As I stated in my previous review for XLOV’s Rizz, I really want to love this group. It’s frustrating when an act debuts with a legitimately unique concept yet can’t find the music needed to compliment that. I’m waiting for XLOV’s management to realize that their songs can be as compelling as their visuals, but … Continue reading
Absent a full-group comeback, the girls of ARTMS have been blitzing the market with digital singles. Next on the docket is Heejin, who’s shifted into a new genre with sAvioR. The last time I wrote about her on the blog she was dabbling in new jack swing, but sAvioR takes a hard turn toward grungy … Continue reading
Funny (?) story: I actually listened to sub-unit idntt unevermet’s 8:11 (8시 11분) yesterday when it was first released but promptly forgot all about it before I even had a chance to write a review. I’m not sure that’s ever happened before, but it goes to show you how little impact idntt’s debut had on … Continue reading
Within the K-pop industry’s hyper-polished, hyper-controlled framework, Jessi has always been a necessary cog in the machine. She’s gone through so many iterations since her debut twenty (!) years ago, but every style and configuration has been anchored by her inimitable personality and bold attitude. Even when the music hasn’t connected, her persona has. New … Continue reading
It’s that time of year again! While December is filled with year-end countdowns, I like to take a look back at some of K-pop’s biggest agencies during November. Before reading (especially if you’re new to the blog), it’s helpful to know that my grading focuses most heavily on music releases and how comebacks are managed … Continue reading
When last we heard from Xodiac, it was in the form of four-member sub-unit UNIT-X early this summer. I had to look up this review because I couldn’t remember the song at all, and that’s probably because it was a cover of an old SS501 track. Now, the group is back as a whole with … Continue reading
Rookie group Close Your Eyes completely reinvented their sound with last month’s pre-release SOB. While I initially balked at the cringe lyrics and heavy vocal effects, that song eventually won me over through the sheer force of its dance beat. However, I still enjoy the guys best on smooth, vocal-focused tracks like their killer debut … Continue reading
I continue to be mystified by PLAVE’s incredible success. While established idol groups’ new videos are stuck at tens of thousands of hits, PLAVE’s new single BBUU! has already sailed past a million. I assume there’s some extra-musical appeal I’m missing. After all, I’ve never delved past the songs themselves because the music remains quite … Continue reading
New boy group AM8IC impressed me with their pre-debut Buzzin and its fun, funky riff on Ghostbusters. Now, it’s time for the guys to make their actual debut with their first mini album. Title track Link Up opts for a more reserved energy, borrowing from many familiar 2025 sounds. Link Up‘s verses are emblematic of … Continue reading
ONF have been a firm favorite of this blog since their debut, but trouble seemed to be in the air surrounding this new comeback. Not only does it interrupt the promising “My Identity” series the group launched earlier this year, but it completely jettisons their main producer Hwang Hyun in favor of in-house talent from … Continue reading
Repackage albums aren’t as common in K-pop as they used to be, but I’ve always liked them. They give artists a chance for an ultra-quick comeback and extend the promotional life of a project. CRAVITY’s Dare To Crave was already a very strong album with a killer title track, but now they’ve extended it with … Continue reading
ITZY released a strong single this spring with Girls Will Be Girls, but that album’s club-heavy b-sides pointed toward an even more promising avenue for the girls. Their charismatic performance style feels perfectly suited to the kind of talk-heavy dance music that’s currently in vogue and I’m surprised they didn’t release that kind of title … Continue reading
Though I would prefer to fall in love with every song I ever hear, sometimes it’s fun to have songs you hate as well. It’s like an arch-nemesis designed to irk you at every turn. In a strange way, I have a special fondness for music that ranks below a “5” rating on this blog. … Continue reading
In a sea of copycat comebacks, Just B have forged their own sonic path. Their recent music has borrowed heavily from hyperpop, delivering brief bursts of dense electronic soundscapes. While this hasn’t always worked as well as it could, I admire them for picking a genre and sticking with it. New title track True Heart … Continue reading
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
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. For their new mini album, NEWBEAT … 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’ve been meaning to write about … Continue reading
It’s that time of year again! While December is filled with year-end countdowns, I like to take a look back at some of K-pop’s biggest agencies during November. Before reading (especially if you’re new to the blog), it’s helpful to know that my grading focuses most heavily on music releases and how comebacks are managed … 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. Apart from its brilliant title track, … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 