Whether working with Teen Top or on his own, Niel’s voice instantly conjures nostalgia. It’s very recognizable and rich with character. And on new single Parting Path (이별하러 가는 길), it’s quite versatile as well. The song is largely mid-tempo, but with an energy that builds and changes as it reaches its finale. I’m sure I … Continue reading
After 2022’s Vagabond, I found myself paying more attention to Trendz. Their agency smartly paired with producer LEEZ, who painted the group’s music with many sounds I loved in ATEEZ’s early discography. But though their songs were all very solid, none grabbed me with enough force to make Trendz an act I returned to often. … Continue reading
2024 is bounding out of the gate with debuts. ALL(H)OURS is the latest in a string of new groups, each competing for their own sliver of the market. It’s been a mixed bag so far, with Waker being my favorite of the bunch this month. As I often say, the guys of ALL(H)OURS seem to … Continue reading
Following last week’s MATZ, IT’s You is the second ATEEZ unit track from their recent album to be given a music video. In my mind, unit tracks should be used to expand a group’s sound, delivering niche genre experiments that suit whichever members are participating. That didn’t exactly happen on The World Ep.Fin: Will, and … Continue reading
OnlyOneOf’s 2022 “Underground Idol” series gave them great focus, helping to carve out a sonic and thematic place for their music. Since then, their work has become more fractured. The abrasive Seoul Drift grew quite addictive over time, but their BL drama “Bump Up Business” was so cheesy I couldn’t even finish it. It’s probably … Continue reading
Though I didn’t love their debut track, 8TURN’s first comeback Excel proved to be a big grower and eventually took a spot on my “Top 50” year-end countdown. As with most rookies, I feel they have a ton of potential and they’d benefit from further exploring the raucous rock energy they delivered last summer. Sadly, … Continue reading
JYP Entertainment releases so many music videos and performance videos and extended teasers that it’s become difficult to know which songs to write about on this blog! Run For Roses was first performed last year and isn’t the title track for NMIXX’s upcoming album, but it’s a compelling taste of what’s to come. Run For … Continue reading
In my eyes, B1A4 are one of K-pop’s all-time greats, and nothing they do now will change that. However, I’ve struggled to connect with most of their music as a trio. I miss those unique elements that only all five could deliver. And while new single Rewind doesn’t try to rekindle that magic, its throwback … Continue reading
It seems SF9 have settled into a once-a-year-comeback pattern, giving them less chances to hit it out of the park. Last January’s Puzzle had its heart in the right place, but I found the repetitive rhythm of its chorus difficult to fully embrace. Bibora accepts Puzzle‘s baton but ups the tempo and maintains its focus. … Continue reading
ITZY have released so many teasers and pre-releases leading up to their second full length album that you could be forgiven for thinking the project had already been unveiled! I didn’t connect with either of their pre-release tracks, though the confrontational energy of Born To Be fit them well. Fortunately, they saved the best for … Continue reading
2024 is already delivering several debuts, and boy group Waker is next on the docket. They pre-released Dash last month, which I really should have covered on the blog because it’s quite good. Now, they’ve turned the page with a softer sound on the anthemic Atlantis. Songs with “Atlantis” in the title have a pretty … 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
![Buried Treasure: TXT x SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] – LEvel](https://thebiaslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/txt-x-sawanohiroyukinzk-level.jpg?w=290&h=290&crop=1 "Buried Treasure: TXT x SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] – LEvel")
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. Readers, this is why I’m always … Continue reading
Before December 2022, Minho was the only SHINee member without a solo album to his name. His music continues to be released in drips and drabs, taking a far more understated approach compared to his bandmates. SHINee tend to offer something for everyone, and if you like softer, coffeehouse fair you’ve found the right guy … Continue reading
Every once and awhile, a favorite act releases a song that simply lands with a thud. For me, Love Trigger is that song for Snow Man. I’m a big Snow Man fan. They often appear near the top of my year-end J-pop lists and I find the group endlessly entertaining. Their musical output has been … Continue reading
The year is only a few days old, but we already have a new debut! The five-member Geenius hail from Sure Place Music & Creative, but had previous ties with the embattled Blockberry Creative. Their first digital single Voyage shows promise, even if its unfocused nature ultimately makes for a frustrating listen. In my recent … Continue reading
Rather than debut with a mini or full album, RIIZE have blitzed the market with digital singles. While it’s nice to promote music more often, I firmly believe that — during the first year of a rookie’s debut — every song needs to be a stone-cold classic. Like… one mega-hit after another to quickly cement … Continue reading
The Boyz have recently started releasing music videos for unit tracks. Last summer’s Passion Fruit got one and now we have a stylish visual for Sunwoo and Eric’s hip-hop track Honey, originally released on the group’s November album. Apart from its excellent title track, that album didn’t resonate with me the same way Christmas In … Continue reading
Over the years, the length between Jeong Sewoon’s comebacks has grown, making him more of a niche artist in K-pop. There was a time when his groovy pop sound consistently found its way onto my playlist, peaking with 2020’s addictive Say Yes. Since then, I’ve had a harder time connecting with his music. Sewoon’s vocals … Continue reading
Thus far, ICHILLIN’ have pinballed through a variety of styles, most recently getting caught in the sing-chant nursery rhyme style that plagues many of their peers’ discographies. New digital single Bite Me still has a (lack of) melody problem, but its dynamic instrumental counterpunches with surprising force. Bite Me opens with a wallop, as thundering … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 