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.
The KickFlip machine at JYP Entertainment is firing on all cylinders. Part of that is due to the members’ contributions to their own music, ensuring a natural character and signature sound, but the biggest strength I’ve noticed is that the group follows a strict formula. And you know what? When a formula is working, I love this approach to pop music. Both their new album and their last one took the exact same approach: rock-fueled pre-release followed by a quirkier (but still decidedly rock) title track. Band-Aid/My First Love Song and Twenty/Eye-Poppin’ are total twins and all four songs are winners.
That winning streak continues into the mini-album, which clocks in at a generous seven tracks. Nothing’s quite as strong as the promoted material, but My First Kick is solid all the way through. I thought I’d spotlight Scroll today, simply because it’s the catchiest upbeat b-side (though I’m quite partial to the slower My Direction as well). This song reminds me of something TWS might come up with, which isn’t too surprising given the musical crossover between the two groups. A shuffling beat keeps the energy of the verses brisk, but the effusive chorus is the real star here. I love when choruses open on a high before coasting downward. This melodic structure gives such clear delineation between pieces of the song, building a refrain that naturally makes you want to sing along.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
After their previous album, I find myself feeling anticipated for this release and they didn’t disappoint. The only skip for me is Backward, but still a great album otherwise. My pick for best b-side is My Direction because Donghyeon’s vocals feel so blissful in that song and Scroll is a close second.
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Yes!!! 😊 I love to see the Donghyeon appreciation; he’s outstanding
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Since I found my ipod I am back to listening in the car. What I have found is that the songs of this year that I am gravitating to are the ones I can sing along with in the car. I know, I know, shocking, but so many songs are just not.
At the top of the list so far, KickFlip Twenty! Its just a joy to sing along to. Actual song with actual singing that one can actually sing along to.
I am going to poke around the b-side to see if there are any others to add. This one here is a good candidate.
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Twenty’s chorus is SO satisfying!
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I’m finding that new group Chaser has a bit of Kickflip energy. B-side Dreamers is the most Kickflippiest. And Chaser’s promoted song, Invincible, is a bit like if Kickflip and Xikers had a baby. Invincible is my current favourite sing-in-the-car song 😀
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Kickflip and TWS are single handedly maintaining my interest in new bgs. There’s a few others that sprinkle in there but these are the only two I’m actively seeking out from time to time. I’m so happy they are both sticking to the formula of what has worked for each.
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btw SMTR25 has released a pre-debut track, it’s quite good. between ITNW and this I hope it’s the direction they’re taking for their debut.
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Yeah, that song’s pretty good in a fan-servicey way. No surprise, since it’s a Kenzie co-write.
I would love an ITNW boy group from SM, but what I’d love even more is a group that tackled the dynamic second/early 3rd gen SHINee/TVXQ/EXO sound. No one is doing that right now.
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As much as I love the 2nd/3rd gen sound, and appreciate the few songs coming out that are homage to that sound, I would rather the next gen do something yet again new. Especially something that we can’t hear on western radio.
It’s probably been a decade since the Swedes and one Dane would send all their weird stuff to kpop. (Ahem, Spy.) Also, many of the homegrown Korean songwriting talent from that time have either semi-retired (Yoo Young Jin) or worn out their ideas (Teddy), so its time for a renaissance in homegrown talent too. Perhaps more spotlights on those emerging talents, while kpop is in a lull might be good.
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While I think My First Flip is far stronger an EP, My First Kick is still really good, and I’m glad they’re keeping this sound going. Agreed that Scroll is probably the buried treasure of the group.
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AWU a new girl group of three former PIXY memebrs have debuted recently. will there be a review for that?
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Roar is my favorite off this EP. It kind of is interesting because that song came straight out of an SM songwriting camp and the writers are also from that LOL but I feel like Roar has more of theatrical oomph that I want to listen to. This EP actually is already one of the best this year apart from idntt’s January release. Scroll is a fun and I’m so glad that KickFlip is being very consistent. PLEASE CONTINUE THIS AND DO NOT FALL FOR THE TRENDS!!!
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