Just a few years in the past, a lot of Ok-pop’s greatest tracks had been buried as b-sides. This 12 months was completely different, with most of my favourite music promoted as title tracks. I actually favor this method. In spite of everything, nice songs needs to be paired with nice visuals/choreo at any time when potential. Nonetheless, 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 contains album tracks, in addition to songs that will have been carried out however by no means actively promoted. It additionally contains Japanese b-sides from Korean acts. Identical to the High 50 Singles checklist, 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 track on first pay attention as a result of laidback entice pop isn’t normally my factor. However it seems to be the proper showcase for BOYNEXTDOOR’s colourful character and has turn out to be one of many 12 months’s most enduring tracks.
19. FANTASY BOYS – MAKE SUNSHINE
That is simply traditional summertime Ok-pop — archetypical in its capacity to satisfy all expectations for the style. It might not be essentially the most unique factor ever recorded, however I’ve such a delicate spot in my coronary heart for this actual fashion of effusive pop track. (full evaluate)
18. TXT – I’LL SEE YOU THERE TOMORROW
So many acts dabbled on this subdued, blippy-bloopy home music this 12 months, however this track is my favourite instance of the sound. The melodies are so sticky (if a bit repetitive) and the beat kicks up a surprisingly addictive groove. (full evaluate)
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 forged these bangers off in his sleep, however we are able to all the time do with extra. (full evaluate)
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, nevertheless it’s the women’ vocals that really steal the present. (full evaluate)
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 evaluate)
14. DKB – TAEKWONDO
The chopped vocal loop that forges Taekwondo‘s predominant hook is likely one of the most idiosyncratic sounds I heard in Ok-pop all 12 months and makes me wish to instantly hit “replay.” This isn’t the fashion of track 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 large and brash, taking cues from Ok-pop’s previous and imbuing them with DRIPPIN’s youthful vitality. (full evaluate)
12. RIIZE – ONE KISS
One Kiss is quintessential boy band in essentially the most primordial manner. 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 evaluate)
11. TWS – YOU+ME=7942
That mathematical title provides me a headache, however its overstuffed nature seems to be an incredible illustration of the track’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 may virtually collapse from pleasure. The track goes a full thirty seconds with out even attending to its first verse and that old-school method 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 essentially the most stunning ZEROBASEONE observe. I didn’t anticipate its theatrical, Broadway-level pre-chorus. I didn’t anticipate to like the chanted refrain and the best way it seamlessly blends into verse two. All of it feels delightfully off-kilter. (full evaluate)
8. TWS – KEEP ON
Whereas I don’t normally take care of ballads, I do love a great, hearty pop/rock singalong. Maintain On has loads of heft, constructing towards thrilling peaks and constructed from stable, sentimental melodies. (full evaluate)
7. THE WIND – I DON’T THING
I’ll by no means be capable of recover from that typo of a title, however musically that is an extremely feel-good punch of energy pop. I really like these large synth riffs and explosive refrain. It was uncommon to listen to a pop track this undeniably upbeat in 2024. (full evaluate)
6. RIIZE – 9 DAYS
Although I initially discovered the track 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 incredible vocal showcase. (full evaluate)
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 track bounds ahead with such optimism and pleasure. (full evaluate)
4. SUNGKYU & WOOHYUN (INFINITE) – BEAUTIFUL
Inspirits lastly bought our long-awaited “Infinite V” sub-unit by way of an surprising OST launch. Stunning brings collectively my two favourite voices in Ok-pop and provides 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 notice how a lot followers adore it. (full evaluate)
3. TVXQ – T.R.H.M
I’m not kidding once I say this can be TVXQ’s greatest track in a decade. A duo this legendary befits music that’s equally as grand and sprawling. T.R.H.M affords an immense sound, mixing electro funk with pummeling rock. It solely grows greater because it unfolds. (full evaluate)
2. TWS – FIRST HOOKY
This track 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 may take heed to this on a loop for hours. (full evaluate)
1. BOYNEXTDOOR – SO LET’S GO SEE THE STARS
On first pay attention, So Let’s Go See The Stars might really feel much less formidable than most of the different songs on this checklist, however its candy melodicism and standout efficiency stood the check of time and have become my favourite BOYNEXTDOOR track of the 12 months. 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 construction in a manner that satisfies in each a sonic and mawkish manner. (full evaluate)