Top B-Sides of K-pop in 2021: Exploring the Best Hidden Gems

2021 saw several K-pop albums featuring standout B-sides that gained appreciation from both fans and critics. These hidden gems showcase the diversity and creativity present in K-pop music, reflecting a range of styles and themes. Let's dive into the top B-sides from 2021 and explore what makes them special.

Highlights of the Year

Several K-pop artists released tracks that stood out as B-sides, showcasing their unique talents and artistic versatility. Here are some of the best B-sides from the year:

KINGDOM OF TXT

The B-side from TXT's album "The Chaos Chapter: Freeze" is a bright and catchy track that perfectly showcases the group's signature sound and vocal harmonies. This upbeat B-side is a fan favorite, highlighting TXT's ability to create charming and engaging music.

VOX POP OC.abspath" style"white-space: pre-wrap;">IVE Group's Talents

This track from the virtual group IVE's "All Out" EP features powerful rap verses and a catchy chorus, highlighting the group's talents. The verses and hook are particularly impressive, demonstrating the group's ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly. IVE's vocal harmonies are simply mesmerizing, making it a standout track on their EP.

ITZY's Heartfelt Melodies

The Heart Song from ITZY's "Hot Sauce" album combines a fun, upbeat melody with heartfelt lyrics, making it a fan favorite. This song perfectly captures the essence of ITZY's energetic performance style while also delivering relatable and emotionally resonant lyrics. The vocal harmonies and melody together create a memorable listening experience.

Self-Empowerment and Confidence

Self-Empowerment from ITZY's "Guess Who" album presents a strong message of self-empowerment and confidence, complemented by ITZY's energetic performance style. This track is a testament to the group's ability to write and perform meaningful and empowering music. The catchy hooks and powerful vocals make it a must-listen for fans.

Enhyphen's Catchy Melodies

A standout from Enhyphen's "The Album," the B-side resonated with fans for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. Enhyphen is known for its ability to produce music that resonates emotionally with listeners. This B-side is a perfect example of their unique style.

Collaborative Magic

While it was released as a promotional single, this track received acclaim for its unique blend of styles and the collaboration between Western and K-pop artists. The combination of different musical influences creates a vibrant and exciting listening experience. The track showcases the versatility of K-pop by seamlessly blending different styles.

ATEEZ's Emotional Depth

This song from ATEEZ's "Zero: Fever Part 2" album showcases the group's vocal abilities and emotional depth, making it a memorable B-side. ATEEZ is known for their powerful vocals and emotional delivery, and this track is no exception. It demonstrates the group's ability to convey complex emotions through their music.

SOMI's Charming Vocal Style

This track from SOMI's "XOXO" EP features a catchy hook and showcases her charming vocal style. SOMI's vocals are particularly unique, and this B-side exemplifies her ability to create engaging and memorable tunes. The catchy hook and vocals make it a fan favorite.

Ranked According to Popularity

Rank Title Artist 1 Money Lisa 2 Gone Rosé 3 Red Lights BangChan and Hyunjin, Stray Kids 4 Shoot ITZY 5 Fever Enhyphen 6 Twenty ITZY 7 Domino Stray Kids 8 Permission to Dance BTS 9 Cheese Stray Kids 10 Surfin Lee Felix Changbin Skz

My Personal Ranking

Rank Title Artist 1 Gone Rosé 2 Take It IVE 3 Kidding Me ITZY 4 Shoot ITZY 5 Silent Cry Skz 6 Ssick Skz 7 Lucid Dream Aespa 8 Money Lisa 9 Fever Enhyphen 10 Twenty ITZY

Top B-Sides by Role

Here are some standout B-sides that went viral and gained significant attention in 2021:

ATEEZ

ROCKY showcases the group's emotional depth and vocal abilities. CHEESE from their "Zero: Fever Part 2" album is a memorable and engaging B-side. THE LEADERS is a powerful and energetic track that highlights their group dynamics. SILENT CRY is a standout tearjerker that resonates with fans. FEVER from Enhyphen is another highlight of their EP.

Stray Kids

DOMINO is a catchy and energetic track that fans love. RED LIGHTS is a heartfelt collaboration by BangChan and Hyunjin. SURFIN LEE showcases the unique talent of Felix Changbin and Skz.

Other Notable Mentions

WHERE IS LOVE from GI-DLE features a powerful vocal performance. WHISTLE from Dreamcatcher is another highlight in their discography. ETERNAL SUNSHINE is a powerful anti-romantic track from ATEEZ. ANTI-ROMANTIC from TXT showcases their dark and captivating style.

In conclusion, 2021 was a year filled with memorable B-sides that showcased K-pop's creativity and versatility. From powerful vocals to emotional depth, these tracks offer something for every K-pop fan to enjoy. Whether you're into ATEEZ, Stray Kids, or other K-pop groups, there's no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the B-sides of 2021.