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.
Of all possible K-pop artists, I didn’t expect xikers to supply the bright boy group sound I’m often looking for. However, they’ve done this twice on their new single — first with the fantastic Up All Night and then immediately after with b-side 100%.
This one’s actually even poppier than the single itself. In fact, I think it’s the poppiest track the group has recorded up to this point. It takes a bombastic pop/rock approach, melding light synth, rhythm guitar and bounding beats until we reach its anthemic call-and-response chorus. xikers imbue the track with plenty of personality, transforming a structure that could have easily become generic in other hands. Most everything about 100% is straightforward and unsurprising, but I love the chorus. It has a sense of scope we don’t hear enough of in K-pop’s chant-heavy world. Maybe this being a Japanese track gives them some clearance to go bigger melodically. In fact, this short (2:39) song even makes room for a standout bridge. It’s very efficient this way, but still manages to include all the goodies a pop fan would hope for.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The rhythm guitar, thumping beats and the joyous, anthemic chorus is such a sweet, poppy combo, it truly embodies the best part of pop music. Sure it may not be the strongest example of its sound and vibe, but it sure is one feel-good pop music and I love it for that. Now I need their next KR comeback to be this good (even better!) please!
Rating’s the same.
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I’m a big fan of Xiker’s regular content, so this is…odd. It’s really good but it seems so out of left field. Well versatility is a good thing, right? If this were to become their default sound I would be sorely disappointed.
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My favourite Xikers’ songs are usually the thumpalong ones like Bittersweet and Do or Die.
But I LOVE 100%. I find myself turning up the volume in the car. Love it!
It isn’t the usual Xikers sound, but I’ve come to expect the unexpected with Japanese releases.
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Wow, majorly major key. So happy clappy, it could be a coca-cola ad.
All good fun. It will be a good concert fan service highlight in an extended version, everyone bouncing up and down altogether with light sticks flashing.
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Have you listened to “Are you serious?” by Xikers? It’s a Japanese track and one of their most underrated songs. The synthpop vibe seems like it would be up your alley.
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It’s a kpop version of memento mori and I don’t know how to feel about that lmao
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