Here we are at the half way point in 2017 and tons of albums have been released. After listening to over 100 albums I've chosen my top 20 Korean Albums. These albums aren't in any order because that would have made this list even harder to make. Most of these albums have reviews which you can view on the site as well and I put the Album rating next to it. LP's and Mixtapes are rated out of 10 while EP's are rated out of 5.
Code Kunst - Muggles Mansion
Rating: 8.5/10
Favorite Tracks: "StrOngerrr", "Fire Water", "X"
Muggles Mansion may be my favorite Koream HipHop/Producer album of 2017. I've listened to this the most out all the HipHop projects releases so far. The album is a mansion that houses different aspirations and the multiple feelings one goes through in a lifetime. All of the talent here in the rappers and singers truly brought the essence of each beat and told perfect stories. I can not put this album down and if it were not for me listening to so much music, this would plus a couple other albums would be all I listened to.
Taeyeon - My Voice
Rating: 8/10
Favorite Tracks: "Cover Up", "Time Lapse" "Sweet Love"
After her previous EP's "I" and "Why", I was ecited for her first LP. My Voice did not disappoint. Taeyeon shows off her voice of several different produced tracks from Pop, Ballad, and R&B. The composition of each song was pretty good and I enjoyed every track. My Voice is a soft Pop and Ballad album with typical topics of love and loss but the producing and singing make up for that. Taeyeon has grown into a good singer and song-writer with My Voice being a great testament to her growth.
Soma - Somablu
Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: "Midnight in Paris", "Pale Blue"
Alternative R&B singer Soma dropped her debut EP in February with much praise from fans, critics, and other artist. This short 5 track EP showcases Soma's beautiful singing, song-writing, and producing. Soma is from South Korea but her voice is more powerful then most American singers and she sings in English so well. I was blown away by her voice and even more astonished by how ell she crafted the EP. Each song has its on mood yet they all mesh together for a great EP. Whatever Soma has in store next will surely not disappoint.
Wutan - Dope Boys Club
Rating: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "808", "Supa Dupa", "Always Into Something"
With the release of Asian Glow as the title track I was skeptical of what was in store for Wutan's 2nd full length album. I thought it would be heavily mainstream tracks like Asian Glow but that was not the case. "Dope Boys Club" is truly an album about being dope with dope lyrics and dope beats. Wutan prepared an album full of bangers that showcases all of his strengths and taste in music. The features were just as great with no song lacking anything. Long story short, this truly is a dope album that I can't stop listening to.
CLC - CRYSTYLE
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Liar", "MeowMeow"
CLC were able to redeem themselves with their 5th EP. From the start I fell in love with the first track "Liar" They went from a different style compared to previous albums but definitely stayed true to their own cheery and upbeat style. The album is filled with catchy upbeat pop songs that gets you dancing and having fun. the album ends with a slowed pop song but that doesn't slow the album down from being a solid work that is their best yet. Hopefully the girls continue to make this quality of music.
Zion T - OO
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Complex", "Comedian"
Zion T's new EP OO is just what we all needed. On OO we got tracks that are very personal to Zion T and he did not hold back compared to his 2013 debut album "Red Light". That album was very fun and catchy but OO is very mellow. IT has catchy tracks like the chorus for "Complex" but the overall messages on this album are a lot more serious. I love the direction that he went for with this album. All of the tracks are well produced and addicting.
Hash Swan - Shangri-La
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Chills", Whitney" "Confusion"
Shangri-La has mashed everything Hash Swan related from his mixtapes to his collab albums and features into a finished product of who Hash Swan is. Now this is only an EP but all 7 tracks are different, unique and shows off all of Hash Swan's color. From the more poppy track "Chills" to the trappy turn up track "Whitney" with The Quiett and Dok2, HAsh Swan is proving why he is not only one of the best rappers in the game but also one of the most versatile and creative. Each song is addicting and fun.
Seohyun - Don't Say No
Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: "Moonlight" "Love and Affection" "Bad Love"
I was a little skeptical of Seohyun going solo but still excited. On this album Seohyun showed us that she was just as great as a singer as Taeyeon and Former SNSD member Jessica. Seohyun might have just came to shows that she's the best vocalist in the group. Each song shows a different color of her from the more delicate track "Hello" featuring Eric Nam, the more mature track in "Bad Love" or the more sexy track in "Magic" Each song was crafted perfectly to her strengths. The only complaint I have is that "Love and Affection" is too damn short.
Nieah - Timeless
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Trakcs: "Underline" "Deja Vu"
I had no expectations walking into this album because I had only heard of Nieah and not listening to her music. But due to the praise she gets I decided to check out her debut EP. I was wowed. Nieah is a singer-songwriter and producer and she isn't that just by name. She confidently knows here limits and potential as she crafted one of my favorite R&B projects this year. There are onlt two features on this album from rappers Jay Dope and Rick Bridges that are forgettable but the rest of the album is gold. I love how she weaves the beats around her voice creating perfect chemistry. A Solid project overall.
Dok2 - Reborn
Rating: 7.5
Favorite Trakcs: "Ambition and Vision", "Wattup" "On & On"
I honestly had no expectations going into this album. I was expecting an album full of turn up tracks and maybe a few tracks about love but no, we got a mix of turn up, love, and Dok2 straight up spitting. No verse is the same on this album has he truly caters his lyrics to the topic at hand. the song "HipHop Lover" is Dok2 spitting about his love for HipHop and this signals how the rest of the album flows. Hard heavy hitting tracks about ballin and showing how great he is at rapping besides the bragging and flashy lifestyle. This album was great from start to finish and did not disappoint. This may be my favorite Dok2 album yet.
Red Velvet - Rookie
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Trakcs: "Talk To Me" "Body Talk"
I honestly didn't like this album when I first heard it but after a couple listens I definitely enjoy this album a lot. Its standard Red Velvet and there is nothing new in terms of artistry but they still gave us songs to enjoy for years to come. Rookie is sort of a mix between the Velvet and the Red of the group but its clearly not the best. regardless it's still a solid project.
Babylon - SSFW
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Trakcs: "Babo" "Cloud"
SSFW or Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter is a great 4 track EP describing love in all 4 seasons. Each song conveys the emotions and feel of dating in that season. "Cloud" is Winter and it features singer Adan and Rapper The Quiett and is a song about having sex. int he winter most babies are conceived due to being couples being inside more often than usual. "Ocean Drive" is love in the summer and how spontaneous and innocent it can be. Babylon clearly had a mission to complete with this album and he succeeded.
Live - Coming To You Live
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Know Me" "Cheese and Wine" "Right Here Right Now"
This album was a sleeper for me. I only heard Live on the Eung Freestlye so I wasn't expecting much but I knew he had quiet the hype behind him. I was overwhelmed with the amazing production of this album that fits perfectly with what Live was going for in his lyrics and style. The features on this album were great as well and even though love was a second thought on "Please" he shined on all of the others. I can't but this album down and "Know Me" is always stuck in my head. Hopefully this is an album in my top 10 later in the year.
Brave Girls - Rollin
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Rollin" "No Rush"
Even with 2 members leaving the group Brave Girls did not falter with this project. It is not better than their last project "High Heels" but its still a good showing. The girls are still showing off their new colors since coming back with new members and this was a solid effort but could have been done better especially since two tracks are remixes. I still enjoyed the album but it has flaws.
Girls Day - Everyday #5
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Thirsty" "Truth" "Kumbaya"
I was extremely excited for this album as it was their first in almost 2 years. girl's Day did not disappoint. All of the tacks are saturated with their flavor and Minah and Sojin's solo tracks touched my soul. Two of the best ballads I've heard this year aside from Taeyeon. "Thirsty" was a great upbeat track but with sweet lyrics of a deteriorating relationship. This album is underrated and needs more love.
IU - Palette
Ratings: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "Dlwlrma" "Jam" "Black Out"
My first listen of IU came with her new album "Palette" which features G Dragon and Ohyuk of Hyukoh. IU has a beautiful voice and the production on this LP is eerie, poppy, vibrant, and sensual. The lyrics were soulful and came from the heart. I was astounded by her from the first listen alone. "Palette" is a great album about relationships, love, and being comfortable in your own skin and with your accomplishments. I found myself relating to IU and G Dragon on the track "Palette". A great album with no real complaints or flaws.
EXID - Eclipse
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Boy" "Velvet" "How Why"
EXID took a turn from the Pop/HipHop combo of tracks to grace us with an album in Electro Pop that did not ruin the work they've done so far. The album opener "Boy: was a great way to start the album by setting the tone of what was to come. LE's solo track "Velvet" is a sensual R&B track that gets your jellies jiggling (sorry) and Hani's solo track "Milk" hits the spot. This may be their best album yet but their last album was an LP so we may never know. Eclipse is in my top 5 Pop albums this year. I love all of the tracks and cant stop listening to it.
Just Music - We Effect
Ratings: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "Silky Bois" "Rolex" "Sushi Remix"
After being delayed for an entire year, we finally got the anticipated Just Music compilation album "We Effect". Now this album is different from their first "Ripple Effect" but is still really good, some say even better. We Effect takes on more popular topics like money, fame and sex but its unique to the Just Music Artists who all have different styles but seem to blend those together in a trendy rap album that doesn't feel like its catering tot he party or chart scene, but also limits anyone's strengths. The album is full of fun turn up songs that are good change of pace from what we usually get from the collective. This may quiet possibly one of my favorite HipHop projects this year.
The Quiett - Millionaire Poetry
Ratings: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "U Everything" "Girlfriend" "Prime Time"
"Millionaire Poetry" is everything I've wanted in a Quiett Album post 2011. In this project Quiett blends his Pre 2011 soulful production and wholesome lyrics with his post 2011 swag raps and production into a cohesive project. We've got tight raps about love for the business, love songs and some club tracks. The features on this album were great even though I would have loves for Jessi to have caters her voice more to the feel of the beat on the song "THE ILLST" and I wish Baek Yerin's voice on "Light: was more profound and not a whisper, There's only one track I don't like "Money Over Bullshit" because the auto tune killed it. Overall a solid showing from the 11 year veteran.
Prima Music Group - 22.8
Rating: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "Yaya" "Romance" "Trophy"
Newly founded record label headed by Producer Primeboi have released their first full length compilation project. Besides XQ and Quaimo, I had no expectations from any of the other artist under the label. That quickly changes after the first 3 songs. I was engaged into the album and was excited to hear more. Each artist clearly had their own style from singing to rapping and everyone got their shine. Though I enjoy the lyrics, I have to say the creativity on some of the tracks like "Yaya" or on the track "Willi Wonka", that uses a Willy Wonka sample. This wasn't just some albums that they decided to make together, its an album that was crafted to show off just who they are as rappers.
Those are my top 20 Korean Albums of 2017 so far. I've listened to well over 100 but these are currently my favorite from Korea. Let me know what are your favorite albums from whatever country you listen to in the comments. For more talk on Korean music you can listen to the Chicago K Pop Podcast where I talk about it weekly.
Follow @GarserTheClownCode Kunst - Muggles Mansion
Rating: 8.5/10
Favorite Tracks: "StrOngerrr", "Fire Water", "X"
Muggles Mansion may be my favorite Koream HipHop/Producer album of 2017. I've listened to this the most out all the HipHop projects releases so far. The album is a mansion that houses different aspirations and the multiple feelings one goes through in a lifetime. All of the talent here in the rappers and singers truly brought the essence of each beat and told perfect stories. I can not put this album down and if it were not for me listening to so much music, this would plus a couple other albums would be all I listened to.
Taeyeon - My Voice
Rating: 8/10
Favorite Tracks: "Cover Up", "Time Lapse" "Sweet Love"
After her previous EP's "I" and "Why", I was ecited for her first LP. My Voice did not disappoint. Taeyeon shows off her voice of several different produced tracks from Pop, Ballad, and R&B. The composition of each song was pretty good and I enjoyed every track. My Voice is a soft Pop and Ballad album with typical topics of love and loss but the producing and singing make up for that. Taeyeon has grown into a good singer and song-writer with My Voice being a great testament to her growth.
Soma - Somablu
Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: "Midnight in Paris", "Pale Blue"
Alternative R&B singer Soma dropped her debut EP in February with much praise from fans, critics, and other artist. This short 5 track EP showcases Soma's beautiful singing, song-writing, and producing. Soma is from South Korea but her voice is more powerful then most American singers and she sings in English so well. I was blown away by her voice and even more astonished by how ell she crafted the EP. Each song has its on mood yet they all mesh together for a great EP. Whatever Soma has in store next will surely not disappoint.
Wutan - Dope Boys Club
Rating: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "808", "Supa Dupa", "Always Into Something"
With the release of Asian Glow as the title track I was skeptical of what was in store for Wutan's 2nd full length album. I thought it would be heavily mainstream tracks like Asian Glow but that was not the case. "Dope Boys Club" is truly an album about being dope with dope lyrics and dope beats. Wutan prepared an album full of bangers that showcases all of his strengths and taste in music. The features were just as great with no song lacking anything. Long story short, this truly is a dope album that I can't stop listening to.
CLC - CRYSTYLE
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Liar", "MeowMeow"
CLC were able to redeem themselves with their 5th EP. From the start I fell in love with the first track "Liar" They went from a different style compared to previous albums but definitely stayed true to their own cheery and upbeat style. The album is filled with catchy upbeat pop songs that gets you dancing and having fun. the album ends with a slowed pop song but that doesn't slow the album down from being a solid work that is their best yet. Hopefully the girls continue to make this quality of music.
Zion T - OO
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Complex", "Comedian"
Zion T's new EP OO is just what we all needed. On OO we got tracks that are very personal to Zion T and he did not hold back compared to his 2013 debut album "Red Light". That album was very fun and catchy but OO is very mellow. IT has catchy tracks like the chorus for "Complex" but the overall messages on this album are a lot more serious. I love the direction that he went for with this album. All of the tracks are well produced and addicting.
Hash Swan - Shangri-La
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Chills", Whitney" "Confusion"
Shangri-La has mashed everything Hash Swan related from his mixtapes to his collab albums and features into a finished product of who Hash Swan is. Now this is only an EP but all 7 tracks are different, unique and shows off all of Hash Swan's color. From the more poppy track "Chills" to the trappy turn up track "Whitney" with The Quiett and Dok2, HAsh Swan is proving why he is not only one of the best rappers in the game but also one of the most versatile and creative. Each song is addicting and fun.
Seohyun - Don't Say No
Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: "Moonlight" "Love and Affection" "Bad Love"
I was a little skeptical of Seohyun going solo but still excited. On this album Seohyun showed us that she was just as great as a singer as Taeyeon and Former SNSD member Jessica. Seohyun might have just came to shows that she's the best vocalist in the group. Each song shows a different color of her from the more delicate track "Hello" featuring Eric Nam, the more mature track in "Bad Love" or the more sexy track in "Magic" Each song was crafted perfectly to her strengths. The only complaint I have is that "Love and Affection" is too damn short.
Nieah - Timeless
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Trakcs: "Underline" "Deja Vu"
I had no expectations walking into this album because I had only heard of Nieah and not listening to her music. But due to the praise she gets I decided to check out her debut EP. I was wowed. Nieah is a singer-songwriter and producer and she isn't that just by name. She confidently knows here limits and potential as she crafted one of my favorite R&B projects this year. There are onlt two features on this album from rappers Jay Dope and Rick Bridges that are forgettable but the rest of the album is gold. I love how she weaves the beats around her voice creating perfect chemistry. A Solid project overall.
Dok2 - Reborn
Rating: 7.5
Favorite Trakcs: "Ambition and Vision", "Wattup" "On & On"
I honestly had no expectations going into this album. I was expecting an album full of turn up tracks and maybe a few tracks about love but no, we got a mix of turn up, love, and Dok2 straight up spitting. No verse is the same on this album has he truly caters his lyrics to the topic at hand. the song "HipHop Lover" is Dok2 spitting about his love for HipHop and this signals how the rest of the album flows. Hard heavy hitting tracks about ballin and showing how great he is at rapping besides the bragging and flashy lifestyle. This album was great from start to finish and did not disappoint. This may be my favorite Dok2 album yet.
Red Velvet - Rookie
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Trakcs: "Talk To Me" "Body Talk"
I honestly didn't like this album when I first heard it but after a couple listens I definitely enjoy this album a lot. Its standard Red Velvet and there is nothing new in terms of artistry but they still gave us songs to enjoy for years to come. Rookie is sort of a mix between the Velvet and the Red of the group but its clearly not the best. regardless it's still a solid project.
Babylon - SSFW
Rating: 3/5
Favorite Trakcs: "Babo" "Cloud"
SSFW or Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter is a great 4 track EP describing love in all 4 seasons. Each song conveys the emotions and feel of dating in that season. "Cloud" is Winter and it features singer Adan and Rapper The Quiett and is a song about having sex. int he winter most babies are conceived due to being couples being inside more often than usual. "Ocean Drive" is love in the summer and how spontaneous and innocent it can be. Babylon clearly had a mission to complete with this album and he succeeded.
Live - Coming To You Live
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Know Me" "Cheese and Wine" "Right Here Right Now"
This album was a sleeper for me. I only heard Live on the Eung Freestlye so I wasn't expecting much but I knew he had quiet the hype behind him. I was overwhelmed with the amazing production of this album that fits perfectly with what Live was going for in his lyrics and style. The features on this album were great as well and even though love was a second thought on "Please" he shined on all of the others. I can't but this album down and "Know Me" is always stuck in my head. Hopefully this is an album in my top 10 later in the year.
Brave Girls - Rollin
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Rollin" "No Rush"
Even with 2 members leaving the group Brave Girls did not falter with this project. It is not better than their last project "High Heels" but its still a good showing. The girls are still showing off their new colors since coming back with new members and this was a solid effort but could have been done better especially since two tracks are remixes. I still enjoyed the album but it has flaws.
Girls Day - Everyday #5
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Thirsty" "Truth" "Kumbaya"
I was extremely excited for this album as it was their first in almost 2 years. girl's Day did not disappoint. All of the tacks are saturated with their flavor and Minah and Sojin's solo tracks touched my soul. Two of the best ballads I've heard this year aside from Taeyeon. "Thirsty" was a great upbeat track but with sweet lyrics of a deteriorating relationship. This album is underrated and needs more love.
IU - Palette
Ratings: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "Dlwlrma" "Jam" "Black Out"
My first listen of IU came with her new album "Palette" which features G Dragon and Ohyuk of Hyukoh. IU has a beautiful voice and the production on this LP is eerie, poppy, vibrant, and sensual. The lyrics were soulful and came from the heart. I was astounded by her from the first listen alone. "Palette" is a great album about relationships, love, and being comfortable in your own skin and with your accomplishments. I found myself relating to IU and G Dragon on the track "Palette". A great album with no real complaints or flaws.
EXID - Eclipse
Ratings: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: "Boy" "Velvet" "How Why"
EXID took a turn from the Pop/HipHop combo of tracks to grace us with an album in Electro Pop that did not ruin the work they've done so far. The album opener "Boy: was a great way to start the album by setting the tone of what was to come. LE's solo track "Velvet" is a sensual R&B track that gets your jellies jiggling (sorry) and Hani's solo track "Milk" hits the spot. This may be their best album yet but their last album was an LP so we may never know. Eclipse is in my top 5 Pop albums this year. I love all of the tracks and cant stop listening to it.
Just Music - We Effect
Ratings: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "Silky Bois" "Rolex" "Sushi Remix"
After being delayed for an entire year, we finally got the anticipated Just Music compilation album "We Effect". Now this album is different from their first "Ripple Effect" but is still really good, some say even better. We Effect takes on more popular topics like money, fame and sex but its unique to the Just Music Artists who all have different styles but seem to blend those together in a trendy rap album that doesn't feel like its catering tot he party or chart scene, but also limits anyone's strengths. The album is full of fun turn up songs that are good change of pace from what we usually get from the collective. This may quiet possibly one of my favorite HipHop projects this year.
The Quiett - Millionaire Poetry
Ratings: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "U Everything" "Girlfriend" "Prime Time"
"Millionaire Poetry" is everything I've wanted in a Quiett Album post 2011. In this project Quiett blends his Pre 2011 soulful production and wholesome lyrics with his post 2011 swag raps and production into a cohesive project. We've got tight raps about love for the business, love songs and some club tracks. The features on this album were great even though I would have loves for Jessi to have caters her voice more to the feel of the beat on the song "THE ILLST" and I wish Baek Yerin's voice on "Light: was more profound and not a whisper, There's only one track I don't like "Money Over Bullshit" because the auto tune killed it. Overall a solid showing from the 11 year veteran.
Prima Music Group - 22.8
Rating: 7/10
Favorite Tracks: "Yaya" "Romance" "Trophy"
Newly founded record label headed by Producer Primeboi have released their first full length compilation project. Besides XQ and Quaimo, I had no expectations from any of the other artist under the label. That quickly changes after the first 3 songs. I was engaged into the album and was excited to hear more. Each artist clearly had their own style from singing to rapping and everyone got their shine. Though I enjoy the lyrics, I have to say the creativity on some of the tracks like "Yaya" or on the track "Willi Wonka", that uses a Willy Wonka sample. This wasn't just some albums that they decided to make together, its an album that was crafted to show off just who they are as rappers.
Those are my top 20 Korean Albums of 2017 so far. I've listened to well over 100 but these are currently my favorite from Korea. Let me know what are your favorite albums from whatever country you listen to in the comments. For more talk on Korean music you can listen to the Chicago K Pop Podcast where I talk about it weekly.
