It is a unusual period for Ok-pop… no less than with regards to 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 enthusiastic about Ok-pop than I’ve been in awhile, however this curiosity is fairly funneled into the acts I observe. If I zoom out to the business on a bigger scale, the general tune 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 large. Included are a number of tracks which can be definitely making it into my year-end prime ten alongside many that can extra possible battle for spots within the prime twenty or thirty. As ever, I’ve alphabetized the artists fairly than rank them. That last rating will are available December.
Readers, what have been your favourite singles in the course of the first half of 2025?
BOYNEXTDOOR – If I Say, I Love You
My most well-liked observe of their two 2025 singles and a tune 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 assessment)
The Boyz – VVV
One of many only a few 2025 title tracks that provided an prolonged runtime to unleash as many musical highlights as attainable. 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 assessment)
CRAVITY – SET NET G0?!
A unusual little wiggle of a summer season tune, anchored by a rugged electro stomp and wisps of vocal melody that give it a novel aptitude. (full assessment)
Fairy Mai – Mild Please
Thrilling sounds usually emerge from Ok-pop’s indie aspect, and idol-member-turned-soloist Fairy Mai harnesses participating rhythms that eclipse lots of her big-budget friends. (full assessment)
fromis_9 – Like You Higher
A bounding, buoyant summer season dance observe with open hearted melodies that encourage you to sing alongside on the prime of your lungs. It is a rollicking antidote to Ok-pop’s present love of subdued sounds. (full assessment)
Hearts2Hearts – Fashion
After a muted debut, SM Leisure’s latest lady group delivers the sort of bubbly home observe that usually heralds the summer season season. This sound will get me each time. (full assessment)
NouerA – N.I.N (New Is Now)
Harnessing parts from Ok-pop’s previous leads to the 12 months’s strongest debut to date. Refreshingly, this sounds nothing like world traits, choosing a particular fashion distinctive to this business. (full assessment)
NTX – Over N Over
Talking of eras previous, Over N Over recollects the upbeat, carefree sound of the early-2010’s with power to spare. It’s a tried and true system that hits all of the pleasure facilities. (full assessment)
ONF – The Stranger
ONF have topped my year-end chart twice, and their constant observe document expands with this synth-funk banger. Their music is simply so reliably nice. (full assessment)
RIIZE – Bag Dangerous Again
Most likely my greatest grower of the 12 months? Initially, I balked on the tune’s NCT-like sound, however its humorousness and bombastic manufacturing saved it happening my playlist. (full assessment)
RIIZE – Fly Up
An old-fashioned rock n roll beat collides with Excessive Faculty Musical cheese for this upbeat sing-along. It’s not essentially RIIZE’s strongest level, however the infectious power is tough to withstand. (full assessment)
STAYC – Bebe
“Sing-talk” has been a serious downside this 12 months, however once you marry it to an thrilling dance beat I can’t assist however bop alongside. This was one other large grower for me this 12 months. (full assessment)
TWS – Countdown!
This tune shares many aspects with the group’s 2024 work, however I’d truly choose the melodies and manufacturing right here. In 2025’s sea of laidback power, TWS burst forth with thrilling drive, fueled by one of many 12 months’s greatest choruses. (full assessment)
TWS – Fortunate To Be Beloved
Showcasing their vary, the moodier Fortunate To Be Beloved was a slow-burn success, buoyed by a fantastic set of melodies that draw out essentially the most interesting points of boy group sentimentality. (full assessment)
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 residing as much as their “BFriend” nickname. (full assessment)
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 power. (full assessment)