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.
Hwasa’s new mini album is a departure from past projects, taking a surprising swerve into dance music. Although O is bookended by two tracks that feel more like classic Hwasa, the five songs at its center aim straight for the club. Their success varies, but I appreciate the upbeat energy. She’d be great on an epic house track like Robin S’s Show Me Love.
Late album highlight Just Want To Have Fun takes its influence from even further back than the 90’s, adding a colorful 80’s touch to its perky pop sound. Of the dance tracks on O, it’s the only one not built on a spoken, catchphrasey hook. The song is sung all the way through, taking advantage of its effervescent production to supply Hwasa with a melody that swerves from breezy to commanding. It sounds a bit like Katy Perry, but in a good way. The track is too slight and derivative to stand as an enduring classic, but I really enjoy this sound from Hwasa. It’s nice to hear her tackle something a little different.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Off-topic but I’m curious to hear your thoughts on Katy’s new album. Although, tbh I’m not really feeling the album smh:
In addition, it’s not new music but I would love to hear your thoughts on these two songs from years ago that I really like:
On a side note, I love the Good Luck, Babe appreciation! I don’t know if you thought it’s 8.75-worthy from the beginning but I remember you were mentioning how Chappell Roan should’ve blown up with a more upbeat track like “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” a few months ago. Would you say it’s a grower for you?
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From 143 I love All The Love and Wonder and Lifetimes
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I honestly think Wonder is her best song in years. 143 isn’t a particularly good album, but I don’t think it deserves the universal lashings it’s getting. It feels like critics are just dogpiling at this point. It’s certainly not the worst album I’ve heard this year.
For your other tracks:
San Holo: It’s a nice vibe but a bit too chill for me.
Madeon: I like Madeon’s music quite a bit but I really haven’t kept up with it. This is good!
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Sounding like Katy Perry may not be a good thing in 2024, but it would’ ve been a great thing almost a decade ago. This is a nice, breezy track. I’ m almost sad it comes in a bit late for summer!
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