20 Best Kpop Comeback Albums of 2016 — Groups (Part 1)

2016 was a prolific year for Kpop. Though we bid goodbye to a number of older groups, the new generation of idols are infusing new blood into the industry. And they’re stronger than ever — mastering a diverse range of genres, showcasing top-notch musicality, and overflowing with creative energy. As we put 2016 behind us, let’s review the best comeback albums of the year from our favorite idol groups.

But let us clarify our selection criteria first. We’re looking at comeback albums, which means that all groups included have debuted before 2016. Also, there’s no doubt that many groups have brought back catchy hit singles during the year. But for our purposes, we’re looking at the overall quality and production value of their entire album. With these expectations set, let’s get started.

Part 1 — Albums released in 1st half of the year

Teen Top — Red Point

Red Point unexpectedly tones down Teen Top’s usual hyper dance pop excitement, and opts for a more romantic and sentimental progression with a number of R&B and ballad songs. Every track is quite listenable and brings out Teen Top’s unique music flavor. Red Point certainly kicked off the year with a high bar for the albums to follow.

Editor’s picks:

• Warning Sign
• Day

Winner — Exit: E

After a fairly lengthy hiatus for a newer group, Winner finally came back with Exit: E. Shedding the standard pop idol group image, Winner embraced an organic and emotional music style presented in a highly refined mix genre album. Exit: E is a savory album with depth, maturity, and of course, sentimentality.

Editor’s picks:

• Sentimental
• Pricked

4Minute — Act.7

Act.7 continues 4Minute’s previous album Crazy’s ostentatious and rebellious attitude, but mixes in a bit more melancholy and drama. Exploring more into R&B and EDM genres, 4Minute shows off their diva charisma with the help of whimsical synths, unique rhythms, and statement-making tunes. Act.7 is the perfect period for 4Minute’s fantastic run as a group.

Editor’s picks:

• Hate
• Canvas

Ladies’ Code — Myst3ry

After experiencing the tragic loss of members, Ladies’ Code bravely made a splendid and shocking return as a trio. Shedding their previous bubblegum pop roots, Myst3ry shows a more sensitive and pensive side with creative genre mixes and abstract symbolisms. It’s a meaningful album that feels eclectic musically and thought-provoking intellectually.

Editor’s picks:

• My Flower
• Chaconne

Mamamoo — Melting

Power house Mamamoo amazed us once again with their perfectly synchronized, bluesy vocals and creativity. Melting contains far more than just their signature soulful R&B and emotional ballads. The album brings out all the tricks up the girls’ sleeves ranging from jazz, swing, bossa nova, to even hip hop and preppy pop.

Editor’s picks:

• Taller Than You
• You’re The Best

GOT7 — Flight Log: Departure

GOT7 soared to a new height with Flight Log: Departure, gaining a lot of recognition with this mini-album by winning multiple music shows. The album tests the waters of multiple genres but remains hip hop at its core and is able to define a sound that suited GOT7 best. Flight Log: Departure is one smooth and buoyant ride filled with energy and optimism.

Editor’s picks:

• Fly
• Can’t

Akdong Musician — Spring Vol. 1

The kiddo magicians of Kpop are back to show how much they’ve grown musically this year. Already known for their quirky folk-pop sounds and relatable lyrics, Spring Vol.1 shows their distinctive funkiness with even more polish. With each song carrying a different shade of spring’s tone, AkMu’s colorful and optimistic energy is infused into their work.

Editor’s picks:

• Re-bye
• How People Move

EXID — Street

As one of the most successful hit-song makers in the industry, EXID makes a first-attempt at a full length album. Street is a quality album filled with party anthems and emotional ballads that’ll make you want to move sometimes and cry other times. It’s what we’d like to call “a war in love” album where all the songs talk about relationship highs and lows.

Editor’s picks:

• Give Me a Walk Home
• 3%

Check out part 2 for the best group comeback albums released in the 2nd half of the year.

What Do You Think?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.