A number of years in the past, lots of Okay-pop’s finest tracks have been buried as b-sides. This yr was completely different, with most of my favourite music promoted as title tracks. I definitely favor this method. In any case, nice songs ought to be paired with nice visuals/choreo each time attainable. Nonetheless, it made for a barely much less prolific slate of “buried treasure” posts in 2024.
This countdown encompasses any observe that didn’t obtain a full music video. This contains album tracks, in addition to songs that will have been carried out however by no means actively promoted. It additionally contains Japanese b-sides from Korean acts. Similar to the High 50 Singles listing, all songs right here have been launched between December 1st, 2023 and November thirtieth, 2024.
MAKE SURE TO EXPLORE SONGS 40-21 FIRST
20. BOYNEXTDOOR – OUR
I used to be not satisfied by this music on first hear as a result of laidback lure pop just isn’t normally my factor. But it surely seems to be the right showcase for BOYNEXTDOOR’s colourful persona and has change into one of many yr’s most enduring tracks.
19. FANTASY BOYS – MAKE SUNSHINE
That is simply traditional summertime Okay-pop — archetypical in its potential to meet all expectations for the style. It is probably not essentially the most unique factor ever recorded, however I’ve such a gentle spot in my coronary heart for this actual model of effusive pop music. (full evaluate)
18. TXT – I’LL SEE YOU THERE TOMORROW
So many acts dabbled on this subdued, blippy-bloopy home music this yr, however this music is my favourite instance of the sound. The melodies are so sticky (if a bit repetitive) and the beat kicks up a surprisingly addictive groove. (full evaluate)
17. TAEMIN – CRUSH
That is Taemin doing what he does finest, his slippery vocals perched over a fascinating funk rhythm that spins right into a punchy refrain. He can forged these bangers off in his sleep, however we will all the time do with extra. (full evaluate)
16. NMIXX – RUN FOR ROSES
I’d been casually watching NMIXX for a while, however Run For Roses made me sit up and actually take discover. The nation influences are fascinating, nevertheless it’s the women’ vocals that actually steal the present. (full evaluate)
15. TWS – COMMA,
It’s solely a matter of time earlier than TWS slide into Seventeen’s funk pop sneakers, and Comma convinces me they’ve an thrilling future on this style. The bombastic late-song breakdown is kind of thrilling. (full evaluate)
14. DKB – TAEKWONDO
The chopped vocal loop that forges Taekwondo‘s most important hook is likely one of the most idiosyncratic sounds I heard in Okay-pop all yr and makes me need to instantly hit “replay.” This isn’t the model of music I are inclined to gravitate towards, however I discover it so fascinating.
13. DRIPPIN – BLACK MIRROR
Woollim Leisure continues their custom of burying wonderful materials on the finish of albums. Black Mirror is huge and brash, taking cues from Okay-pop’s previous and imbuing them with DRIPPIN’s youthful power. (full evaluate)
12. RIIZE – ONE KISS
One Kiss is quintessential boy band in essentially the most primordial approach. From its sentimental melodies to the sunny, singalong execution, it’s refreshing to listen to such an open-hearted burst of unironic pop music. (full evaluate)
11. TWS – YOU+ME=7942
That mathematical title offers me a headache, however its overstuffed nature seems to be an important illustration of the music’s wild sound. YOU+ME=7942 is an explosion of off-kilter hooks, rising extra addictive every time you hear it.
10. THE WIND – HEART FLUTTERING
These opening keys are so “2009-era Daishi Dance produced Okay-pop” I may virtually collapse from pleasure. The music goes a full thirty seconds with out even attending to its first verse and that old-school method is so appreciated. When it does begin shifting, we’re handled to an ultra-sweet refrain that performs like pure bubblegum.
9. ZEROBASEONE – ROAD MOVIE
I discover this to be essentially the most shocking ZEROBASEONE observe. I didn’t anticipate its theatrical, Broadway-level pre-chorus. I didn’t anticipate to like the chanted refrain and the way in which it seamlessly blends into verse two. All of it feels delightfully off-kilter. (full evaluate)
8. TWS – KEEP ON
Whereas I don’t normally take care of ballads, I do love , hearty pop/rock singalong. Maintain On has loads of heft, constructing towards thrilling peaks and constructed from strong, sentimental melodies. (full evaluate)
7. THE WIND – I DON’T THING
I’ll by no means have the ability to recover from that typo of a title, however musically that is an extremely feel-good punch of energy pop. I really like these huge synth riffs and explosive refrain. It was uncommon to listen to a pop music this undeniably upbeat in 2024. (full evaluate)
6. RIIZE – 9 DAYS
Although I initially discovered the music a bit generic, 9 Days went on to rule my summer time playlist. It’s simply so rattling catchy and pinwheels towards a legitimately immense finale that makes for an important vocal showcase. (full evaluate)
5. THE WIND – FRIENDSHIP
The Wind launched stellar b-sides in 2024 and Friendship is my favourite. From its glowing intro to the thumping dance beat to verse two’s irresistible guitar breakdown, the music bounds ahead with such optimism and pleasure. (full evaluate)
4. SUNGKYU & WOOHYUN (INFINITE) – BEAUTIFUL
Inspirits lastly bought our long-awaited “Infinite V” sub-unit by way of an surprising OST launch. Lovely brings collectively my two favourite voices in Okay-pop and provides them a propulsive dance observe to showcase their brilliance. That is the sound I wished to listen to from Infinite’s 2023 return. I hope they understand how a lot followers find it irresistible. (full evaluate)
3. TVXQ – T.R.H.M
I’m not kidding after I say this can be TVXQ’s finest music in a decade. A duo this legendary befits music that’s equally as grand and sprawling. T.R.H.M gives an immense sound, mixing electro funk with pummeling rock. It solely grows greater because it unfolds. (full evaluate)
2. TWS – FIRST HOOKY
This music is simply so addictive. The rubbery synth is pure 90’s hip-hop gold whereas the groove pulses with head-nodding funk. The group’s vocals have by no means sounded higher, wrapping across the manufacturing with ease and finesse. The refrain is rhythmic but melodic — a stability few 2024 songs pulled off this nicely. I may take heed to this on a loop for hours. (full evaluate)
1. BOYNEXTDOOR – SO LET’S GO SEE THE STARS
On first hear, So Let’s Go See The Stars could really feel much less formidable than most of the different songs on this listing, however its candy melodicism and standout efficiency stood the take a look at of time and have become my favourite BOYNEXTDOOR music of the yr. The observe is immaculately produced, from the shimmering refrain to the gorgeous ascending synth line that precedes verse two. Stars has real construct, storytelling by construction in a approach that satisfies in each a sonic and mawkish approach. (full evaluate)
