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.
One thing’s for sure: the entire new izna mini album is stronger than its title track. It’s kind of amazing how that can still happen with K-pop. The album features a variety of composers and the best Teddy-produced track is undoubtedly Racecar, but my ears were immediately drawn to a different song. Supercrush opens the album in jubilant fashion.
I swear I’ve heard Supercrush‘s melodies before in other songs, but the way they’re punctuated by upbeat brass elevates the whole arrangement. This is slick, glossy pop music that’s a bit generic in places, but I’ll always be a sucker for this energy. Supercrush features a nice sense of build, climaxing in a final refrain that sends us out on a high note. However, my favorite segment is the joyful post-chorus, which blends the girls’ vocals with brassy exclamation marks at their biggest and brightest. It’s an irresistible rush of serotonin and the exact style of song izna should be recording.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
when I heard the sampler my first thought was “Oh, AfterLike, ok” but it is its own thing, very cute and melodic. I 100% agree, the post chorus really elevates the whole thing. I’ll be honest even Mamma Mia is growing on me… Must be the Aespa Redux MV.
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I still cringe a bit on the shouting parts but the chorus is really getting to me…
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with this group, I can just tell when VVN is heavily involved in the making of a song. why WAKEONE insists on working with Teddy’s washed self is crazy to me when she’s credited 1st in writing and composing on all their best songs (TIMEBOMB, IWALY, FAKE IT, SIGN and now this). she just knows the girls’ skills best combined with her knowledge on how to make solid pop songs.
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VVN’s pen is really reliable
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Nick do you plan on reviewing Suho’s Medicine? It got an mv and you haven’t reviewed it, though I know you mentioned it in one of you weekly recaps.
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Probably not, but next week will be pretty barren so if I need something you never know…
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Thank you so much for reviewing this, Nick! Initially, I preferred race car over this one but I actually love this more now (it’s really upbeat!).
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This song won me over right away since it’s a type of music that I love, but I still wonder WHY THE HELL WASN’T THIS THE TITLE INSTEAD OF THAT BORING THING THEY CHOSE? What a dumb choice… but I hope they invest in this song as a follow up because it would be really cool.
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wrong tags nick
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Hey Nick, curious to hear your thoughts on the other two B-sides from the album. What rating would you give each?
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mantap
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