It’s been a long time since I’ve written one of these top ten lists. (Okay… it’s been years.) But what better excuse to dive back in than a tenth anniversary celebration? Red Velvet celebrate their tenth year this summer and now it’s finally time to take a look at my favorite album tracks and b-sides … Continue reading
SM Entertainment is having a busy Monday, with no less than three comebacks across both the Korean and Japanese market. Super Junior’s Donghae and Eunhyuk join Red Velvet and NCT Wish in celebrating new music with the release of Japanese single You&Me. And like many acts this month, they’ve opted for a bright, funky summertime … Continue reading
NCT Wish debuted earlier this year as NCT’s final fixed unit. Straddling the line between Japanese and Korean promotions, they appear to be following NCT Dream’s bright sound template rather than the angular experimentation of units like 127. February’s funky Wish was a decent start, but new single Songbird feels like their true arrival. I’ve … Continue reading
Sometimes I forget just how bulletproof the first five years of Red Velvet’s discography was. I’ve been less enthused with their post-2019 output, but even when the music wasn’t my cup of tea the group’s vocals still impressed. They’re one of the premiere girl groups of the last decade, and their tenth anniversary should see … Continue reading
It usually takes me a song or two to fully warm up to a rookie group, and TWS’s Plot Twist was a slow-burn standout that compelled more and more as time went on. The exceptional hey! hey! officially sealed the deal, and now we’re on to the group’s second mini album Summer Beat. I love … Continue reading
K-pop is littered with acts who – for one reason or another – didn’t get the full spotlight they deserved. I’ve spent plenty of time ranking and reviewed the industry’s biggest artists, but these underrated acts should never be forgotten. This feature will take a look at disbanded groups and rank/rate their entire singles run, … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
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: … Continue reading
K-pop is littered with acts who – for one reason or another – didn’t get the full spotlight they deserved. I’ve spent plenty of time ranking and reviewed the industry’s biggest artists, but these underrated acts should never be forgotten. This feature will take a look at disbanded groups and rank/rate their entire singles run, … Continue reading
Though NewJeans’ 2024 releases have enjoyed successful runs on the charts, there’s a growing feeling of stagnation with their music. You can only do ‘breezy cool’ so many times before the songs start to blend into one another. It’s time to inject a new genre influence, and the New Jack Swing of Supernatural may be … Continue reading
K-pop is unique in the way idol performers can establish a solo career while still actively promoting with their group. But I often wonder what necessitates a soloist. Of course, fans are eager to see their bias develop their artistry outside the confines of traditional comebacks, but not every performer is equally predisposed to a … Continue reading
Longevity isn’t always a given in K-pop, but Epik High have steadily released music since 2003. They’ve gone through various shifts — from indie to major label — and are at the point where their title tracks often feature big-name guest stars who’ve likely grown up with their music. Given this, new single Antihero is … Continue reading
aespa’s Supernova is smashing the charts in unexpected ways, far surpassing the effect of their album’s actual title track. I’m happy to see this, as I’d love SM Entertainment (and girl groups in general) to fully embrace this upbeat electro sound. Apparently, the Korean listening public is of the same mind! However, I found Supernova‘s … Continue reading
Blitzers’ quirky Macarena won them fans in 2023, harnessing a goofy, freewheeling energy while still working within established boy group tropes. Superpower seems intent on replicating that success, fusing a catchy brass loop to the rambunctious sing-talk we hear from many of their peers. Superpower is indeed fun, but I don’t think the song itself … Continue reading
When we last heard from H1-KEY, they offered the shimmering pop goodness of Seoul (Such A Beautiful City). That song built upon a varied discography with little sonic through line apart from strong melodies. New single Let It Burn (뜨거워지자) continues to shift their sound, taking a pop/rock approach that feels grittier than most idol … Continue reading
Kwon Eunbi remains a bright spot in Woollim Entertainment’s dwindling roster, capturing attention with her upbeat sound and overall star power. It isn’t easy to launch a soloist in the idol industry, but she’s managed to develop a consistent discography highlighted by club bangers like last year’s The Flash. New single Sabotage delivers her biggest … Continue reading
Though just a year and a half old, Primrose have already gone from a duo to a solo to a four-piece group. Freyja is their second comeback as a quartet, including members from disbanded groups Hot Issue and BugAboo. It’s a striking title for a song, referencing Norse mythology. But the music of K-pop has … Continue reading
The title “Badder Love” is grating on every grammar nerve I have. “Worse Love” would have sounded equally awkward, but there’s something about that “badder” that just slaps me across the face. However, this is the group who’s already promoted with “Trouble” and “Ugly,” so I guess we’ve been warned. Whatever the case, Badder (ugh) … Continue reading
In between being part of the biggest K-pop group on the planet, the members of Seventeen have found time to slowly but steadily develop side careers as soloists and sub-units. Unit tracks are usually divided between their Dance, Vocal and Hip-Hop teams, but albums have occasionally featured duo recordings as well. This is the first … Continue reading
woo!ah! have removed the exclamation points from their name and opted for an ultra-trendy ALL CAPS stylization for promotions going forward. Along with this nomenclatural reinvention comes a new sound. April’s Blush saw them attempting a subdued NewJeans/ILLIT sound to middling effect, but Pom Pom Pom flips things 180 degrees with punk rock attitude and … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 