Following their pre-release Girlfriend earlier this month, (G)I-DLE is back with their first new title track after rebranding themselves as “i-dle.” This reinvention doesn’t seem to herald a shift in sound, though each comeback tends to shift things around since they’re known for experimenting with various genres. Teasers for Good Thing seemed to promise a … Continue reading
Author Archives: Nick
Song Review: RIIZE – Fly Up
RIIZE premiered their first full album in a slightly novel way, unveiling a forty-two minute long mini-movie incorporating each of the ten tracks. This followed pre-release Bag Bad Back, a song that has grown on me immensely. But more importantly, it means that I’ve been able to soak in title track Fly Up for a … Continue reading
THIS WEEK IN K-POP: Ranking the New Releases from May 11 – 17
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
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (May 18, 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
Global Pop Round-Up: May 2025 Edition
The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights! February 2022 … Continue reading
Song Review: Lim Sejun (Victon) – Summer
Victon’s Lim Sejun kicks off his solo career under a new agency. He’s one of a handful of artists to sign to Hello Gloom and from20’s Way Better, turning the once-fledgling company into a boutique agency. His first single Summer takes advantage of these new connections, co-written/produced by both Hello Gloom and from20. In K-pop’s … Continue reading
Song Review: Lisa (BLACKPINK) – When I’m With You (ft. Tyla)
Lisa’s Alter Ego album has utilized a Western pop promotional roll-out, spawning new singles/music videos long after its release. Next Up is When I’m With You, a duet with South African singer Tyla. This feels like a natural pairing: two extremely charismatic artists “maximizing their joint slay,” as they say. Such a big collaboration deserves … Continue reading
Song Review: Jin (BTS) – Don’t Say You Love Me
Ahead of an eventual BTS reunion once everyone has completed their military service, oldest member Jin is back with his second solo mini album. I recently enjoyed watching him as part of the cast of Netflix variety series Kian’s Bizarre B&B, where he came off very well and added a quirky sense of humor. That … Continue reading
Song Review: The Wind – Hello Tomorrow
Like many boy groups of their stature, The Wind will be sending a member off to compete in the upcoming season two of Boys Planet. Thanatorn will be absent for promotions during this time and — if he makes the eventual group — for quite some time after. Before that, the group is celebrating their … Continue reading
Song Review: Taeyong (NCT) – Rose (ft. Red Velvet’s Seulgi)
Rose is an interesting display of time travel. NCT’s Taeyong is still on hiatus as he fulfils his military service. This song was first unveiled in 2021 and the video premiered during an event last year. Now, it’s finally made its way online in time for Korea’s Rose Day. I don’t think we can call … Continue reading
Song Review: Yuta (NCT) – Twisted Paradise
NCT’s Yuta made his solo debut last year with a pummeling J-rock sound. Of all the group’s members, his solo work has felt the most leftfield so far and that’s a great thing. It’s clear he’s passionate about this style, which should always be the number one element fueling solo work. This passion continues with … Continue reading
Song Review: Fifty Fifty – Midnight Special
It’s become common for idol acts to release special music videos after promotions end for their title track. This allows the albums a longer cycle and spotlights various sounds that may appeal to a wider audience. Fifty Fifty’s perky Pookie saw them aiming straight for the pop jugular, but follow-up Midnight Special offers a moodier … Continue reading
Song Review: BOYNEXTDOOR – I Feel Good
BOYNEXTDOOR scored their biggest hit yet with the streaming giant If I Say, I Love You released back in January. They’re on their way to becoming reliable digital chart-toppers in the way few boy groups accomplish, and they haven’t wasted time returning with new music. If I Say, I Love You is included on their … Continue reading
Song Review: TWS – Lucky To Be Loved
When TWS released their mini album last month, I wrote a track-by-track review knowing full well they’d likely promote one of its b-sides with a music video later on. That prediction has come true with album-opener Lucky To Be Loved, but I’m going to revisit the track today since I have more to say. For … Continue reading
Song Review: tripleS – Are You Alive
After the release of many sub-unit projects, tripleS are back with their newest full group album. Coincidentally, the name of their title track is the same question I’ve been wanting to ask the K-pop industry for most of this year. Are you alive? This song does exactly what we’ve been conditioned to expect from tripleS. … Continue reading
Song Review: MEOVV – Drop Top
MEOVV pre-released their Hands Up a few weeks ago and, though the song didn’t bowl me over, I’ll admit that its chorus has stuck in my head. Now, it’s time to see what they’ve got for a title track. Drop Top was written by a variety of YG Entertainment staples, responsible for crafting the greatest … Continue reading
THIS WEEK IN K-POP: Ranking the New Releases from May 4 – 10
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
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (May 11, 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
Random Shuffle Review: B1A4 – Baby Good Night
With over 5,000 songs on my iPhone’s “K-Pop Singles” playlist, I thought it would be fun to add a bit of unpredictability to my song review posts. So as a result, we have the “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first gets … Continue reading
Song Review: VVS – Purrfect
Girl group VVS terrorized us with their stale Tea a few weeks ago and now they’re back with another gimmicky track. Purrfect strains to be camp (sorry, nobody can unfurl a campier purr better than Eartha Kitt) but as usual this style of humor is at odds with K-pop’s highly-polished, systematic style. Trying to be … Continue reading