The high points in Red Velvet’s discography are so high, but if I really think about it I haven’t cared for one of their title tracks since 2019. As with most groups approaching their tenth year in the industry, their comebacks have become less frequent, but today they deliver a wealth of new material on … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
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. I guess there’s an unspoken rule … Continue reading
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. I’ll always be that person who … Continue reading
Back in 2012 when Bang Yedam stepped on the stage of K-pop Star with a harmonica in his hand and his father accompanying him on guitar, I never pictured him as part of a YG act like Treasure. It always seemed like an odd fit, so when he eventually left the group it wasn’t too … Continue reading
Despite being an early supporter, somewhere along the line Stray Kids’ music began to lose me. It’s a frustration I feel with many of their contemporaries and I’m eagerly awaiting the song or album that brings me back. Unfortunately, new single Lalalala moves in the opposite direction. Lalalala blusters along in true Stray Kids fashion, … Continue reading
As SM Entertainment’s ascendant girl group, aespa have dipped their toes into a variety of musical endeavors. Infrequent Korean comebacks are interspersed with English and Japanese work, guided them on a global pathway to success. However, their sound has been all over the place, as if SM can’t decide whether they want them to be … Continue reading
Before the end-of-year countdowns next month, I like to take a look at many of K-pop’s biggest agencies and see how their year went. Obviously, 2023 is not over yet so any upcoming changes to an agency’s grade will be reflected next year. Following SM Entertainment‘s analysis earlier this week, it’s time to dive into … Continue reading
The idol group name generator must be getting pretty empty because “WHIB” is a strange moniker for a new K-pop group. Apparently, it’s meant to be a combination of the words “white” and “black,” showcasing the guys’ variety of charms. Okay, then! Title track Bang! gets them off to a frustratingly familiar start. Prior to … Continue reading
After a somewhat messy departure from (G)I-DLE and Cube Entertainment, Soojin has returned as a soloist. Re-debut AGASSY sees her following in the footsteps of many girl group members turned soloists. Right away, the song and performance remind me of something we’d hear from Sunmi or BLACKPINK’s Jennie. AGASSY casts an evocative atmosphere, but I find … Continue reading
Earlier this year, Kiss Of Life preceded their debut with a series of solo tracks. Though they were of varying quality, these songs did a nice job introducing the members and building interest in the group. Funny enough, I found their actual debut less successful than many of these pre-releases. Follow-up single Bad News struggles … Continue reading
Kep1er’s burgeoning Japanese discography has already resulted in one of their best songs, so there’s reason to be optimistic about any new releases. Grand Prix has a fun racing concept and bouncy sound, but right from the start I knew it would be an uphill battle for me. As with many of their peers, Kep1er … Continue reading
Omega X have been through the wringer over the past few years, so even if their music hasn’t always been my thing it’s hard not to root for them. Junk Food is their first comeback after their successful lawsuit against former agency Spire Entertainment and sees them continue to develop their noisy, bombastic style. What’s … Continue reading
A.C.E are the latest boy group to make a long-awaited, post-enlistment return. We haven’t heard from them since 2021’s Changer, but now they’ve teased the release of a new album in the coming weeks. Before that, we have special pre-release single Effortless — an English-language track that’s very in line with current trends. For me, … Continue reading
Before the end-of-year countdowns next month, I like to take a look at many of K-pop’s biggest agencies and see how their year went. Obviously, 2023 is not over yet so any upcoming changes to an agency’s grade will be reflected next year. We’ve got a lot to pick apart over the coming weeks, so … Continue reading
GOT7’s Youngjae previously impressed with groovy tracks Vibin’ and Sugar, belying his main vocal status with more subtle turns that highlighted his skills as a performer. Do It is another restrained vibe, but this time the end product is just too slight for me. Do It would make for nice background music. It’s calming and … Continue reading
GreatGuys are one of those super underrated groups that occasionally pull a pop banger out of nowhere. I wouldn’t say any of their songs have permanent residence on my playlists, but every once and awhile they surprise me. New single Deep In Love is the biggest surprise yet. I love the production on this. I … Continue reading
Alongside fellow artists Jessi and Dawn, HyunA recently left Psy’s P Nation for a new label. She decided to sign with producer GroovyRoom’s AT AREA, and Attitude is the first taste of what the two may create together. With the ink still fresh on their partnership, I’m already excited for the music that may come … Continue reading
Though it took awhile to really hit me, ZEROBASEONE’s In Bloom proved to be one of the year’s most refreshing boy group tracks. Better yet, its accompanying album laid out a consistent style and vibe for the group, merging upbeat pop with hazy, subdued production. Remnants of that sound remain on new single Crush, but … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 