Kpop’s Best Albums: Generation #1
Simply put, the most cohesive, most unique, and most moving EPs and LPs from the industry, across all genres. This list will hopefully grow a lot longer as I continue doing my reviews.
The 1st Gen was the beginning of it all, taking from American hip-hop, rock, R & B, and J-pop, with some definite social messaging and very little filter (for better or for worse). The legends–SHINHWA, Seo Taiji, S.E.S., and BoA–all got their start here, with songs like Perfect Man, Come Back Home, Be Natural, and No.1. 1992-2005. See All Generations Here.
(For albums, from all generations, click here)
(For my all-time favorite kpop albums, click here!)
(For Gen #1 Classics, click here)
Full reviews for these groups can be seen under each album!
Perfect Man; SHINHWA (2002)
SHINHWA are legendary in the k-pop industry (literally; their name means “legend”), and the Perfect Man album is a microcosm of all their strengths, dipping into hip-hop, R & B, and ballads. Though some of it hasn’t aged as well, it’s still a classic for a reason.
Best Songs: Perfect Man, I Pray 4 U, Shout
Monochrome; Lee Hyori (2015)
Hyori continues her icon status with this album, marrying her self-penned lyrics with 60’s styles from surf rock to funk and creating something so irrepressibly groovy it’s impossible not to shake your hips along. It’s a tribute to her female fans and the sound of a woman growing into her own voice.
Best Songs: Miss Korea, Holly Jolly Bus, Show Show Show
One Shot Two Shot; BoA (2018)
Though she’s known for the 16-track albums of her earlier work, BoA’s 1 Shot 2 Shot is less than half that length and more than twice as good. Proving she hasn’t lost her touch, it’s dancy and refined, all carried off with an enviable amount of confidence.
Best Songs: One Shot Two Shot, Camo, Recollection
The Return; SHINHWA (2012)
The Return, as befits its name, marks fifteen years of SHINHWA in the industry, and while it still keeps the foundations that made Perfect Man so great, it adds a sparkling layer of synths and a heavy dose of heart, both for the fans and each other.
Best Songs: Venus, On The Road, Let It Go
Atlantis Princess; BoA (2002)
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Best Songs: Make A Move, The Lights Of Seoul, Atlantis Princess
IV; Seo Taiji & Boys (1995)
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Best Songs: Regret Of The Times, 1996, Good Bye
We Hate All Kinds Of Violence; H.O.T. (1996)
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Best Songs: Candy,
Let me know your thoughts!