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 these ratings adjustments will be negligible: a 0.5 shift here, a 0.25 shift there. But, it’s a fun way to keep track of how my feelings on songs have changed over time – as well as which tracks currently have momentum on my playlist.
And remember, just because a song is marked as a “faller” doesn’t mean I hate it! Falling from a “9” to an “8.75” is no shame. 9+ rated songs occupy a totally different playlist in my music library, so I’m pretty particular about what qualifies. It’s a high bar.
This month’s feature covers the period from June 20th to July 24th.
RISERS
EXO – Hear Me Out
Rating: 8 → 8.25
NCT Dream – ISTJ
Rating: 8.5 → 8.75
NewJeans – Super Shy
Rating: 8 → 8.25
NMIXX – Roller Coaster
Rating: 8.25 → 8.5
ZEROBASEONE – In Bloom *Biggest Riser*
Rating: 8.25 → 8.75
8TURN – Excel
Rating: 8 → 8.25
FALLERS
EXO – Cream Soda *Biggest Faller*
Rating: 8.25 → 7.75
Odd Eye Circle – Air Force One
Rating: 8.25 → 8
TXT & Jonas Brothers – Do It Like That
Rating: 7.75 → 7.5
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I finally listened to NCT Dream’s Broken Melodies (yes after a whole damn month lol) – and omg it’s heavenly – it’s rising rapidly up my lists ❤
Honestly it reminds me once again why I just can’t write off NCT’s music… most of the time it’s vibes of Glitch Mode or 2 Baddies which I can’t really enjoy too much – but then come these beauties. It makes me feel so much stronger about them like they just CHOOSE to do the other kinda song which are catchy and hype and do well on charts from a business standpoint but they can make damn soulful stuff like Broken Melodies too.
Other than that I haven’t heard much kpop this month so no particular risers or fallers – found lots of stuff I liked this month – just need some more listens.
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Hey Nick, how much do you re-listen to the releases to determine the risers and fallers? Do you have a playlist of all the song you reviewed that you listen to through the month? Just wondering how much you end up listening to songs you really disliked initially (e.g. are you going to be relistening to Koong several more times this month, haha)
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I listen to the songs I like quite frequently, but I also watch Music Bank each week in its entirety so that’s usually how I get additional exposure to the songs I don’t like as much.
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This month seemed a little slow for me and because of that, my July risers are mostly from June🤷🏻♀️
1. WEi – Overdrive (like many, I didn’t pay much attention to it at first listen. I was going to miss out because it is a fun song)
2. NCT Dream – ISTJ (at first I dismissed it as a little noisy, but later on I found myself enjoying it, a lot)
3. Ateez – Bouncy
4. Taeyong – Shalala
I have no excuse for these last two…they are guilty pleasures and it took a while for me to get them🫣
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Kind of sad that Cream Soda fell for you. It has only improved for me lol. By the way, Infinite will be back, I can’t wait!
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I’m so glad In Bloom rose for you! There’s something so summer perfection about that song for me
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Unrelated; but I’m a quiet lurker of your blog for quite some time, enjoy your articles like this but bc of you, I went to a deep dive of Janet Jackson’s discography and came to say thank you so so much.
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Oh, this makes me so happy! Any favorite songs/albums yet?
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Songs I liked more this month, some from last month whatever.
Moonbasealpha – an excellent UP10tion b-side
SHINee – Juice
Ren – Ready to Move
Wetboy and Jo Hyun Ah – Bad Girl Stupid boy
DJ Crazy Times – Planet of the Bass
DKB – I Need Love
From20 – I’ll keep stealing song titles from the 80s and making them great
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ISTJ was definitely my song of the month.
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