The High Three Ok-Pop Songs of August 2024

On the finish of every month, I look again at my three favourite title tracks by Ok-pop artists. I take my very own rankings under consideration, however there’s a little bit of wiggle room as sure songs are inclined to develop or fade.

August 2024 Total Ideas

Over the previous few years, the month of August has trended towards being the strongest interval for Ok-pop releases. I suppose all tendencies have to vary someday, as a result of this August veered within the precise other way. A lot of this could most likely be blamed on music present cancellations on account of protection of the Olympics, leading to a fairly barren slate for the primary two weeks of the month. However regardless that there have been sturdy tracks throughout the second half of August, none stood out as main highlights.

In reality, after a really sturdy begin, Ok-pop’s 2024 summer season type of fizzled. There actually weren’t any large, season-defining hits. As a substitute, spring tracks held on for for much longer than regular. Aespa’s Supernova remains to be sitting on the prime of the charts!

Although I didn’t charge any title observe “9” or above this month, there have been a handful of songs that impressed me. Many of those got here from acts who I wouldn’t have anticipated. Younger Posse completely received me over, Moonbyul received me along with her TWS-cosplay and ZEROBASEONE improved upon their blended singles run. Different highlights got here from Rescene and DRIPPIN. I’m nonetheless not utterly offered on Taemin’s Attractive In The Air (although I just like the album), however Horizon would have topped my picks this month had its video been launched. Alas, that should wait till September.

On a extra biased observe, this was the month we discovered the destiny of Golden Youngster’s contract renewal. Given the shortage of promotion over the previous two years, I actually anticipated them to depart Woollim and disband. So whereas I’m gutted to lose Bomin, Jibeom and Tag, the dangerous information was tempered by the very fact the group might be carrying on. I hope we get new materials this 12 months after Y is discharged from the navy. I can’t think about a 12 months with out a killer Golcha single.

In distinction to Ok-pop’s boring month, J-pop had a stronger than standard slate of releases (no less than the place 2024’s involved). A number of new tracks caught my ear within the second half of August, together with some from constant teams who’ve had a extra blended observe document this 12 months. My prime three decisions are all a bit of unhinged, which I additionally recognize. Honorable mentions can be &TEAM’s Aoarashi and One Or Eight’s Don’t Inform No person. I hope J-pop’s second half of 2024 will deliver some massive highlights, and with new albums from Ryugujo and Snow Man on the best way I really feel like I could be a bit optimistic.

Sadly, now we have two truncated months back-to-back this 12 months, with September’s Chuseok holidays probably stalling releases for an additional week or two. It actually looks like we’ve been in a musical drought since late-June, so I’m longing for some new music to actually break by means of. Trying ahead, I’m most excited for BOYNEXTDOOR’s upcoming album, however there are just a few teased tasks that sound promising. Hopefully we’ll get one thing epic from a spot we’d least anticipate it.

Month Cumulative Score: 7.6

(compiled by averaging the scores of each Ok-pop evaluate from this month)