A J-pop act’s single 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 J-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
JO1’s strongest work this year hasn’t been the material chosen for music video promotion. The mighty Move The Soul remains their 2022 high water mark – an aural sequel to last year’s dazzling Born To Be Wild. Thankfully, that track was given a glossy performance video, meaning the agency must have seen its potential. Now, JO1’s second-best 2022 track also has its own visual. It may not be an official single, but Rose is much stronger than the recently-released SuperCali.
Much of this is due to the producer involved. Rose is an e.one production. I’ll never understand why the e.one team gets so few title tracks when they reliably craft excellent b-side after excellent b-side. That’s a huge waste of talent. Almost every song under the e.one banner is a total banger. Rose has its generic moments (the second verse slowdown is a bummer), but when its industrial drop of a chorus hits you’ll have trouble sitting still.
As usual, JO1’s vocalists give an excellent performance. That’s one of the ingredients that made Born To Be Wild and Move The Soul such a rush. Following Rose’s sledgehammer drop-chorus, the song is buoyed by a catchy vocal hook that’s slick and powerful. This recipe is simple but potent, and has a way of pulling you in despite its predictable structure. I love driving, sinuous grooves like this. Even better, Rose’s instrumental finds a rebellious streak during its experimental climax. I wish the entire track surrendered to this fitful, electronic chaos.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Side note, will le sserafim’s antifragile be getting a buried treasure?
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Probably not. Nothing on the album has wowed me yet…
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Man, e.one. What was the last actual title track they did? Was it WJSN’s “Secret”? Still a high-water mark for the group (and I’m glad it’s grown on you despite your initial review!). This one is nice, I prefer e.one’s more grandiose compositions but this has a satisfying electro thump and groove.
Also a minor thing, but: the intro to the Buried Treasures feature pertains specifically to K-Pop. Do you consider this to be K-Pop or J-Pop, and if the latter, do you plan to rewrite a specific intro for this sort of thing? (I understand you haven’t featured done a ton of Japanese Buried Treasures posts, so this wasn’t a problem until recently!)
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Ah yes, I should change the K into J for this one!
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One of the few times when a loud obnoxious drop chorus actually works. Industrial rusty metallic whomp whomp whomp that is perfect timbre, and in the perfect amount. Anymore, and my friend Bae~ would be here in full force telling us precisely their thoughts.
Song fans rejoice! This is actually on US itunes.
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As is “Born to be wild” and “Move the Soul”, now available on US itunes.
Hurrah! When did this happen?! Ah pfft whatev, I am already on it, click, done.
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I think most J-pop I feature is actually on iTunes.
Johnny’s is the big exception, though that’s starting to change (veeeeerrrrrry slowly).
All Exile Tribe singles should be up there worldwide as well.
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this is gonna be soty <3333333
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Gosh, WHY is this still a thing?
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they’re such legends in the industry😍
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