Essential k-pop listening

The albums that define k-pop.

Our picks for where to start with k-pop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The k-pop essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Exo Planet 3 – The Exo'rdium (dot) in SEOUL <Live>

EXO

Exo Planet 3 – The Exo'rdium (dot) in SEOUL <Live>

Dynamic K-pop anthems blend with emotive ballads in a high-energy live performance.

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Ex'Act

EXO

Ex'Act

A dynamic blend of infectious hooks and polished synth textures that showcase EXO's versatility.

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Taste of Love

Twice

Taste of Love

A vibrant mix of catchy pop melodies and refreshing tropical influences that embody the spirit of summer.

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Shape of Love

Monsta X

Shape of Love

A vibrant fusion of pop melodies and electronic beats that explores the complexities of love and connection.

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Fatal Love

Monsta X

Fatal Love

A dynamic blend of K-pop energy and emotional depth, weaving intricate melodies with pulsating beats.

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Blackpink in Your Area

Blackpink

Blackpink in Your Area

Dynamic K-pop beats fuse with catchy hooks and bold visuals, capturing the essence of youthful empowerment.

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Remember

Big Bang

Remember

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and synth-pop, blending catchy melodies with emotional resonance.

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Hot Issue

Big Bang

Hot Issue

A vibrant fusion of K-pop energy and electro hop beats pulsates through each track, captivating listeners with its infectious hooks.

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2014 S/S

Winner

2014 S/S

A vibrant blend of catchy melodies and polished production, showcasing youthful energy and emotional depth.

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The Dream Chapter: Magic

Tomorrow X Together

The Dream Chapter: Magic

A vibrant blend of catchy melodies and intricate harmonies reflecting youthful dreams and aspirations.

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The Dream Chapter: Star

Tomorrow X Together

The Dream Chapter: Star

A vibrant blend of youthful exuberance and introspective themes, wrapped in catchy melodies and polished production.

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Rise

Taeyang

Rise

A blend of R&B and pop infused with emotional storytelling, showcasing Taeyang's vocal prowess and heartfelt lyrics.

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Hot

Taeyang

Hot

A sultry blend of R&B grooves and pop melodies wrapped in Taeyang's smooth, emotive vocals.

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Heartbreaker

G-Dragon

Heartbreaker

A bold collision of hip-hop beats, melodic hooks, and introspective lyrics defining K-pop's evolution.

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One of a Kind

G-Dragon

One of a Kind

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop beats and K-pop melodies, showcasing G-Dragon's eclectic artistry and charismatic delivery.

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Dear Santa

Girls' Generation-TTS

Dear Santa

A festive blend of K-pop harmonies and jingle-laden melodies that evoke holiday cheer.

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Holler

Girls' Generation-TTS

Holler

A vibrant fusion of powerful vocals and catchy pop melodies that defines K-pop's irresistible charm.

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Happy

Kim Seok-jin

Happy

A vibrant blend of upbeat melodies and heartfelt lyrics, reflecting joy and personal introspection.

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Bonamana

Super Junior

Bonamana

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and polished synths, embodying the exuberance of K-pop's second generation.

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Super Junior25

Super Junior

Super Junior25

An electrifying blend of catchy synth-pop hooks and polished K-pop production that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

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I'm Your Boy

SHINee

I'm Your Boy

A vibrant blend of synth-pop and R&B, showcasing SHINee's signature harmonies and playful energy.

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Chapter 1. Dream Girl – The Misconceptions of You

SHINee

Chapter 1. Dream Girl – The Misconceptions of You

Bright synths and polished harmonies create a vibrant pop landscape infused with youthful exuberance and introspective themes.

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Map of the Soul: Persona

BTS

Map of the Soul: Persona

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and hip-hop, exploring themes of identity and connection through infectious melodies.

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Wake Up

BTS

Wake Up

A vibrant fusion of K-pop and hip-hop that showcases BTS's evolving sound and lyrical depth.

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