From boy groups to girl groups to solo artists…there were so many great releases across 2024. Looking back at all of the B-sides I have covered from January to December, here are the ones that stood out the most to me and have become my favorite songs of last year.

“MMI”- I.M

Released in April 2024 via his third EP, Off the Beat, I.M’s “MMI” remains as one of my most-played tracks of 2024 and one of my all-time favorite songs from I.M's solo career, thus far. Perfectly capturing I.M’s sensual musicality, “MMI” leaves you craving more of I.M’s musical creations, which are just as incredible to hear live as they are recorded, leaving high anticipations and expectations for his future releases.

Check out my original review of “MMI” here.

“Loyalty” - BM

BM pleasantly surprised me with “Loyalty,” a track from his first solo EP, Element, in May. Already known for his impressive rap skills and charming personality, BM’s vocal delivery in “Loyalty” was on another level, seducing the listener with alluring vocals on a late 90’s/00’s R&B meets Latin groove beat - I can only imagine the “Loyalty” performance he gives on tour.

Check out my original review of “Loyalty” here.

“Birth” - ARTMS

Released in May through their album <DALL>, ARTMS’s “Birth” took K-Pop music to another world thanks to its experimental and eerie sound that makes “Birth” one of my all-time favorite K-Pop tracks. The song’s unique audio delivery immediately captivates the listener, throwing them into a beautifully haunting experience from beginning to end, with a perfect blend of soft vocals on a horror backdrop.

Check out my original review of “Birth” here.

“INSTEAD!” - Xdinary Heroes, Yoon Do Hyun

In October, Xdinary Heroes released their first-ever collaboration, teaming up with Yoon Do Hyun for the nu-metal, hardcore rock track “INSTEAD!” in their mini-album, LIVE and FALL. This track displayed a new side to Xdinary Heroes that Villains (the band’s fandom) had not heard from the band before but are now desperate to hear more of from Xdinary Heroes in the future. “INSTEAD!” is an incredibly addictive track that further unites K-Pop and rock/metal fans together, being an extraordinary song and collaboration for an extraordinary band.

Check out my original review of “INSTEAD!” here, and my review of LIVE and FALL here.

“Save You” - YUTA

Without a doubt, NCT member YUTA had one of the best solo debuts of K-Pop with his mini-album, Depth, last October. Diving into various styles of rock music, “Save You” came out on top for me, with YUTA’s gritty vocals against the hard-hitting arrangement providing an enjoyable listening experience. With this being his first mini-album release, YUTA’s solo presence can only get bigger and better from here and I can’t wait to hear more from him.

Check out my original review of “Save You” here.

“Selfish Waltz” - ATEEZ

Released in November through their latest mini-album GOLDEN HOUR : Part 2, ATEEZ blessed Atiny and the overall K-Pop realm with the irresistible, ethereal, and dreamy track “Selfish Waltz.” With its celestial and calming beat, combined with the members’ hypnotic vocals, “Selfish Waltz” is a track that can be played on repeat without the listener ever getting bored.

Check out my original review of “Selfish Waltz” here.

“Hold My Hand” - HAN (Stray Kids)

In December, Stray Kids member HAN delivered an addictive rock-rap track for “Hold My Hand,” his solo single from the band’s first-ever mixtape, HOP. Through this track, listeners get to hear a different side to HAN and his musicality, with “Hold My Hand” being a song that differs in many ways from Stray Kids’s usual discography (both of which I love). With strong, distinctive, and versatile vocal abilities, this track has made me excited for more solo material from HAN, or perhaps a rock-centric Stray Kids track, in the future.

Check out my original review of “Hold My Hand” here.

“Kiss My Troubles Away” - TWICE

Released in December as part of their EP STRATEGY, TWICE delivered an uplifting, full-English language track with “Kiss My Troubles Away.” With catchy lyrics, sweet vocals, and an overall delightful pop sound, “Kiss My Troubles Away” swiftly became one of my favorite-ever TWICE tracks that I can’t stop listening to.

Check out my original review of “Kiss My Troubles Away” here.

Edited by Cara Musashi

Best B-Sides of 2024