By now, Bias List readers know that I wasn’t thrilled with this year in K-pop, and part of that rests on the strength (or lack thereof) of albums. I could barely find any full K-pop albums I loved this year, meaning the structure of this countdown has changed a bit. I still think it’s unfair to compare a four track mini album to a ten track full, but I’ve decided to mix categories this time so that I can spotlight more of the albums I actually listened to rather than arbitrarily fill spots.
With that in mind, only one criteria remains important in 2023: to be eligible for this countdown, an album must include at least four full songs.
Honorable Mentions:
CRAVITY – Master:Piece
Lee Chaeyeon – Over The Moon
NewJeans – Get Up
SHINee – Hard
Vanner – Veni Vidi Vici
10. ZEROBASEONE – Youth In The Shade
ZEROBASEONE debuted with a crystal clear sound across this tight, atmospheric mini album. Opener Back To ZEROBASE may be their best showcase yet, and it’s immediately followed by two fantastic dance tracks the keep the energy brisk and exciting.
Standout Album Tracks: Back To ZEROBASE, New Kidz On The Block
9. WOODZ – OO-LI
WOODZ’s musical consistency and gritty voice will be missed while he’s on enlistment hiatus. He’s had stronger collections of songs than this, but as usual the album is filled with little idiosyncrasies that help it stand out.
Standout Album Tracks: Busted, Who Knows
8. fromis_9 – Unlock My World
Unlock My World is the rare 2023 full-length that impressed me all the way through. No single moment sticks out too far beyond the others, but the album’s blitz of stylish, classy pop music works well as a whole.
Standout Album Tracks: Attitude, Don’t Care, Eye Contact
7. B.I – To Die For
The lack of a defined title track makes B.I a little under-represented in my other countdowns, but I wanted to be sure to spotlight this creative, exciting body of work. I love the vast genre terrain he covers in this suite of songs.
Standout Album Tracks: Die For Love (ft. Jessi), The Island Misfit of Toys, Beautiful Life (ft. Crying Nut)
6. Just B – ÷ (Nanugi)
This is the first time a Just B album has landed on my countdown, and it gets here with ample input from the members themselves. They’ve proven themselves great writers, and this skill gives Nanugi a tonal consistency that makes it a pleasure from start to finish.
Standout Album Tracks: Drama, Paper Plane, Youth
5. Treasure – Reboot
Title track Bona Bona is actually a red herring on this album. The rest of the songs embrace a catchy, second-gen sound that takes advantage of the vocalists and rappers in equal measure. I’m really impressed with how consistently solid Reboot is – even if it’s more of a sonic sidestep than a full reinvention.
Standout Album Tracks: I Want Your Love, Run, G.O.A.T
4. TAN – TAN Made
“TAN Made” is a clever title, and I hope it’s accurate because if this is the sound the group wants to aim for I fully support their efforts! From the brittle funk of Violet to the catchy synths of Tarzan to the anime rock of New Days, the album is one thrill after another.
Standout Album Tracks: Violet, Tarzan, New Days
3. The Wind – Beginning: The Wind Page
I’m sad that, at four tracks, this will be the longest work ever release by a seven-member iteration of this group. Luckily, all four songs are fantastic. From the galvanizing pace of opener Sirius to the belt-it-out sentiment of Do It and With Us, the guys knew exactly which K-pop sub-genre they were aiming for. The industry just doesn’t have enough of this robust, melodic style at the moment.
Standout Album Tracks: Sirius, Do It, With Us
2. The Boyz – Phantasy Pt.1 – Christmas In Summer
That title is a mouthful and I don’t buy the whole “Christmas in summer” schtick, but this may be The Boyz’ best album yet. I’m a sucker for summertime concept albums, as they’re usually bolstered by a series of upbeat dance tracks. This one is no different, as the guys race through a series of funky sounds while touching on elements of synthwave and hip-hop. It all ties together to craft a delightful listen.
Standout Album Tracks: Fire Eyes, Fantasize, Passion Fruit
1. NINE.i – New Mind
This was far and away my favorite K-pop album of the year and easily my most played. New Mind is a blast of bright energy through and through, though you may not guess it from the subdued opening track. Songs like Power Up and Hurt have a permanent place on my playlist, and that’s without even mentioning the album’s centerpiece: my favorite title track of the year, Turn It Off. With New Mind, NINE.i have perfected the bright boy group song template while imbuing the music with a personality all their own.
Standout Album Tracks: Power Up, Hurt, Like Crazy