The first BTS member to release a solo album, J-Hope set the bar high with Jack in the Box, a 10-track concept album that opens with a retelling of the myth of Pandora’s box. The last item in that mythical, chaotic container was hope, after which the rapper named himself — an apt description, if this growly, endlessly creative debut is any indication. “What I really want to say is that the album is filled with my soul and my sincerity,” he told Rolling Stone earlier this year. “In that way, it’s a unique album, and the album is very meaningful because, in terms of musicality, it’s going to act as a stepping stone for J-Hope to go forward.” After a debut like this, J-Hope’s fans (new and old) can be pretty sure they won’t be disappointed with his future offerings. — B.E.
25. Born Pink by Blackpink
Jisoo, Lisa, Jennie, and Rosé have long ruled K-pop as the “Lovesick Girls,” but with Born Pink, they blow up into rock queens. It’s short and sweet — eight songs in 20 minutes — but that’s all the time Blackpink need to sashay through a whole wardrobe of star poses, blazing with high-energy confidence. “Pink Venom” goes for Sunset Strip glam-metal thunder, while “Shut Down” is the ladies boasting over a trap beat and a classical violin loop from Paganini. But the killer is “Yeah Yeah Yeah,” full of Strokes-style guitar and raging hormones. Born Pink is the most undeniable music Blackpink have ever made — so far. — R.S.
46. New Jeans Debut EP:
There’s no question that Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein made a splash this year with their first EP. Clocking in at just under 13 minutes, the singles “Attention,” “Hype Boy,” “Cookie,” and Hurt” each feature a unique sound and fresh visual component, leaning heavily into a Nineties pop aesthetic that suits this band well and guarantees replays. NewJeans are part of the latest generation of K-pop groups, and with New Jeans, they have a strong foundation to evolve and grow from. It’s just a bite-size EP, but it’s left us wanting a lot more. — K.K.
SOURCE LINK: https://www.rollingstone.com/m…ums-2022-list-1234632387/
They were the only 3 Kpop acts featured on Rolling Stone's list :)
