It’s been ages since I’ve written about a song from a Chinese artist with no connection to K-pop, but we’re in the doldrums right now on this blog and I think everyone deserves to read a review that’s actually enthusiastic. So, today I want to introduce the new single from Lil Ghost — rapper and one-time-idol-group-member turned rock god on the brilliant Saturday Night.
In many ways, this song feels as if it was constructed just for me. It exists in a lineage of polished glam-dance-rock-punk that reminds me of personal favorite artists like Australia’s Short Stack and Japan’s Miyavi. It all dates back to the originator (in my opinion) of this particular sound: Billy Idol. However, Lil Ghost injects the form with a heavy dose of theatricality, as seen in the awesomely entertaining music video (remember when K-pop used to make videos like this?). The song itself is lithe and limber, careening forward on a heavy kick and addictive rhythm guitar. The chorus pulls us onto the dancefloor as the energy becomes even more frenzied, followed by an explosive instrumental hook that kicks Saturday Night up to its full potential.
As with most songs these days, Saturday Night could do with about thirty more seconds to fully leverage its ultra-satisfying conclusion, but the track still stuffs a ton of goodies into its sub-three minute running time — including a blistering bridge where the percussion really shines. And while I could do without the brief slowdown before the second chorus, I’m mostly just impressed by Saturday Night‘s sheer charisma and verve. On a side note, the inaugural Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is slated for later this year and this is the kind of megawatt, over-the-top material I demand to hear!
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
Grade: A-
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
ok now this makes me even more upset you didn’t write a full review on silence wang’s song back in 2024, because wow
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Ok, I checked it out. I like this kind of polished rock sound as well but I am one among those who are glad Kpop dont make MVs like this anymore tbh.
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This is awesome!!!!!
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Hi Nick, did you see the recent Guardian article, “‘People are exhausted by Blackpink and BTS’: the DIY Chinese bands redefining corporate ‘idol’ pop”? Interesting read; there’s even a link to a curated playlist. I had a listen to many of the songs. Not sure most of it was my cup of tea, but I do want to give it more of a listen when I have the chance. Here’s the article: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/apr/02/diy-chinese-bands-redefining-corporate-idol-pop
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Thanks for the link. It does feel like we’re reaching some sort of inflection point.
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Hi, I am a Kpop fan from China and I read this article, but I am afraid that this article is too optimistic. The band 7sins it mentioned already disbanded and they are more like underground idols, artists of big companies are still mainstream. Most C-pop(though I would not prefer to use this tag) fans only focus on boy groups, the remaining popular girl groups are snh48(sister group of akb48), A2OMAY(producer is Lee Soo Man) and R.E.D(producer is LAY from EXO), so for the idol industry here, it is still imitating the structure of Japan and South Korea.
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Thanks for the info! I was skeptical about the article, after listening to the playlist. Do you like Jolin Tsai? I’ve been listening to her music lately. Such good stuff! My favorites are the albums Ugly Beauty and the one before that, Play.
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I dare say Jolin is the goat of Mandarin pop culture, her music is always evolving, and she’s been the real top diva for two decades here, almost every Millenial and Genz have heard of her. I am so glad that you love these two albums, they are also her best work in my opinion, except for the underground artists, 95% of Mandopop artists can never be compared with her.
Just for a reference: if you also prefer all-rounder like Jolin, I would recommand you Coco Lee and her albums like Exposed, DiDaDi and PROMISE, she is the y2k icon of Mandopop.
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will this be eligible for any year-end countdowns, Nick?
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Yep, the global pop one.
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