The 6 Best K-Pop Songs of July 2023
We've officially passed the halfway point of summer, but the bops have not slowed down—especially in the exciting world of K-pop.
July, in particular, gifted us with a mix of new debuts and exciting comebacks. From releases from NMIXX to ZEROBASEONE, there was no shortage of music from both fan favorites as well as must-watch rookie groups. With so many releases in July, there's sure to be a song among them that perfectly suits your tastes. Keep reading to discover our favorite releases from the month.
'ETA' by NewJeans
NewJeans is one of the hottest new girl groups on the scene, and just a year into their career, they've already added major accomplishments to their name. They became the second K-pop girl group in history to have an album hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and were the first K-pop girl group to perform at Lollapalooza. Much of their success can be attributed to their stunning discography, which is why it was so hard to pick just one song from their latest EP Get Up. In the end, we chose "ETA." In true NewJeans fashion, the song features verses that quickly pass between members so their voices meld seamlessly together. The chanting of the "What's your ETA?" hook over the bouncy beat makes it the perfect song to get you dancing.
'Do It Like That' by TOMORROW X TOGETHER and Jonas Brothers
It's not often that we get collaborations in K-pop, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER and Jonas Brothers' "Do It Like That" is sure to be a treat for fans of the two popular boy bands. The dance-pop track features a funky bassline and addictive chorus. Every contributor has their own moment to shine and bring something special to the track, creating a sweet summer love song for the ages.
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'Party O'Clock' by NMIXX
You may know girl group NMIXX from the experimental music of their previous releases, but with their latest EP, they prove they can pull off any sound. "Party O' Clock" starts off with a shout of "It's party time," flawlessly setting the tone. The girls show off a different side of their artistry that's playful and carefree over a techno-inspired beat. While the instrumental might be different from their previous work, the core of NMIXX remains the same. The group continues to show off their strong vocals and includes a dance break to showcase their dancing skills. This latest song from the powerhouse girl group is sure to be your party anthem for the summer.
'In Bloom' by ZEROBASEONE
Although they just debuted, ZEROBASEONE is already making a name for themselves. With their debut album, Youth in the Shade, they set a record for the first "million seller" group with a debut album. However, that shouldn't come as a surprise seeing that the show from which the group was formed, Boys Planet, was massively successful. For fans of the show, it's rewarding to see the group have such an amazing debut. Their title track, "In Bloom," is a bright, upbeat song with a retro feel thanks to the sample of A-Ha's "Take on Me." The pre-chorus takes a slower pace in contrast to the verses before transitioning to an upbeat chorus that shows the excitement of growing up. Throughout the song, the group uses the metaphor of a flower in bloom to create a depiction of youth and growing up. Overall, "In Bloom" feels like a breath of fresh air from a new group that is sure to become one of your favorites.
'Love Me a Little' by SHOWNU X HYUNGWON
Given that MONSTA X is one of the leading third gen K-pop boy groups, it's no surprise that their first unit debut was a smash success. Fresh out of his mandatory military service, leader Shownu and vocalist Hyungwon make their debut as SHOWNU x HYUNGWON with the mini-album The Unseen. Their lead song, "Love Me a Little," is a sultry track with a hint of mystique. The two members' voices complement each other perfectly as they sing about trying to find who they really are among different versions of themselves. After hearing this debut, we know that whatever else this dynamic duo puts out is sure to be a hit.
Also read about: SHOWNU X HYUNGWON Become the People They've Always Loved With New Mini-Album, THE UNSEEN
'Shhh' by Kiss of Life
One of the most popular concepts among K-pop girl groups is the "girl crush" concept. Every group adds their own spin to it, and Kiss of Life is no exception. Their debut song "Shhh" is a pop-R&B track that shows off the confident attitude of the new group and their impressive vocals. With a debut this strong, we can't wait to see what they release next.
Missed our favorites from the previous month? Click HERE to check out the best K-pop tracks of June 2023.