Ten Must-Have K-pop Albums Of 2014

2014 delivered some of the most musically diverse K-Pop albums in recent years including “S/S 2014,” the debut release from WINNER. Veteran artists like hip-hop trio Epik High explored new sounds while EXO delivered “Overdose,” the follow up to their monumental 2013 studio album “XOXO.”

While the year may have been filled with scandals and missteps for K-Pop artists, it yielded some of the best albums to be released within the genre since 2012.

YG Entertainment was the overall leader. 2NE1, Taeyang, and Akdong Musician were among the year's standout releases in addition to WINNER. The soon-to-debut group iKON is already highly anticipated, thanks to album appearances by Bobby and B.I. YG also captured the attention of audiences those its innovative sub-group releases like GD x Taeyang's “Good Boy.”

As the year comes to an end, here are ten albums that should be included in the collection of every K-Pop fan.

WINNER "2014 S/S" 

WINNER led YG Entertainment into new territory with their debut album "2014 S/S." The unique concept of their debut paired with the musical diversity of the release, helped to propel WINNER ahead of their contemporaries. The overall album seamlessly transitioned through genres, with tracks that encapsulated a unique pop rock sound that with hip-hop influences. More more details about "2014 S/S" read the Kpopstarz review.

Listen to the stirring ballad "Empty" here.

EXO "Overdose"

EXO may have had some struggles within the group but "Overdose" demonstrated their relevance as one of the leading male groups in K-pop. With "Overdose," the group continued to explore electronic dance, as well as, R&B. For a deeper look into "Overdose,"read the  Kpopstarz review.

2NE1 “Crush”

It appears as though 2NE1 may have won the musical battle with Girls’ Generation which was launched last March. “Crush” has received accolades on numerous end of the year lists and “Gotta Be U” was selected as MTV Iggy’s 2014 Song of the Year. As CL prepares for her solo career, more attention has been placed on 2NE1 and their role in establishing a unique sound within K-pop.

Listen to “Crush” here.

2PM “Go Crazy!”

2PM’s “Go Crazy!” was one of the best K-pop dance songs of 2014 which helped to propel the group back into the hearts of listeners. The members of 2PM actively contributed to the creation of the album which was greatly reflected in the diversity of genres. For a deeper look at “Go Crazy!” read the Kpopstarz review.

CNBLUE "Can't Stop" 

“Can’t Stop” is one of the strongest albums from the pop-rock group CNBLUE. CNBLUE kicked off 2014 with the release, while continuing to tour. The title song, which is one of the catchiest tracks of the year, helped CNBLUE find legions of new fans. For more about “Can’t Stop,” read the Kpopstarz review.

Taeyang “Rise”

Taeyang ascended from his place in Big Bang with the spectacular album "Rise." Taeyang conquered the competition with his 2014 solo release. “Rise” provided Taeyang with the opportunity to further develop his image as a talented male vocalist with global appeal. The track "Eyes, Nose, Lips" was one of the most appealing ballads of the year, spawning numerous covers.

Listen to "Eyes, Nose, Lips" here.

Orange Caramel “Catallena”

After School’s unit group Orange Caramel were able to burst out of K-pop obscurity due to the musicality of their release “Catallena.” The quirky accompanying video for “Catallena” is critically acclaimed and recently received recognition with its inclusion on The Village Voice’s Best Music Videos of 2014 list. It will be interesting to hear what music emerges from the trio, in the future.

Akdong Musician “Play”

Akdong Musician’s Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Suhyun demonstrated their relevance beyond competing on “K-pop Star 2” with their fantastic debut album “Play.” “Play” has elements for every music fan, with tracks like “200%” serving as an infectious pop treat.

Listen to “200%” here. 

GOT7 “Identify”

Rookie group GOT7 helped to ring in a new age to JYP Entertainment with their debut in 2014. “Identify” was their first studio album, which encompassed the soulful goodness that Park Jin Young has become known for. For more about “Identify,” read the Kpopstarz review 

Epik High “Shoebox”

When Epik High first signed on with YG Entertainment, many K-Hip Hop lovers were concerned that the trio’s sound would be far from rap. However, the addition of Epik High has brought YG back to its rap roots. Epik High are the leaders in the transition of K-pop to K-hip hop, which is evident on tracks like “Born Hater.”

Listen to “Born Hater” here.

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