At the rate we’re going, 2019 might just set the record for having the most K-pop debuts. While the year has been relatively underwhelming so far, a rush of new acts has helped to buoy the industry. And with the arrival of Everglow, we’ve got yet another compelling girl group to add to the scene. … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. DAVID AMBER … Continue reading
I’m in love with the idea behind The T-Bird and The Pink Ladies — two project groups taking on a musical theater concept. K-pop is ready for some new sounds, and this conceit has the potential to be really fun. The Pink Ladies’ God Girl was a great first step, and has only grown more … Continue reading
I often feel that, if given complete creative freedom, most idols would release nothing but ballads and coffee-shop style acoustic tracks. For a fan of megawatt pop music, this suspicion is a little depressing, and only reinforces the over-played idea that only some musical styles hold real artistic merit. Perhaps this is why I’ve struggled … Continue reading
So, let me get this straight, 100%. You’re going to tackle a retro concept and not give Sweetune a call? I mean, talk about a missed opportunity! For a few brief months in 2016-17, the guys met their perfect producer match in the form of Sweetune. After parting ways, their music has become the definition … Continue reading
Mamamoo’s new album completes their colors concept, in which the group released material each season and matched it with a defining color. Gogobebe (고고베베) arrives right at the tail end of winter, but it’s not the style of song you’d expect from this time of year. Rather than close their series with a big, sweeping … Continue reading
For me, the single most important thing a rookie group can accomplish during their first few releases is the establishment of a core sound. Even if their songs blur together when it comes to style and melody, an overall brand can work wonders when it comes to developing a loyal fan base. GWSN are following … Continue reading
In a year that’s seen K-pop’s new guard begin to supplant its old guard, what could be more welcome than the long-awaited return of ex-2NE1 member Park Bom? And better yet… she’s not alone! Spring (봄) features fellow 2NE1er Sandara Park, reuniting the two after what seems like an endless wait. But… the excitement doesn’t … Continue reading
DreamNote’s self-referencing debut won quite a few fans, but I found its performance too over-caffeinated for its own good. This hyper-excited style seems to be part of the groups’ overall concept, so I can’t really fault them for adhering to it. New single Hakuna Matata (하쿠나 마타타) is not a cover of the Lion King … Continue reading
Epik High have been a staple in the Korean music scene for as long as I can remember, and their brand of emotive hip-hop has a timeless feel that is immune from trends. Over the past few years, their title tracks have taken on a more melancholic vibe, and that culminates in the downbeat Lovedrunk … Continue reading
Cube Entertainment has a history of successful sub-units. Both Trouble Maker and Triple H brought together artists from different groups and gave them bold material to forge new avenues in their careers. Wooseok x Kuanlin is the latest in the agency’s sub-unit history, pairing Pentagon’s (very tall) rapper and Wanna One’s (very popular) youngest for … Continue reading
K-pop is no stranger to international producers. The industry has a long history of buying songs from foreigners, then sprinkling that uniquely K-pop magic over the top. And while I’m not a huge fan of heavy foreign influence, many of K-pop’s most iconic songs have been conceived outside of Korea. As my Producer Spotlight feature … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. When looking at an album, one of the first things I … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Dongwoo’s double title tracks split opinion on this site, but I’m … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I wouldn’t have expected it, but I am fully aboard the … Continue reading
Korean trot is a very specific genre, and with that specificity comes limitations. You pretty much know what you’re going to get out of a trot song. Whether you enjoy it or not will likely depend on your mood. I’m always up for some Hong Jin Young in variety shows (she has one of my … Continue reading
K-pop groups rarely make it past their initial seven-year contract, and it seems to be an even trickier prospect for girl groups. We’ve seen a host of high-profile disbandments over the past few years, but one that might have flown under the radar for many is Dal Shabet. The girls never made it to the … Continue reading
Girl group S.I.S have released two singles so far, and I had a drastically different reaction to each. The bright, throwback pop of debut I’ve Got A Feeling provided a welcome shot of catchy melody, but follow-up Say Yes was too cloying for me. New single Always Be Your Girl (너의 소녀가 되어줄게) falls somewhere … Continue reading
If online reports are to be believed, R.Tee & Anda’s What You Waiting For (뭘 기다리고 있어) is a song originally intended for BLACKPINK. That’s some pretty good press for Anda in particular. She’s already had a lengthy career, but her music has too often flown under the radar. In fact, I think this is … Continue reading
Ravi’s Tuxedo is a frustrating song. It has a ridiculous amount of potential, and in many ways feels like the strongest solo work that he has released yet. But, the entire track is undone by its constant use of unnecessary vocal effects. Full disclosure here: I’ve never been a huge fan of Ravi’s rap style. … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 