Best of October 2026

Photo: SM Entertainment

October 2026 was another incredible month of comebacks from K-Pop artists this year, both new and old, becoming a month of rock and alternative music for me and my favorite B-sides. From groups to solo artists, there was so much to listen to this month and below are three of my favorites. 

“u and me in arguments” - Xdinary Heroes

Following the sad and sudden departure of their leader and drummer Gunil in August, Xdinary Heroes made a bittersweet comeback two months later with their ninth mini-album, Impulse. This album consists of seven new tracks for Villains to dive into with each track leaning further into the sounds of heavy rock, highlighting Xdinary Heroes's range and vocal power. The fourth single “u and me in arguments” stands out as my favorite B-side from Impulse with its daring yet delicate use of screamo and a metalcore edge in its production emphasizing the bands’ versatility in the rock scene. “u and me in arguments” feels new yet familiar, combining modern elements with notes of nostalgia. As with any Xdinary Heroes track, the vocals and the instrument techniques exceed expectations, making it a must-listen from their catalog.

“DOWN WITH IT” - DAILY:DIRECTION

With the K-Pop industry rapidly growing and constantly producing new and exciting groups, sometimes it can become difficult to keep up with all the new music that gets released, but it only takes that one song for a listener to become obsessed with a new group and want to follow them from as close-to-the beginning of their journey as they can. For me, this is DAILY:DIRECTION, a new six-member group who debuted under ODDWAVE (in February) and who released their first mini-album WHICH WAY on October 14. Although released as a pre-release single back in July, the fourth track “DOWN WITH IT” immediately caught my attention with its addictive spoken-word intro that repeats itself throughout the song, over an unusual yet laid-back sonic melody that has the listener ready for the club. “DOWN WITH IT” is a standout track and one that should be on the radar for those looking for a new K-Pop group to listen to.

“Yeah We Go” - MAX CHANGMIN

One of the most endearing voices across all generations of K-Pop, MAX CHANGMIN takes the crown for releasing one of the most compelling solo projects of the year, with his third mini-album, All of My Life. Amongst its six-song tracklist sits “Yeah We Go” at number four, an alternative-rock track that pulls the listener into its dark and dramatic sound from the very first second. With the title being “Yeah We Go,” listeners could assume the song would radiate warm and upbeat, cheerful pop vibes, but instead MAX CHANGMIN sings words of encouragement through a sensual vocal over an eerie production, making it an ideal closing credits track for an action, horror, or thriller film.