Top K-Pop Albums of 2016 (So Far)

After taking a look at the songs, it’s time to turn to the albums of 2016. As much as I love a good single, it can only be improved by being part of an excellent album. Last year saw Wonder Girls, Infinite, B1A4 and Shinee releasing my favorite collections. This year, the boy groups have ruled the album world. I’d love to see some more strong full-lengths from the girls (I’ve got my eyes on you, GFriend…), but we’re only halfway through the year so anything is possible.

Here are my best of the best. What are your picks?

FULL LENGTH ALBUMS

EXO – Ex’act

Barring the singles, I wasn’t as impressed with last year’s Exodus as everyone else seemed to be, but Ex’act represents a return to form and a push towards new, more experimental sounds.

Best album tracks: Artificial Love, White Noise

Taemin – Press It

Song for song, I actually prefer his debut mini album, but Press It holds some unbelievable highlights. When Taemin’s on, he’s better than anyone out there.

Best album tracks: Guess Who, Sexuality

MINI ALBUMS

Astro – Spring Up / Summer Vibes

I’m combining their two mini albums because, when taken together, they’ve provided some of the strongest pure pop music of the year.

Best album tracks: Fireworks, Innocent Love

B.A.P – Carnival

Though it didn’t draw a lot of attention, this is the strongest B.A.P release since 2013’s One Shot (though the two couldn’t be more different in sound!)

Best album tracks: Go, Albatross

DAY6 – Daydream

My favorite rock release of the year, expertly melding elements of pop, dance and EDM with DAY6’s core sound.

Best album tracks: Hope, First Time

Oh My Girl – Liar Liar / Windy Day

By far my favorite girl group album. The repackage made it even better, but either version offers a kaleidoscope of interesting sounds and indelible melodies.

Best album tracks: I Found Love, One Step Two Steps

Seventeen – Very Nice

Though it’s technically a repackage of their first full-length, I’m counting it as a mini album because it stands on its own as an addictive blast of cotton candy pop.

Best album tracks: Healing, Simple

Snuper – Platonic Love