Now that I’ve taken a have a look at the brand new acts that dominated 2024, it’s time to concentrate on their established counterparts. Although my favourite group of the yr was a rookie, most of my favourite music got here from artists who debuted in years prior. As common, the factors is constructed round these three elements:
- High quality of labor
- Amount of labor
- Affect of labor on the business
The primary standards far outweighs the following two, and is totally subjective. This isn’t a countdown of probably the most profitable or prolific acts in 2024. This can be a celebration of the teams/artists that actually formed the yr for me. Rookies are ineligible, as they’ve their very own countdown.
Identical to final yr, there’s just one repeat 2023 artist on this yr’s record. Ok-pop strikes quick and it’s turning into fairly uncommon for artists to have consecutively glorious years. Right here’s hoping 2025 modifications that development!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
CRAVITY
EPEX
G-Dragon
ITZY
QWER
10. DAY6
In a really unusual twist, DAY6 arrive on this record not a lot based mostly on their 2024 materials however based mostly on a lot older songs. That they had a significant resurgence this yr, inserting each outdated and new songs on the charts. it actually felt like they have been taking a well-deserved victory lap.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Welcome To The Present, Soften Down
9. MOONBYUL
Moonbyul stunned me with a collection of nice singles. To me, she’s probably the most musically attention-grabbing of the Mamamoo soloists, in a position to weave between genres with ease. She actually discovered her footing with a funk-pop sound in 2024.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Assume About, Touchin&Movin, Is This Love?
8. NMIXX
It’s been enjoyable to look at NMIXX develop their sound through the years. 2024 felt like an particularly breakout yr for them, kicking off with a robust mini album and following it with a well-charting hit. Their work additionally showcased an rising versatility that bodes nicely for the longer term.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Sprint, See That?
7. AESPA
Aespa actually land right here based mostly on one music. Supernova was certainly one of 2024’s defining hits and has cemented them as a number one drive within the business. I wasn’t bought on different singles and album tracks the best way others have been, however it’s thrilling to look at a lady group dominate to such an extent.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Remorse Of The Occasions, Supernova, Armageddon, Sizzling Mess, Whiplash
6. KISS OF LIFE
Whereas aespa dominated the lady group panorama in 2024, Kiss Of Life really feel just like the buzziest up-and-comers. They’ve a very world sound, proper on development and fairly addictive when the fabric is good. If anybody will assist lead the business going ahead, I’d put my cash on them.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Midas Contact, Sticky, R.E.M, Get Loud
5. FROM20 / HELLO GLOOM
My favourite indie performers/producers scored one other sturdy yr. This time, Good day Gloom joins from20 on the record and truly launched my favourite music between the 2 of them. Their music is refreshingly dance-focused and all the time of top of the range, smooth and versatile sufficient to work in any music market.
Final 12 months: 7 (from20)
2024 Singles: Demon, Mamacita, Your Love, Any person, Blue
4. ZEROBASEONE
Of their second yr, ZEROBASEONE doubled down on what makes them an awesome group. Their spring album was somewhat forgettable, however their late-summer Cinema Paradise actually sealed the deal. Add to that plentiful OSTs and Japanese releases and also you’ve bought a really lively idol group with a excessive batting common.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Yura Yura, Sweat, Really feel The Pop, Good So Dangerous
3. THE WIND
The Wind have been my rookies of 2023, although even then I suspected RIIZE would edge them out in the long term. Nonetheless, these guys proved they’re right here to stick with a wonderful suite of 2024 songs. Even with out their chief/predominant vocal (and working as a five-piece for a time), they doubled down on the weather that make their music nice. They’re one of many few teams constantly delivering sturdy melody and shiny, nostalgic power. I hope extra folks uncover them within the new yr as a result of they’ve a bulletproof discography to date.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: H! TEEN, Sirius Pt.2, Good day, My First Love
2. BOYNEXTDOOR
Typically it takes me awhile to click on with a favourite group, and I’m ashamed at BOYNEXTDOOR’s comparatively low rating on final yr’s rookies countdown. However, it’s not all the time the start that counts, proper? BOYNEXTDOOR stay one of many business’s most idiosyncratic teams, in a position to buoy any materials by means of sheer energy of persona. I’ve retroactively gone again to adore a few of their 2023 hits, however it was their springtime mini album How? that cemented their sound for me.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Earth, Wind & Hearth, Harmful, Good Man
1. RIIZE
Ignore the controversy (and truthful sufficient when you can’t), and RIIZE delivered a fully gorgeous yr of music. They have been always lively, churning out nice hits of various genres. Love 119 climbed its strategy to the highest of the charts and finally took me with it, whereas the double punch of Unimaginable and Increase Increase Bass cemented the group as descendants of SHINee’s SMP sounds. We additionally bought an awesome rock anthem in Combo and a catchy summertime J-pop debut. Their discography continues to be comparatively small, however it’s constantly nice. Sure, I’ve even come round to the NCT-esque Siren! I’m so excited to see the place they go from right here. Don’t hold us ready too lengthy, SM.
Final 12 months: n/a
2024 Singles: Love 119, Unimaginable, Increase Increase Bass, Fortunate, Combo