoided. The lush, synth-heavy track was a moody exploration of longing and desire. In typical 2NE1 fashion, the song flips in its final 30 seconds, turning into a punky party anthem that only they could pull off.
1. I Am the Best
No list of 2NE1’s greatest hits would be complete without I Am the Best, arguably the group’s most iconic song. The empowering anthem, with its booming synthesizers and Middle Eastern-inspired bridge, remains one of the most recognizable K-pop tracks globally. Years after its release, I Am the Best still feels fresh, and it’s easy to see why it became an international sensation. Each member shines in their respective sections, proving that 2NE1 wasn’t just a group, they were a cultural force that set the standard for K-pop girl groups.