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.

It always amazes me how a K-pop agency can pick the worst song on an album to promote as the title track. In HYBE’s case, I’m sure their salivation for Western validation played some part in choosing the Benson Boone-assisted Mark On Me, but the album’s strongest moment comes right at its end. Night To Howl! is one of the only tracks co-written by the group’s main producer Soma Genda and suggests they would do well to stick with collaborators that have a proven track record.

The howl-along rock of Night To Howl is undoubtedly cheesy and is all the better for it. Pop music should be cheesy. It shouldn’t fear a bit of cringe because who wants a self-serious discography? And really, the howling moments of this song are its highlight! That chorus is practically begging to be sung along with at a concert, but it works equally well in the car or while puttering around the house. Best of all, the song feels complete and satisfying, unlike the truncated mood sketch of Mark On Me.

Grade: B+