Similar to last year, 2025 so far has been a singles game rather than a series of excellent albums. I have even fewer on my list than I did this time last year, and only one of them is a full album — though that classification is getting murkier as time goes on. There are many familiar faces in this list alongside a few surprises and new arrivals.
What are your thoughts, readers? Leave your own picks in the comments!
BOYNEXTDOOR – No Genre
I don’t know that this is as musically varied as its title suggests, but it’s another strong collection of songs stuffed with BOYNEXTDOOR’s unique character. No other group could have released this with same flair.
Best album tracks: Step By Step, 123-78
H1-KEY – Lovestruck
I’m a sucker for summer-themed albums, and H1-KEY have delivered this year’s most convincing soundtrack to the season so far with a refreshing rock twist.
Best album tracks: Good For U, Let Me Be Your Sea
ITZY – Girls Will Be Girls
In my opinion this is ITZY’s strongest album in a long time, taking advantage of their fierce attitude with thumping, catwalk-ready beats.
Best album tracks: Kiss & Tell, Walk
NouerA – New Is Now / N: Number Of Cases
I’m combining both of NouerA’s mini albums because each is fantastic and together they forge a real treat for lovers of second and third generation K-pop. Their sound is referential but exciting and most importantly feels like K-pop with a capital “K.”
Best album tracks: Bring The Crunk, Jet Stream, Myself, Warning!
RIIZE – Odyssey
RIIZE dominated this category last year and continue to do so in 2025. This album is a whistlestop tour of boy group sounds from decades of history. There’s a little something for everyone and it’s all very strong.
Best album tracks: Ember To Solar, Another Life
TWS – Try With Us
In an already excellent discography, this mini album has slowly crept up to become (maybe?) my favorite TWS project yet. Beyond the standout singles, energetic highlights like Random Play and Go Back have become stealth highlights. Definitely my most played K-pop album of the year.
Best album tracks: Go Back, Random Play
ZEROBASEONE – Blue Paradise
ZEROBASEONE have quickly become one of the most consistent groups in K-pop and this is another no-skip album. From the unit tracks to the excellent funk pop of Devil Game, it’s all killer.
Best album tracks: Devil Game, Step Back
