Just a few years in the past, a lot of Okay-pop’s finest tracks have been buried as b-sides. This 12 months was totally different, with most of my favourite music promoted as title tracks. I definitely want this strategy. In any case, nice songs ought to be paired with nice visuals/choreo every time potential. Nevertheless, it made for a barely much less prolific slate of “buried treasure” posts in 2024.
This countdown encompasses any monitor that didn’t obtain a full music video. This consists of album tracks, in addition to songs which will have been carried out however by no means actively promoted. It additionally consists of Japanese b-sides from Korean acts. Identical to the High 50 Singles record, all songs right here have been launched between December 1st, 2023 and November thirtieth, 2024.
MAKE SURE TO EXPLORE SONGS 40-21 FIRST
20. BOYNEXTDOOR – OUR
I used to be not satisfied by this music on first hear as a result of laidback lure pop just isn’t often my factor. But it surely seems to be the right showcase for BOYNEXTDOOR’s colourful persona and has grow to be one of many 12 months’s most enduring tracks.
19. FANTASY BOYS – MAKE SUNSHINE
That is simply basic summertime Okay-pop — archetypical in its potential to satisfy all expectations for the style. It is probably not probably the most authentic factor ever recorded, however I’ve such a smooth spot in my coronary heart for this precise type of effusive pop music. (full assessment)
18. TXT – I’LL SEE YOU THERE TOMORROW
So many acts dabbled on this subdued, blippy-bloopy home music this 12 months, however this music is my favourite instance of the sound. The melodies are so sticky (if a bit repetitive) and the beat kicks up a surprisingly addictive groove. (full assessment)
17. TAEMIN – CRUSH
That is Taemin doing what he does finest, his slippery vocals perched over an interesting funk rhythm that spins right into a punchy refrain. He can forged these bangers off in his sleep, however we will all the time do with extra. (full assessment)
16. NMIXX – RUN FOR ROSES
I’d been casually watching NMIXX for a while, however Run For Roses made me sit up and really take discover. The nation influences are attention-grabbing, but it surely’s the ladies’ vocals that really steal the present. (full assessment)
15. TWS – COMMA,
It’s solely a matter of time earlier than TWS slide into Seventeen’s funk pop footwear, and Comma convinces me they’ve an thrilling future on this style. The bombastic late-song breakdown is sort of thrilling. (full assessment)
14. DKB – TAEKWONDO
The chopped vocal loop that forges Taekwondo‘s important hook is without doubt one of the most idiosyncratic sounds I heard in Okay-pop all 12 months and makes me need to instantly hit “replay.” This isn’t the type of music I are likely to gravitate towards, however I discover it so fascinating.
13. DRIPPIN – BLACK MIRROR
Woollim Leisure continues their custom of burying wonderful materials on the finish of albums. Black Mirror is massive and brash, taking cues from Okay-pop’s previous and imbuing them with DRIPPIN’s youthful power. (full assessment)
12. RIIZE – ONE KISS
One Kiss is quintessential boy band in probably the most primordial method. From its sentimental melodies to the sunny, singalong execution, it’s refreshing to listen to such an open-hearted burst of unironic pop music. (full assessment)
11. TWS – YOU+ME=7942
That mathematical title offers me a headache, however its overstuffed nature seems to be a fantastic illustration of the music’s wild sound. YOU+ME=7942 is an explosion of off-kilter hooks, rising extra addictive every time you hear it.
10. THE WIND – HEART FLUTTERING
These opening keys are so “2009-era Daishi Dance produced Okay-pop” I may virtually collapse from pleasure. The music goes a full thirty seconds with out even attending to its first verse and that old-school strategy is so appreciated. When it does begin shifting, we’re handled to an ultra-sweet refrain that performs like pure bubblegum.
9. ZEROBASEONE – ROAD MOVIE
I discover this to be probably the most stunning ZEROBASEONE monitor. I didn’t count on its theatrical, Broadway-level pre-chorus. I didn’t count on to like the chanted refrain and the way in which it seamlessly blends into verse two. All of it feels delightfully off-kilter. (full assessment)
8. TWS – KEEP ON
Whereas I don’t often look after ballads, I do love , hearty pop/rock singalong. Hold On has loads of heft, constructing towards thrilling peaks and constructed from stable, sentimental melodies. (full assessment)
7. THE WIND – I DON’T THING
I’ll by no means be capable of recover from that typo of a title, however musically that is an extremely feel-good punch of energy pop. I like these massive synth riffs and explosive refrain. It was uncommon to listen to a pop music this undeniably upbeat in 2024. (full assessment)
6. RIIZE – 9 DAYS
Although I initially discovered the music a bit generic, 9 Days went on to rule my summer season playlist. It’s simply so rattling catchy and pinwheels towards a legitimately immense finale that makes for a fantastic vocal showcase. (full assessment)
5. THE WIND – FRIENDSHIP
The Wind launched stellar b-sides in 2024 and Friendship is my favourite. From its glowing intro to the thumping dance beat to verse two’s irresistible guitar breakdown, the music bounds ahead with such optimism and pleasure. (full assessment)
4. SUNGKYU & WOOHYUN (INFINITE) – BEAUTIFUL
Inspirits lastly bought our long-awaited “Infinite V” sub-unit through an surprising OST launch. Lovely brings collectively my two favourite voices in Okay-pop and provides them a propulsive dance monitor to showcase their brilliance. That is the sound I needed to listen to from Infinite’s 2023 return. I hope they notice how a lot followers like it. (full assessment)
3. TVXQ – T.R.H.M
I’m not kidding once I say this can be TVXQ’s finest music in a decade. A duo this legendary befits music that’s equally as grand and sprawling. T.R.H.M gives an immense sound, mixing electro funk with pummeling rock. It solely grows larger because it unfolds. (full assessment)
2. TWS – FIRST HOOKY
This music is simply so addictive. The rubbery synth is pure 90’s hip-hop gold whereas the groove pulses with head-nodding funk. The group’s vocals have by no means sounded higher, wrapping across the manufacturing with ease and finesse. The refrain is rhythmic but melodic — a steadiness few 2024 songs pulled off this properly. I may hearken to this on a loop for hours. (full assessment)
1. BOYNEXTDOOR – SO LET’S GO SEE THE STARS
On first hear, So Let’s Go See The Stars might really feel much less formidable than lots of the different songs on this record, however its candy melodicism and standout efficiency stood the take a look at of time and have become my favourite BOYNEXTDOOR music of the 12 months. The monitor is immaculately produced, from the shimmering refrain to the gorgeous ascending synth line that precedes verse two. Stars has real construct, storytelling by way of construction in a method that satisfies in each a sonic and mawkish method. (full assessment)