One Of A Kind; Monsta X (2021)

For a group often known only for their hard-hitting “noise music” sound, One Of A Kind truly is unique in their discography: sensual, jazzy, and enviably confident, with a fedora and a trombone to match.

Best Songs: Gambler, Rotate, Secrets

The Book Of Us; DAY6 (2020)

Capping off Day6’s “The Book Of Us” series, The Demon is an exploration both of pain and healing, frustration and catharsis. Self-penned by the members during the pandemic, it does what music is best at: making the listener feel like the artist is listening back.

Best Songs: Zombie, Love Me or Leave Me, 1 to 10

Return; iKON (2018)

Though it’s most known for being the release that had the famous Love Scenario, Return is a strong album even without it, taking iKon’s core hip-hop sound and riffing on it with a laid-back, familiar warmth.

Best Songs: Jerk, Sinosijak, Don’t Forget

The Tree Of Language; Dreamcatcher (2020)

The start of a new storyline in Dreamcatcher’s lore, The Tree Of Language branches out (no pun intended) from their usual genre of rock and into EDM, R & B, and even a little bit of jazz, as they urge their audience to be kinder to each other, and let go of their prejudices.

Best Songs: Scream, Sahara, Black Or White

Square Two; BLACKPINK (2016)

A perfect collection of Blackpink’s early hits, it’s easy to see why Square Two catapulted them to fame. Alternately vulnerable and confident, it’s an EP made to capture the contradictions of growing up, and a compelling portrait of the women who would become the biggest girl group of the decade.

Best Songs: Whistle, Playing With Fire, Stay

We Are Superhuman; NCT 127 (2019)

Though I’m often harsh on NCT 127’s music, even I have to admit how strong We Are Superhuman is. At only 5 tracks, it doesn’t overstay its welcome, dipping into this fritzy, electro-based, 80’s maximalism while still retaining their signature experimentation.

Best Songs: Highway To Heaven, Paper Plane, Jet Lag

Hello Future; NCT Dream (2021)

Harkening back to Dream’s early work with a nostalgic, solidly poppy sound, Hello Future has the added benefit of their matured voices, perhaps a bit more wisdom when it comes to thinking on the past, and their group finally being seven again.

Best Songs: Hello Future, Irreplaceable, Rainbow

Haeng Geurae; Seventeen (2021)

Discussing worries surrounding the terror of growing up, the deep bonds between the members, and the joy of the little things in life, Haeng Geurae (which means “to throw someone into the air in celebration”) is a short but sweet EP full of friendship and healing.

Best Songs: Kidult, Together, I Wish

Eyes Wide Open; TWICE (2019)

A standout in an already great discography, Eyes Wide Open not only boasts a great, synthy title track, but the whole album just never slows down, including a drumline, disco, a string selection, and brass to top it all off.

Best Songs: Shot Clock, Hell In Heaven, I Can’t Stop Me

Querencia; Chung Ha (2021)

Quite possibly the longest k-pop release, at a Taylor-Swift-worthy 21 tracks, Querencia goes from Korean to English to Spanish, blending k-pop, various Latin pop genres, and EDM to make a relatable yet personal album.

Best Songs: Demente, Flying On Fait

The Dreaming; Monsta X (2022)

Despite all-English kpop releases often being cringeworthy, Monsta X’s The Dreaming is an excellent album tailor-made for crying on the dance floor, calling your ex while drunk, and reminiscing on a midnight drive.

Best Songs: Whispers In The Dark, The Dreaming, You Problem

Windy Day; Oh My Girl (2018)

Though often overlooked, Oh My Girl’s always had a great discography, and Windy Day was their breakthrough. Building on the peppiness of cutesy k-pop, it goes deeper, at different points sounding like a 60’s musical, an ABBA hit, and a Valentines’ confession, all at once and all carried off perfectly.

Best Songs: Knock Knock, Windy Day, B612

Muse; Jimin (2023)

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Best Songs: Who, Smeraldo Garden Marching Band, Showtime

Formula Of Love; TWICE (2021)

Making their name with the kind of unapologetic bubblegum that’s often scoffed at, Formula Of Love is TWICE at their most effervescent, bouncing between Korean and English for a 16-track pop explosion that dominated the charts for weeks.

Best Songs: F.I.L.A., Cactus, Moonlight

Sensory Flows; Yesung (2023)

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Best Songs: Together, Floral Sense, Mermaid

Apocalypse: Save Us; Dreamcatcher (2022)

Only their second full album, Apocalypse turns its eyes to climate change and corruption for the bombastic single, but has its softer moments too, and gives every member their time to shine in the seven unique solos of the second half.

Best Songs: Locked Inside A Door, Maison, Beauty Full

Walpurgis Night; GFRIEND (2020)

Though it wasn’t supposed to be their last album, one couldn’t ask for a better farewell than Walpurgis Night. A love letter to friendship, witches, and the magic of music, it feels like a perfect night out with your closest friends, and dips its toes into rock, disco, and jazz for a no-skip ten-track run.

Best Songs: Wheel Of The Year, MAGO, Love Spell

SECTOR 17; SEVENTEEN (2021)

The only SVT work to give Haenggurae a run for its money, Sector 17 is a celebration from a group at the height of their careers, complete with country influences, clever lyrics, and as always, a whole lot of heart.

Best Songs: Circles, March, _World

Dreamscape; NCT Dream (2024)

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Best Songs: Flying Kiss, Off The Wall, Intro: Dreamscape