TIME Reveals Best K-pop Songs & Albums 2022: LE SSERAFIM, NCT DREAM, More!

By Eunice Dawson Jun 08, 2022

New York-based magazine TIME just named THESE the best K-pop songs and albums of 2022 so far!

On June 7, TIME released "The Best K-pop Songs and Albums of 2022" in an article posted on its official website. In the article, the author commends the K-pop artists - veterans and rookies - who showcased impressive and high-quality music by introducing new sounds and genres, setting their own identity apart from mainstream K-pop artists.

Here Are TIME's 'Best K-pop Songs of 2022'

In the best K-pop song category, Billlie's "GingaMingaYo" is selected and the author highlights that the track lives up to its title, which means "not sure" in Korean.

Its bizarre sound introduces the "unknown," and although the concept is unconventional, the song gained attention because of it, not to mention how it boosts energy just by listening to it.

Stray Kids' "MANIAC," where the boys unleashed a different side of them, is also listed and the author notes:

"Stray Kids is no stranger to releasing rousing bangers, and the group turns the frenzied energy up a notch in “Maniac.”

ALSO READ: 5 Best Girl Group Songs in 2022's First Half – Which Is Your Favorite?

Rookie girl groups IVE and LE SSERAFIM also live up to their status as fourth-gen representatives of K-pop with their songs "LOVE DIVE" and "FEARLESS," respectively.

While IVE's track submits to the feeling of love, LE SSERAFIM depicts the lyrics of moving forward without fear and not dwelling on the past.

Last but not least, MAX Changmin's "Devil" is also present on the list, with TIME praising the second-gen idol and TVXQ member's "rich tone that no instrumental can distract."

Here Are TIME's 'Best K-pop Albums of 2022'

Meanwhile, the New York-based magazine also listed the best K-pop albums released in the first half of the year. For this list, only full-length albums were considered.

NCT Dream leads the category with their second studio album "Glitch Mode," released in March.

The author particularly emphasizes how the album, which consists of 11 tracks, embodies the lyrics of facing challenges head-on and "exuberant optimism" – which listeners can connect with amid the pandemic.

Dreamcatcher's "Apocalypse: Save Us" received applause as well from TIME for being "notable for much more than its essential theme." Aside from the top-tier concept itself, the album also introduces new genres and offers incredible solo tracks that highlight each of the members' individual artistry.

SEVENTEEN's "Face the Sun" comes next. It's loved for incorporating various elements and metaphorical symbols, such as the sun, ash, shadow, etc.

TAEYEON's "INVU" and Psy's "9th" complete the list, whose impact on the music industry needs no explanation or proof of credibility.

Despite this, TIME notes the female star's excellence in showing the "intimate journey through the complex emotions of being in love" while the magazine expresses admiration for Psy's power to gather top stars BTS Suga, Bae Suzy, Hwasa, etc. to feature in his album and release quality songs.