NME Magazine Picks The 15 Best K-Pop Songs For The First Half Of 2023
As the halfway mark of 2023 grows near, British magazine NME selected the top fifteen K-Pop songs that shouldn’t be missed. From groups to soloists, editor Puah Ziwei gathered the best of the best chosen by their staff members.
1. (G)-DLE — “Queencard”
The magazine adored “Queencard” for perfectly capturing the (G)I-DLE “brand” and being the “self-empowerment” anthem everyone needs.
2. aespa — “Welcome To MY World”
The “perfected alchemy of hard and soft” in the opening track of the group’s MY WORLD mini-album was a breath of fresh air.
3. FIFTY FIFTY — “Cupid”
The list wouldn’t be complete without rookie group FIFTY FIFTY’s sleeper hit that honors “the gravity of sadness that follows heartbreak” in a nostalgic way.
4. fromis_9 — “Attitude”
The girl group’s club-esque song takes the listener on a journey to a “dystopian underworld” and leaves everyone wanting more.
5. IVE — “I AM”
Living up to expectations, IVE continues to deliver “pop greatness” with a “vocal prowess” that only elevates it.
6. EXO’s Kai — “Rover”
Ever since its release, the catchy song from the veteran singer had such a hold on everyone that it “still resonates through social media months after its release.”
7. KARD — “ICKY”
The co-ed group has brought sexy back with a song that “explores the intoxicating tension of hedonism and attraction.”
8. LE SSERAFIM — “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s wife”
The magazine was thrilled by the group’s take on the Jersey club genre, set apart with a “chaotic and catchy” structure that’s futuristic.
9. Lee Chaeyeon — “KNOCK”
The soloist was crowned with a successful first comeback that showcased “her distinctive vocal tone and renowned dancing prowess” in the best way.
10. LIMELIGHT — “HONESTLY”
Shining a light on a group that doesn’t come from a big-name company, LIMELIGHT received praise for their distinct vocals and harmonies on “HONESTLY”.
11. NCT DOJAEJUNG — “Perfume”
The NCT unit’s debut, consisting of members Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo, was “an elegant detour from the experimental sound so often found on other NCT releases.”
12. NewJeans — “OMG”
The rookie group proved once again why they’re beloved worldwide by “combining UK garage and trap elements” for their catchy track “OMG”.
13. SEVENTEEN — “Super”
SEVENTEEN transformed their talents into a “constantly transforming song” that engages the listener at every twist and turn.
14. tripleS — “Rising”
“Rising” shows how hungry rookies are to succeed in the industry and is so good that it’s “much too short.”
15. TXT — “Tinnitus”
Proving their b-sides are just as good, “Tinnitus” earned praise for going “the Afrobeats route, an avenue not many Korean artists have dared take before.”
