Best of October 2023

October has been an incredibly strong month for new releases and amazing comebacks this year, providing us K-Pop fans with many great new songs to listen to. So, with this, here are just a few of my favorite B-sides for you to discover this month. 

“Dreamer” - TOMORROW X TOGETHER

TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) came back strong with the songs of their latest album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, with the album’s fourth track “Dreamer” being one of TXT’s best singles to date. An exquisitely composed and performed track, “Dreamer” adopts a slow and sensual R&B beat that beautifully holds and guides each of the TXT members’ stellar vocals throughout its dreamy production. The song captivates listeners through a strong audio performance in which MOA (TXT’s sweetly named fandom) and casual listeners alike can find solace. 

"Holy Moly" - IVE

In this fourth track from the group’s first EP, I’VE MINE, IVE initially set the tone for what is expected to be a country-style pop song. This expectation quickly vanishes, however, as the song’s pop beat and the members’ vocals come into play, pulling the song into IVE’s pop route, with slight influences of traditional and country music heard through the chorus and chorus build-up. “Holy Moly” is dominated by an addictive pop style with a chorus that I am obsessed with, particuarly with the way in which the girls alluringly sing the words “holy moly.” This track easily has the potential to be one of IVE’s strongest tracks and a fan favorite amongst their fandom, DIVE.

”Freddy”- Xdinary Heroes

It’s no secret that Xdinary Heroes is one of my favorite acts within the Korean music realm. Their music is new, distinctive, and exciting, with their latest mini-album LIVELOCK joining their epic repertoire of remarkable songs. Although an incredibly difficult decision to choose just one track to discuss from LIVELOCK, it is the opening track “Freddy” that joins this month’s best B-sides list. “Freddy” opens LIVELOCK with a strong alternative-rock sound, superb vocal deliveries, and powerful instrument playing from each of the members that Villain’s cannot get enough of. It is an incredible track from an incredible mini-album that you can read a more in-depth review of here.

Edited by Cara Musashi