A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
When listening to the highlight medley of Woodz’s new album, the song that stuck out most was Kiss Of Fire. I hope we’ll be getting a music video for that one. It’s indeed fantastic. But soon after, Chaser races in and hits like a ton of bricks.
“Chaser” is a loaded term for me – at least when it comes to K-pop. Hearing the word, my mind immediately goes to my favorite comeback of all time. I can’t help but set expectations high. Thankfully, Woodz’s Chaser is very strong on its own merits.
I love rocker Woodz. He’s got such a great vocal tone for this genre. It’s gritty but not too gravelly. There’s an emotional rawness to his performance that lends authenticity to anthems. And when the arrangement layers his vocals, you get this gorgeous blend bolstered by so much texture. At times, this sound actually reminds me of Fleetwood Mac – a comparison I never thought I’d make when writing about K-pop.
Chaser thrives on a bounding pop/rock beat. It’s a fairly straightforward track, bolstered by a nonstop surge of energy that adds a driving quality to sell the emotion. As the song blasts into its chorus, crunchy power pop guitar joins the fray. This hook is so punchy and addictive, but Chaser doesn’t truly hit its peak until the final chorus, where Woodz’s performance grows even more dramatic. This is followed by a brilliant guitar solo that offers one last burst of catharsis. I would love to hear a future title track in this vein. With songs this good, it feels like his own “Crooked” may be just around the corner.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Yes yes and yes! Such a good song.
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This is such a great song. I think that I like it a little bit more than Waiting.
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I listened to the album without knowing which song was the title and left convinced that Chaser either was or really should have been the promoted track! Quite a solid mini, honestly. I don’t talk about him much, but Woodz is one of my favorite in the business.
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I haven’t got the chance to listen to the album yet but I wasn’t super into Waiting that being said this is a really good track. That hook especially is fantastic. I also agree that WOODZ voice fits this style really well. Hope he continues to explore this realm a bit more.
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OH THIS IS GOOD?? i really should give woodz’ albums a listen through, thanks for reviewing this song, i wouldn’t known of it otherwise 😭
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This song is pretty impressive but I really hope you’re wrong about him releasing future material in the vein of “crooked” as that song is MASSIVELY overrated. It would be a step back if anything.
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We’ll have to totally disagree on that, my friend!
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The album has yet to fully intrigue me, but I am sure it’ll hit on a future listen. WOODZ’s songs are usually growers.
Chaser is the current highlight, we’ll see if it’ll be passed.
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This entire album was so good. Sour Candy maaaay be my favorite, but then Chaser and Kiss of Fire were also amazing.
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do not sleep on woodz🥲 he is so talented he compose and write all the songs and he is a producer on his album he needs to get more recognition
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do not sleep on woodz:-( he is so talented he compose and write all the songs and he is a producer on his album he needs to get more recognition
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as someone who is a kpop stan, has the chaser by infinite as her favorite kpop song of all time, and is named rhiannon after the fleetwood mac song, this post was MADE for me. (this was also my favorite track on the album! loved waiting and kiss of fire too)
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For some reason this song gives me strong MJ “beat it” vibes don’t know if it’s the vocals or the guitar, either way this has really grown on me after repeat listens.
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