At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. In 2025, I thought I’d try something new and add a weekly feature to supplement my monthly round-up. Each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And … Continue reading
Author Archives: Nick
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (August 3, 2025)
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
Song Review: TXT – Take My Half (Beomgyu solo)
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Song Review: TXT – Dance With You (Hueningkai solo)
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Song Review: Say My Name – iLy
Say My Name debuted last year as the first idol group on Kim Jaejoong’s agency iNKODE. That debut didn’t do anything for me, but their follow-up ShaLala showed promise. Now, it’s time for them to take on a summer concept with new single iLy, which ambitiously interpolates Frankie Valli’s iconic 1967 classic Can’t Take My … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of July 2025
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. July 2025 Overall Thoughts In the context of this year, the past two months have been … Continue reading
Song Review: Close Your Eyes – Paint Candy
I really enjoy Close Your Eyes’ recent title track Snowy Summer, but when I think about it the song is probably my least favorite on their new mini album. I already wrote about b-side You, knowing full well that album opener Paint Candy would eventually be promoted as a double title track. Now, it’s been … Continue reading
Song Review: TXT – Bird Of Night (Taehyun solo)
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Song Review: Jay (iKON) – Obey
Ahead of his new album, iKON’s Jay (aka: Jinhwan) pre-released We Can’t Explain last week. That song didn’t do much for me, but title track Obey promised edgier sounds. Obey certainly has some ideas, but the way they’re executed isn’t very satisfying. The track starts promisingly enough, establishing a moody build toward an anticipated payoff. … Continue reading
Song Review: ICHILLIN’ – XL (Extra Love)
ICHILLIN’ pre-released their song Glass Heart at the beginning of the month, but without a music video it never made its way onto this blog. Now, they’re back with that song’s attached mini album and title track XL (Extra Love). In the past, I’ve given credit to this group for bucking trends and offering sounds … Continue reading
Song Review: XngHan & Xoul (Seunghan) – Waste No Time
“XngHan & Xoul” may not be a familiar name yet, but “RIIZE’s Seunghan” certainly is. Seunghan debuted with SM Entertainment’s RIIZE in 2023 but was forced out of the group soonafter for insanely ridiculous reasons. For a moment, it seemed as if he would re-join their ranks, but fan toxicity caused him to debut as … Continue reading
Notice: Reviews will likely be delayed tomorrow
The fact that I even felt the need to post a notice like this is testament to how regimented I am with my blogging schedule. I don’t skip a day, and generally post at the same time each day. I know this has become an expectation/ritual for some of you as it has been for … Continue reading
Song Review: TXT – Sunday Driver (Soobin solo)
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Song Review: Ryugujo – OSHIBAI
Ryugujo are a young group at a crossroads. They’ve been a favorite of mine since forming on the excellent Year 0, Class 0 series and went on to develop a unique and compelling discography. Through it all, mentor and producer Avu-chan oversaw everything. But after the shock announcement that Avu-chan would be stepping down as … Continue reading
Song Review: Nam Woohyun (Infinite) – Only Forward
Infinite members have remained busy since their return in 2023, and that includes solo projects. As a massive fan of the group (I’d still consider them my ultimate bias), I haven’t cared for much of the music to come from this era but I wish the guys well and hope for their continued success. Main … Continue reading
Song Review: Twice – Enemy
Less than a month since the release of their new Korean album, Twice have already returned with the lead track of their upcoming Japanese album. They’re certainly busy, and Enemy represents a new sonic challenge for them. The group has long been known for their glossy pop sound but this track injects a grittier rock … Continue reading
Song Review: TXT – Ghost Girl (Yeonjun solo)
TXT’s new (full) album weighs in at eight tracks and a paltry twenty-one minutes. This brevity isn’t unique to TXT and I don’t mean to call them out specifically, but it’s representative of choices the K-pop industry is currently making. So much effort seems to go into everything surrounding the music, even as the actual … Continue reading
Song Review: Dragon Pony – Radio Silence
I’ve had my eyes on Dragon Pony since their stellar debut last year. Follow-up Not Out took their music in an angstier direction, but maintained their knack for a strong chorus. New single Radio Silence (지구소년) finds a middle ground that infuses an energetic sound with plenty of emotion. An Tae Gyu’s vocals remain the … Continue reading
Song Review: Yena – Being A Good Girl Hurts
With last year’s NEMONEMO, Choi Yena took on the mantle of quirky K-pop performer formerly held by groups like Orange Caramel and Crayon Pop. With so many acts proclaiming their badassery in the most serious way possible, a little irreverence is more important than ever. She’s also got a rocker-girl aesthetic, and new single Being … Continue reading
BOYS II PLANET: Episode Four Recap
Before we get going with the dreaded Signal Song competition, we’ve got a few more introductory performances to get through. We’re back with the second episode of the “Planet C” half of this season. Technically, though, it’s episode four of the season. Confusing? Of course! PREVIOUS RECAPS: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three … Continue reading