The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But along with most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights!
Charli XCX – Used To Know Me
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that Show Me Love sample. It works for pretty much every song, and adds fuel to this slick club banger. The album’s great, too.
Confidence Man – Feels Like A Different Thing
This won’t ‘feel like a different thing’ to anyone familiar with 90’s rave/house, but it’s such a refreshing energy. I can’t get enough of that choir-like hook fused to the breakneck pace of the beat.
Diplo & Miguel – Don’t Forget My Love
This is more of a vibe than most dance tracks, but that catchy little guitar flourish makes everything right in the world.
Latto – Big Energy
This was released back in September, but it’s currently making waves in various regions (including my own playlist). It’s all about that fabulous Tom Tom Club sample! (but if you’re uncomfortable with explicit lyrics, I’d head elsewhere. This is definitely NSFW).
Muse – Compliance
Muse’s big rock sound with extra 80’s synths. What’s not to love??
Nogizaka46 – Actually…
Nogizaka46 tether their ethereal vocals to a driving synthwave beat. The result is a unique take on current trends that works surprisingly well.
Purple Disco Machine – Twisted Mind (ft. Agnes)
Purple Disco Machine is back, alongside nu-disco chanteuse Agnes. As usual, they’re bringing the groove.
Sakurazaka46 – Samidare Yo
The song has a lyrical vibe that captured my attention immediately. Some parts even feel reminiscent of vintage Abba. But, it’s the gorgeous 70’s-styled video that sealed the deal for me.
Wu Jia Cheng – Take It Easy
I seek out everything Wu Jia Cheng releases. He’s got one of my absolute favorite pop voices. Lately, he’s been covering a few retro C-pop classics, updated with more of a modern synthwave sound.
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
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Wu Jia Cheng release is so damn good !!
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I still need to spend time with the Charli XCX release. She’s a consummate songwriter, so her retro experiments are quality even if they lack the verve of her hyperpop run.
Any chance of a Buried Treasure from RV coming up? I do quite like “Beg for Me” and In my Dreams,” but those aren’t structured to win you over. “Bamboleo” has the electric guitar kick but it opens with city pop; so “Rainbow Halo” or nothing…?
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Probably won’t do a BT for the Red Velvet mini. It’s solid, but nothing sticks out to me as amazing. If I were to write one it would be for Bamboleo — mostly for that guitar!
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The Wu Jia Cheng release is great, also LOVE Confidence Man’s recent singles. I’d also suggest Everything Everything’s Bad Friday, such a great track.
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Ooh, I like that one! Hadn’t heard it before.
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Your local alt-bird is here
Thornhill – Hollywood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN2BH-a20Ec
My favourite song released this month, absolutely obsessed with this, probably clocked at least 100 plays in a few weeks. I am #hornyforthorny.
Fontaines D.C. – Skinty Fia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4qy_XEjjYc
Trip hop meets The Stone Roses. Really loved their last album so excited for the new one coming soon.
Still Corners – Far Rider https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuRsw0Jjj5g
Dreamy blues-y indie pop.
Dance Gavin Dance – Synergy (Feat. Rob Damiani) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvHDaSw8k74
I grew up on math rock so this is very very up my street.
Working Men’s Club – Widow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5quA4GrzQ0
Generally a big fan of anything WMC puts out. Synthy post punk.
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Feel free to perch here any time, alt-bird 🙂
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Nick getting back into writing about global pop is such a boon to us all! (I was trawling through Alienhits a while back when I discovered Blitzkids MVT, and my life hasn’t been the same since.)
Here’s some songs, not necessarily from 2022, that I’ve been really into recently:
Bess – Ram pam pam, Feng Shui
Eisbrecher – Schwarze Witwe (2018 version)
Hanna Ferm – Sweet Temptation
Mouhous – Äänii
Vanessa Mai – Ruf nicht mehr an
Polina Gagarina – Vchera
DLD – Arsénico
A Spotify playlist of all the above recs for convenience: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qV5mqjAijgbdNr2TwZpsM?si=99c2537cb9e44dda
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Late to this, but oh my god Muse. Longtime fan but they’ve fallen off a bit since The Resistance. This is shaping up to be their best in a while, so excited. (Why do I gotta wait until August! D:)
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Wu Jia Cheng’s Take It Easy is surprisingly good! It’s been years since I listen to a Canto-pop song. Thanks for sharing, Nick!
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