This can be a unusual period for Okay-pop… a minimum of in terms of 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 desires as a fan. In some methods, I’m extra concerned with Okay-pop than I’ve been in awhile, however this curiosity is fairly funneled into the acts I comply with. If I zoom out to the trade on a bigger scale, the general track high quality is unquestionably missing this 12 months and even the standouts don’t essentially really feel like future classics.
For this mid-year countdown, I’m casting my internet considerably huge. Included are a number of tracks which might be actually making it into my year-end high ten alongside many that may extra seemingly combat for spots within the high twenty or thirty. As ever, I’ve alphabetized the artists somewhat 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 observe of their two 2025 singles and a track that’s shortly turn out to be their biggest-ever hit. Its quirky sound is a good conduit for his or her colourful character. (full evaluate)
The Boyz – VVV
One of many only a few 2025 title tracks that provided an prolonged runtime to unleash as many musical highlights as potential. I’d go so far as saying that is The Boyz’ greatest ever single, and that’s fairly a feat given their previous discography. (full evaluate)
CRAVITY – SET NET G0?!
A unusual little wiggle of a summer season track, anchored by a rugged electro stomp and wisps of vocal melody that give it a singular aptitude. (full evaluate)
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 evaluate)
fromis_9 – Like You Higher
A bounding, buoyant summer season dance observe with open hearted melodies that encourage you to sing alongside on the high of your lungs. This can be a rollicking antidote to Okay-pop’s present love of subdued sounds. (full evaluate)
Hearts2Hearts – Fashion
After a muted debut, SM Leisure’s latest lady group delivers the form of bubbly home observe that usually heralds the summer season season. This sound will get me each time. (full evaluate)
NouerA – N.I.N (New Is Now)
Harnessing components from Okay-pop’s previous leads to the 12 months’s strongest debut up to now. Refreshingly, this sounds nothing like international developments, choosing a selected fashion distinctive to this trade. (full evaluate)
NTX – Over N Over
Talking of eras previous, Over N Over remembers 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 evaluate)
ONF – The Stranger
ONF have topped my year-end chart twice, and their constant observe file expands with this synth-funk banger. Their music is simply so reliably nice. (full evaluate)
RIIZE – Bag Unhealthy Again
In all probability my largest grower of the 12 months? Initially, I balked on the track’s NCT-like sound, however its humorousness and bombastic manufacturing saved it happening my playlist. (full evaluate)
RIIZE – Fly Up
An old style rock n roll beat collides with Excessive College Musical cheese for this upbeat sing-along. It’s not essentially RIIZE’s strongest level, however the infectious vitality is troublesome to withstand. (full evaluate)
STAYC – Bebe
“Sing-talk” has been a serious drawback this 12 months, however if you marry it to an thrilling dance beat I can’t assist however bop alongside. This was one other big grower for me this 12 months. (full evaluate)
TWS – Countdown!
This track shares many sides with the group’s 2024 work, however I would truly favor the melodies and manufacturing right here. In 2025’s sea of laidback vitality, TWS burst forth with thrilling drive, fueled by one of many 12 months’s greatest choruses. (full evaluate)
TWS – Fortunate To Be Beloved
Showcasing their vary, the moodier Fortunate To Be Beloved was a slow-burn success, buoyed by a stupendous set of melodies that draw out probably the most interesting facets of boy group sentimentality. (full evaluate)
The Wind – Solely One
Talking of “boy group sentimentality,” The Wind has this specific model of “Christian horse boy” music down pat. With this observe, they handle to ship a candy, classically lady group sound I’ve been lacking. They’re dwelling as much as their “BFriend” nickname. (full evaluate)
ZEROBASEONE – Blue
ZEROBASEONE are on a roll, and this widescreen pop anthem presents them at their greatest. The surging refrain is addictive, egged on by a bombastic association and upbeat vitality. (full evaluate)
