(Featuring Kei, Yerin, Nayeon, Chuu, and Rosé.)

This time, I thought I would try something different on the blog. Instead of doing a deep dive into one group, I’m doing shallow dives into a bunch of soloists and their first mini albums, then comparing and contrasting. This time is female soloists, from TWICE to LOONA. So, let’s get into it!

(See all solo rankings here)

Artist #1: Nayeon of TWICE

Nayeon of TWICE has long been a symbol of the k-pop industry in general, and so it wasn’t really a surprise when her solo debut was announced in 2022 or when it was shown to continue TWICE’s legacy of bubblegum. I just did a deep dive on TWICE, and Nayeon was one of the voices that stood out to me, so I’m interested to see how she fares on her own.

Pop! doesn’t waste any time announcing its arrival, or in getting you singing along to its almost annoyingly catchy hook or its bubblegum verses. It may just be the kpoppiest kpop song to ever kpop, but you know what? It owns it, and it has a great time while doing it, so I ended up having a great time too. My biggest gripe is that I wish it felt a little more full, clocking in at around two and a half minutes, maybe with a more expansive chorus or a  bridge with a longer build-up.

From the EP, IM Nayeon, I enjoyed Felix’s feature in the dancefloor-ready No Problem, the jazzy, fun-loving Candy Floss, and the gentle piano in ballad Sunset. This is a pretty good album, though I think a couple of the tracks could’ve been combined and it would’ve been stronger for it. 8.5.

Artist #2: Chuu of LOONA

Chuu of LOONA also released solo music before embarking on an entire solo career, as all the members of LOONA debuted with a single to introduce themselves to the public and then did work as a twelve-piece. After LOONA disbanded, she was able to gain control of her work, and released her first EP in 2023. Chuu was always my bias in LOONA, so I’m excited for this one.

Howl is a return to the more ethereal styles of the first few singles, albeit with a colder, more melancholy feeling at the beginning. Throughout the track, it slowly gains a warmth and confidence that’s so nice to see, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me a little emotional knowing all that she and the members have been through. It becomes a very comforting and honest ballad, even more so because she apparently wrote it for LOONA, and I felt so proud of her. Also, it was great to hear her voice again.

From the EP, Howl, I enjoyed the peaceful, breathy delivery of tropical guitar-led Underwater and the twinkling, lighthearted Hitchhiker. My hidden gem would have to be Aliens, though, which perfects the crying-on-the-dancefloor appeal. Also, I appreciated Howl more when not focused on the music video. A solid 9.

Artist #3: Yerin of Gfriend

Yerin of Gfriend is in a similar situation to Chuu, having only debuted as a soloist after her group disbanded. While three of them reformed into another band, ViViZ, and one became an actor, she became a soloist, releasing her first EP in 2021. While I was doing a deep dive on ViViZ, I came across her work and decided to add her in.

Aria is a little like Pop!, in that it’s bright and peppy, and goes for that very classic k-pop sound. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have enough identity on its own outside of that. And I realized I have actually heard this song before, but I forgot; it’s good but forgettable, and its best moments are because of Yerin and her talents, not Yerin and the song working together or being a good fit.

From the EP, Aria, I enjoyed the easygoing energy of Lalala, but I had a clear stand out in the feel-good, synthy Believer, which absolutely should’ve been the title track, in my opinion. Not only is it super catchy and unique in production, but this pop-rock sound is great for Yerin’s voice. This EP gets an 8 from me, mostly for Believer.

Artist #2: Rose of BLACKPINK

Rosé of BLACKPINK is probably the best-known idol (though, perhaps not soloist) on this list, coming from the biggest k-pop girl group of the last decade. Though BP’s future is a bit uncertain right now, it seems likely that the members will have more control over their solo career in the future. So far, she’s only had three songs that I know of, but I wanted to give her a spot here. I used to be a Blink, and she was actually my bias, so I know her and her solos pretty well, but like with Wendy, I wanted to see how they compare to other soloists.

On The Ground, like Run For Your Life, is also in English, courtesy of an English-speaking idol. As mentioned, I was a Blink, and my bias was actually Rosé, so even though Blackpink and their music aren’t for me anymore, I still have a lot of love for the members. I remember watching this when it first came out, and the lyrics’ ruminations on fame still affect me as much as they did then, especially now that I know she wrote them. It’s not especially unique in terms of production, but that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful, or that I didn’t sing along the whole time.

From the single, R, I didn’t have a hidden gem. So, I’ll give it an 8.25 for the nostalgia.

Artist #5: Kei Of Lovelyz

Kei of Lovelyz is probably the least well-known soloist on this list, as since the group disbanded, her name hasn’t been mentioned much in conversations about k-pop until her time on Queendom Puzzle and her re-debut in project group EL7Z UP. I love her voice and I think I’ve heard this title before? I’m not sure.

I Go falls squarely in the ballad category, which is unusual for a single, and even more so for a debut, being led by a gentle piano and strings that work quite well with the timbre of her voice. Speaking of which, Kei’s voice is stunning, and I’m surprised that I haven’t heard it talked about much, but I hope that that changes. This isn’t the kind of song I would find myself listening to every day, but I did enjoy it a lot.

From the EP, I Go, I enjoyed the uplifting strings and surprising hints of electric guitar in Dreaming and the great emotion in Kei’s voice in Cry. This EP, while, as mentioned, is not an everyday listen, is very strong. I’ll give it an 8.25.

Verdict: TL;DR

My Top album was Chuu’s Howl, at 9, with Nayeon’s IM as a runner up. Howl is such a lovely, relaxed time, and a well-earned victory lap for Chuu after all she’s been through. See you next time! Tschüss!