Kpop’s Best Albums: Generation #2
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 2nd Gen is more organized, more smooth, and more colorful, taking inspiration from disco and synth, and still with a bit of a fun edge. Really the start of the infamous trainee system. The birth of royalty: SHINee, SNSD, 2NE1, and Wonder Girls. 2006-2012. See All Generations.
(For albums, from all generations, click here)
(For my all-time favorite kpop albums, click here!)
(For Gen #2 Classics, click here)
Full reviews for these groups can be seen under each album.
The Story Of Light; SHINee (2018)
Both a celebration of their 10th debut anniversary and a memorial for their 5th member, Jonghyun, The Story Of Light goes back to basics for its color scheme, but explores many genres of synth and pop, all while processing the ever-present sadness.
Best songs: Our Page, Chemistry, You & I
Holiday Night; Girls’ Generation (2017)
Girls’ Generation is known for grand returns, but even for them, this 10th anniversary marker stands out. Perfecting the crying-on-the-dancefloor feels, Holiday Night goes from celebratory to melancholy, and right back, and, in my opinion, is the album that captures “k-pop” as a genre best.
Best Songs: One Last Time, Love Is Bitter, Girls Are Back
Basic; Brown Eyed Girls (2016)
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Best Songs: Brand New World, Warm Hole, Fractal
M.A.D.E.; BigBang (2016)
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Best Songs: Sober, Let’s Not Fall In Love, Fuck It
Modern Times; IU (2012)
IU has been a k-pop stalwart since 2008, and Modern Times was the start of that legacy. The album feels like a broadway show, from the golden age musical influences of the title to the hints of tango and bluegrass in the b-sides, and IU’s voice elevates whatever it touches.
Best Songs: The Red Shoes, Everybody Has Secrets, Gloomy Clock
Move; Taemin (2019)
Though most known as an incredible dancer, Move establishes that Taemin has a very versatile voice, which excels both in the sultrier, confident songs that have become his trademark and the more vulnerable, emotional ones that truly give him the chance to prove his talent.
Best Songs: Love, Move, Rise
Prima Donna; 9Muses (2016)
Tragically the only full album from the now–disbanded 9Muses, Prima Donna offers up a smorgasbord of retro sounds, from surf rock to 60’s spy thriller soundtrack, selling it all with confidence to spare.
Best Songs: Miss Agent, Rumor, Gun
The Winning; IU (2024)
Inspired by the award-winning kdrama When Life Gives You Tangerines, which she stars in, IU’s The Winning is an at-times joyous, at-times heartbreaking, but all powerful 5-track EP that will blow you away in the time it takes you to brew a mug of tea.
Best Songs: Love Wins All, Shh, Holssi
Red Light; F(x) (2014)
Though Pink Tape is (perhaps rightfully) regarded as a triumph, in my opinion Red Light is underrated. With what may be their hardest hitting title track, this album takes a darker turn in F(x)’s discography but still manages to explore half a dozen genres on the way, and not without a few sweeter tracks too.
Best Songs: Dracula, Red Light, Paper Heart
Re:Tro; 100% (2019)
A EP both of grief and healing, Re:tro is 100% processing the death of their leader in six exquisite tracks that would be right at home in a vintage coffee shop. And even when it gets to its saddest moments, it still feels like a hot mug of tea or a warm hug.
Best Songs: Remember, Still Loving You, One Love
Lilac; IU (2021)
Almost ten years after Modern Times, Lilac proves IU hasn’t lost her spark. At times razor-sharp and vulnerable in songs like Celebrity, at others charismatic and over-confident in songs like Coin, this album feels like a small glimpse into her brain, with all the love and complications that come along with that.
Best Songs: My Sea, Lilac, Coin
Revolution; KARA (2011)
I only recently discovered this album on my deep dive, but it’s dance-floor-ready from its opener, and it’s got just enough of that 2nd gen craziness to be endearing. It’s so much fun, and between the disco, the synths, and the iconic dances, it’s impossible not to dance along.
Best Songs: Mister, Take A Bow, Let It Go
Lipstick; Orange Caramel (2012)
As the keepers of the title of one of the strangest k-pop groups, Afterschool subunit Orange Caramel earns the award for fantastic voices too. Lipstick features many of their greatest hits, but also some b-sides that take an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to delightful bubblegum extremes.
Best Songs: Dream Of Clara, Shanghai Romance, Superwoman
Reboot; Wonder Girls (2015)
Another 2nd generation classic, Wonder Girls’ Reboot is a sampling platter of the best that retro k-pop has to offer, from disco to chill wave to synth pop. If that wasn’t enough, it also marks a first: the members all play their own instruments and wrote the majority of the album.
Best Songs: John Doe, Rewind, Baby Don’t Play
The Misconceptions Of Us; SHINee (2015)
One of SHINee’s many incredible albums, The Misconceptions Of Us may be over an hour long, but it never loses its speed, its quality, or its joy. Experimental yet still drawing from classic sounds like rock, complextro, and synth, it should be considered amongst the best of k-pop releases.
Best Songs: Why So Serious, Hitchhiking, Selene 6.23
25; Song Jieun (2017)
A far-too-short snapshot that rockets between pain and joy, Song Jieun’s 25 packs a punch for being less than fifteen minutes long. Though she’s more known for OSTs, Jieun proves her versatility here, cycling through jazz, doo wop, and R & B, before finishing off with a fantastic ballad.
Best Songs: Don’t Look At Me Like That, La Boum, Janus
Let me know your thoughts!