Dear Bias List readers: this is the kind of beat that makes me deliriously happy.
Growing up, Michael and Janet Jackson’s discographies were my definition of pop perfection, and that really hasn’t changed. Give me a bright, funky instrumental and I’m happy. Add a powerful kick and layers upon layers of rhythm and I’ve reached a state of pop euphoria. Rock Tonight feels like a long-lost cut from the Jackson’s early-80’s oeuvre, slotting right between Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough and Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’. This is one of the highest compliments I could give a group.
Rock Tonight is also the debut of new Japanese/Chinese boy group WARPs, released under mega-label Avex Group. Despite the cachet behind the track, I haven’t seen anyone talking about it. That’s going to change now, because I am obsessed with this song.
This isn’t an overly complicated production. Rock Tonight finds its groove immediately and retains that structure all the way through to its end. But with funk energy this palpable, the instrumental doesn’t need to swerve and loop all over the place. The percussion hits hard, with stabs of brass and nimble bass guitar giving it plenty of life. The group’s vocals effortlessly wrap themselves around this brew. They’re especially potent during the standout chorus, which is a rhythmic centerpiece unto itself. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard a pop single this infectiously joyful. I’m gonna need these guys to become huge so that we can get more A+ material like this on the regular.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9.5 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Hi, Nick, I am really glad that you reviewed this single. But I was wondering about your thoughts on a couple of other great Japanese singles like – former U-Kiss members Juns, Phenomenal World, and Kevin’s Freedom, as well as newest Johnny’s debuts Sixtones and Snowman.
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I want to write about Sixtones and Snowman, but I don’t feel like I can yet because the youtube mvs don’t seem to be shortened edits of the songs. Unless I’m wrong, they’re each missing the second verses.
I missed that Jun song. It’s good! I also like his new Korean track. The Kevin song is good too (especially the chorus and instrumental), but they both came out too long ago for me to write about, unfortunately.
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Oh, yes, I was really disappointed when I saw that the music videos came YouTube version tag. Sixtones one lacks central part and that is so annoying.
Anyways, Nick, thank you for replying to my comment. I wish you all the best in new year.
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If this song doesn’t get at least one part of your body moving, then it’s time to charge the defibrillator. …aaaand CLEAR!
On a side note, you might appreciate this one, Nick (I know I did):
W24 “Solfamiredo”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eRFhd0ok3w
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Here’s another from W24, if you’re not familiar with the group:
Sosime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk0mSFeiv4Q
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You’re not the first one to recommend this song to me! I don’t think I’m as into it as I should be, given my musical taste, but I appreciate the rhythm.
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I listened to “Solfamireddo” a lot this summer, but it didn’t survive my hit list into the autumn. In retrospect it is OK, especially for a lean summer.
Also iirc the video is a good way to do low budget.
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I’m so glad you put the spotlight on treasures like this that I wouldn’t have found otherwise!
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“and I do know that I want you …”
Yes, the early 80’s is prime for sampling from the k/c/jpop world.
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Love going down rabbit holes on sites with a deep and interconnected web of posts like yours. Started off on your Riize – Combo review this morning, and somehow ended up going through an Ateez retrospective throughout the day before landing on this absolute gem!
The energy and funk are relentless in this, and the Michael Jackson influence is undeniable. I was reminded often of 2023’s Candy Kiss by Travis Japan, which also had an undeniable groove and Michael Jackson sound. Even though it’s nearly five years old at the time of my post here, it’s definitely an immediate contender for my 2024 SOTY.
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I’m so glad you found this! It’s legit one of my favorite songs of the past decade, yet hardly anyone knows it even exists…
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Real sadness is not being able to find it on Spotify or Apple Music, or even iTunes 😭
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I’m trying to remember if the audio was ever officially released or if I just downloaded the mv and converted to mp3. I’m thinking it might be the latter…
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I’m no stranger to that, and will probably also just do the same, but man running into unavailable J-Pop nowadays feels like a blast from the past, for the worse lol
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