Top K-Pop of the Week: NAYEON, Atee*z, Kim Jae Joong, EVERGLOW & More — Vote! (2024)

• NAYEON, "ABCD"

  

  The TWICE superstar returns with her sophom*ore solo effort, NA, which showcases a range of genres tackled with Korean and English tracks, led by the super-pop single “ABCD.” Over blasting brassy beats, NAYEON sings, “A, you’re gonna B my babe/ Every time you C me, fall D-eeper deeper babe,” no doubt hypnotizing fans into what should be another stellar chart showing.

• INFINITE, "Flower"

  Released to celebrate INFINITE’s 14th anniversary together, “Flower” is a melodious track that showcases the boy band’s harmonious vocals and intricate arrangements, proving their continued evolution as artists. Hopefully it’s not much longer until they put out another album together.

• BOL4, "Lips" feat. GISELLE of aespa

  BOL4’s signature soothing delivery gets a jolt of energy teaming up with aespa’s GISELLE and her quick, charismatic rap style, creating a captivating fusion of indie pop and hip-hop that’s both refreshing and addictive — perfect for the summertime.

• A.C.E, "Supernatural"

  A.C.E’s “Supernatural” combines mystique-laden lyrics with a sound heavily inspired by feel-good funk and soul, resulting in an addictive, harmony-heavy jam. Reunited for the first time in years, the five members deliver their latest in both Korean and English versions, topped off with an irresistible whistle hook makes this a massive standout and a universally appealing single in their discography.

• Kim Jae Joong, "I AM U"

  As the K-pop veteran gears up to celebrate his 20th anniversary in the scene, “I AM U” is a heartfelt, mid-tempo rock-pop performance that emphasizes the JYJ star’s emotive vocal delivery. It’s a reminder of his lasting impact on the industry.

• Sunmi, "Balloon in Love"

  

  One of K-pop’s most consistently creative and impressive soloists, Sunmi fancies herself a balloon dependent on love to keep her filled in her low-key love jam “Balloon in Love.”

• EVERGLOW, "ZOMBIE"

  With a slow-moving and horror-movie like opening, EVERGLOW utilizes grinding synthesizers and moments of captivating flutes to build “ZOMBIE” into a pulsating-yet-elusive track that manages to still match the group’s fiery and fierce energy.

• Super Junior, "Show Time"

  Crafted for Super Junior’s 19th anniversary this year, “Show Time” delivers another one of the group’s signature, high-energy anthems that feels made to be performed on stage. Its series of infectious hooks (and polished choreography, to boot) proves SuJu’s enduring appeal in the K-pop industry.

• SAAY, "DOMINO"

  With a stand-out release for the week, singer-songwriter SAAY delivers her latest in the experimental R&B song “DOMINO.” The English track is an exciting new avenue for the Universal Music Korea signee, who already boasts three full-length K-pop records under her belt, and has us curious to hear more.

• XIA, "Our Season"

  Another JYJ member also celebrating 20 years in the industry, XIA returns with the piano-led “Our Season,” marking a beautifully orchestrated mid-tempo cut that highlights his vocal range and emotional expression, making this one a perfect listen for any season.

• WayV, "Give Me That"

  WayV’s fifth EP, Give Me That, includes the title track in both Korean and Chinese, combining slick R&B rhythms and smooth vocals to compliment the band’s sharp choreography. Yet another bold, sonic venture from the China-based outfit, “Give Me That” solidifies WayV’s reputation as one of the most versatile units in the NCT universe.

• Paul Blanco, "Every Night"

  With another instant hit in an already impeccable collection of songs, Paul Blanco delivers one of his most accessible singles yet in the melodic, R&B groove of “Every Night.” Recorded in mostly English for additional crossover potential, the track boasts the coziness of a late summer night wrapped up in Blanco’s warm, heartfelt crooning.

• Atee*z X EDEN-ary, "WORK Pt.3"

  

  High off yet another massive debut on the Billboard 200, Atee*z continue the success of their Golden Hour : Part.1 EP by teaming up with longtime creative collaborator EDEN-ary (also known as the soloist EDEN) for the third take of new single “WORK,” after Don Diablo took a stab last week. Atee*z’s classic intensity stays intact with EDEN-ary’s masterful production that’s able to transform their release into a genre-bending track with elements of EDM and Latin, recalling the addictive nature of J Balvin’s “Mi Gente.”

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