When looking back at this year in K-pop, there wasn’t really an album that caught my attention until April. Thankfully, things moved in a more positive direction after that. However, for the first time that I can recall all of the albums on this list are minis. I’m not sure what (if anything) that says about the output this year, but it makes me miss the days of killer full albums with equally awesome repackages.

What are your thoughts, readers? Leave your own picks in the comments!

---

Hearts2Hearts – Lemon Tang

So far, this is the one release that’s filling the “summer concept album” schtick I tend to love in K-pop. It’s a great listen all the way through with a surplus of peppy pop hooks.

Best album tracks: heart emoji (♡), 15-LOVE

---

KickFlip – My First Kick

Consistency is the game for these guys, as they released yet another super-solid mini brimming with youthful pop/rock energy. There may not be a ton of musical growth on display, but if it ain’t broke there’s no need to fix it!

Best album tracks: Scroll, Stup!d

---

RIIZE – II

If you’re judging II solely by its polarizing title track, give the b-sides a listen because this is easily one of the strongest albums of the year. It’s a whistlestop tour of SM’s boy group sounds, delivered with flair and energy.

Best album tracks: Soar, Like A Bomb

---

SHINee – Atmos

Not only is the title track Atmos completely epic, but the accompanying mini is also a huge achievement. In particular, the first four tracks present a matured vision of SHINee’s dynamic dance sound.

Best album tracks: Anti Believer, Hours

---

TWS – No Tragedy

TWS have yet to miss on this list and that streak continues with another super-solid mini. They explore different genres here, offering peeks at a variety of roads they may travel in the future.

Best album tracks: Fire Escape, Get It Now

---

XngHan&Xoul – Glow

Though it peters out a bit towards the end, I so appreciate this collection of dancefloor grooves. XngHan has found his sweet spot within the club and I hope this is only a teaser of what’s to come.

Best album tracks: Dancing Anyway, Light The Fire

---

YOUNITE – Inyun Part.1

YOUNITE are the “little group who could,” punching well above their weight with this dynamic blend of K-pop styles. There’s something for everyone here and it’s all so polished and exciting.

Best album tracks: Parallel, Nothing

---

ZEROBASEONE – Ascend

ZEROBASEONE’s reshuffling into a quintet worked even better than I would have expected on this strong suite of groovy material. Pound for pound, it’s one of their strongest albums.

Best album tracks: Zero To Hundred, Exotic