The Best Albums of 2022 So Far (Part 2)
The Best Albums of 2022 So Far (Part 2)
A ranking of the best K-pop and J-pop albums released in the first half of this year!
#25: ENHYPEN, DIMENSION : ANSWER
“DIMENSION : ANSWER continues many themes from and messages in ENHYPEN’s previous releases, but it also makes room to expand their sonic and visual universes. On the new single, ‘Blessed-Cursed,’ they touch on themes they have addressed before, such as materialism and the process of creating oneself, but they do so in new ways, now recognizing the dark side of success (‘Curse like a medal’) and the work they still have to do to fully become autonomous (‘I was dancing in the marionette’s square’)... ‘Blessed-Cursed’ is both a nostalgia trip and an exciting step on a new journey of self-discovery. The other new songs on this album repackage are ‘Outro : Day 2,’ which continues the cliffhanger nature of ENHYPEN’s releases, and ‘Polaroid Love,’ an adorable ode to a crush. On this album, ENHYPEN add onto their signature themes in ways both light and serious.”
Read more here!
#24: Nogizaka46, Actually… (Special Edition)
“With over forty members, saying it is a challenge to structure songs for this group is an understatement, but these songs manage to repeatedly do so effectively. When instrumentals swell, the group’s harmonies recede and vice versa. The group’s unified voice is akin to that of a live choir performance, and this release knows just when to turn the volume up or down on this choir. Unique combinations of instruments have their moments to shine that keep their distance from the moments where their vocals deserve that spotlight. There is a lot to love about Actually…, and the song structures ensure each reason is realized on its own.”
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#23: Little Glee Monster, Journey
“Every Little Glee Monster song can best be described with one word: full. Each song weaves together a rich tapestry of instruments and harmonies. Soundscapes are crafted with the feel of a live orchestra, although a few songs are more down-the-middle pop than dramatic. Each song on Journey is a powerful statement… With Journey, Little Glee Monster show their multitudes and ensure each track lives up to its full potential.”
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#22: Solar, 容 : FACE
“The Chinese character for Solar’s middle initial translates to ‘fresh face.’ Although the inspiration for this album stems from something personal, Solar intentionally broadens the scope of her message. Rather than solely sing about self-love, she instead sings about the many shapes and forms in which beauty comes… Challenging restrictive beauty standards is a deep premise, but she keeps this album light and fun with her humorous lyrics and expressive voice… 容 : FACE is as vibrant of an album as the rainbow of colors she rocks in the ‘HONEY’ music video, and Solar’s cheeky commentary keeps 容 : FACE from being too serious.”
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#21: iKON, FLASHBACK
“Its songs explore various facets of relationships in ways that sound at times like classic iKON and at times like something brand new from them… FLASHBACK is full of both serious and silly moments, funny commentary and somber realizations. FLASHBACK shows iKON in the process of growing up, maturing while holding onto the youthful outlook of ‘Old iKON.’ Through creative lyrics and instrumentals that indicate their future musical direction, iKON touch on a host of feelings and thoughts regarding situations in their past and present.”
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#20: BOL4, Seoul
“BOL4’s timeless, remarkable voice is back, sharing stories of confusion and clarity, insecurities and self-love, and other contrasts between who she was and who she is today. By choosing to cover topics related to her past and future at the same time, she ensures this comeback feels authentic instead of an attempt to check a thematic box. The fullness of who BOL4 is can be felt through this album, yet the album carries a lightness throughout that keeps it from being bogged down in seriousness. By channeling feelings of nostalgia at the same time as feelings of hope for a brighter future, BOL4 shows the world her artistry’s timelessness and ensures her music stays compulsively listenable.”
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#19: PENTAGON, IN:VITE U
“Fortunately, PENTAGON continue an organic progression down a pop-rock path, picking up seamlessly from where LOVE or TAKE left off. IN:VITE U finds new ways to prove PENTAGON are suitable for this style of music, and this is in big part thanks to their teamwork. The songs have a sort of rotation in them, where each member intuitively knows when to take a backseat in a song and when it is their turn to take center stage. The ease with which the members play off of each other is most noticeable on ‘Call My Name,’ where they provide backup vocals, ad libs, and other forms of hype for one another’s lines. PENTAGON’s synergy enables a variety of sounds to work well together in this body of work.”
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#18: Girls2, We are Girls2
“Girls2 are a great group for K-pop girl group fans to give a chance as their first attempt to get into the world of J-pop. Fans of fromis_9’s ‘WE GO’ will particularly fall in love with this album. We are Girls2 oscillates between party vibes and triumphant, happy-movie-ending vibes. Whether visualizing a party or end credits rolling, Girls2’s music has the spirit of a satisfying celebration. ‘Chu-Lu-Chu-Chu’ is a synth pop delight, ‘jinjinjinseishoukaisong’ is a rapid, bouncy pop song, and ‘Watashiga Motete Dousunda’ tilts in a rock direction without losing its bubblegum quality. Girls2’s songs are as cute as ever. What is new is the range of scenarios in which these cute songs feel applicable!”
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#17: WOODZ, COLORFUL TRAUMA
“COLORFUL TRAUMA is both an emo breakup album and so much more. WOODZ is a true rockstar on each track, his voice feeling right at home when backed by punk-pop instrumentals. ‘I hate you’ is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unapologetic statements. Standouts include ‘HIJACK,’ which is about taking risks and embracing spontaneity, and ‘Dirt on my leather,’ which kicks off the album promising a listening session full of rock and roll.”
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#16: MAX CHANGMIN, Devil
“MAX CHANGMIN has a commanding presence with his voice alone, making all the dramatic visuals just a welcome bonus. Less dramatic delights are a part of this comeback too, like ‘Alien,’ a cute song that compares falling in love to the mysteries surrounding an alien sighting. Devil is one showstopper of an album and is worthy of an eventual standing ovation (aka repackage!).”
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#15: KIHYUN, VOYAGER
“‘Voyager’ is a great key word around which to center a solo debut: it is broad enough to allow for experimentation across tracks yet clearly defined in a way that keeps that experimentation from lacking cohesion. KIHYUN delivers this concept at its full potential, covering a spectrum of vocal pitches and personality facets across three pop-rock tracks… He pivots from a higher register on ‘, (COMMA)’ to a lower one on ‘RAIN,’ singing as if dark clouds have suddenly replaced the sunny, bright blue skies in his story. With newfound angst, he likens the feeling of missing a loved one to getting stuck in a downpour. Overall, KIHYUN covers an impressive array of emotions and musical styles in just three tracks, making VOYAGER an exciting indication that this is just the tip of the iceberg for his solo capabilities.”
Read more here!
#14: Red Velvet, ‘The ReVe Festival 2022 - Feel My Rhythm’
“Red Velvet do not provide an equal, formulaic mix of comeback concepts. Rather, they merge concepts together in unpredictable, unconventional ways. ‘Feel My Rhythm’ pairs a classical music sample with trap beats. ‘Rainbow Halo’ centers angelic, high-pitched voices that are abruptly replaced with bold, dynamic deliveries on the track that follows it… ‘Good, Bad, Ugly’ mixes airy and deep layers. The ways in which Red Velvet prove they can switch things up on a dime throughout this album are endless.”
Read more here!
#13: NCT DREAM, Beatbox
“‘Beatbox’ brightens up this new and improved version of NCT DREAM’s latest album, Glitch Mode, but the other new tracks serve to increase the release’s emotional substance. ‘To My First’ reflects on a past love, ‘On the way’ is a consoling song about putting all worries aside, and ‘Sorry, Heart’ tells a story of pain and regret. The combination of these new electronic/R&B tracks and the new music video make for a worthwhile Glitch Mode repackage.”
Read more here!
#12: Epik High, Epik High Is Here 下, Pt. 2
“Epik High Is Here 下, Pt. 2 serves as both a fitting continuation of Pt. 1 and the perfect tribute to the group’s prolific career. The group revisits some themes and symbols, but they do so in new and engaging ways. Testaments to their lyricism range from tongue-in-cheek quips… to deep, thought-provoking comments on the state of the world. Punny lines… appear roughly as often as words of heavy contemplation… Each song covers a topic with the emotional complexities it warrants. They make incisive questions fit well with humorous answers and vice versa, and this dynamism will surely keep propelling Epik High’s career for years to come.”
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#11: SUPER★DRAGON, Force to Forth
“From the next-level rapping on ‘2U’ to the rock anthem ‘Shut Up, Shout Out,’ SUPER★DRAGON know how to keep listeners’ energy at a fever pitch… Force to Forth is a bold force to be reckoned with, and each song distinguishes itself with a unique combination of tempos, instruments, and vocals. EDM, rock, and pop fans alike will find something to love about this album. The opening number, ‘Welcome to my hell,’ accurately sets the tone for the rest of Force to Forth. It teases a combination of eerie and carefree moments, a back-and-forth between rapping and singing, and a pendulum swinging wildly between a feeling of complete control and one of losing it all.”
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#10: MONSTA X, SHAPE of LOVE
“MONSTA X are adept at repurposing elements from previous eras… MONSTA X indirectly let fans feel a sense of closeness while listening to their new material by recalling past songs that have left fans touched. SHAPE of LOVE sounds like a MONSTA X album through and through, a recollection as well as a new chapter. Put simply, these songs are meant for MONSTA X. From Joohoney’s charismatic raps to I.M and Joohoney’s dynamic back-and-forths to Kihyun’s outstanding vocals, SHAPE of LOVE fits the members like a glove.”
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#9: TAEYEON, INVU
“TAEYEON has clearly taken her time on this release; the lyrics represent a process of deep introspection and internal growth. She alternates between a desire to push others away and a deep-rooted need to hold them close; between a need for revenge and an apologeticness for impulsive behavior; between a cynicism towards growing up and opting for radical acceptance of it. INVU is, to put it simply, a very human story. As clever (it’s pronounced ‘I envy you’) and catchy as the title track is, there is so much beneath the surface on this album worth immersing oneself in too.”
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#8: milet, Walkin’ In My Lane
“The rawness in her voice and the ways she makes it conform to a song’s message and mood is a chameleonic and astounding feat, and she shows off this talent yet again on these three tracks… The instruments act as team players with milet’s vocals, amplifying her literal voice in ways that also amplify her metaphorical one. ‘Love When I Cry’ is another sonic journey, with bouncy synths and spaced-out snapping that slide away to let her voice ring more powerfully during the cavernous choruses. The heaviest feeling is saved for last, on ‘My Dreams Are Made of Hell,’ but milet uses vocal commands to tuck moments of levity into its structure… Walkin’ In My Lane is a trifecta that proves milet’s dexterity at leaving a lasting impression and keeping listeners invested in her musical storytelling.”
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#7: Dreamcatcher, [Apocalypse : Save us]
“There are three main categories into which the songs on [Apocalypse : Save us] can be put: there are beautiful ballads… pop-punk headbangers… [and] synth-heavy pop songs… Tying this variety pack together are Dreamcatcher’s trademarks: an instrumental introduction… and an equally atmospheric interlude... [Apocalypse : Save us] surpasses Dreamcatcher’s high bar for compelling and one-of-a-kind storytelling, and it changes things up without taking any piece of Dreamcatcher’s core identity out of the picture.”
Read more here!
#6: TXT, minisode 2: Thursday’s Child
“What makes TXT stand apart is the extent to which they psychoanalyze their own intentions and find ways to make meaning out of visuals and lyrics. Rather than just sing about being a ‘Good Boy Gone Bad,’ for example, they seek to understand why they are compelled to ‘go bad.’ Previously, instead of just singing about feeling like a loser on ‘LO$ER=LO♡ER,’ they thought deeply about what makes someone a loser or a lover. The dollar sign and heart in the song title represent their conclusions, and this insight is brought up again on the new album, with ‘Trust Fund Baby’ (‘I'll never be a trust fund baby, no / Why can't that life ever be minе? / An empty wallet with the namе of a heart / That is even more empty than that / Lover with no dollar sign’). This is just one example of how TXT always ensure their newest chapter builds off of the thought processes and themes laid out in the chapters before it. As TXT grow and learn about themselves and their place in the world, they share what they are learning through musical and visual symbols.”
#5: SUHO, Grey Suit
“Grey Suit is commendable for the profoundness of both its lyrics and its unique ways of taking inspiration from Momo. As written about previously in this newsletter, it is a gift when art prompts the audience to look into more art. SUHO’s homage to Momo can introduce a new group of readers (this author included!) to a remarkable novel. Discovering a new favorite book is truly impactful and exciting, getting audiences to see topics in a light to which they had not previously been exposed. Grey Suit is excellent not just for its substance, but also for its source material. The depth of this comeback is profound and a testament to the joys of reading into the deeper meanings of human emotions.”
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#4: (G)I-DLE, I NEVER DIE
“They solidify their unique image, both sonically and lyrically, and they continuously remind audiences they remain in full control of that image. Their story is just getting started, and they outright reject the attempts of others to write their ending for them. Naming their album I NEVER DIE does not just symbolize how they will not conform to anyone else’s ideals, but also how that will never be the case. Now that (G)I-DLE sing and rap about thriving with their newfound boldness and unabashed authenticity, they revel in the feeling of freedom too much to ever go back. I NEVER DIE is a reminder not to mess with (G)I-DLE and a bold declaration that their impact on K-pop has the potential to become eternal.”
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#3: Stray Kids, ODDINARY
“ODDINARY spreads several messages, often within the same song. On one hand, Stray Kids boast about ignoring preconceived notions and truly embracing their originality. They refuse to put on an act and encourage listeners to join them in committing to be who they truly are, regardless of what anybody else thinks. On the other hand, their lyrics acknowledge the broader societal forces that make this goal easier said than done. This allows them to both empower individuals and be critical of the broader norms and prejudices that squash individuality. They critique a status quo that defines individuals by cut-and-dry labels and assumptions and recognize the enormity of trying to overcome these. Yet they maintain an endless optimism, a firm belief in the possibility of proving naysayers wrong.”
Read more here!
#2: milet, visions
“There is a reason why 17 Carat K-Pop write-up after 17 Carat K-Pop write-up has praised milet’s musicianship. She is truly an astonishing artist with a raw, emotional vocal delivery and songs infused with personality and a mix of confidence and vulnerability. Her work is layered, intriguing, and instrumentally rich, and there is no better testament to her talent than visions.”
Read more here!
#1: SEVENTEEN, Face the Sun
“SEVENTEEN effectively use Face the Sun to kick off a new musical era, by using the same intuition and charisma that have carried them this far in their career. Face the Sun is an excellent example of how artists can shed their old selves in ways that do not require removing anything at the core of who they are or any trait at the core of their stories.”
Read more here!
To learn more of my reasoning behind these picks, listen to the corresponding episode of 17 Carat K-Pop, out here and wherever else you get your podcasts!
Check out part one below!
