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.
Overall, Twice’s new album is a strange grab bag of ideas. It’s got some of their worst material ever (Battitude) but also a few highlights. The quality that ties most of the songs together is their brevity. Like title track This Is For, these songs are short! In some cases, this works just fine. In most, it feels like a missed opportunity to flesh out the music.
Mars is by far my favorite track on the album and could have been a discography highlight had it allowed itself to fully spread its wings with a bridge and final chorus. Sonically, this song sticks out like a red herring within the album’s more muted palette. This is Twice at their poppiest, offering an explosion of synth and bounding beat. I’ve always appreciated this glossy pop sound on them, especially when it shines spotlight on their vocals. Mars‘ two-part chorus does just this, following a sprightly refrain with a powerful vocal turn. I love this sense of drama and need it to become a more common approach in their music again. Verse/chorus #2 are largely cut-and-paste from the first… and then the song is over, leaving an unfinished sense in its wake. That’s too bad because what we have sounds like an excellent demo that could be used as inspiration for future projects.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I just knew this song would be Buried Treasure! It’s my favorite song off the album too!
LikeLike
written by little mix’s perrie and longtime collaborator kamille! This is also my favorite song off the album, and agreed, wish there was a dramatic bridge and final chorus
LikeLike
I knew you would pick this one :p
I LOVE the album. So many wonderful sounds. It’s such vibrant bubblegum and just a wonderful girl group celebration. It has a wonderfully fresh and cheerful vibe. Especially when you listen to the album as a whole, it truly shines. The unmistakable TWICE sound is present, but they’re also exploring new things. And that after 10 years! Whether you like it or not, they always strive to make creative music. And you always feel their love and passion in their music.
I have several favorite tracks besides For You. Unlike you I love Battitude, especially when the girls do their chants and the instrumentals go so hard. Other highlights include: Mars, Right Hand Girl, Heartbreak Avenue, Dat Ahh Dat Ooh, Peach Gelato, Hi Hello and Let Love Go. And we have to talk about Four. The instrumentals and TWICE’s vocals just hit so hard. Such energy! Wish it would have been a full track instead of the album intro. I love it.
The shorter songs are a choice. I understand that some feel the songs don’t fully express themselves because of this, but it does make the album as a whole a burst of energy. Girl groups in the ’60s and ’70s often had short (and beautiful) songs.
LikeLike
This song will probably end up being my favorite off the album along with Right-Hand Girl and a few others, it’s so good! Imo most of the tracks are more interesting than the actual title track, but it’s still a decent tt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
i just spent 1 minute trying to read your username 😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Easily the better song compared to the title track. The beat is good and it has the recipe of TWICE early hits.
The song production have room to improve in the second part as it feels a bit repetitive when the second chorus comes. However, the energy and the dance rhythm still make the song interesting enough to last.
LikeLike
Mars is definitely top 5 in this album, and I really liked this album first listen. I think i’m the only one who likes Battitude though, it’s my favorite unit song 😪Seesaw is also my favorite
LikeLike
Top 5 bsides from this is four:
LikeLike
They could have saved summer 2025 if this was the title track. But no.
LikeLike
This is the real standout for me on the album.
Otherwise, I’m honestly not as impressed with the album yet. They have much better material from the past, especially comparing the last full albums. And I don’t understand the choice of including mostly short songs. It feels unfinished in a way.
LikeLike