2024 gave us some epic albums. From some of your favorites returning with new albums to some making their debuts, 2024 was a musically fulfilling year. With artists exploring new horizons and reinventing genres, many albums left quite an impression on us. So, here are the albums that Team Namaste Hallyu loved, enjoyed, and streamed repeatedly in 2024.
1. ‘Happy’ by Jin
Jin‘s debut studio album, ‘Happy‘, was a hot favorite with Team NH. His first release after his military discharge really spread much happiness amongst the fans, the ARMY. While Tanya found the album to be a perfect representation of Jin’s voice, Tannu found comfort in the album’s lyrics and songs. For Surbhi, “The whole album has such a warm and positive vibe to it” that she loved all the songs, whereas Eesha thought, “The album showed a unique side of Jin and brought meaningful songs and interactions for ARMY. The warm touch, energetic vibe, and the fact that this was the first album after his military service surely made all the fans ‘Happy’!”
2. ‘J’ by Jaehyun
NCT‘s Jaehyun made his solo debut this year, eight years after his debut as a member of NCT U. Jaehyun was actively involved in his debut album ‘J‘ from the songwriting process to its production and shaping its direction and title. Nandini enjoyed the seamless blend of classic 2000s R&B, jazz influences, and modern pop vibes in the album.
With tracks like ‘Can’t Get You‘, featuring sophisticated saxophone riffs and layered backing vocals, and the stripped-back piano ballad ‘Completely‘, the album highlighted Jaehyun’s vocal versatility. The contemporary R&B vibes of ‘Flamin’ Hot Lemon‘ and the brass-laden outro of ‘Smoke‘ showcased a blend of timeless and modern sounds. Jaehyun’s ability to transition between emotional runs, deep verses, and talk-singing made ‘J’ a standout debut, and Nandini’s favorite album of 2024.
3. ‘Black Out’ by Chanyeol
It took 12 years for EXO‘s main rapper to make his solo debut and he made it a point to make it impactful. Chanyeol‘s debut EP, ‘Black Out‘ though primarily falls under the pop rock/funk rock genre, something that I don’t enjoy, became an instant favorite. It was a touching album, musically as well as lyrically. With lyrics by Chayeol, each song feels like a personal, intimate conversation.
4. ‘Blossom’ by D.O.
D.O.’s third EP ‘Blossom‘ was pure fun to listen to. It was a mix of R&B and melodic songs that I really enjoyed, and each song had its own story to tell. There’s a lot of variety in the album, from an upbeat and playful song like ‘Popcorn‘ to a ballad like, ‘About Time,’ which makes the album complete.
5. ‘Lose Yourself’ by Kiss of Life
Kiss of Life’s ‘Lose Yourself‘ brought a vibrant energy to 2024. This album felt like a whirlwind of emotions, with tracks that were both innovative and daring. The group decided to explore more hip-hop with songs like ‘Igloo,’ moving away from their regular R&B style, and that’s what Nirmiti loved about it. The genre switch took everything to the next level, and for Nirmiti, it’s the kind of album that demands to be replayed over and over.
6. ‘Flower Garden’ by Kim Jae Joong
The fourth full-length album by Kim Jae Joong, ‘Flower Garden‘ was a representation of the idol’s journey as an artist. Ranjana was absolutely blown away as it’s a beautifully crafted album where Jaejoong blends rock, R&B, and soulful ballads seamlessly. Tracks like ‘Glorious Day‘ with its cozy MV had her smiling with its poppy charm, while ‘Tru Love Tru Lies‘ was an emotional synth-filled rollercoaster. To Ranjana, this album felt like a heartfelt journey, full of dynamic energy and Jaejoong’s undeniable versatility.
7. ‘Hello, World’ by Baekhyun
Baekhyun‘s fourth EP, ‘Hello, World‘ was another top pick for Ranjana this year. She was impressed and delighted by Baekhyun’s vocal range and emotion in every track. Her favorite? ‘Pineapple Slice‘ with its sexy, smooth tones. And then there’s ‘Truth Be Told‘, a track that hits right in the feels. Every song in this album radiates warmth and Baekhyun’s signature charm.
8. ‘OFF ROAD’ by ONEWE
The seventh digital single by ONEWE, ‘OFF ROAD‘ is a special album. The eponymous title track is written by the youngest member of the band, Giuk, expressing his desire to go on a vacation with the other members. The song is also the band’s first-ever collaboration with foreign composers since their debut. For Aaradhana, ‘OFF ROAD’ was such a different fresh, summer sound from the usual soft, melancholy that ONEWE is known for, yet they still managed to keep the original sound of the band.
9. ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’ by RM
BTS leader RM‘s second studio album ‘Right Place, Wrong Person‘ was an undoubted hit in 2024. Priyanjana loved the album because it broke the boundaries of K-Pop and had all the elements required to be a masterpiece. The lyricism, story, artistry, instrumentals, and creativity, also added to the beauty of the album, as it further showcased a diverse range of them.
10. ‘rosie’ by ROSÉ
One of the most-anticipated releases of 2024 was ROSÉ‘s debut album ‘rosie‘, and it delivered. From the hit ‘APT.’ with Bruno Mars to ‘number one girl‘ and ‘toxic till the end‘ the album was full of gems. For Nisha, the album delivered what it promised. With her lyrics, vocals, and raw emotions, ROSÉ truly showcased her music style and provided a great listening experience.
The beauty of K-Pop lies in its diversity, and 2024 showcased this in spades. From the soul-stirring ballads of seasoned soloists to the genre-defying experiments of groups, this year’s albums have given us countless reasons to celebrate. Whether you’ve been swept away by Jin’s comforting vibes or Jaehyun’s intricate R&B layers, there’s been something for everyone. So, which of these albums made it to your playlist? Let us know.
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