We’re back with another month of solid K-pop bops, and as it so happens, September shaped up to be yet another major month for the return of influential K-pop titans that effortlessly managed to dominate our interests.
Though, when you have these influential names in the mix, it’s pretty easy to become totally enamored – so these freshly impressive discography additions of veteran artists are tracks you don’t want to miss out on. Let’s dive right in!
XIUMIN: “Brand New”
SM’s supergroup EXO is comprised of icons only, and after years of dominating the charts and the K-pop scene as a powerful unit, XIUMIN is taking the time to fully explore solo greatness. With his new major single “Brand New”, the singer gets a chance to construct his own perfect debut with a combination of past and present influences that speaks to several generations of listeners.
Calling on a magnetic ‘90s hip-hop and R&B backbone, the song is easily the best representation of his well-rounded capabilities on the Brand New mini album – and we couldn’t be happier to see him thriving.
EXID: “FIRE”
We love a powerful second-gen K-pop group, and the five-member lineup of EXID is finally back to celebrate their 10th anniversary with a banger that boldly deviates from the majority of current girl group title tracks that we’ve been enjoying this year.
Kicking off with an addictive beat and captivating production, the track sprinkles in reminders of their marvelous vocal range that magnificently enhances a dance-centric chorus and post-chorus. Needless to say, “FIRE” is completely a worthy piece of art for these K-pop queens.
NCT 127: “1, 2, 7, (Time Stops)”
NCT 127 has always dominated as true boyband icons after releasing countless hits throughout their prominent unity, and at the tail end of 2022 the group is stepping it up. Again. While their recent title track “질주 (2 Baddies)” fits perfectly with their designated tenacity, “1, 2, 7, (Time Stops)” noticeably amplifies their impactfully soulful side.
Each verse of the substantial retro-R&B song showcases an uncanny degree of flexibility in their already celebrated voices – all the way down to the outro. Another win for NCT 127, but should we expect any less?