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!
Ava Max – Weapons
Often, when I hear a new Ava Max track for the first time I think: “this is nice, but a bit generic.” Then, it worms its way into my head and I find myself playing it over and over. Weapons is no different. It’s a hooky stealth attack.
Darin – Satisfaction
The always-excellent Darin takes a page from George Michael and delivers an addictive slice of brittle funk pop. I love the vocal effects on this one.
Madison Rose – Thunder
If you’re a fan of pop music, you owe it to yourself to listen to Madison Rose’s Technicolor — quite possibly the best pure-pop album of the year. It’s out in deluxe version now, and Thunder is the most bombastic new b-side.
MEDUN ft. Marcus & Martinus – Gimme Your Love
Another burst of bright, buoyant nu-disco pop for your playlist, courtesy of two Norwegian performers and an Austrian producer.
Mike Posner – I’m Not Dead Yet (Ellis Edit)
The original version of I’m Not Dead Yet is fine, but this re-edit gives it the oomph it needs to really soar. I love the guitar crunch of that chorus.
Octpath – Like
I didn’t get a chance to write about this funky J-pop offering (and it probably should’ve been included in last month’s round-up), but better late than never! It’s a ton of fun, and the guys have a Japanese cover of Carly Rae Jepsen & Owl City’s Good Time on the single if that’s your thing!
Tiesto – 10:35 (ft. Tate McRae)
This is straightforward dance music, but its little idiosyncrasies are so addictive. I love when the beat drops for the chorus.
Zipang Opera – Like A Wolf
This is my kind of bombastic J-pop ballad, fueled by gorgeous melodies, theatrical guitar and strings, and a go-for-broke vocal performance.
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
oh yeah im definitely gonna listen to these some time
anyway, since just dance 2023 is set to release in a few days and almost all the songs have been revealed, im now gonna rank every one of them, like i did these past months
amazing i love it so much omg (10-9): physical – dua lipa (9), stay – the kid laroi & justin bieber (9.5), telephone – lady gaga (9.25), wannabe – itzy (9), toxic – britney spears (10), numb – linkin park (9), bring me to life – evanescence (10), walking on sunshine – katrina and the waves (9), ubu love – naniwa danshi (9), disco inferno – the trammps (9), million dollar baby – ava max (9), i knew you were trouble – taylor swift (9)
i think its good (8.75-8): locked out of heaven – bruno mars (8), sweet but psycho – ava max (8.5), love me land – zara larsson (8.25), rather be – clean bandit feat. jess glynne (8.75), boy with luv – bts feat. halsey (8.75), driver’s license – olivia rodrigo (8), psycho – red velvet (8.25), woman – doja cat (8), magic – kylie minogue (8.5), as it was – harry styles (8.25), we dont talk about bruno – encanto (8.5), wouldn’t it be nice – the beach boys (8), danger! high voltage – electric six (8.5), top of the world – shawn mendes (8.75), vleugals – k3 (8.5), anything i do – cliq feat. ms banks & alika (8.25), farfalle – sangiovanni (8.75), good ones – charli xcx (8.5), playground – bea miller (8.75), sissy that walk – rupaul (8.5),
mid (7.75-7): dynamite – bts (7.5), radioactive – imagine dragons (7.75), more – k/da (7.25), heat waves – glass animals (7.75), witch – apashe (feat. alina pash) (7.25), therefore i am – billie eilish (7.5), majesty – apashe (feat. wasiu) (7.75), if you wanna party – the just dancers (7.25),
no likey (6.75-6): watch out for this (bumaye) – major lazer ft. busy signal , the flexican and fs green (6.75)
go to hell (5.75-): can’t stop the feeling – justin timberlake (5.5), zooby doo – tigermonkey (5.25)
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wait why is just dance popping off this year
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Just wanna say that I love this roundup series. Helps me discover music I missed!
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My non-K-pop picks of November are I Killed Peter Pan by Jessie Paege (really recommend! altpop bangers and she plays all her own killer guitar solos) Gold Satin Dreamer and Runnin’ Free by Nicole Dollanganger, and Monochrome by BABYMETAL. It feels extremely quiet in music right now but I suppose that’s expected for this time of year
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