It’s only been two and a half years since ONEUS debuted, but the group has been busy since then. From dark and edgy to bright and funky, they’ve released just enough title tracks and singles to qualify for a top ten list!
Here are all ten releases, ranked from my least to most favorite.
10. 808 (2019)
808 takes ONEUS’s sound and targets the Japanese market. As such, it feels like a more generic version of their better work, let down by an uninspired instrumental but lifted by enthusiastic performances. (full review)
9. Come Back Home (2020)
A Road To Kingdom track turned single, Come Back Home is a song of two extremes. Its verses are excellent, propelled by bombastic production. However, its half-time chorus is a major buzzkill. (full review)
8. To Be Or Not To Be (2020)
Haunting and theatrical, To Be Or Not To Be harnesses industrial elements to craft one of the group’s most aggressive, intimidating dance tracks. (full review)
7. Lit (2019)
Though Lit is a firm fan favorite, I’ve never been able to generate as much enthusiasm. The track’s traditional instrumentation is great fun, and the guys are clearly having a blast. But, I long for a stronger melody. (full review)
6. BBUSYEO (2020)
Easily the lightest title track in ONEUS’s arsenal, BBUSYEO is a funk pop party through and through, fueled by fun bursts of talkbox, retro synth and a rollicking performance. (full review)
5. No Diggity (2021)
No Diggity proved itself to be quite polarizing. I didn’t care for it at first, but the song’s high points quickly won me over. The pre-chorus is beautifully executed, and the noisy EDM drop has its off-kilter charm. (full review)
4. A Song Written Easily (2020)
ONEUS go tropical with the refreshing groove of A Song Written Easily. The track falls outside their usual wheelhouse, but a solid sense of melody makes it a definite standout. (full review)
3. Twilight (2019)
Opening with a dramatic hook that feels like successive punches to the gut, Twilight surges in and out with precision, pulling back for emotive verses before attacking with its dynamic chorus. (full review)
2. Black Mirror (2021)
ONEUS head to the disco, and the transition proves to be quite seamless. Black Mirror’s airy groove goes down easy, and the guys offer a continual volley of charismatic turns as the hooky melody weaves its way around the rhythm. (full review)
1. Valkyrie (2019)
Valkyrie is a killer debut, and one that’s stood the test of time. Immediately establishing the group’s powerful, evocative sound, the track fuses addictive bass with explosive melody, resulting in an EDM monster that feels as if it’s spasming in all sorts of inventive directions. (full review)
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