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.
I’ve been quite addicted to TWS’s Plot Twist this week, and these rookies have also delivered my favorite K-pop album of 2024 so far. No b-side is as instantly catchy as the title track, but they all work together to create a cohesive energy that signals exactly who TWS are.
I hear shades of their seniors Seventeen, but the overall tone feels a bit more whimsical and light-on-its-feet. Of all the b-sides, First Hooky is the most instantly addictive. It’s also the closest TWS get to straight-up funk. I’ve often written about how important it is for producers to find one fantastic groove and extract as much as they can from it. That’s how all those classic 90’s R&B grooves have become so timeless.
First Hooky does this right. Its beat bounds forward from the start and rarely lets up. Rubbery synth gives the track plenty of weight. It’s not overly complicated but gets the most bang from its buck by keeping your head nodding without interruption. The hooks are similarly simple but resonant — a combination that tends to hold up well over time. I’m heartened to see that TWS are as skilled with rhythmic material like this as they are with the whimsical buoyancy of Plot Twist. They’re definitely a rookie to watch!
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
could easily be a track on 24K Magic by Bruno Mars which is one of my favorite albums ever, that’s why this is my favorite track on the EP. although the melodies are stronger on that album + Bruno is a stronger vocalist.
I’m so happy we got to hear a full, 3-minute track from them. I can’t wait to hear more and hopefully with longer songs next time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally thought 24K Magic too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The more I listen to this album, the more I like it! Unplugged Boy is my favorite track, but First Hooky is also very good. Overall the album feels cohesive and is fun, bright, refreshing, etc. etc. but doesn’t feel calculatingly so. Like I don’t feel the HYBE machinery working as much as I usually do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that I think about it, yeah, it’s the first mini album of 2024 where, at least in one song, the thought of skipping isn’t strong
LikeLike
Not an exxageration when people call this pop perfection. My fave bside is prob BFF but overall this is a very solid debut mini.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, this is great! Really feels like a pleasant surprise to start the year off on.
LikeLike
I would have chosen ‘unplugged boy’ for a buried treasure but I like ‘first hooky’ as well. TWS is off to a good start with this sound they’ve chosen. It sounds youthful and fresh.
first hooky – 8/10
unplugged boy – 8.5/10
LikeLike
Could’ve been more explosive at the end. The song kind’ve kept the same energy throughout. Ad libs could’ve been stronger as well. They sound like they’re choking back words a bit.. SING. Let it out, boys! I did enjoy this song the most off of the album, though!
LikeLike