1. Flower Boy
Tyler flipped the script, right? This wasn't just another rap album; it was a vibe reset. He dropped the edgelord persona for something genuinely introspective, showing how vulnerability could be the ultimate flex. The production felt like a sun-drenched LA dream, perfectly curated. It’s the blueprint for how a local star goes global by just being himself, main character status unlocked through pure artistic conviction, no forced narrative needed.
2. Calm Down
Rema's "Calm Down" is that global idol-pop blueprint working overtime. He brought his distinct Afrobeats flow, and then Selena Gomez just amplified the reach, turning it into a ubiquitous soundtrack. It’s smooth, catchy, and proves that cross-cultural collabs, when done right, aren't just marketing; they're creating new sonic territories. The track owned every playlist for months, pure main character energy from two different worlds blending seamlessly.
3. Taki Taki (with Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B)
This track was a masterclass in global pop synergy. DJ Snake knew exactly who to tap: Selena, Ozuna, Cardi B. Each artist brought their distinct flavor, creating this undeniable, high-energy club anthem that transcended language barriers. It’s the ultimate "everyone gets a moment" track, but the collective main character energy is what makes it so potent. It proved that a well-assembled squad can dominate the global conversation, no single idol necessary.
4. Dynamite
BTS dropped "Dynamite" and just reset the entire idol-pop game, again. It was pure, unadulterated joy, a disco-infused shot of serotonin that hit precisely when the world needed it. They proved you don't need a deep, dark concept to own the narrative; sometimes, being effervescently happy and perfectly choreographed is enough. It felt like a global main event, every single time it played, pure main character power.
5. Ojitos Lindos (Piano Instrumental)
Okay, an instrumental version of a Bad Bunny track? It highlights how the melody and underlying emotion are just *there*. "Ojitos Lindos" without Benito's voice still carries that specific Caribbean warmth and melancholic romance. It strips away the superstar persona, revealing the raw musicality that made the original a global phenomenon. It’s a testament to the composition itself, proving the core main character energy exists even in its most stripped-down form.
6. Matahari (French Version)
NIKI dropping a French version of "Matahari" is such a power move. It shows an artist not just translating, but adapting their sound and narrative for a new, specific audience while retaining their core identity. It's that confident, cross-cultural flex that makes an artist truly global. It's not just a song; it's a statement about artistic reach and daring, proving main character energy transcends linguistic boundaries, effortlessly.
7. Glimpse of Us
Joji just hit different with "Glimpse of Us." It’s that raw, gut-punch ballad that doesn't try to be anything but brutally honest. He captured that specific, almost toxic nostalgia for a past relationship, making it universally relatable. It’s the kind of track that makes you feel like the protagonist of your own melancholic movie. No flashy production, just pure, unvarnished emotion carving out its own space, undeniable main character vibes.
8. People Pleaser
Conan Gray's "People Pleaser" is the anthem for anyone who’s ever felt caught between their true self and societal expectations. He just nails that specific Gen Z angst with such relatable precision. It’s catchy but also packs a punch, showing how a local star can connect globally by articulating micro-experiences. It's the sound of someone stepping into their own, flawed main character energy, totally owning it.
9. Water For Elephants (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Okay, Broadway cast recordings often feel like a niche, but the main character energy here is literally built into the narrative. "Water For Elephants" is about spectacle and drama, and the music carries that weight. It's a reminder that storytelling through song, even in its most traditional theatrical form, is inherently about creating protagonists and their journeys. It’s grand, it’s dramatic, it’s pure, unadulterated narrative drive.
![Cupid - Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) [Sped Up Version]](https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273717a67c5dbf68529b9a7342c)
10. Cupid - Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) [Sped Up Version]
FIFTY FIFTY's "Cupid (Twin Ver.)" sped up? That’s peak hyper-contemporary viral magic. It wasn’t just a K-Pop hit; it became a TikTok phenomenon, proving that sometimes, the audience takes the reins and redefines the main character moment. The sped-up version became the definitive sound, showing how a track can evolve into a global meme, catapulting a relatively new idol group into an unavoidable cultural moment.
11. Ditto
NewJeans dropped "Ditto" and just cemented their status as the new arbiters of chill, lo-fi K-Pop cool. It’s got that understated, almost melancholic vibe that still feels incredibly fresh and addictive. The track felt like a secret whispered among friends that suddenly everyone knew. It’s main character energy through quiet confidence and a perfectly executed aesthetic, proving you don’t need bombast to dominate.
12. 2112
Rush's "2112" is the OG main character saga. This isn’t just a song; it’s a whole sci-fi epic, a rock opera before its time, complete with overtures and distinct movements. It tells a complete story of rebellion and discovery, literally centering a protagonist against an oppressive system. It shows how a band can craft an entire world, placing the listener directly into that main character's journey with sheer musical ambition.
