This can be a unusual period for Okay-pop… at the least relating to my very own expertise. On one hand, there are a handful of acts I really feel extra invested in than ever, which is the sensation everybody needs as a fan. In some methods, I’m extra all for Okay-pop than I’ve been in awhile, however this curiosity is fairly funneled into the acts I observe. If I zoom out to the trade on a bigger scale, the general music high quality is unquestionably missing this yr and even the standouts don’t essentially really feel like future classics.
For this mid-year countdown, I’m casting my internet considerably large. Included are a number of tracks which might be definitely making it into my year-end prime ten alongside many that can extra probably battle for spots within the prime twenty or thirty. As ever, I’ve alphabetized the artists slightly than rank them. That closing rating will are available December.
Readers, what have been your favourite singles through the first half of 2025?
BOYNEXTDOOR – If I Say, I Love You
My most popular monitor of their two 2025 singles and a music that’s shortly turn into their biggest-ever hit. Its quirky sound is a superb conduit for his or her colourful character. (full evaluation)
The Boyz – VVV
One of many only a few 2025 title tracks that supplied an prolonged runtime to unleash as many musical highlights as potential. I’d go so far as saying that is The Boyz’ finest ever single, and that’s fairly a feat given their previous discography. (full evaluation)
CRAVITY – SET NET G0?!
A unusual little wiggle of a summer time music, anchored by a rugged electro stomp and wisps of vocal melody that give it a singular aptitude. (full evaluation)
Fairy Mai – Gentle Please
Thrilling sounds usually emerge from Okay-pop’s indie aspect, and idol-member-turned-soloist Fairy Mai harnesses participating rhythms that eclipse a lot of her big-budget friends. (full evaluation)
fromis_9 – Like You Extra
A bounding, buoyant summer time dance monitor with open hearted melodies that encourage you to sing alongside on the prime of your lungs. This can be a rollicking antidote to Okay-pop’s present love of subdued sounds. (full evaluation)
Hearts2Hearts – Fashion
After a muted debut, SM Leisure’s latest woman group delivers the form of bubbly home monitor that always heralds the summer time season. This sound will get me each time. (full evaluation)
NouerA – N.I.N (New Is Now)
Harnessing parts from Okay-pop’s previous leads to the yr’s strongest debut to this point. Refreshingly, this sounds nothing like international traits, choosing a selected fashion distinctive to this trade. (full evaluation)
NTX – Over N Over
Talking of eras previous, Over N Over recollects the upbeat, carefree sound of the early-2010’s with vitality to spare. It’s a tried and true method that hits all of the pleasure facilities. (full evaluation)
ONF – The Stranger
ONF have topped my year-end chart twice, and their constant monitor report expands with this synth-funk banger. Their music is simply so reliably nice. (full evaluation)
RIIZE – Bag Dangerous Again
Most likely my largest grower of the yr? Initially, I balked on the music’s NCT-like sound, however its humorousness and bombastic manufacturing saved it occurring my playlist. (full evaluation)
RIIZE – Fly Up
An old-fashioned rock n roll beat collides with Excessive Faculty Musical cheese for this upbeat sing-along. It’s not essentially RIIZE’s strongest level, however the infectious vitality is tough to withstand. (full evaluation)
STAYC – Bebe
“Sing-talk” has been a significant downside this yr, however if you marry it to an thrilling dance beat I can’t assist however bop alongside. This was one other enormous grower for me this yr. (full evaluation)
TWS – Countdown!
This music shares many sides with the group’s 2024 work, however I would truly desire the melodies and manufacturing right here. In 2025’s sea of laidback vitality, TWS burst forth with thrilling power, fueled by one of many yr’s finest choruses. (full evaluation)
TWS – Fortunate To Be Liked
Showcasing their vary, the moodier Fortunate To Be Liked was a slow-burn success, buoyed by an exquisite set of melodies that draw out essentially the most interesting points of boy group sentimentality. (full evaluation)
The Wind – Solely One
Talking of “boy group sentimentality,” The Wind has this specific model of “Christian horse boy” music down pat. With this monitor, they handle to ship a candy, classically woman group sound I’ve been lacking. They’re dwelling as much as their “BFriend” nickname. (full evaluation)
ZEROBASEONE – Blue
ZEROBASEONE are on a roll, and this widescreen pop anthem presents them at their finest. The surging refrain is addictive, egged on by a bombastic association and upbeat vitality. (full evaluation)
