Stray Kids' And TXT's Recent Releases Are Listed By Billboard As Two Of The Best Albums Of 2022 So Far, And Fans Agree

Billboard recently released a list of the 50 best albums released in 2022 so far, as chosen by staff. Only two K-Pop artists made the cut, Stray Kids and TXT. Fans of the groups agree with the choices.

Stray Kids has made waves when it comes to releasing self-produced music with unique sounds. Their album ODDINARY is a perfect example. According to Billboard staff, it’s even one of the best of this year.

ODDINARY is a look at all facets of Stray Kids. The title combines the words “odd” and “ordinary” and expresses that all people can have a strange side to them. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Although the album broke records, its achievements shouldn’t overshadow the artistry behind it, according to Billboard’s J. Lipshutz.

ODDINARY mixes pop hooks, rap cadences, and dance tempos in a manner familiar to mainstream K-Pop, but each song lands with a dazzling intensity, from the wind-up electronic slither of the “VENOM” beat to the breathless vocal work-outs of “FREEZE.”

— J. Lipshutz

TXT is proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their recently released minisode 2: Thursday’s Child highlights their incredible talent and quickly became their first million-seller.

Minisode 2: Thursday’s Child shows off the group’s creativity as each member contributed to some part of it, and their growth is apparent.

According to Billboard’s J. Lynch, the album showcases various genres, all of which TXT pulls off.

“Opening Sequence” is a moody alt-R&B ballad, setting a despondent tone—which they quickly subvert with the nu metal-flavored “Good Boy Gone Bad,” turning heartache into a boisterous flex.

— J. Lynch

Fans agree that both Stray Kids and TXT’s albums deserve this recognition if a recently published poll is anything to go by.

In conjunction with Billboard’s list, which includes artists such as Harry Styles and The Weeknd, a poll was also released for readers to vote for their favorite album of 2022. Both Stray Kids and TXT are currently topping the rankings.