My Favorite Albums of 2024

My Favorite Albums of 2024

Lots of great music this year! And these albums were my favorites!

“The Young Man and the Deep Sea” by Im Hyunsik


Lim Hyunsik is one of my Ultimate Biases. Someone I’ve really grown to admire and respect as an artist and as a person. So of course I was excited about the release of his second album The Young Man and the Deep Sea. It is another breathtaking album from him. Hyunsik’s effortless vocals bring to life meaningful and personal lyrics while gliding across captivating melodies. The way Hyunsik is able to tell stories through his music and in full albums like this is just so amazing. Hyunsik’s hard work and passion for his music has really been an inspiration and motivation for me in my daily life. And The Young Man and the Deep Sea is another perfect and excellent showcase of just what makes Hyunsik such a gifted and talented artist and person. Absolutely amazing.

“20:20” by VXON


It was VXON’s January 2022 debut that motivated me to finally check out the then-emerging P-pop scene back in the motherland. And they’d released some great music since then. At the beginning of the year, they released their first full album 20:20. Initially, I was very impressed and also excited. It was an awesome reminder of what first drew me in to P-pop. But as I listened to the album more and more, I really grew to love every single track on this album. Each one creatively and cleverly suits the album title, allowing the members to showcase their talent, charm and charisma. And this while every single track is also catchy, addictive and definite mood makers. Their live performance videos of each track made me love each track even more. And I’m excited to see and hear what they have in store in the new year.

“Before I” by Corbyn


New music from Corbyn is always a cause for celebration. And the multi-hyphenated talent released the three-track EP Before I as another showcase for his immense talent and passion and the effort he puts in his work. From the emotionally-charged title track to the similarly meaningful and poignant “Galaxy Eyes” and “Bullet Through My Heart”; Corbyn always pours his heart out in his music. And it’s not hard to get swept up in all the emotions and feelings he expresses and evokes through it. Before I is another must-experience album from this talented artist.

“NOMAD” by NOMAD


I don’t know anything about rookie group NOMAD. But checking out their tracks “No Pressure” and “California Love” definitely made me want to find out more! Both tracks have the group delivering some perfect R&B vibes. “No Pressure” features some clever and catchy lyrics while “California Love” is the perfect vibe of a song to listen to as you drive down the California coast at sunset! These two tracks were a great introduction to these talented rookies!

But then I listened to the rest of the album and I was in awe! Absolutely one of the best debut albums I’ve enjoyed from a group. Each track is an absolute vibe. And I could easily put most, if not all of them on my year-end Favorites list, to be honest. But even more, you would think NOMAD are already experienced artists with their performances here. Their first comeback just as good. And they are definitely a group I’ll be watching closely in 2025!

“Traveling Fish” by Hwi Young


I don’t think I’ve ever listened to SF9’s Hwiyoung’s solo releases before. But I’m definitely listening now after his album Traveling Fish was released. His rock-infused sound is quite unexpected for me since of course Hwiyoung is one of SF9’s rappers. But I’m pleasantly surprised by title track “It Is L0VE” and the two B-side tracks “Drive5” and “HBD.” What a great way to showcase his versatility. And I’m definitely encouraged to check out his previous solo releases as well. Really great tracks.

“Call Back” by Minho


I don’t know that I’ve ever checked out Minho’s solo releases before either. But I guess his first full album is the perfect opportunity to finally do so. And WOWOW! The title track (which is also the title of the album) “Call Back” is absolutely amazing! A perfect R&B track that allows Minho to deliver the vibes as well as a vocal performance I don’t know that I’ve experienced from him before! What a revelation for me! I mean, I’ve of course seen his great performances as a member of SHINee. But this track and the rest of the album is an amazingly pleasant and welcome surprise! It’s hard to pick a favorite amongst the ten tracks as they’re all really good. But I’ll have to go with “Call Back” if only because it enlightened me to Minho, the solo artist!

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