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As hallyu makes bigger splashes internationally, more artists and groups are making returns than ever to stay top of mind in the ultra competitive Kpop industry; some even multiple times in the year. As we bid goodbye to 2015, it’s time to take a look at the best comeback albums of the year, starting with our favorite idol groups. For the best solo artist comeback albums, check here.
But before we jump in, let us clarify our selection criteria first. We’re looking at comeback albums, which means that all groups considered have debuted before 2015. Also, there’s no doubt that many groups have brought back super catchy 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.
4Minute — Crazy
Known for their dynamic styles and versatile image, 4Minute has carved out a haven for themselves in the Kpop industry that’s not solely reliant on seduction, but confidence and skills. The badass girls of 4Minute brought more swagger than ever in their phenomenal album, Crazy, that’s made up of genre-crossing gems.
Editor’s picks:
- Crazy
- Cut It Out
Bangtan Boys — The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Pt.1
After the huge success with their “school trilogy” series, BTS returns this year with a poetically named series — The Most Beautiful Moment In Life. But beyond the dreamy title, part one of the series is an edgy and aggressive album, where BTS makes an addictive, bold statement that can hardly be ignored.
Editor’s picks:
- I Need U
- Dope
Bangtan Boys — The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Pt.2
Part two of The Most Beautiful Moment In Life is equally memorable. It maintains BTS’s usual hip hop style but surprisingly gravitates towards a melancholic mood compared to part one of the series. It’s an elegant album that fully expresses the boys’ youthful sentimentality in a bluesy and dreamy way.
Editor’s picks:
- Run
- Butterfly
B.A.P — Matrix
After a rather long hiatus of one year and nine months, we’re finally able to hear new works by B.A.P. While Matrix is still distinctively their charmingly rugged color, the boys surprised and impressed me with more genre crossing and emotional range in this album.
Editor’s picks:
- Young, Wild & Free
- Blind
Beast — Ordinary
As far as I can remember, Beast has been a talented group that always brings extremely addictive and memorable songs since their debut. Indeed, Ordinary is an earful of captivating songs that manifest Beast’s grown-up romantic charms and energetic flair.
Editor’s picks:
- YeY
- Gotta Go To Work
CNBLUE — 2gether
2gether is another long awaited album that showcases the growth and maturity of CNBLUE as a veteran band. Their music is still as energetic and memorable as ever, only this time, CNBLUE played with a variety of music genres like electro dance, jazz, and even reggae to extend beyond their pop rock roots.
Editor’s picks:
- Cinderella
- Roller Coaster
EXO — Sing For You
Right before the year ended, EXO brought their innocent love and tender affection with a winter-themed album, Sing For You. This charming album, containing nothing but hit songs with emotional depth, is the perfect heartwarmer in this snow-filled season.
Editor’s picks:
- Sing For You
- Girl x Friend
f(x) — 4 Walls
The newly reformed f(x) 2.0 shows that they’re equally capable as a four-member band. Their latest album 4 Walls, is a delicious super buffet of electronic dance songs full of international appeal. When the next party comes around, leave your turntables at home and simply bring 4 Walls with you.
Editor’s picks:
- 4 Walls
- Papi
Girls’ Generation TTS — Dear Santa
Another festive album released just in time to kindle your hearts this winter, Dear Santa keeps up TTS’s signature R&B soul with a pop twist music style. The album marries their sweet yet powerful vocals with bluesy or cheery holiday songs to wish you a merry Christmas.
Editor’s picks:
- Dear Santa
- Merry Christmas
GOT7 — Just Right
JYP’s rising star GOT7 gained much attention with their Just Right album. This hip hop influenced album is a total hot summer jam. The boys manage to present different flavors of hip hop fusion songs that neatly express their youthful energy and positive attitude.
Editor’s picks:
- Just Right
- Before the Full Moon Rises
Infinite — Reality
Infinite rarely disappoints its fans. This year, they brought another singable album Reality with songs in a full range of moods. From the dark drama of Bad to the liveliness of Moonlight and the earnest felt in Love Letter, Reality delivers unforgettable experiences filled with diverse emotions.
Editor’s picks:
- Bad
- Moonlight
Red Velvet — The Red
S.M.’s upcomer Red Velvet makes a splash with a high production value album, The Red. With a wonderful assortment of diversifying pop songs, the girls make sure that you’ll find at least a few if not most of the songs on The Red addicting to your ears.
Editor’s picks:
- Dumb Dumb
- Oh Boy
SHINee — Odd
Odd is a risk taking experiment gone right. SHINee took chances in mixing different genres from R&B to swing, while not losing their signature dance beats. Odd may come off as a tad eccentric at first, but I assure you that it’ll quickly grow to be an oddly satisfying album.
Editor’s picks:
- Odd Eye
- View
Super Junior — Devil
The ‘seniors’ of idol groups brought quite a few new tricks up their sleeves with Devil. Beyond their usual dance pop tracks, you’ll find rock flavors and even hints of reggae. It’s the most musically creative album from Super Junior that demonstrates a decade of growth.
Editor’s picks:
- Devil
- Love At First Sight
Wonder Girls — Reboot
Not very many idol groups can completely change their concept and comeback stronger than ever. Such was the accomplishment of Wonder Girls, who reinvented themselves as a band of true musicians fluent in 80’s retro synth ditties. Reboot has a truly unique musical point of view and pushes the envelope for Kpop industry as a whole.
Editor’s picks:
- Baby Don’t Play
- I Feel You
Now that you’ve seen our top-picks, what’s your favorite group comeback album of 2015? Let us know in the comments section.
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