This yr, I’m breaking my “Prime Albums” record into two: one targeted on full-length albums and one targeted on minis. For the mini album class, issues get a bit repetitive as a result of most of the yr’s strongest acts launched a number of initiatives and I don’t restrict myself to spotlighting only one.
So far as {qualifications}, I take into account something with at the least 4 full tracks a “mini album.”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
AHOF – Who We Are
BOYNEXTDOOR – No Style
ILLIT – Bomb
ITZY – Ladies Will Be Ladies
izna – Not Simply Fairly
NEXZ – Beat-Boxer
NOWZ – Ignition
&TEAM – Again To Life
10. H1-KEY – LOVESTRUCK
Longtime readers will understand how a lot I like a summer-themed album and we didn’t have lots of these this yr. Nonetheless, H1-KEY’s short-but-sweet EP hit the spot with a wide range of upbeat summer time fare. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, however it delivers precisely what you’d hope it might.
Standout Album Tracks: Good For U, Let Me Be Your Sea
9. AHOF – THE PASSAGE
I appreciated each of AHOF’s albums this yr however I’ll give the sting to The Passage as a result of basically the b-sides felt a bit stronger. I like that they’ve carved their very own lane and caught to it. Most of the songs really feel extra indie rock than idol pop, however the members’ persona provides it that colourful sheen.
Standout Album Tracks: All the things Is Love, Run At 1.5x Pace
8. KICKFLIP – MY FIRST FLIP
KickFlip’s albums stored getting higher this yr, and My First Flip‘s beneficiant tracklist was one of the best but. They’ve acquired a traditional boy group sound that’s a bit tough across the edges in all the best locations. I particularly get pleasure from how closely they’ve pushed into energy pop and rock.
Standout Album Tracks: Crush, 404: Not Discovered
7. CLOSE YOUR EYES – ETERNALT
This was undoubtedly one of many yr’s greatest growers, as I’m rather more biased towards up-tempo materials and ETERNALT is surprisingly subdued. Nonetheless, the melodies and vocal mix are totally attractive and there’s a wistful temper all through your entire album that proved addictive in the long term. I’ve a sense I’ll be enjoying this one for years to come back.
Standout Album Tracks: How To Dance, Subtitled
6. ZEROBASEONE – BLUE PARADISE
Following up final yr’s profession peak Cinema Paradise album, Blue Paradise appears like a semi-sequel. Or, you can merely pair them collectively to craft the type of all-killer, no-filler full album ZB1 deserves. Unit tracks supply a little bit of sonic range, however the ultra-funky Satan Recreation steals the present.
Standout Album Tracks: Satan Recreation, Step Again
5. CLOSE YOUR EYES – SNOWY SUMMER
Snowy Summer time is half so long as Shut Your Eyes’ debut “mini,” however it will get a ton of bang for its buck. It’s a barely off-kilter summer time album, enjoying round with extra upbeat (but nonetheless laidback) sounds. Its brevity and consistency appear designed for replays, with the 2 b-sides each bit as sturdy because the promoted tracks.
Standout Album Tracks: You, Bubble Tea
4. NOUERA – NEW IS NOW
Now we get to the boring a part of the countdown — at the least for those who hate repetition. The music isn’t boring in any respect. The truth is, NouerA’s debut immediately stamped them as a rookie to observe. After all, the title monitor is unbelievable however the b-sides current a various array of traditional Okay-pop kinds, from the bubbly pop of Jet Stream to the noise rock of MU to the nimble funk of Deliver The Crunk (through which no precise crunk is introduced).
Standout Album Tracks: Deliver The Crunk, Jet Stream
3. TWS – PLAY HARD
At this level, I just about know a TWS album goes to hit with me. They’ve acquired a nearly-perfect batting common inside a wide range of kinds. Tying all of it collectively is their youthful spark and ultra-melodic strategy. Play Exhausting is led by its two promoted tracks, however I additionally wish to shout out the good EDM of Overthinking. If they may have one way or the other promoted three songs, I believe this music would have focused a totally new viewers past these of us who’re already diehard followers.
Standout Album Tracks: Overthinking, Right here For You
2. NOUERA – N (NUMBER OF CASES)
Although its title monitor wasn’t as sturdy as their debut, NouerA’s second album constructed on their first in fantastic methods. It bounds out of the gate with the completely good Myself, then brings the funk with songs like Warning! and Make You Transfer. I’m even keen on the slower tracks that shut the album. This acquired a ton of performs from me over the summer time, and deservedly so.
Standout Album Tracks: Myself, Warning!
1. TWS – TRY WITH US
Attempt With Us was my most-played mini album of the yr, and that’s not too stunning. It’s TWS doing what they do finest, delivering a steady jolt of vibrant vitality and killer hooks. Even the songs that didn’t hit me at first (Freestyle) received me over by way of their sheer verve. Random Play appears like a brand new summer time anthem, whereas the bombastic Go Again hinted at what would come later within the yr with Overdrive. It’s good vibes by way of and thru — the type of album you’ll be able to placed on any time and assure your spirits shall be lifted.
Standout Album Tracks: Random Play, Go Again