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This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
2016 did not disappoint in terms of the dazzling new sounds from our favorite Kpop musicians and the amazing comeback albums they’ve released. The solo artists held their own against a sea of idol group releases, and continue to bring us creative work that charter new territories.
But let us clarify our selection criteria first. We’re looking at comeback albums, which means that all artists included have debuted before 2016. We also decided to focus on the albums that broke the norms and gave us consistent listenability. Meet the Kpop artists who weren’t afraid to challenge themselves and show their diverse talents. For best group comeback albums, see here.
Taemin – Press It
Taemin is an amazing dancer who’s quickly grown into a true musician since his solo debut in 2014. His sophomore release, Press It, had a remarkable start with a No.2 rank on Billboard’s World Music chart during the first week of its release. Press It is a masterful mix of neo-soul and R&B that allows Taemin to showcase his sensual charisma.
Editor’s Pick:
- Drip Drop
- One by One
Lee Hi – Seoulite
The beloved R&B diva, Lee Hi, graced us with her soulful voice once again in her comeback album, Seoulite. The first half of it was released in March followed by the full release in April. Her moving vocals got kicked up a notch with sassier, edgier, and more contemporary tunes that landed her a solid No.3 spot on Billboard’s World Album chart.
Editors Pick:
- World Tour
- Fxxk Wit Us
Dean – 130 mood : TRBL
Dean is a true self-made artist and producer who has received a lot more mainstream limelight last year via his solo EP, 130 Mood:TRBL. Each track on the album lends its own interpretation to complete a full storyline, with fresh sounds that’s unheard of in Kpop. The amount of thought and creativity that went into this 130 Mood:TRBL is truly astounding.
Editor’s Pick:
- Bonnie & Clyde
- Pour Up
Hyuna – A’wesome
Hyuna whose know for her performance talents has steadily shown growth as a musician with each album release. A’wesome demonstrates the kind of artist she inspires to be, where she played a big role in contributing to the lyrics. A’wesome is indeed an awesome collection of hip hop and pop anthems that’ll keep you listening on.
Editors Pick:
- Wolf
- Morning Glory
Jun.K – Mr. No Love
2PM member and R&B master Jun.K released is first Korean solo album titled Mr. No Love, which debuted at No.9 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart. Jun.K was able to experiment with different genres while displaying all of his hidden talents — singing, rapping, writing, and producing — in this sultry and sizzling album.
Editor’s Pick:
- Better Man
- My House
Park Jimin – 19 to 20
19 to 20 signified Park Jimin’s progress, both musically and spiritually. Taking a complete detour from her past efforts of belting ballads and bubblegum pop, this solo album steers towards a mature and sensual urban sound. 19 to 20 is full of groovy experimental R&B tracks where Jimin had a hand in writing lyrics and composing as well.
Editor’s Pick:
- Young해
- To him
Gain – End Again
Brown Eyed Girls youngest member, Gain, released another solo album in the later half of 2016. Known for pushing boundaries in the Kpop world, End Again is a broadway-inspired album that yet again surprised us with Gain’s sophisticated music caliber. This album is a breathe of fresh air telling vivid stories in jazz, swing, and even classical music.
Editor’s Pick:
- Carrie
- The Forest of Fireflies
Ailee — A New Empire
Ailee is an ever-morphing butterfly of Kpop. Her comeback album A New Empire showed us yet a different side of her. Downplaying her usual R&B flavored ballads a bit, Ailee dabbled a lot in the EDM realm, which is not common among soloists. Ailee tells us with her strong voice how she is going to build a new era with risk-taking boldness.
Editor’s Pick:
- Home
- Peekaboo
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