While 2024 has delivered quite a few standout singles so far, I haven't been as blown over by the albums. Still, I was surprised how many I was able to cobble together. Unlike in the past, I'm not distinguishing between mini and full albums, though albums must have at least four full songs to be eligible for this list.
What are your thoughts, readers? Leave your own picks in the comments!
FULL LENGTH ALBUMS
BOYNEXTDOOR – How?
BOYNEXTDOOR's indie rock meets idol pop approach has won me over slowly but steadily. The same can be said for this album, which balances its somewhat languid pace with heaps of personality.
Best album tracks: So Let's Go See The Stars, Our
DAY6 – Fourever
DAY6's older songs have been racing back up the charts this year, but their new work deserves attention too. Fourever is mostly business as usual, but they continue to display their prowess on a number of rock genres.
Best album tracks: Sad Ending, The Power Of Love
NMIXX - Fe3O4: Break
JYP Entertainment is killing it with albums this year. NMIXX don't have a huge discography yet, but this early-2024 standout gives them plenty of sounds to play with and stands as their most confident work yet.
Best album tracks: Run For Roses, Break The Wall
RIIZE – RIIZING
RIIZING almost plays like a greatest hits, with many songs already promoted as singles. It's a bit of a genre hodgepodge, but the track list is killer with one highlight stacked on top of another. I've even come around to the jarring Siren!
Best album tracks: 9 Days, One Kiss
Twice - With YOU-th
Twice have perfected their brand of glossy, stylish K-pop. With YOU-th doesn't move the ball forward, but it's a super solid collection of assured dance pop.
Best album tracks: New New, You Get Me
TWS – Sparkling Blue
TWS's introduction is buoyed by three promoted tracks, but the bright energy and youthful vibes extend through the entire running time. It's hit after hit.
Best album tracks: First Hooky, Unplugged Boy
TWS - Summer Beat!
Sparkling Blue's exciting "boyhood pop" gets a slight summer makeover without upending the elements that made their debut so successful. Its dual promoted tracks forge a killer one-two punch, but the b-sides don't slouch either.
Best album tracks: Keep On, YOU+ME=7942
Vanner - Capture The Flag
Straightforward and comfortable, this sturdy collection of male idol pop recalls elements from multiple generations of stars.
Best album tracks: Circuit, After Party
The Wind – Our: YouthTeen
The Wind harness fizzy bubblegum hooks and sprightly arrangements to craft a set of irresistibly bright pop music. It's short, but oh so sweet.
Best album tracks: Friendship, Heart Fluttering
YOUNITE – Another
YOUNITE finally embraced a consistent sound with Another's beat-heavy hip-hop. This isn't always my favorite genre, but the production is fantastic and the songs are high quality.
Best album tracks: How We Do, Poco Loco
Xdinary Heroes – Troubleshooting
It took me awhile to warm up to Xdinary Heroes' sound, but their first full album offered plenty of reasons to embrace their multifaceted take on idol rock.
Best album tracks: Night Of Fireworks, Money On My Mind
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