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.

YOUNITE came out of nowhere with one of the most consistently strong albums of the year. I mean, they did release a great EP two years ago with Another, but in a slow K-pop year Inyun Part.1 stands out even more. The standard is high across each track, and I could have easily featured the awesome power-rock-anime-esque Nothing in this “buried treasure” slot.

Instead, I’m opting for a Bias List favorite in the form of big, synth-heavy dance music. Parallel opens the album with flair and energy to burn. Their title track Pose is very good as well, but this song does everything that one does to even greater success. I’m already obsessed with the pulsing electro beat and love how direct the chorus melody is. The verses aren’t as impressive, but they keep momentum chugging along and act as suitable set-up to Parallel‘s continued payoff. I feel like many boy groups are aiming for this overall sound but they subdue every element too much or smother their performance with unnecessary vocal effects. YOUNITE simply deliver the goods and leave us wanting more. Sometimes, that’s the most satisfying approach.

Grade: A-