Just a few years in the past, a lot of Ok-pop’s greatest tracks had been buried as b-sides. This yr was totally different, with most of my favourite music promoted as title tracks. I actually choose this strategy. In any case, nice songs ought to be paired with nice visuals/choreo at any time when attainable. Nevertheless, it made for a barely much less prolific slate of “buried treasure” posts in 2024.
This countdown encompasses any observe that didn’t obtain a full music video. This consists of album tracks, in addition to songs that will have been carried out however by no means actively promoted. It additionally consists of Japanese b-sides from Korean acts. Identical to the Prime 50 Singles listing, all songs right here had been launched between December 1st, 2023 and November thirtieth, 2024.
MAKE SURE TO EXPLORE SONGS 40-21 FIRST
20. BOYNEXTDOOR – OUR
I used to be not satisfied by this tune on first hear as a result of laidback lure pop shouldn’t be often my factor. However it seems to be the right showcase for BOYNEXTDOOR’s colourful character and has turn into one of many yr’s most enduring tracks.
19. FANTASY BOYS – MAKE SUNSHINE
That is simply basic summertime Ok-pop — archetypical in its capability to meet all expectations for the style. It will not be probably the most unique factor ever recorded, however I’ve such a smooth spot in my coronary heart for this actual fashion of effusive pop tune. (full evaluation)
18. TXT – I’LL SEE YOU THERE TOMORROW
So many acts dabbled on this subdued, blippy-bloopy home music this yr, however this tune is my favourite instance of the sound. The melodies are so sticky (if a bit repetitive) and the beat kicks up a unusually addictive groove. (full evaluation)
17. TAEMIN – CRUSH
That is Taemin doing what he does greatest, his slippery vocals perched over an attractive funk rhythm that spins right into a punchy refrain. He can solid these bangers off in his sleep, however we will at all times do with extra. (full evaluation)
16. NMIXX – RUN FOR ROSES
I’d been casually watching NMIXX for a while, however Run For Roses made me sit up and really take discover. The nation influences are attention-grabbing, but it surely’s the women’ vocals that actually steal the present. (full evaluation)
15. TWS – COMMA,
It’s solely a matter of time earlier than TWS slide into Seventeen’s funk pop sneakers, and Comma convinces me they’ve an thrilling future on this style. The bombastic late-song breakdown is sort of thrilling. (full evaluation)
14. DKB – TAEKWONDO
The chopped vocal loop that forges Taekwondo‘s principal hook is likely one of the most idiosyncratic sounds I heard in Ok-pop all yr and makes me need to instantly hit “replay.” This isn’t the fashion of tune I are inclined to gravitate towards, however I discover it so fascinating.
13. DRIPPIN – BLACK MIRROR
Woollim Leisure continues their custom of burying wonderful materials on the finish of albums. Black Mirror is massive and brash, taking cues from Ok-pop’s previous and imbuing them with DRIPPIN’s youthful vitality. (full evaluation)
12. RIIZE – ONE KISS
One Kiss is quintessential boy band in probably the most primordial approach. From its sentimental melodies to the sunny, singalong execution, it’s refreshing to listen to such an open-hearted burst of unironic pop music. (full evaluation)
11. TWS – YOU+ME=7942
That mathematical title offers me a headache, however its overstuffed nature seems to be an awesome illustration of the tune’s wild sound. YOU+ME=7942 is an explosion of off-kilter hooks, rising extra addictive every time you hear it.
10. THE WIND – HEART FLUTTERING
These opening keys are so “2009-era Daishi Dance produced Ok-pop” I might nearly collapse from pleasure. The tune goes a full thirty seconds with out even attending to its first verse and that old-school strategy is so appreciated. When it does begin shifting, we’re handled to an ultra-sweet refrain that performs like pure bubblegum.
9. ZEROBASEONE – ROAD MOVIE
I discover this to be probably the most shocking ZEROBASEONE observe. I didn’t count on its theatrical, Broadway-level pre-chorus. I didn’t count on to like the chanted refrain and the way in which it seamlessly blends into verse two. All of it feels delightfully off-kilter. (full evaluation)
8. TWS – KEEP ON
Whereas I don’t often look after ballads, I do love , hearty pop/rock singalong. Maintain On has loads of heft, constructing towards thrilling peaks and constructed from strong, sentimental melodies. (full evaluation)
7. THE WIND – I DON’T THING
I’ll by no means be capable to recover from that typo of a title, however musically that is an extremely feel-good punch of energy pop. I like these massive synth riffs and explosive refrain. It was uncommon to listen to a pop tune this undeniably upbeat in 2024. (full evaluation)
6. RIIZE – 9 DAYS
Although I initially discovered the tune a bit generic, 9 Days went on to rule my summer season playlist. It’s simply so rattling catchy and pinwheels towards a legitimately immense finale that makes for an awesome vocal showcase. (full evaluation)
5. THE WIND – FRIENDSHIP
The Wind launched stellar b-sides in 2024 and Friendship is my favourite. From its glowing intro to the thumping dance beat to verse two’s irresistible guitar breakdown, the tune bounds ahead with such optimism and pleasure. (full evaluation)
4. SUNGKYU & WOOHYUN (INFINITE) – BEAUTIFUL
Inspirits lastly bought our long-awaited “Infinite V” sub-unit by way of an sudden OST launch. Stunning brings collectively my two favourite voices in Ok-pop and offers them a propulsive dance observe to showcase their brilliance. That is the sound I wished to listen to from Infinite’s 2023 return. I hope they understand how a lot followers find it irresistible. (full evaluation)
3. TVXQ – T.R.H.M
I’m not kidding after I say this can be TVXQ’s greatest tune in a decade. A duo this legendary befits music that’s equally as grand and sprawling. T.R.H.M presents an immense sound, mixing electro funk with pummeling rock. It solely grows greater because it unfolds. (full evaluation)
2. TWS – FIRST HOOKY
This tune is simply so addictive. The rubbery synth is pure 90’s hip-hop gold whereas the groove pulses with head-nodding funk. The group’s vocals have by no means sounded higher, wrapping across the manufacturing with ease and finesse. The refrain is rhythmic but melodic — a steadiness few 2024 songs pulled off this properly. I might hearken to this on a loop for hours. (full evaluation)
1. BOYNEXTDOOR – SO LET’S GO SEE THE STARS
On first hear, So Let’s Go See The Stars could really feel much less bold than lots of the different songs on this listing, however its candy melodicism and standout efficiency stood the check of time and have become my favourite BOYNEXTDOOR tune of the yr. The observe is immaculately produced, from the shimmering refrain to the attractive ascending synth line that precedes verse two. Stars has real construct, storytelling by way of construction in a approach that satisfies in each a sonic and mawkish approach. (full evaluation)
