Wow, what a change a 12 months could make! At this level in 2023, I used to be solely in a position to choose a small handful of tracks to characteristic in my mid-year countdown, however 2024 has me spoiled for alternative. My record is unusually lengthy this time and possibly received’t be all that stunning (barring one or two tracks, possibly).
You’ll discover a couple of MVP acts pop up greater than as soon as. However actually, there’s good selection right here representing each month of the 12 months up to now. As common, tracks are offered in alphabetical order. Rating will come on the finish of the 12 months. The nice information is, I’ve already bought at the least three “music of the 12 months” contenders. I received’t be revealing which three they’re (after all), however you’re welcome to guess!
Subsequent up will likely be mid-year options on Okay-pop albums, J-pop songs/albums and world pop songs/albums.
What had been your favourite singles in the course of the first half of 2024?
aespa – Supernova
aespa’s largest chart hit but and a welcome nod to each SM’s electro previous and the roots of hip-hop courtesy of its well-used Planet Rock pattern. (full assessment)
BOYNEXTDOOR – Earth, Wind & Fireplace
BOYNEXTDOOR’s music has absolutely, lastly clicked with me over the previous few months, and Earth, Wind & Fireplace‘s madcap power makes it the most important riser on this countdown. (full assessment)
Hiya Gloom – Mamacita
The fellows of WAYBETTER love their home music, and Hiya Gloom’s Mamacita is an irresistible burst of upbeat power constructed round a shout-from-the-rafters refrain. (full assessment)
Kep1er – Capturing Star
Kep1er lastly embrace their full potential with this ethereal, sentimental dance observe. They’ve by no means sounded higher, particularly as that layered refrain unfurls. (full assessment)
Nayeon – ABCD
Twice’s Nayeon delivers the complete pop celebrity expertise, lacing each highly effective section of ABCD with simple charisma. The music completely slays. (full assessment)
OnlyOneOf – dOpamine
OnlyOneOf injected their sensual sound with stylish drum and bass for dOpamine, but it surely’s the music’s megawatt refrain that earns it a spot on this record. (full assessment)
RIIZE – Growth Growth Bass
Pairing once more with their Get A Guitar collaborators, RIIZE convey the funk with Growth Growth Bass‘s taut, groovy body. It’s an all-killer, no-filler spike of pleasure. (full assessment)
RIIZE – Unattainable
Unattainable echoes the summer season home power of SHINee’s View however paints it with RIIZE’s colours. The bridge and outro are nonetheless amongst 2024’s most thrilling musical moments. (full assessment)
SF9 – Bibora
Releasing your strongest single eight years into promotions is kind of uncommon, however SF9 could have pulled it off with the brisk, thrilling Bibora. (full assessment)
TAN – Hypertonic
Whereas it seems like Hypertonic could grow to be TAN’s swan music, they went out on an simple excessive. The observe’s electro crunch will certainly enchantment to followers of Okay-pop’s second-gen abilities. (full assessment)
TRENDZ – Go Up
By no means doubt the facility of a veteran producer. Courageous Brothers reinvented TRENDZ’s sound with this driving, anthemic burst of rock-tinged tropical pop. It’s just about all the pieces I need in a Okay-pop single. (full assessment)
TWS – hey! hey!
Hey! hey! streamlines TWS’s youthful sound right into a turbo-charged energy pop anthem aiming for stadium sing-alongs. It’s this summer season’s excellent burst of optimism. (full assessment)
TWS – If I’m S, Can You Be My N?
A confetti cannon of sugary pop hooks, If I’m S grows extra addicting with every hear. The rollicking rap verses are a spotlight, punctuated by an effusive refrain. (full assessment)
TWS – Plot Twist
Plot Twist took over Korean charts this 12 months, its quirky-cute charms immediately crystallizing TWS’s musical worldview. The mantra-along climax is nice payoff, however the iconic refrain is the principle calling card. (full assessment)
The Wind – H! Teen
Followers of shiny boy group fare have been spoiled for alternative this 12 months, however to those that haven’t absolutely embraced The Wind I’d urge you to examine them out. This fizzy, buoyant title observe could be an awesome begin. (full assessment)