Kpop’s Best Albums: Generation #4
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 4th gen is darker era in the timeline, defined by trap, EDM, and so-called “girl crush”. It’s also fairly boy group heavy; both a time of idols having more creative control and inspiration from genres around the world. Stray Kids, (G)I-DLE, TXT, and ATEEZ. All Generations
(For albums, from all generations, click here)
(For my all-time favorite kpop albums, click here!)
(For Gen #4 Classics, click here)
Full reviews for these groups can be seen under each album.
Dimension: Answer; ENHYPEN (2022)
On the sunnier side of Enhypen’s discography, Dimension: Answer is made for easy listening and goes further into pop-punk, rock, and EDM, married with traditional k-pop summer sounds.
Best Songs: Attention Please, Blessed-Cursed, Go Big Or Go Home
The Billage Of Perception Ch. 2; Billlie (2021)
Never a group to bother with playing it safe, Billlie’s album The Billage Of Perception Chapter 2 is as odd as they come, from the unusual song names to the many experimental sounds tried out in its six tracks. It’s worth a listen, whether it’s your sound or not.
Best Songs: Ring Ma Bell, Brave (Song For Matilda), Macguffins ~ Who’s The Joker?
The World EP 2: Outlaw; ATEEZ (2023)
Through its six dramatic, bombastic tracks, it’s clear that ATEEZ’s EP The World (Outlaw) is made to be performed on a stage, with as many pyrotechnics as possible. Channeling the legends of runaway slaves, Wild West heroes, and infamous dissidents, it’s a call to everyone to “wake up”.
Best Songs: Django,
Connection; Onew (2025)
This little EP would have been a solid package even without singles Winner and Mansae, but all together, dabbling in funk, gospel, and classic pop, it’s hopeful and heartwarming and just feels like a hug.
Best Songs: Winner, Conversation, Mansae
Like Water; Wendy (2021)
Coming right on the heels of her recovery after a 2019 stage accident, Like Water isn’t only a solo debut, but also a gentle reflection on hope and healing that makes the most of Wendy’s incredible voice.
Best Songs: When This Rain Stops, Like Water, Why Can’t You Love Me?
I Burn; (G)I-DLE (2021)
Though they didn’t really take off until after their 2022 return, (G)I-DLE’s I Burn is probably their best work. A tight six tracks, all written by the members, it marries traditional Korean and Chinese flutes and strings with modern electro to tell the story of moving on from an abusive relationship.
Best songs: Hann (Alone In Winter), HWAA, Where Is Love
Geekyland; Purple Kiss (2022)
A strange little EP that ricochets from Bollywood influences to pop-rock to solid trap, Geekyland shouldn’t work, but yet it absolutely does. Created by Purple Kiss themselves, it tells the tale of rising above bullying and coming out of it stronger.
Best Songs: Love Is Dead, Fireflower, Nerdy
Song Of Dann; Kingdom (2022)
Fourth in the line of Kingdom’s historical albums, Song Of Dann takes their story to ancient Korea for a moving EP filled with traditional instrumentation from drums to flutes, with a few detours for more usual k-pop sounds.
Best Songs: Promise, Ascension, Palace
Armageddon; aespa (2024)
Aespa has long been at the forefront of experimentation in 4th gen k-pop, and Armageddon, as their first full album, pushes the boundaries of that, from the chart-topping title track Supernova to the softer b-sides that explore a different side to the group.
Best Songs: Live My Life, Supernova
The Chaos Chapter: Escape; TXT (2022)
An even greater repackage of an already great album, The Chaos Chapter: Fight Or Escape goes in on the drama in eleven tracks that feel like the soundtrack to a coming-of-age roadtrip movie, propelling you forward with a hand on your shoulder.
Best Songs: Dear Sputnik, Lovesong, Dubaddu Wari Wari
Treasure: All To Action; ATEEZ (2019)
Space pirates have never sounded so good. From the EDM-heavy, soundtrack-worthy songs that ATEEZ is known for to a softer, more open side that comes out later, Treasure: All To Action does in 10 tracks what it’s hard to do in 15.
Best Songs: Wonderland (Symphony No.9), WIN, Thank U
Door; Kim Sejeong (2023)
Though she’s now more known for her acting in shows like Business Proposal and her OST’s, Sejeong’s album Door skips its way through Celtic folk with splashes of country, always with a smile and a wink.
Best Songs: In The Rain, Voyage, Indigo Promise
Bon Voyage; YooA (2019)
Building off of her band Oh My Girl’s love of nature, YooA’s solo debut goes deeper. Carving out a sound all her own, Bon Voyage centers around different genres of tropical pop, with a hefty dose of traditional Korean influences too.
Best Songs: Diver, Bon Voyage, Far
In Life; Stray Kids (2020)
For a group so famous for their hard-hitting tracks, you’d think that Stray Kids’ In Life would be just that, and you’d be very wrong. Instead, it relies on EDM, but also hip-hop, synth, and straight pop to self-reflect on mental health, love, and growing up, creating a very introspective piece.
Best Songs: Haven, Phobia, The Tortoise & The Hare
Bad Love; Key (2021)
Marking Key’s return from mandatory military service, Bad Love transported him back to the scene with gusto. At only six tracks, it’s stronger than many full length releases, and manages to range from quiet contemplation to 80’s science fiction perfection, all in Key’s distinctive voice.
Best Songs: Bad Love, Eighteen, Saturday Night
Let me know your thoughts!