MADDIE
ALBUM: RIIZING by RIIZE
RIIZE are at their best on this sweet and carefree joyride. “Siren” is the loudest: countering the airiness of tracks like “Impossible” and “One Kiss”, leaving us with an album that feels perfectly balanced between energy and serenity.
SONG: “WORK” by ATEEZ
A tune for the climate: a woodwind carries a light but irresistibly catchy ode for all us hardworkers out there making purse. Extra points for clarinet.
MUSIC VIDEO: “Woke Up” by XG
Shocker. One of K-Pop’s sickest rap songs of 2024 has an equally good video: half a dozen girls rapping through grills with fangs, not singed my the embers that float behind them in a glossy and stylistically over-edited video.
ANDREA
ALBUM: Golden Hour: Part One by ATEEZ
ATEEZ’s latest mini-album showcases the group’s continued artistic evolution and versatility through a blend of diverse musical styles and powerful lyrics, establishing their global impact in the K-Pop industry with its cohesive narrative and innovative production, and solidifying them as a force to be reckoned with.
SONG: “RUSH” ft. BOBBY by JUNNY
Junny’s “RUSH,” featuring BOBBY, stands out from his latest album DOPAMINE with its infectious energy and sleek production, blending catchy rhythms and groovy beats, while the dynamic chemistry between the artists adds depth and intensity to the track, making it a standout in contemporary K-RnB.
MUSIC VIDEO: “Maestro” by SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN’s “Maestro” music video is cinematic and powerful, with innovative visuals which perfectly complement the song’s dynamic energy and orchestral theme, all while showcasing the group’s exceptional performance skills and portraying them as the musical leaders they are.
AIMÉE
ALBUM: Armageddon by aespa
It’s an ambitious, no-skip cohesive vision that connects to the group’s core sound while still finding new musical dimensions for the foursome to explore.
SONG: “The Killa (I Belong To You)” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Even though they have some of the best known hits from K-Pop’s 4th Gen, I’ll happily plant my flag in the sand firm in the belief that this track is one of their best ever.
MUSIC VIDEO: “Impossible” by RIIZE
Sometimes you don’t need many words. The song, the shots, the grading: this is freedom. This is escapism. This is everything.
SERENA
ALBUM: 17 Is Right Here by SEVENTEEN
Although there were only four new songs, SEVENTEEN’s anthology album showcase how far the group has come since debuting, reminding fans how strong their discography is and treated fans to new tracks that resonates with CARATs.
SONG: “Accendio” by IVE
IVE tried something extremely different with “Accendio” and served major fairytale villain vibes with a catchy tune and amazing concept.
MUSIC VIDEO: “Cheers To Youth” by SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN’s vocal unit is known for beautiful songs, but the video for “Cheers To Youth” felt like a message of hope and nostalgia for fans, with beautiful imagery and storylines between the five members.
