25 Best K-pop Albums According to Billboard: ‘Indigo’, ‘Oddinary’, More

By Israel Monte Jan 04, 2023

With the year 2023 starting, Billboard announced their 25 best K-pop albums in 2022!

Keep on reading to know which albums made it to the list.

Top 25 Best K-pop Albums of 2022: 'Indigo,' 'Oddinary,' 'Error,' More

2022 has been an amazing year for both K-pop artists and fans, due to a variety of music released. Ranging from extended plays or hit singles, K-pop has shown no signs of slowing down.

In their publication, Billboard released their Top 25 Best Albums of 2022. These releases were chosen from their staff's preferences and picks.

Among all 25 songs chosen by Billboard, here are the Top 5 picks on the list!

1. 'Indigo' by RM

RM's first solo album "Indigo" was chosen due to its deep lyrical meaning and the album's ethereal vibe. Aside from its wonderful setlist, the album is also renowned for RM's individual stance regarding idol life and personal struggles.

"While much can be made of Indigo's appeal extending beyond BTS' core audience thanks to its guests, different genres, and the fact that it made RM the highest-charting K-pop soloist ever on the Billboard 200, there's a true accomplishment in an artist's ability to tell their story and still make it wholly universal."

2. 'Oddinary' by Stray Kids

"Oddinary" by Stray Kids was chosen as well, due to its experimental songs and highlighting the group's musical color.

"Oddinary sounds like a SKZ more secure in themselves than ever: the ambition and experimentation of songs like "Maniac" and blitzing trap opener "Venom" are balanced by Oddinary's more subtle unit tracks."

3. 'Error' by Lee Chanhyuk

Lee Chanhyuk's album "Error" was commended for its ambiance, setting listeners in motion towards a dark atmosphere.

"A concept album unlike anything else released in K-pop this year, Lee Chanhyuk uses the 11 tracks of Error to tell the story of someone who's fallen into a coma."

4. "Undo" by Heize

Heize's "Undo" was praised for its disco title track and jazzy setlist.

"More than three years after Heize's last full-length album, the R&B songbird puts her growth on full display with Undo."

5. "Glitch Mode" by NCT Dream

NCT Dream's "Glitch Mode" joined the list due to its futuristic feel and cheerful ambiance.

"Introduced via its futuristic and fun title track, Glitch Mode delivers songs that always feel like a preview of what's next in K-pop while bringing moments of youthful brightness and nostalgic memories."