For more on these albums and the others that defined my year, tune in to the next few episodes of the podcast!
#20: (A Tie) TWICE, Eyes Wide Open and MORE & MORE TWICE showed a new side of themselves this year, the key word being “themselves.” TWICE maintains a unique musical identity while also allowing their sound to organically mature, making for an impressive pair of 2020 albums. Songs like “MORE & MORE” and “DON’T CALL ME AGAIN” allow for TWICE to explore new themes in a way that never feels disingenuous. Standout B-Sides: “MAKE ME GO” (from MORE & MORE) and “QUEEN” (from Eyes Wide Open) #19: Hwa Sa, María Hwa Sa’s message throughout this album is simultaneously very personal and very universal. Hwa Sa does not abandon her trademark confidence, but she also permits a more vulnerable side of herself to step out of the shadows. The result is a refreshing example of both a lyrical and sonic exploration of personal growth and the pitfalls of fame. Standout B-Side: “Kidding” #18: TXT, minisode1: Blue Hour If the concept of a magic trick were a song, it would be one from TXT. They always manage to release songs that make listeners “feel the rush” in every way, from the relief that comes with hearing relatable lyrics to the thrill of unleashing one’s inner child. Despite being an intermediary of sorts between chapters in TXT’s story, Blue Hour is no exception to provoking these emotions. Standout B-Side: “Wishlist” #17: DAWN, DAWNDIDIDAWN For a debut solo album, the sense of sureness DAWN already has of his musical vision is remarkable. It would be an understatement to say this eclectic mix of songs leaves listeners eager to see which direction DAWN’s sonic journey takes him next. Standout B-Side: “Tantara” #16: Ateez, ZERO: FEVER Part.1 After reading a diary entry, the album launches into song after song that embodies a youthful passion, a hopeful spirit, and a sense of being transported into a world of adventure. This album is both a continuation of the mood of previous Ateez releases and an intriguing introduction to a new musical era. Standout B-Side: “FEVER” #15: SuperM, Super One This album meets the moment in every way, providing fans with a mood boost from anthems like “Tiger Inside” and “100” and a sense of comfort from songs like “Wish You Were Here” and “Better Days.” For those who seek an album to complement their thoughts and feelings during quarantine, Super One is a must-listen. Super One serves as both a jolt of energy and a reminder that the world can collectively get through tough times. Standout B-Side: “Together At Home” #14: EXO-SC, 1 Billion Views Any EXO-L can instantly appreciate seeing the settings and color schemes in the promotional pictures and music videos that accompany this album. Chanyeol and Sehun clearly had creative liberties; they personally tweak the traditional EXO sound and aesthetics to be more authentic to them as a duo. This allows for the trademark earworm status of EXO songs to remain, while the B-sides are full of details unique to EXO-SC. In sum, 1 Billion Views is very much both an EXO album and something entirely new. Standout B-Side: “Rodeo Station” #13: EVERGLOW, -77.82x-78.29 This superstar rookie group continues to tease listeners, releasing zero-skip mini-albums that leave listeners feeling empowered yet craving more. Fingers crossed for a full-length album from them in 2021! Standout B-Side: “NO GOOD REASON” #12: A.C.E, HJZM: The Butterfly Phantasy It doesn’t even require watching the “Goblin” music video for listeners to visualize the scenes created through the song’s layers. Starting with a “Go get’em” message and a welcome “to the jungle,” this mini-album skips the buildup and goes right to the climax. This comeback demands listeners’ attention in a way that renders the “Goblin” music video a mere bonus, rather than a necessity to see the full picture. Standout B-Side: “Golden Goose” #11: WOODZ, EQUAL This impressive debut solo album has zero skip-worthy songs, thanks to both catchy hooks and WOODZ’s unique vocals. WOODZ manages to somehow both convey intense emotion and an air of nonchalance and being “over it” as he sings. The end product is the sign of an exciting new solo act in the world of KPop and an album that never gets old. Standout B-Side: “NOID” #10: LOONA, # Every sound effect finds a home in the songs on # in mixes that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Whether listening to fierce songs like “So What” or charming, sugary-sweet tunes like “Ding Ding Dong,” each track comes with a dose of unpredictability and pure delight for pop music lovers of all kinds. Standout B-Side: “Ding Ding Dong” #9: Agust D, D-2 Seemingly picking off right where Agust D left off, the sequel builds on the original to create something even better. From his rapping skills to his lyrical prowess to his instrumental range, Agust D has grown into a more distinct and commanding presence than ever before. Standout B-Side: “Burn It” #8: MONSTA X, FANTASIA X The best aspects of any MONSTA X album are all there. Quirky ad-libs of sorts? Check. A song that packs a stadium-ready punch? Check (listen to “ZONE”). Climactic bridges? Check (listen to “FLOW”). FANTASIA X is classic MONSTA X, making it a treat both for long-time fans and a potential entry point for new fans to see what the “fuss” over this group is all about. Standout B-Side: “FLOW” #7: Stray Kids, IN LIFE A combination of previously released and new tracks, IN LIFE includes one explosive song after another. The best word to describe each song is “full.” Stray Kids never fails to impress with the amount of layered sounds and vocals they can mix into a single song without turning it into a headache-inducing mess. This artistry is on full display throughout the album, particularly on “God’s Menu,” which manages to sound like several tracks combined into one without overpowering the catchiness at its core. Standout B-Side: “Any” #6: TAEMIN, Never Gonna Dance Again (Acts 1 & 2) Songs like “IDEA” and “Criminal” merge TAEMIN’s signature mix of breathy and powerful vocals with sonic twists and turns that prevent the songs from being boxed into one specific genre. TAEMIN fuses catchy hooks, vocal prowess, and beat drops into a creation that is Classic TAEMIN. The alter-ego who calls the shots in his music videos maintains a foreboding presence in the songs, proving that TAEMIN has not only created a genre but a persona that is entirely his own. Standout B-Sides: “Black Rose” (from Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1) and “Heaven” (from Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2) #5: KAI, KAI KAI is by no means cast off as a background character in EXO music videos, but it now seems that way relative to his solo debut. KAI proves himself to be a triple threat with previously untapped potential. The songs on his self-titled release do not just smoothly transition into one another in the album, but also in the accompanying short film. The mini-movie gives fans the chance to see KAI infuse more life into his music, dancing and acting in ways that mesmerize. The R&B songs that KAI consists of become next-level thanks to KAI’s previously underutilized vocal abilities and commanding presence as a dancer and actor. As a soloist, KAI finally has the spotlight he deserves. Standout B-Side: “Nothing On Me” #4: JOOHONEY, MIXTAPE [PSYCHE] From beginning to end, PSYCHE distinguishes Joohoney from MONSTA X from JOOHONEY the solo rapper. Raw emotions crash over one another in a whirlwind of relatable declarations and pleas for help with finding light at the end of a tunnel. The album is even more emotionally gripping for MONSTA X fans who know about Joohoney’s struggles with anxiety. “SMOKY” is a standout track for those who have been following his journey and relate to it; his lyrics about feeling lost and in pain are a much-appreciated reminder that even global celebrities relate to the struggles of fans. At one point in “SMOKY,” he suddenly stops singing and starts speaking while a chorus of children’s voices are heard in the background. The advice he gives to his younger self in that moment is touching to say the least. Standout B-Side: “DARK & CLOUDY" #3: BTS, MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 Similar to the structure of Love Yourself: Answer, MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 contains a mix of solo and group songs, allowing for BTS’s signature sound to remain without boring long-time listeners. Each member is able to showcase their individual musical preferences and messages through their solos, reminding listeners that BTS are not just one distinct band, but a distinct band composed of seven distinct members. Jin departs from his previous ballads and opts instead for singing the lighthearted “Moon.” Jimin goes from singing the slow, soothing “Serendipity” to the more up-tempo, Latin-tinged “Filter.” V goes from singing the neo soul “Singularity” to “Inner Child,” a song with more elements of a traditional pop song. Aptly titled, this album bears the souls of each of the seven members of BTS. They continue to keep their music open to evolving in terms of sound and content, allowing for their mix of solo and group tracks to be both expected at this point and full of surprises. As BTS learn about themselves, listeners learn and reflect along with them, keeping the BTS album-listening experience not only fresh and engaging for the members, but for the audience as well. BTS sings and performs with an honesty that never loses its impact. Standout B-Side: “Friends” #2: (A Tie) SEVENTEEN, Heng:garae and ; [Semicolon] It is never hard to distinguish one SEVENTEEN song from another; each song reveals yet another layer to their musicianship and storytelling abilities. That being said, one can depend on SEVENTEEN to deliver a pick-me-up whenever it is needed. As quarantine fatigue cast a shadow on the summer, SEVENTEEN released the singles “Left & Right” and “My My” off of Heng:garae. “Left & Right” curbed boredom with its TikTok-dance-challenge-worthy nature, and “My My” was released with a music video that doubled as a mental vacation. In a year where seeing Broadway shows was not an option, SEVENTEEN brought a theatrical release straight into fans’ homes with the cinematic “HOME;RUN'' music video. There are more contemplative tracks on both Heng:garae and ; [Semicolon], but the most memorable ones are those that provide reasons to smile when those reasons have been hard to find elsewhere this year. Standout B-Sides: “Fearless” (from Heng:garae) and “AH! LOVE” (from ; [Semicolon]) #1: Stay tuned for the big reveal in a future post!
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