The Best Albums of 2023 So Far, Part 1
A ranking and review of the 100 best albums of the year from K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop artists!
Some things to note before reading this list:
The terms “K-pop,” “J-pop,” and “C-pop” are used broadly; releases that are more “K-rock” than “K-pop,” for example, were also eligible.
A release needed to have three or more songs on it to count as an album.
Some of these descriptions expand on previous reviews, hence the “...” in some of them.
#100: ScreaM Records, SCREAM! ep.1: Journey of Emotions
All kinds of dance-floor-ready bangers are on this compilation of DJ mixes! The atmospheric “Ether” is as immersive as the album visualizer, a hypnotic, technicolor trip. The eighties dance sound is strong in “Down” and “Say It.” Some instrumentals defy descriptions and are simply distorted delights, like “Alongside” and “Akrapovic”! There are also some less experimental options for those who just want a song that sounds like a classic summer radio hit, including “Young Hearts” and “SURFER.”
#99: PRIMROSE, RED MOON
After an absorbing intro and bold title track, PRIMROSE show their softer side with bright B-sides, “COMELY” and “PLAY.” The accompanying music videos also celebrate PRIMROSE’s multitudes… RED MOON is a strong debut release and gives the world a taste of who PRIMROSE are without erasing all doubt. In other words, the group does a great job presenting their group identity while indicating they still have more to reveal! Read more here!
#98: SG, FINALE
Some songs, like “Instagram” and “Flash,” are in the style of G-DRAGON and other artists who artfully electronify their vocals. Other can’t-miss tracks include the playful “A Bite of Kiss” and “Lotto,” the latter being for fans of “SEXY NUKIM” by Balming Tiger and RM. FINALE’s corresponding music videos deliver even more variety, with a mix of mood-focused and narrative-driven content. FINALE has a track and corresponding visual for every occasion. Read more here!
#97: ONEW, Circle
ONEW croons his way through ballads, jazz-pop songs, and R&B tracks. His voice conveys warmth and calmness, allowing him to not just do these songs justice but take them to the next level. His songs feel tailor-made for his voice; the personal nature of the stories stays apparent. Must-plays include “Caramel,” which is for fans of “BIRD” by HA SUNG WOON, and “No Parachute,” which is perfect for car rides.
#96: Han Seungwoo, FRAME
This VICTON member proves to excel with solo R&B and pop-punk material. His voice is well-suited for both styles and then some, although his most shining moments are in the rollicking “Runnin’ High.” Aside from “Dawn,” which keeps the focus on his beautiful voice, an admirable trait in each song on FRAME is the vocal and instrumental layering.
#95: KAT-TUN, Fantasia (Selected Edition)
KAT-TUN prove to be a Japanese group with large crossover-fandom potential, through borrowing from both K-pop songs’ structures and genre-merging habits (“ELIZA” being a great example of the latter). Fans of K-pop boy bands like SF9 and PENTAGON will especially like “Wild Rose,” fans of NINE.i will like “FLIGHT,” and other K-pop fans will surely find their own personal favorites on this album. Fantasia (Selected Edition)’s versatility keeps the listening experience high-energy and a surefire pop crowd-pleaser.
#94: ATBO, The Beginning : 飛上
ATBO’s pivot to a more youthful, joyful concept suits them well, and their willingness to keep exploring musically is fortunate. The songs range from pop/R&B to New Jack Swing. With a versatile soundscape, a cute visual complement, and a meta plot twist in the “Next to Me” music video, ATBO prove to be ones to watch. Read more here!
#93: BOL4, Love.zip
BOL4 could sing an encyclopedia’s full contents and still sound riveting! She has a marvelous, one-of-a-kind voice, and it shines in every track she graces. Gentle guitars and pianos accompany her latest love stories, and this release is even sweeter thanks to its aesthetic choices. Read more here!
#92: KEY, Killer
In the “Killer” music video, KEY’s confidence appears more complete and authentic than ever. He has truly come into his own as a solo artist, and it is a delight to see him return to his retro, synth-heavy musical sweet spot. The other new tracks on this album repackage add more danceable delights to the amazing Gasoline. KEY not only proves that Gasoline deserves this encore promotional run with catchy tracklist additions, but also with a new music video that solidifies his “key” role in the SM Entertainment Cinematic Universe! Read more here!
#91: Minhyun (aka HWANG MIN HYUN), Truth or Lie
Minhyun has an ear for how vocals can best complement the instruments and tempo of the moment, a gift he flexes throughout Truth or Lie. Subverting expectations, a piano ballad, “Honest,” starts the album. His voice runs circles around the instrumentals for the guitar-backed “Crossword” and the piano-backed “Smile.” Minhyun’s sultry voice in “Perfect Type” and the addition of brassier elements in “CUBE” make them the most distinguishable B-sides. Despite these solid B-sides, “Hidden Side” proves its worthiness as the lead single, with its shimmy-worthy synths and an addictive post-chorus instrumental. Read more here!
#90: SF9, THE PIECE OF9
SF9’s comeback impresses with its tracklist order. The album’s most climactic tracks are smartly placed in the middle. The title track, “Puzzle,” is a source of rising action, and “Stay with me,” a ballad, dissolves the suspense at the end of the adventure. THE PIECE OF9 might also be a personal best for SF9 for music video storytelling that is more detailed and cinematic than ever. Read more here!
#89: Cherry Bullet, Cherry Dash
“P.O.W! (Play On the World)”’s music video proves that Cherry Bullet can serve both sweetness and sass!… As for the B-sides on Cherry Dash, the standout is “Whistle Like That,” a strong follow-up to “Love In Space.” Also in that wheelhouse is the synth pop “Queen.” They mix things up for the Second-Gen-esque “Cloud Nine” and a ballad called “A Winter Star.” Taken as a whole, Cherry Dash is a short and sweet reminder that Cherry Bullet’s releases have both eye and ear candy. Read more here!
#88: KINGDOM, History Of Kingdom: Pt. VI. Mujin
As always, KINGDOM bring both drama and fun! A flute-led intro leads into “Dystopia,” movie-ready with its swelling strings and angsty delivery. They interrupt their own dramatic storytelling with lighthearted details, though, like “ma-ma-mine”s! The ascending structure and strings return for “Song of the Wind,” but songs like “Elements” channel the feeling of lighter pop fare. When there are solemn moments in this album, more upbeat ones are not far behind, and vice versa.
#87: ONEUS, PYGMALION
After a twisty introduction and the orchestral, emo-pop “ERASE ME,” ONEUS show off their gentler side. “Unforgettable” is an earworm with a wholesome, camping-themed music video. “ECHO” proves they can nail a performance that requires switching into both a higher register and a slower tempo. Their voices get another chance to shine in the guitar-filled slow song “Halley’s Comet.” PYGMALION, named after the term referring to the power of positive thinking to influence results, is strong proof of concept. Read more here!
#86: INI, DROP That
While “FANFARE” is the right call for this EP’s main single and is possibly INI’s best song to date, “DROP” is also a must-listen. Its hip-hop sound and playful chanting bring to mind P1Harmony and THE BOYZ. The other tracks, “Let’s Escape” and “INItialize,” are feel-good, guitar-and-percussion-focused songs with surprising finishing touches. The main takeaway: this is a group who doesn’t take themselves too seriously but does plan to stay striving. Read more here!
#85: Lapillus, GIRL’s ROUND Pt. 2
GIRL’s ROUND Pt. 2 is an obvious step above Pt. 1; Lapillus show noticeable gains when it comes to stylistic confidence. They go full speed ahead with the whistle- and “nanana”-filled “Marionette,” keep the fun going with drumrolls and whistle-laced choruses in “Who’s Next,” cutely chant in unison in “ULALA,” and incorporate an unexpected flute into the chorus of “Paper.” Each song has at least one earworm quality. Read more here!
#84: oceanfromtheblue, oceanfromtheblue
Smooth-as-silk vocals breeze through these R&B tracks while staying dynamic enough to maintain interest. oceanfromtheblue plays with electronic filters and unexpected sound pairings (such as a rap-like delivery with a piano in “Brother”) to keep listeners guessing. But at its core, this self-titled album is for R&B fans. Other enthusiasts of this album will include fans of The Weeknd’s voice and retro influences.
#83: BTOB, WIND AND WISH
WIND AND WISH is filled with BTOB’s dependable melodrama! Their emotional deliveries engage in an interesting dance with lighter instrumentals. They have clearly refined over time a “dance ballad” genre all their own. BTOB thrive under their self-written rules for making music, rules that encourage ignoring genre restrictions and merging dramatic and carefree stylistic choices. WIND AND WISH has emotional lyrics that are packaged in danceable, catchy ways.
#82: OCTPATH, Showcase
Those looking for a fast-paced adrenaline jolt should check out the opening number, “Mind Blaster.” Those looking for busier, more eccentric pop delights will like “Run.” “Our PATH” is a sweet, piano-focused pop ballad. “Lip Service” and “Hot Thoughts” are for those who appreciate electronic influences in pop songs. The list goes on and on, the point being that OCTPATH combine many concepts into this one comeback, delivering the ultimate Showcase of their colorful group image!
#81: Billlie, the Billage of perception: chapter three
In addition to their many videos, Billlie weave a fascinating and fantastical story through song lyrics; the songs are an essential part of the full package. They deliver another piece of the ongoing narrative puzzle with the Billage of perception: chapter three. Narrative depth meets plain catchiness to make these songs some of Billlie’s highest-quality ones yet. Furthermore, they have cute juxtapositions, like singing about fierceness between “lalala” lyrics in “lionheart (the real me)”! Read more here!
#80: ASH ISLAND, ROSE
This album oscillates between self-hype and post-breakup pain. In between these opposites lies a deep well of emotions that ASH ISLAND mines through without sacrificing his signature delivery, and while taking breaks for songs that are not so deep. He tempers his usual bravado with confessional lyrics, but he still knows how to have fun! ROSE shows ASH ISLAND’s discography’s natural outgrowth in both style and substance. Read more here!
#79: CRAVITY, MASTER : PIECE
MASTER : PIECE overflows with contagious enthusiasm. “Groovy” and “FLY” are what happy hits are made of, the rock tweaks to “Baddie” and “Get Lifted” keep the album from feeling repetitive, and “A to Z” opts for maximum fun and surprises. The album ends with “Light the way,” a piano-backed slow song that reminds listeners this group can serve more than just carefree fare. Read more here!
#78: Karencici, Everybody Loves Me
Everybody Loves Me is chameleonic but cohesive. Karencici’s voice slides effortlessly between and among tempos and moods, ranging from punk to autotune-heavy R&B. The fluidity keeps these songs perfectly aligned, yet this condensed package does have surprises inside. Karencici knows what works for her musically and picks and chooses which elements of genres with which she wants to play. The best example of her knack for smooth experimentation: “She Don’t Mind,” which manages to pivot from a slow R&B song into a rapid one with a rapping/singing combination.
#77: LEE CHAE YEON, Over The Moon
This comeback has treats for both the eyes and ears! The “KNOCK” music video is a colorful joyride… The songs are just as engaging, especially the full-speed-ahead “I Don’t Wanna Know.” From the bouncy “Line By Line” intro to the final track (the pop ballad “Like A Star”), LEE CHAE YEON takes her audience on a vivid adventure. Read more here!
#76: YUJU, O
This short but sweet album utilizes a circle metaphor to the fullest. First of all, YUJU named the album O to represent a zero, indicating the start of her new musical chapter and the fact she is nearing her 10-year career anniversary. Secondly, it is meant to represent a circle, symbolizing the cyclical nature of her emotions and the feeling of traveling without actually going any farther. The songs ruminate over a simultaneous sense of movement and stagnation. The third reference made through the album title is coming “Full Circle,” hence the title of the final track. The laughter in the background of it can be interpreted as conveying either relief that an endless drive is over or a “laugh so you don’t cry” release. O is a personal album for YUJU that also prompts personalized listening experiences. The best songs are “Dreaming,” with high notes that would be astounding to hear YUJU perform live, and “Peach Blossom” (featuring sokodomo), a well-done R&B detour.
#75: 8TURN, UNCHARTED DRIFT
8TURN’s album stays highly enthusiastic; it just changes flavors of enthusiasm over time! What starts as adrenaline- and curiosity-fueled excitement (through the musical monologue that is “WORLD” and the triumphant “EXCEL”) morphs into a more laid-back form of contentment (through “SKETCH” and “ING”). The transition between phases of this celebration is “WALK IT OUT,” which features spirited, unison chanting that keeps a thematic throughline between the sonic switch-ups. Read more here!
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Check out 2022’s Top 100 List here!