September musically has been like the last like four months for me. It’s been difficult to listen to new music because I’ve been hyperfocused on the same batch of groups. Then when I want to listen to something different, I either listen to my Deep House & Electronic Dance playlist or put my entire Spotify saved song on shuffle and see what happens.
So this month will be much shorter compared to previous months, I’m sure. So let’s get started!
CHAEYOUNG – LIL FANTASTY vol.1
I just knew I’d love Chaeyoung’s solo. I love the Indie Pop sound on LIL FANTASY vol.1. The visuals and styling have been perfect since the first teaser with “AVOCADO“. I love when solo music is drastically different from the group’s usual or expected sound. And I’m so happy Chaeyoung got the opportunity to release something like this. I want more like it from her in the future.
I got to get my hands on a physical copy. “SHOOT” is my current favorite song off the album. It’s so fun and catchy. It reminds me of IU’s more upbeat songs. Actually, a lot of this album feels like something IU or HEIZE would release. So that’s probably why I adore it so much. There’s still an unusual, odd vibe to it that’s unique to Chaeyoung that makes the album stand out, though. It’s like YVES. There’s a weirdness that if I’m looking at her or hear her music, I know it, but it’s hard for me to dissect. It’s like trying to describe chocolate.
The instrumentals and backing vocals on “RIBBONS (feat. SUMIN, Jibin of Y2K92)” and “DOWNPOUR” stand out to me as something that I don’t think IU or HEIZE would necessarily choose in their songs. Little quirks like that make an artist stand out.
I can’t help but feel like the reason this album sounds so solid for a first solo album is because Chaeyoung knew exactly what she wanted it to sound like. She also knew who she wanted to work with to execute it. And I just love that for her and us, the fans. Another addition to my fave albums of the year.
aespa – Angel #48
I wanted to like “Rich Man” so badly. I wish they would have sampled Cher’s voice from that interview where that quote is from in the beginning of the song, then had aespa sing/reference it. Oh well. I was ready to skip the rest of the album because I wasn’t feeling it then I landed on “Angel #48”. It’s very much the 4th/5th gen Y2K bubble gum pop track, but I love it.
MOMOLAND – RODEO
Hell yeah!!! The girls are back to save Kpop and bring fun dance tracks back to the genre 🎉🎉🎉🎉. “RODEO” sounds exactly how I hoped it would. It’s like MOMOLAND never went on hiatus. They just picked right back up from where they left off. I can’t wait for more; I’m thrilled they’re back!!
CIX – S.O.S
I really wasn’t expecting to like anything off CIX’s new album. So this is a pleasant surprise. “S.O.S” strays away from the R&B sound I love from CIX, but I like the Rock vibe here.
DAYOUNG – gonna love me, right?
Not the Cybertruck intro in the music video, lmao. Not a day goes by where I don’t miss WJSN and their subunits. Especially Chocome because that’s my favorite WJSN subunit. Anyway, I hadn’t even thought about a member of the group having a solo release in 2025. And for it to be Dayoung. I feel like the timing is flawless, and I love that “Body” has been so successful and got a music show win just two weeks after debuting as a soloist 😭 I’m so proud.
My favorite b-side is “marry me”. I love how fun and catchy this album is. It’s like the perfect mix of Chocome and Dayoung’s sound as a pop girlie. I need more.
HaSeul – Love Poison
I just need her to drop the album. I’ve been in love with every solo song she’s released so far. “Love Poison” has a dreamy vibe to it like “Fragile Eyes,” but “Love Poison” is slower in tempo. Another great song in my books.
izna – In the Rain
Slaaaps. More of that 80s inspired sound, but I love it. Another album I wished I had liked more. There were bits of songs like “Supercrush” that I loved, but then the rest of it I was underwhelmed by. So idk maybe I’ll like the next album more.
And that’s it for September! I hate that I didn’t love S.COUPS and Mingyu’s subunit album musically. I had a feeling I wouldn’t based on the samples they teased leading up to the album release. I don’t expect it to grow on me either, but who knows? “Pretty Woman” was another sample I feel was used lacklusterly.
What were y’alls favorite songs released in September? Or maybe you were like me and were listening to a lot of older stuff, either released earlier this year or stuff from last year and further back.
I’m not sure when the next article will be up. So make sure to follow me on Twitter, Bluesky, & Instagram for updates on.
Until next time,
Take care!
Ash💫