At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. July 2022 Overall Thoughts Counting up all of July’s releases, I’m not sure we’ve ever had … Continue reading
I’ve decided to try something new! Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of … Continue reading
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 writing about ATBO’s debut track, … Continue reading
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. If I’m posting a “buried treasure” … Continue reading
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. CSR have released one of the … Continue reading
Oh, BLACKPINK. What are we going to do with you? You’re K-pop’s eternal influencers, but you only grace us with new music every once in a blue moon. With more direct competitors emerging each year, I’m amazed how loyal fans have remained given such little return on their investment. We’ve been promised a BLACKPINK comeback … Continue reading
So far, ATEEZ’s work has been divided into series. Their debut-era Treasure series remains unrivaled in scope and quality. Follow-up Zero felt less narratively (and musically) cohesive, though it had its standouts. But, that’s all in the past. We find ourselves at the start of a new chapter with The World Ep.1. For years now, … Continue reading
Oh, Yuju. You are perhaps my favorite female idol vocalist of the last seven years. Your powerful voice is responsible for the most incredible parts of incredible GFriend songs. When you embarked on a solo career, I hoped you’d meld this power to material as dynamic as your potential. But alas, like so many idol … Continue reading
In their relatively short existence as a group, TO1 has been through the ringer. First debuting as TOO in 2020, they changed companies a year later and were rebranded with their current name. Then, a handful of members left the group and three new guys joined. Whatever the line-up, let’s pour one out for the … Continue reading
I’m digging this sudden surge of second-gen artists making long-awaiting solo comebacks. In Nicole’s case, the situation is even more exciting because it may precede an actual Kara reunion. Though Kara were enormous during their heyday, their legacy isn’t as familiar to this newer generation of K-pop fans. In addition to her group’s epic discography, … Continue reading
Using new boy group ATBO as a case study, here’s how I imagine conversations within K-pop agencies might sound: Executive: So, we’ve decided to debut a new boy group and we’d like you to be in charge of the song. Producer: That’s so exciting! Thank you! I’ve had this idea for a great new sound– … Continue reading
Around 2015-2016, K-pop saw a boom of what most would call wistful, “cutesy” girl groups. On its face, this description feels a bit reductive, but the music itself was universally strong. Lovelyz, April, Laboum… early GFriend! These groups delivered a headrush of candy-coated pop hooks that emphasized vocal ability and sweeping, soaring melody. It’s a … Continue reading
Roll out the red carpet and don your fanciest wardrobe, because we’ve got a K-pop legend coming through. Sunye is best-known as the leader and main vocal of Wonder Girls. She didn’t participate in my all-time favorite Wonder Girls album, Reboot. But, anyone who was part of K-pop classics like Nobody, Tell Me and Be … Continue reading
Rookie groups should promote often as their agency’s budget allows. The market is too crowded to dip out of sight for long, especially if you’re looking to establish your name. TAN have taken this idea to the next level, making a comeback just one month after their last album dropped! Walking On The Moon follows … Continue reading
I felt a little conflicted when OnlyOneOf’s series of solo singles ‘Underground Idol‘ was first announced. I mean, I’d rather have some full-group comebacks. But so far, the project is shaping up nicely. We have a narrative through-line, engaging music and the kind of sonic world-building the group has always excelled at. Just one month … Continue reading
Back in June, Omega X shifted their sound toward brighter pop for the summer season. Play Dumb didn’t quite get there for me, but I appreciated the move away from the shouty style of their earlier work. It turns out we needed a trip to Japan to see this potential realized in a more satisfying … Continue reading
When I think of mixed-gender, summertime duets in K-pop, my mind instantly goes to 2014’s A Midsummer Night’s Sweetness, which was inescapable that year. I love the idea of a chill duet soundtracking the season, and the combination of Loco and Hwasa seems perfectly designed for this purpose. Despite the exclamation mark in its title, … Continue reading
Rookie group YOUNITE had my attention early with their pre-release Everybody. They’ve yet to reach the heights of that fun, retro hip-hop track. And judging by the trajectory established with new single Aviator, I’m not sure they ever will. The song’s heart is in the right place, but it tries to do too much at … Continue reading
Since their debut, Purple Kiss have shifted between lighter and darker concepts. But even when they’ve embraced pop fluff, it’s been filtered through a warped prism. More than anything, new single Nerdy feels like the natural successor to last year’s Zombie – still the group’s high water mark, in my opinion. I appreciate its groove, … Continue reading
After a brief respite, NewJeans’ pre-debut resumes in earnest with another new song and video. Judging from its title alone, I imaged Hurt to be a slower, more emotional track. Me being me, I was hoping they’d flip expectations and deliver a huge dance banger. But in the end, Hurt feels like a minor interlude … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 