Best of February 2024
February 2024 was an immensely strong month for music comebacks and debuts within the Korean music scene. From K-Pop to K-R&B to K-Hip-Hop, there were so many incredible releases for us to listen to. Here are some of my favorites.
“2Nite”- P1Harmony
Released on February 5, each song from Killin’ It is great but there is something about the seventh track “2Nite” that catches my attention the most. With a different sound to the tracks we’ve previously heard from P1Harmony, “2Nite” offers a groovy, pop, R&B backdrop that you can’t help but move along to from the very first listen. The track is modern and fresh but with added layers of old-school funk and nostalgia, catchy lyrics, and a memorable tune you won’t forget in a hurry.
“SHINE (Feat. SUMIN)” - YUGYEOM, SUMIN
In February, the K-R&B scene was gifted with a plethora of new and exciting R&B tracks thanks to YUGYEOM’s long-awaited and highly-anticipated first full-length album, TRUST ME. A few of the songs had been heard before through single releases and YUGYEOM’s recent tours, while others brought fresh new sounds to our ears, including the second track “SHINE (Feat. SUMIN).” From the very first few seconds, “SHINE” became one of my favorite B-sides from the album. The sound of a tape being put into a cassette player before an 80’s pop composition begins to play transports the listener into an audio time machine as if we are starring in an 80’s movie with YUGYEOM. Like its title, YUGYEOM’s vocals shine through the track while being beautifully complemented by SUMIN’s distinctive voice.
“BLOOM” - TWICE
From their 13th EP With You-th, TWICE explores a garage drum-and-bass mix in the fifth track “BLOOM.” With writing credits from member Jeongyeon, “BLOOM” opens with a sweet, euphonious harmony of the girls singing the word “bloom” before diving into a funky, dance-inducing sound that intriguingly plays around with its composition. It’s the perfect track to play in a club environment with the members’ impeccable vocals against the song’s dance backdrop, bringing an uplifting energy to any room it plays in.
“없나 (??)”- DK
On February 15, iKON member DK released his first-ever solo album NAKSEO[戀], a nine-track full-length album that showcases his endearing and defining vocals through each song. In the eighth and penultimate track “없나 (??),” DK’s vocals smoothly glide across the song’s slick arrangement: a jazz-influenced R&B beat consisting of an exquisite piano and an alluring whistle, amongst other instrument and electronic sounds. It’s my favorite track on the album, carrying a lot of laidback groove, sensual rhythm, and charming vocals from DK.
“TIMELINE” - Moonbyul
Moonbyul released her first full-length album, Starlit of Muse, on February 20, giving us the enchanting B-side single “TIMELINE.” Many K-Pop listeners will know Moonbyul for her incredible rap skills, but for “TIMELINE,” Moonbyul presents her velvety vocals, smoothly singing over the song’s dreamy, tropical beat. It’s a beautiful song that showcases another side to Moonbyul and her artistry, that I can envision playing at a nighttime beach or vacation environment with friends. “TIMELINE” might be one of my favorite tracks from Moonbyul yet.
Edited by Cara Musashi