20 Best Kpop Comeback Albums of 2016 — Groups (Part 2)

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 2 — Albums released in 2nd half of the year

Beast — Highlight

With Jang Hyun Seung leaving the group to be a solo artist, Highlight is easily the most interesting comeback of Beast’s career if not for that reason alone. Though one man short, Beast did not disappoint by showcasing the their delicate sophistication as a veteran group. Highlight is a beautifully crafted album with dreaminess, poetry, and creativity.

Editor’s picks:

• Highlight
• Ribbon

VIXX — Hades

VIXX did what they do best — another mythical, dark-themed album based off of Greek mythology. Hades, named after the Greek god of the underworld, opens strong with ominous and theatrical sounds that are unique to VIXX, and told a fantasy-filled story as if watching a movie unfold before your eyes.

Editor’s picks:

• Fantasy
• Love Me Do

2PM — Gentlemen’s Game

Perhaps because Gentlemen’s Game is a token of 2PM’s eight year celebration and is also their last album before military service, it was crafted with particular care. The beastly idols softened their rough edges and delivered a mature yet polished sound, completed with their unique masculine seductiveness that lures you into an eargasmic mire.

Editor’s picks:

• I’ll Be
• Uneasy

Crayon Pop – Evolution Pop Vol. 1

When it comes to cuteness overload and cheesy yet addictive dance tunes, Crayon Pop easily leads the pack. You can always count on them to give you a perfect album to dance to all night long. Evolution Pop Vol. 1 continues their tradition of catchy, quirky, retro disco ditties, with endless energy and youthfulness that’ll fill you with happiness.

Editor’s picks:

• Vroom Vroom
• Doo Doom Chit

GOT7 — Flight Log: Turbulence

Last year, BTS had the honor of making this list twice with their Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa series. This time, it’s GOT7’s turn with their Flight Log series. True to its name, Turbulence follows up a smooth Departure with a tough and masculine conviction, full of energy and determination. With songs across hip hop, trap, and EDM, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

Editor’s picks:

• Skyway
• Hard Carry

SHINee — 1 of 1

This year’s best retro album award goes to SHINee, the group that continues to innovate and push the boundaries of their musicality. In recent years, SHINee has really carved out a niche for themselves with neo-soul, house, and Euro-pop flavored tunes. 1 of 1 builds on that baseline and adds a nostalgic 80’s and 90’s Michael Jackson vibe, giving a modern twist to retro tunes.

Editor’s picks:

• 1 of 1
• Feel Good

Bangtan Boys — Wings

Wings is a biblical-inspired, earworm-packed album that showcases BTS’s wide range of talents within hip hop, pop, rap, and ballads. Unlike their previous tough and aggressive concepts, Wings is a thought-provoking album filled with drama, melancholy, angst, and mystery. The individual tracks by members truly deliver a wide range of emotions for us to savor.

Editor’s picks:

• Blood Sweat & Tears
• Lie

Ladies’ Code — Strang3r

Though the most underrated group on the list, Ladies’ Code is the only girl group to make this list twice by bringing delightful surprises after surprises in Strang3r. The girls continue with their eclectic, polished, and thoughtful take on ballad- and R&B-inspired numbers, coupled with modern and alluring backtracks that truly accentuates their smoldering vocals.

Editor’s picks:

• Lorelei
• The Rain

Twice — TwiceCoaster: Lane 1

Twice continues their commercial success with their youthful energy in TwiceCoaster: Lane 1. The secret sauce of their music has been the cheerleader-like enchanting charm. This album builds off of that signature sound and explores a wider array of genres, from bubbly pop songs to sentimental heartwarmers.

Editor’s picks:

• TT
• One In A Million

B.A.P — Noir

B.A.P made a fabulous return with unprecedented maturity and dark drama in Noir. While remaining true to their hip hop roots, B.A.P draws inspiration from other genres they’ve been playing with in the last few EPs, namely, pop rock, ballads, and R&B. Noir is a well-produced album packed full of earworms that prove B.A.P is a real powerhouse.

Editor’s picks:

• Skydive
• Killer

Seventeen — Going Seventeen

Last year’s super rookies are novice no more. Seventeen has shown tremendous growth in their multi-faceted hit album Going Seventeen. The boys not only showed off their solid chops in funky pop and energetic hip pop tunes, but surprised us all with wistful ballads, groovy R&B sounds, and even a catchy tango dance number.

Editor’s picks:

• BOOMBOOM
• Fast Pace

Big Bang — MADE

MADE took three years to make, and the result is a collection of addictive chart-toppers that extend Big Bang’s esoteric music philosophy to be even more creative, emotional, and outlandish. MADE is incredibly consistent in production quality and a rare gem that grows more on you with time.

Editor’s picks:

• Bang Bang Bang
• Let’s Not Fall In Love

Now that you’ve seen our full list (see part 1 here), what’s your favorite group comeback album of 2016? Let us know in the comments section.

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