K-POP Monthly Roundup: May 2020

Due to the relentless release schedule that us K-pop fans have to endure, it’s not easy to consume all the content at once. That’s why I thought it would be fun at the end of each month, to look back at my top 5 singles and B-sides along with my top 3 albums. Although my placement for singles will mostly be based on my reviews, there are songs that tend to grow/fade much more than others.

Where do I begin with May? Based solely off brand and name reputation, this month was meant to be incredible. TXT, Astro, NCT, Day6, Nu’est and IU all coming back in one month. To say I was excited would be an understatement. But once again, 2020 had to show up and ruin everything. While all the acts mentioned made it into my honourable mentions, none of them had what I would call a standout single. In fact, I doubt any single this month will have a prominent showing in my top 50 singles of the year.

Rather than harbour expectations, May’s best surprises were tracks that I either wasn’t expecting or by artists that I usually don’t gravitate to. Chief amongst these was Chanyeol and Raiden’s Yours, a dynamite collaboration that I missed out on reviewing when it came out. I initially ignored it, but its gone onto become a massive grower over the past few weeks and actually came really close to taking the 5th spot. Speaking of tracks I forgot to review, you’ll be surprised to see that 2 of my top 3 are songs that haven’t even been mentioned on here. Both these tracks were released just as the month was coming to an end and while I didn’t get a chance to give my proper thoughts on them, they both had incredible first impressions on me. I don’t know whether they’ll maintain their positions a few weeks/ months from now but for now I adore them both.

But while May’s singles underwhelmed, I’m pleased to say that it’s been the strongest month for albums and b-sides since February. I would like to give a special shoutout to TXT’s ‘Dream Chapter: Eternity’, which narrowly missed out on my top 3 albums of the month despite harbouring what might be my favourite song of the month. A song which 100% should have been the albums title track. Monsta X also returned with what might just be their most cohesive record since 2018’s ‘Take.1 Are You There?’. On the other hand, Agust D’s Mixtape 2 felt somewhat disappointing to me considering the hype surrounding it.

Speaking of disappointments, May was also the month that saw Road To Kingdom, a show I’ve been heavily invested in, have its first elimination. To say that I was beyond disappointed (and kind of angry) at the result would be an understatement. Thankfully, the show also gave us a remix which I actually consider one of the years strongest songs. If i’m feeling up to it, I might even give it a writeup!

Looking forward towards June, the month is absolutely packed. I just hope the songs are as good as its near perfect roster of groups.

Growers

~ Nill

Faders

~Nill

Singles

Honourable Mentions

Angel – OnlyOneOf (review)

Can’t You See Me – TXT (review)

Daechwita – Agust D (review)

End Of Spring – ONEWE (review)

Knock – Astro (review)