To tell the truth, B.A.P was a group I got into late in the game. Something about their image turned me off initially, but then I came to my senses and realized that their music is actually pretty awesome. They’ve been through a bit of turmoil over the past couple of years, but now that … Continue reading
For their first truly original Japanese single, B.A.P have opted for a sort of hybrid of their Young, Wild & Free from last year and 2013’s excellent One Shot. Even the music video features shades of both. This is a wise move, as the sound is one hundred percent theirs and skillfully paints a clear … Continue reading
Brand New Days is the rare example of a kpop group recording a jpop song that could easily function as one of its actual Korean comebacks. It doesn’t opt for a radical departure in sound, but instead builds on the successes of the group’s discography. Apink has been riding the cutesy concept since their inception, … Continue reading
With each song released through SM’s Music Station, it’s becoming more apparent that the platform is tailored to solo or duet ballads. This makes sense, as the songs aren’t promoted through performances or appearances, and it would be counter-intuitive to waste a full-fledged concept or choreography on something that is essentially a bonus treat for fans. … Continue reading
Only One isn’t the first time EXID’s leader Solji and variety-show-magnet Hani have collaborated as a subunit. Back in 2013, they released a pretty strong dance single called Good Bye under the name Dasoni. I’m not sure why they didn’t revive that moniker for Only One, but at least the sound is somewhat similar. Quite tellingly, the … Continue reading
KNK are a new boy group with YNB Entertainment, home to (highly underrated) girl group Bestie. Because I’ve enjoyed Bestie’s material so much, my interest was piqued when it came to KNK. Unfortunately, I think I’m going to have to wait until their follow-up single before forming a solid opinion about them, because Knock has … Continue reading
What’s with these AOA subunits and solos having such cringeworthy titles? I mean, I know it’s an English translation, but first we have “I’m Jelly, Baby” and now “Call You Bae.” Talk about appropriating the worst of western slang! Still, Jimin’s last solo track was called Puss (!), so I guess I should have tempered … Continue reading
In case it wasn’t clear, new boy group Voisper’s name stands for voice + whisper. I’m not exactly sure what this is supposed to mean. I know that in Kpop Star, JYP always preaches the importance of “half air, half voice” when singing, but I’m not sure a whisper approach would sound anything but creepy. … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
As part of KAT-TUN’s two-pronged victory lap before hiatus, Greatest Journey acts as both the theme and farewell to their (very funny) variety show Sekaiichi Tame ni Naru Tabi. More importantly, it’s the most upbeat, sunny track the guys have released in awhile, sending them off with a joyful blast of singalong pop. The first time … Continue reading
Unlock is the last official KAT-TUN single before member Taguchi leaves the group and the remaining three go on hiatus. Because of this, it carries with it an aura of sadness, though you wouldn’t know it from the song alone. Unlock is a classic uptempo rock number from the guys. And even if it may not … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 