50 Honorable Mentions for the Best K-Pop Albums of 2021

A roundup of my previous reviews of other K-pop albums that stood out to me this year!

Note: In order to be eligible for consideration as an album in the first place, a release had to have three or more songs on it.  

AB6IX, MO’ COMPLETE: HAVE A DREAM: “As always, AB6IX deliver a mix of electronic and pop sounds with breathy vocals that make for a cohesive sonic dreamscape… Fans can rest assured that AB6IX maintain their classic sound while also enjoying some creative surprises.” 

A.C.E, Changer : Dear Eris: “Changer : Dear Eris serves as a fitting send-off before fans have to wait many months before the next full-band comeback. In some ways, this album is not just for fans, but by fans. It’s likely no coincidence that the track given an English version and a new remix is ‘Cactus,’ a song fans have considered one of A.C.E’s best since its release in 2017. Fan input is also used in the ‘Changer’ music video, which features a series of actual tweets from fans to A.C.E! The perfect finishing touch is a new fan-dedicated song, ‘Remember Us.’... Changer : Dear Eris [is] made with a clear tenderness and appreciation that will leave fans with a warm and fuzzy feeling as they await the next all-member A.C.E comeback.”

A.C.E, SIREN:DAWN: “A.C.E immerse themselves in their music video characters more than ever before, kicking their musical storytelling up yet another notch.” 

Ailee, AMY: “The influence of swing music that is present throughout AMY provides ample opportunities to remember how powerful and captivating Ailee’s voice is. The jazzy style of these songs is the perfect fit for her voice, and the way she unapologetically belts out her feelings matches the attitude of her new music video, too… On ‘Don’t Teach Me,’ she sings about not falling for a former lover’s lies anymore, and this sense of independence and autonomy permeates the rest of the album as well.” 

AKMU, NEXT EPISODE: “The concept of the new musical era they are embarking on is a term they’ve coined ‘transcendent freedom,’... In a literal sense, this means defying gravity and explains the upside-down moments in the ‘NAKKA’ video. On a symbolic level, the term applies to embracing the decisions that are the opposite of the norm or expectation… This album is accompanied by intriguing videos about an alternate reality, making the album feel like a companion novel to this first installment in a new movie series.”

BamBam, riBBon: “BamBam’s endearing and uplifting image ties all the songs on riBBon together, but each song is also a unique gift of its own. He raps and sings on songs ranging from R&B-influenced tracks to a ballad to pop delights. From his cheerful wardrobe to his music video’s extravagant settings and pastel aesthetics, this comeback guarantees BamBam’s future releases deserve a spot on everyone’s wish lists.”

BDC, The Intersection : Discovery: “A sense of hope and adventure envelopes this release, which complements the mood of BDC’s new music video perfectly… Add synth-heavy, standout songs to soundtrack this ever-evolving storyline, and BDC maintain an engaging and commendable presence. To put it more briefly, catchy songs mixed with charming music videos are what BDC always deliver.” 

Billlie, the Billage of perception : chapter one: “To stand out from other new K-pop groups, it requires more creativity and thought than ever, given the increasingly saturated market. Billlie have risen to that occasion, delivering an impressionable and one-of-a-kind debut mini-album… The B-sides are also unconventional in the best possible way. ‘flipp!ng a coin’ is a fitting song to play in an arcade and is perfect for fans of MOMOLAND’s ‘Thumbs Up.’ ‘everybody’s got a $ECRET’ is a surprising mix of attitude and softness. They go down a more bubblegum route with ‘the rumor,’ give a ballad a try with ‘FLOWERLD,’ and switch to a mid-tempo sound on ‘the eleventh day.’” 

BLITZERS, SEAT-BELT: “[‘Will Make a Mistake’ is] a motivating song told from the perspective of an inner child, with an unmatched and pure hope. The album has its more mature, emotional moments too, like on ‘Love Bottle,’ but it mainly projects optimism and adventure. After all, the album is called SEAT-BELT, and it begins with the voice of a pilot captain speaking! BLITZERS invite listeners to join them on grand adventures, and SEAT-BELT makes the audience glad to go along for the ride.” 

BOBBY, Lucky Man: “Showing noticeable growth from his debut solo album, LOVE AND FALL, iKON’s BOBBY finds his musical sweet spot on LUCKY MAN. Leaning into a new, more industrial sound suits him well and perfectly matches the tone of his ‘U MAD’ music video. The fast-paced, action-packed mini-movie brings home the message that BOBBY on his own is an artist worth paying attention to for years to come.”

CIX, ‘HELLO’ Chapter Ø. Hello, Strange Dream: “True to form, CIX manage to turn heavy subject matter into light and fun pop songs, and never before has this skill been as clear as it is on ‘HELLO’ Chapter Ø. Hello, Strange Dream. The title track, ‘Cinema,’ provides an encouraging message about how the movie of one’s life needs both ups and downs to be worth watching. CIX go on to explain how people may feel like they require more ‘takes’ than other ‘actors’ to get a ‘scene’  right in life, but these roadblocks can be reframed as times of perseverance and eventual triumph. CIX let fans see their problems through a lens that is both optimistic and honest; they sing about knowing life is hard and knowing that life’s hardships can be overcome.”

D.O., Empathy: “It is fortunate that D.O. has chosen to stick with the sound of his previous single, ‘That’s okay,’ for his debut album. He knows what types of songs he sings best and sticks to them… D.O. not only has an impressive voice, but a swoon-worthy one, as he gets sentimental about love and relationships across acoustic tracks.”

DPR IAN, Moodswings in This Order: “DPR IAN’s voice is notably distinct and is well-suited for his soft-rock-meets-indie-meets-R&B sound. It is obvious from the first listen and first watch that DPR IAN makes songs and music videos without caring about doing what is trendy or deemed ‘marketable.’ He never ceases to embrace a dark aesthetic, creepy video plots, and a revisiting of personal, painful memories in his lyrics that are all one-of-a-kind. Through this album and its singles’ music videos, DPR IAN claims rightful ownership over a new, personal sub-genre that is the ‘something different’ music lovers are seeking.”

Dreamcatcher, [Summer Holiday]: “Dreamcatcher know what they do best and stick to it. As is to be expected, their latest album is a collection of synth-pop and pop-rock songs that are prefaced with a dramatic, instrumental introduction. However, Dreamcatcher also manage to show a side of themselves on [Summer Holiday] that they never have before. They both deliver more of what fans love to expect from them and something fans did not see coming… Dreamcatcher add a bit of mystery and drama to every song they touch, meaning that whenever they show a new side of themselves, fans can rest assured they will not sacrifice the other sides of themselves while doing so.”

Even of Day, Right Through Me: “Their songs tell stories of anxiety, fear, and disappointment with unflinching vulnerability. This is not to say their album is all doom and gloom, however. It has an interesting ebb and flow. For example, the mood turns further down in ‘all the things you wanted,’ but the energy finally comes back up on the following track, and on the next track comes a more playful sound. The last track, ‘LOVE PARADE,’ keeps this lighter energy going, indicating the members have been through the darkest emotions and are now on the other side of them, feeling optimistic and comfortable as their newly single selves.”

EVERGLOW, Last Melody: “Lots of fun is had with electronic keyboard sounds, helping this song stand apart from their previous singles and stressing the fact this is the dawn of a new musical era. The two other tracks on Last Melody allow EVERGLOW to show their range, which is much appreciated. However, the B-sides are simply the cherries on top; ‘FIRST’ is enough of a treat on its own. It begs to be performed in front of a live audience, in all its confetti-and-fire-filled glory.”  

EXO, DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING: “... this release proves EXO don’t need dramatics to compel audiences. With this comeback, turning the theatrics down a peg works in EXO’s favor by providing a refreshing change of pace and not letting their raw talent be overlooked.”

from20, 20: “He has constantly released synth-driven tracks that blend deep, emotional reflections with much less serious and more personalized lyrics. In other words, since day one, from20 has performed the perfect balancing act between telling universal and personal stories. 20 concludes his tremendous year and shows him continuing to make the kind of music he does best. It serves not so much as closure, but rather a milestone marker… Chronologically, the first and last songs in from20’s 2021 discography engage in a dialogue that is satisfying despite its incompleteness. from20 sings not about figuring out what growing up is really all about, but about making peace with his past views of adulthood. When it comes to his future, from20 is now focused not on knowing so much as embracing the unknown.” 

(G)I-DLE, I burn: “(G)I-DLE continue to smartly lean into their strong suit: songs with a similar vibe to ‘HANN’ and ‘LION.’ (G)I-DLE continue to redefine themselves while simultaneously drawing on their musical strengths, making I burn feel like it does not derive from their previous releases so much as enhance the sense of identity that comes through them. The result is a cohesive collection of songs that would sound out-of-place if sung by any other act.”

GWSN, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOON: “While there is something to be said for albums that follow a clear pattern of ebbs and flows, there is also something special about the listening experience when an album is essentially divided in half. The first half of THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOON contains a whirlwind of pop and rock vibes, while the second half includes softer songs that let the members’ vocals take center stage.”

HA SUNG WOON, Electrified : Urban Nostalgia: “Playing these electrifying songs can light up any boring night, and the lyrics take fans down memory lane. For example, ‘Fairy Tale’ repeatedly references ‘blue,’ the name and theme of one of his previous title tracks. The new title track, ‘Electrified,’ also invokes nostalgia by continuing the mood of his most recent comebacks… This album is both cute and emotional, a great mix for an album symbolic of the end of a musical era (this is HA SUNG WOON’s final album with Star Crew Entertainment).”

HA SUNG WOON, Select Shop: “‘Magic Word’ embeds quirky details into a synth instrumental, ‘Cake’ is a great follow-up to his first album’s single, ‘Bird,’ and ‘Let’s Sing’ is perfect for a joyful road trip. Then there is ‘Galaxy Dust,’ which manages to sound both close and far away. His delicate vocals give an intimate feel to an outer space-themed song, a testament to his creativity and skill. If his bubbly personality does not charm listeners, his more sentimental, softer side on display in songs like ‘Galaxy Dust’ sure will.”

HEIZE, HAPPEN: “HEIZE’s voice is always a warm welcome, a voice that could make singing aloud the phonebook sound captivating. A top-tier delivery is to be expected from each of her comebacks, but what remains unpredictable are the stories her songs tell. This time, she contemplates the meaning of fate and if there is such a thing as coincidences. She somehow manages to take a theme this broad and apply it to an album with a full-circle, satisfying ending. The final track, ‘Destiny, It’s just a tiny dot.,’ nods to a lyric from the opening track, ‘HAPPEN.’... this comeback both allows for HEIZE’s signature sound to thrive and provides something new, with multidimensional yet cohesive storytelling.”

JAY B, SOMO: FUME: “JAY B makes the most of his debut solo mini-album to show the world how his sound is distinct from GOT7’s. SOMO: FUME moves from one R&B beat to the next, features collaborations with artists who sound like seamless fits for their songs (without distracting too much from JAY B’s great voice), and overall leaves listeners with a sense of who JAY B truly is. It is exciting to hear JAY B bask in his musical sweet spot uninterrupted, and this mini-album is a great symbol for the start of this new chapter in his career.”

JEON SOMI, XOXO: “The standout song on XOXO is ‘Anymore,’ where SOMI shows off a side to her voice that has not been on display before, and the guitar-led instrumental is also somewhat new for her. The ironic ‘beautiful nightmare’ she sings about is aligned with the contrast between her last single, ‘DUMB DUMB,’ and her new single, ‘XOXO.’  ‘XOXO’ replaces SOMI’s previously lovestruck state with one of envy and anger, and the cheerful, whistle-based tune in ‘DUMB DUMB’ is swapped for trap beats and a darker emotional tone… Her growth, range, and bold personality present themselves more clearly than ever on XOXO and indicate her promising future as a musician.”

JEON SOYEON, Windy: “In an impressive feat, SOYEON makes working at a fast-food restaurant look wildly entertaining!... Yet she has fun with a sense of irony in it, singing ‘welcome to adult world’ in a sarcastic way and revealing her boredom on the job in other music video scenes. ‘BEAM BEAM’ has a bite to it in more ways than one, as do the other songs that are a part of this burger joint-themed release. The album is dripping with attitude, as SOYEON sings and raps about both growing up and staying young. Growing up is no party, but SOYEON decides to make it one, trying to bring fun wherever she goes.”

KINGDOM, History Of Kingdom: Part II. Chiwoo: “Picking up seamlessly from where they left off in History of Kingdom : PartI, KINGDOM continue to spin tales of power and passion… B-sides like ‘Eternity’ continue the blockbuster OST vibes. And like any good movie, KINGDOM’s songs have layers to them. On some tracks, the instrumentals are worth paying the most attention to (namely ‘Magical’), while other songs leave room for vocals to steal the show (‘MAKE US’). Overall, KINGDOM’s new album contains many reasons to love their music and be impressed with their storytelling.”

LEE JIN HYUK, Scene26: “His contagious enthusiasm helps the ‘5K’ music video come alive, and his charisma makes listeners want to sing along with him well beyond the album’s title track. That is, if listeners can keep up with the cadence: JIN HYUK experiments with a rock-influenced sound on ‘Asteroid,’ rapping in ‘Wave,’ and a slower speed on ‘Be half-awake.’ Scene26 is an embodiment of JIN HYUK’s creative freedom and willingness to play around with various sounds and speeds.”

LEE JIN HYUK, Ctrl+V: “‘Work Work’ addresses the relatable struggle to balance a heavy workload with other facets of life… The B-sides on Ctrl+V range from mature and mysterious to sweet and playful, and they are similarly varied in sound… ‘Dunk!’ uses the metaphor of a dunk shot in basketball to represent a sense of readiness and motivation. ‘BLUE MARVEL’ is also a metaphor, this time for board games. JIN HYUK said he wishes to travel the world (in other words, ‘cross the board game’) with his fans… The last track on Ctrl+V is particularly thought-provoking. When asked about ‘Nothing’ (AKA ‘Meaningless = Art’), JIN HYUK said it ‘is a song that I made while forgetting the… important essence [of and] the act of finding reasons and meanings for art. It's also a song that I wanted to [use to] talk about the ‘meaninglessness’ of conscious adults' actions and those who want wrong attention… music is just music, and what we each do [can be] meaningless.’ He further elaborated by saying who adults are on the inside tends to differ from who they make themselves out to be on the outside. His point is that it is better to be authentic than to force oneself to convey a sense of ‘meaning’ in everything someone does.”

MCND, THE EARTH : SECRET MISSION Chapter.1: “Jam-packed with quirky sound effects, hip-hop influences, sing-along-ready choruses, and highly danceable beats, [THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter.1] is entertaining from start to finish. If the title track does not leave listeners hooked, the track immediately following it sure will. After ‘Cat Waltz’ comes the equally celebratory ‘Bowwowwow.’ ‘H.B.C’... delivers an even larger jolt of adrenaline than the previous tracks, and ‘Play Pungak’ keeps things cute and upbeat as well. Lastly, ‘Reason’ fittingly ends the album where it starts, message-wise: it serves as a reminder to GEM (MCND’s fans) that their relationship to MCND is mutually beneficial and immensely appreciated.”

MIRAE, Killa: “MIRAE really pack a punch with their explosive, high-speed debut. In addition to a sound that can best be described as EDM-influenced pop, this rookie group deserves attention for their cinematic ‘Killa’ music video… Through this album and music video, MIRAE deliver a massive boost of energy and curiosity through a rollercoaster of sights and sounds.”

MIRAE, Splash: “Splash features more of all the best features of MIRAE’s debut mini-album. This is a collection of fast, electronic-meets-pop songs with unexpected sonic details added every here and there and some fierce beat drops. Splash is a predictable thrill ride from MIRAE, and more of the same is a good thing in this band’s case. Granted, the group does expand their repertoire a bit with ‘Don’t Stop,’ a pop-rock jam… but their signature sound is relatively consistent so far, and it’s so catchy that it is beyond fine for them to pause before taking the plunge into a totally new musical direction.”

OH MY GIRL, Dear OHMYGIRL: “Dear OHMYGIRL is the soundtrack for a wholesome summer playdate, an adorable mood boost that invites listeners and viewers to sing and dance along. If the concept of ‘summer fun’ was an album, it would be this, so there is no time to waste: everyone should press play and join the party!”

ONEUS, BLOOD MOON: “A key word to summarize BLOOD MOON is ‘balance.’ The album balances older songs with brand new ones, higher-energy songs with slower ones, and modern pop sounds with traditional instruments… Alongside songs released previously (the buoyant ‘Life is Beautiful’ and bold ‘Shut Up 받고 Crazy Hot!’), new songs find a home. The songs that mix things up include the sentimental ‘We’re in Love’ and the R&B-influenced ‘Who You Are.’ BLOOD MOON is a versatile delight, and its music videos are positively stunning.”

ONF, SUMMER POPUP ALBUM [POPPING]: “From the adorable video for and lyrics to ‘Popping’ (‘Hey you there, hey you there / Please don’t sing sad song’), to playful B-sides like ‘Summer Poem,’ to a quirky igloo setup the members goof off in during the album highlight medley video, there are infinite reasons to smile when checking out this release. ONF are a ray of sunshine that listeners are sure to cherish as summer comes to a close. The band’s music and new title track send a message that can brush away any end-of-summer blues.”

OnlyOneOf, Instinct, Pt. 1: “OnlyOneOf change up everything for this comeback- their photoshoot concepts, their wardrobe, their performances- except for their signature sound. This provides a great balance of new and familiar material in a release that shows the band’s organic growth. Besides ‘libidO’ showing a mature, previously unseen side of the members, the song and music video captivate thanks to alluring vocals and a dance break-ready bridge.” 

PENTAGON, LOVE or TAKE: “PENTAGON have a playful flair all their own, making this comeback a treat for long-time fans. However, they also show organic growth on this new album; they have altered their music to be a bit more guitar-driven, but not at the expense of their trademark, charismatic sound.”

PIXY, Fairyforest : Temptation: “PIXY continue to have comebacks with a gothic princess look that is unique, not derivative. This group shows off its unique color through impressive choreography and cinematic music videos… songs on this album include a haunting introduction, ‘End of the forest,’ and a touching ballad, ‘Still with me (To.Winxy),’ which is dedicated to PIXY’s fans. Overall, this is another strong and distinguishable release from PIXY that makes room to showcase both their edgier and softer sides.”

PURPLE KISS, INTO VIOLET: “‘Ponzona’ is riveting rather than derivative, and their B-sides are equally enchanting. Listeners will be hooked from the very beginning of INTO VIOLET, when a Billie Eilish-esque intro sets the stage for a dark and mysterious journey.”

P1Harmony, DISHARMONY: BREAK OUT: “Leaning into a more industrial sound is an excellent decision for P1Harmony; this band thrives when creating songs that are best described as controlled chaos. Rowdy and loud, but in a suspenseful and artful way rather than a disjointed one, P1Harmony take musical risks that pay off and fit well with the action-packed, chaotic energy of their music videos. Also noteworthy are the lyrics to the title track, ‘Scared,’ in which the members encourage listeners to stop worrying so much about other people’s opinions of them and to embrace being different. And as this group proves with their shift in sound, being different is advice worth taking.”

SF9, RUMINATION: “RUMINATION includes a diverse array of tracks that allow the members to play around with their vocals more than usual. For example, ‘Dreams’ allows them to sing in a higher register, and ‘For Fantasy’ features echo-y voices. The tempo slows down and speeds up again repeatedly, such as when the slow, rainy-day vibes of ‘On And On’ transition into the party-ready ‘Scenario.’”

SUNMI, 1/6: “1/6 is a release worth checking out for its smooth, retro-tinged, attitude-filled pop songs. This comeback is yet another example of how SUNMI adds her distinct personality into every release.

TO1, RE:ALIZE: “RE:ALIZE leaves room for every TO1 member to shine. Those with deeper voices get the spotlight in the rap-heavy ‘Prayer,’ and those with a higher register get to shine on the emotional ‘In My Light.’ The vocal variety continues with the laid-back ‘Mirage’ and the dramatic ‘Golden,’ the most exciting B-side of which to visualize a live performance version.”

TWICE, Taste of Love: “As the name of the title track, ‘Alcohol-Free,’ suggests, TWICE present a youthful and wholesome image through this comeback. However, they do come across as more mature, particularly on the standout B-side “Scandal.” TWICE are not so much changing their image as they are adding onto it, expanding their catalog to contain more layers. Their fandom can only increase thanks to this, with new fans being drawn to their charms and longtime fans continuing to get the colorful and whimsical music videos they expect. Taste of Love makes for easy-breezy listening, transporting listeners to a tropical paradise. Whether to brighten spirits on a rainy day or just add to the summer fun, Taste of Love has all the flavors needed to leave all kinds of listeners satisfied.”

The Volunteers, The Volunteers: “Famous solo singer Yerin Baek effectively reintroduces herself as a true rockstar through her new band’s debut album. This new project solidifies Baek’s status as a multifaceted, unstoppable artist. The album is long enough to show the various dimensions of the band’s sound, yet short enough to prevent it from turning into a slog. Listeners can go back-and-forth between swaying and head-banging to the music, all the while being hooked by Baek’s voice.”

WENDY, Like Water: “Soft, piano-backed songs set up the perfect stage for WENDY’s voice to stay front and center the entire time. Like Water is, fittingly, a perfect playlist for a rainy day, with gentle sounds and angelic vocals… The lyrics are equally beautiful and tell a universally relatable story. WENDY starts off singing about comforting someone, then switches to singing about needing someone to comfort her, then transitions into singing about the need to comfort each other. It summarizes the key to positive relationships: love and support mutually flowing ‘like water.’”

Whee In, Redd: “While there are a few details in this comeback that appear to be nods to her band (she references the MAMAMOO song ‘Paint Me’ in her song ‘water color,’ for example), Whee In gets to shine and distinguish herself as a solo act through Redd. Her debut mini-album and the ‘water color’ music video are as creative and colorful as one would expect from a ‘water color’ concept.”

WOODZ, SET: “‘FEEL LIKE’ is an improved version of ‘Trigger,’ and building off of that sound is a greatly appreciated move that allows WOODZ to embrace his strong suits on SET: instrumentals that strike the right balance of neither too busy nor too boring and a vocal delivery that conveys nonchalance in an ironically humorous way.”

Younha, END THEORY: “Younha’s stunning voice enchants across eleven tracks. The instrumentals vary, but none feel out-of-place when wrapped up in the passion and sentimentality conveyed through her voice. Despite the tone of this album appealing to ballad fans, END THEORY is anything but dull and repetitive. ‘Oort Cloud’ has a triumphant feel, and ‘Tik-Tok’ is a mid-tempo song with whistling, synths, and strings, just to name a few.”

2PM, MUST: “The music video for ‘Make it,’ in which their love interest is wearing a La La Land-esque dress, is goofy and inexplicable in the best ways. Looking suave in suits, the members of 2PM spend the apocalypse trying to flirt and dance amidst the chaos. 2PM choose to make the most of their last moments on Earth, remaining calm against all odds. This chill attitude prevails throughout MUST, with pianos and saxophones weaving the tracks together to create the feel of sitting in a (mostly) quiet jazz bar. In classic 2PM fashion, this comeback manages to be both carefree and enthusiastic. There is tonal consistency in MUST, but its repetition is balanced out with the surreal ‘Make it’ music video.”

Would you like to read a more in-depth review of any of these albums? Leave me a comment with your requests! Community member feedback is part of what determines which artists and releases I cover the most extensively on my podcast and in my writing! Become a member for the chance to give constant input here!