The Best Albums of 2023 So Far, Part 2

A ranking and review of the 100 best albums of the year from K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop artists!

View numbers 100-75 on the countdown here!

#74: Shawn, DOCASA

Unconventionality is the name of Shawn’s game! Unexpected sound effects join a choir and slow percussion in “Slow Lane.” An equally unique sound is present in “Picasso.” His voice enters a higher pitch and a hazy filter in “U R MY TOBACCO,” and it stays in that strange haze in the piano-backed “Weird Love.” The distorted synths in “DOCASA,” the indescribable character of “TIKTOK NO REASON,” and the cavernous feel of “Mom Don’t You Cry” are just a few more of the ways the songs on DOCASA stand out. “BlahBlahBlahBlahBlah” is the ultimate album epitome, a testament to Shawn’s skill at merging the qualities of cavalier and passionate presentations. Read more here!

#73: Novel Core, iCoN

In the best way, iCoN is a zigzagging thrill ride that favors variety over cohesion. The songs flip the formula for an album’s success on its head: rather than immediately grab listeners’ attention with catchy hooks, for example, these songs keep listeners confused at first and bring in the catchy components later! Each song is like a present wrapped in several layers, and each gift box is chock-full of surprises. The best songs are “iCoN,” which is noisey in the best ways, and “SORRY, I’M A GENIUS,” a fun mix of power-rapping and a cavalier delivery.

#72: YAO CHEN, YAOCHEN

A dynamic album introduction, “Welcome to Yao’s land,” leads into the defiant, EDM/rap “YAOCHEN.” The self-titled album includes the similarly assertive “I’m so hot.” In between are songs with gentler instrumentals and more vulnerable reflections. This release’s corresponding music videos expand on these layers, with YAO CHEN playing an aggressive troublemaker in the action-packed “YAOCHEN” video and appearing calm and collected in the “Lonely” one… This release sends the message that YAO CHEN is a work in progress, negotiating his public-facing self in real time. He easily contains his feelings in some instances and cannot do so in others, allowing his work to hold multitudes. Read more here!

#71: THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE, ROUND & ROUND

THE RAMPAGE dabble in a vast array of genres, mixing and matching rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop sources of inspiration. Some songs have busier instrumentals than others, so pop music fans of all kinds are sure to find at least one song that suits their preferences. When there is a more down-the-middle pop song, a busier song is not far behind; the tracklist order has the element of surprise. Standout songs include the collaboration with J-rock icon MIYAVI, “ROUND UP,” the retro “Love Will Find A Way,” and the one-of-a-kind spin on a pop ballad, “KIMIOMOU.” 

#70: NiziU, COCONUT 

COCONUT has plenty of polished pop bops, but NiziU’s most exciting new tracks are the ones that stray from their typical path. The bass sputtering in “All right” gives it an ironically malfunctioning feel, and “Take it” pairs attitude with angelic, high-pitched voices. A high-pitched celebration is also the theme of brassy songs like “Love & Like” and “LOOK AT ME,” but the mood mellows out for songs like “Raindrops” and “secret.” Further showing NiziU’s range are fast-paced dance-pop numbers like “PRISM” and “JUMP.”

#69: Meng Jia, aka Jia, JIALAND

Smartly, JIALAND starts and ends with its strongest points and keeps its lower tempos for the middle. “BXXXH,” the opener, and “KNOCKOUT,” the finale, are EDM bangers. The former incorporates rapping in a way that sounds the opposite of disjointed, and the latter incorporates traditional instruments with a similar seamlessness. Between these jams are “GOOD GOOD LOVE” and “ILLUSION,” both featuring Meng Jia’s alluring voice and a more laid-back mood. JIALAND is a fun soundtrack for both highlights of a weekend: a night out and a chill day afterwards! Read more here!

#68: DeVita, Naughty

As always, DeVita’s exquisite vocals carry these R&B songs! DeVita knows how to use her voice for the maximum impact, and she has what it takes to pull off these songs’ lustful themes. She proves to sing as compellingly with this naughty material as she does with G-rated subject matter!… Naughty is aptly titled, but DeVita’s divine voice and fun videos ought to satisfy a wider crowd! Read more here!

#67: CRAXY, XX

XX proves why CRAXY are ones to watch. They go back and forth between showing off singing and rapping finesse. They also prove to be multi-talented with seamless pivots between straightforward sonic directions and mega genre hybrids, like “NUGUDOM.” The best B-side is “Lucid Dream,” though, which brings to mind fromis_9’s “Escape Room.” Another much-appreciated track addition is the explosive “Undercover” EDM remix.

#66: LUN8, CONTINUE?

LUN8’s debut is one of K-pop’s strongest of 2023 so far, because of endearing music video adventures and songs that balance the trendy with the timeless. The low-fi “Voyager” and pop-rock “Wild Heart” are loop-worthy and the perfect soundtracks for their wholesome music videos… LUN8 are simply as likable as it gets! Read more here!

#65: Shota Shimizu, Insomnia

Shota Shimizu is a prime example of an artist who uses autotune because he wants to and not because he needs it. He makes the case for electronifying vocals and does so generously in some of the album’s best songs, like “Loser,” “Fallin,” “Insomnia,” and “Memories.” Between these songs are ones that show off his true vocal talent in distinct ways. “Baby I love you so” co-stars a saxophone and choir, and “Moonlight” and “SUMMER” are mellow mood-boosters that still give higher-register notes their due. Sprinkled throughout Shota Shimnizu’s experiments with instrumentals, both electronic and otherwise, are relatively stripped ballads that add lyrical density to Insomnia. Overall, Shota Shimizu impresses with the array of ways he proves to be a natural at expressing himself.

#64: fromis_9, Unlock My World

“#menow” is an apt song title for fromis_9. This era speaks to their natural evolution, staying in the same space thematically but evolving in terms of their teamwork and collective identity. They opt for a hushed delivery, a literally quiet but figuratively loud presence, in songs like “Attitude” and “What I Want.” They shine with their go-to synth-pop sound in songs like “Don’t Care” and “Prom Night.” They switch to a lower tempo for “My Night Routine” and end on an uplifting note with “Eye Contact.” All the while, they keep the listening experience easy-breezy…. fromis_9 have an admirable certainty of what messages they want their music to convey and deliver those messages endearingly and effectively. Read more here!

#63: ONE N’ ONLY, Departure (Special Edition)

Departure (Special Edition) offers new fans a great introduction to a diverse slate of this J-pop group’s offerings. Feel-good pop songs include “We’ll rise again,” “Reflection,” and “Step Up.” The cuteness is cranked up a notch in “LUCKY” and “Good Day.” To name a few more gems: a smorgasbord of sounds makes “CIRCLE” a whirlwind to listen to, and EDM elements electrify “Last Forever.” Other songs sound perfect for different K-pop boy group fandoms: “Set a Fire” is OnlyOneOf-esque, and “Departure” brings Stray Kids to mind. Overall, Departure (Special Edition) finds numerous ways to prove and justify this group’s appeal.

#62: NCT DOJAEJUNG, Perfume

NCT DOJAEJUNG’s debut is centered around the theme of perfume, so the marketing concept and dance moves that mimic putting on fragrances write themselves! The effortlessness of the promotional strategy matches the ease with which the members harmonize. They work smoothly together both vocally and while acting in scenes together in the corresponding videos. They do not have to stretch in order to encompass many topics while keeping the signature “scent” of this album intact. They refer back to the same motif for an array of situations, using perfume as a symbol of everything from sweet nostalgia for the days of being lucky in love to traces of past love that overstay their welcome. These three prove to make a great team capable of carrying out a clear concept with flying colors. Read more here!

#61: Kwon Jin Ah, The Flag

The Flag is a lovely sampling of Kwon Jin Ah’s varied vocal strengths. Her beautiful voice backed by percussion, guitar, and strings lets “Nighttide” perfectly introduce the powerful lead single, “Raise Up The Flag.” “These days” provides falling action with wavy synths and an R&B style. “As I Dream” is a remarkable piano ballad, and she presents a lighter, airier delivery in the guitar-backed conclusion, “Butterfly.” The Flag rightfully keeps the focus on Kwon Jin Ah’s voice and has a tracklist order that follows a natural narrative arc. 

#60: MOONBIN&SANHA, INCENSE

INCENSE takes the foundation of REFUGE and improves upon it. They further hone their mysterious and dark aesthetic with the “Madness” music video… The song itself also shows a new and improved MOONBIN&SANHA, with SANHA trying out rapping and MOONBIN earning a writing credit. “Madness” is EDM/pop, but the B-sides cover a wider spectrum. “Perfumer” is an alluring mood-setter, songs like “Chup Chup” add some levity, MOONBIN’s solo (“Desire”) is a mature R&B song, and SANHA’s solo (“Wish”) is a lovely, guitar-based ballad. MOONBIN&SANHA zero in on one narrative visually while expanding their style sonically. Read more here! 

#59: ODD EYE CIRCLE, ODD EYE CIRCLE <Version Up>

While it is bittersweet to see only part of LOONA releasing new music, ODD EYE CIRCLE show an exciting return to form. They maintain their musical color, defined by synth experimentation. The album has no throwaway songs, but particularly worth checking out are “My Secret Playlist,” for its interesting tempo shifts, and “Je Ne Sais Quoi,” for the bouncy beat and heavenly, unison choruses. ODD EYE CIRCLE effortlessly follow up one another’s solo lines without missing a beat; they thrive as a team by knowing what instrumentals best suit them and how to best complement one another’s solo moments. In short, ODD EYE CIRCLE make it obvious that they are not new to this. 

#58: THE BOYZ, BE AWAKE

THE BOYZ provide two listening experiences in one release. One way to listen to this album is straightforward, just enjoying its mix of R&B, pop, dance, and even folk-rock influences. A second way to take in this album is by following its narrative arc. After THE BOYZ become “Awake” and recognize their crush on someone, they pursue that love throughout the rest of the album. They finally get to meet their crush in person in “Diamond Life,” the album’s conclusion. Read more here! 

#57: meme tokyo., MEMETIC INFECTION 

While mostly staying in their electro-J-pop wheelhouse, this girl group mixes things up and avoids sounding derivative of their past eras. MEW and SAE prove to be a dynamic duo in “TWEED,” and NENE and MITSUKI have an exceptionally eccentric collaboration in “Melt.” Funky and fun digital distortions always abound in meme tokyo.’s work, but they do so now even more than usual. Further helping the new and improved meme tokyo. shine is the tracklist order. Group-wide songs start and end the show, while the tracks in the middle contain more experimentation and subunits that are pleasant surprises. Read more here! 

#56: Da-iCE, SCENE

SCENE has distinct categories that play in an unpredictable order. First is an electronic instrumental focus, with jams like “Scene” and “Funky Jumping.” Then comes the “Throwback Movie Soundtrack Vibes” segment, featuring “DANDELION” and “Chase”! The “Ultimate Celebration” stage is third, with a wild electronic bass in “Pioneer” and the celebratory “Star Mine,” “Kenranna Finale,” and “H?NTO.” Fourth is the ballad portion, with “Nureta Ballad,” and then a “Psych! The fun isn’t over yet!” finale! The energy and oddities return for “Comedian,” “Highball Boogie,” and “Answers,” although “Answers” does go for a gentler and lower-tempo sound. In short, these songs paint many “scenes”! 

#55: CHANMINA, Naked

This album is a testament to CHANMINA’s dexterity. Her range encompasses, just to name a few, autotuned rap (“RED”), punk-tinged pop (“Mirror”), and EDM-adjacent bangers (“Love Face”). The music videos that accompany the songs in this album further show her range… CHANMINA bares it all on this album, showing her vulnerable and take-charge sides in ways both visual and auditory. Read more here!

#54: SHINee, HARD

SHINee are as naturally synergistic as ever, and they seem to be having more fun than ever too! A go-to remains their beautiful, passionate harmonies, but they do not shy away from chances to just rap or do some talk-singing too! They make plenty of time for frivolity between more emotional moments! Read more here!

#53: CODE KUNST, Remember Archive

Preserving a lifetime of memories in one musical era is a monumental task, but CODE KUNST proves to be up for the challenge. Helping him preserve this “archive” are a colorful cast of collaborators, roughly equal amounts of sampled, digital, and raw instrumental material, and music videos that cover a broad emotional spectrum… From basking in carefree days to contemplating fleeting mortality, CODE KUNST reflects on it all… With a disregard for clear-cut genres and visual dramatizations of emotional extremes, Remember Archive is an introspective yet animated exhibition of CODE KUNST’s past. Read more here!

#52: MAMAMOO+, ACT 1, SCENE 1

This MAMAMOO subunit uses theatrics to generate a spunk and sense of humor all their own. They move from setting to setting, as if filming a one-take movie scene, in “GGBB” (“Good Girl, Bad Boy”), while giving backhanded compliments like “you make me laugh, dummy,” and “You cute snake.” They perform on a literal stage in “Chico malo,” dramatizing their regret in their past choice of lovers! Then, in “LLL,” they make up their minds to not let past bad relationships stop them from pursuing future ones. “LLL” stands for “Loved,” “Loving,” and “will Love;” they commit to keeping love in their pasts, present moments, and futures. MAMAMOO+ exaggerate the chip on their shoulders and then resolve to get over it, moving on in unforgettable ways! 

#51: aespa, MY WORLD

While trying something new marketing-wise, aespa continue making the same social commentary they have since day one. As detailed in previous episodes of 17 Carat K-Pop, aespa’s in-depth world-building grapples with the blurred lines between digital selves and “real-life” ones, between what one is certain is “the real” version of oneself and what is being done for the sake of content. aespa’s story is one that simultaneously plays into expectations and subverts them, emulating “#LifeGoals” with a foreboding undercurrent. The group’s self-discovery is a journey inevitably linked to their digital footprints, making their story resonate with younger generations in an unmatched way. Read more here!

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Check out 2022’s Top 100 List here!