After taking a mid-year review of 2017’s songs last week, it’s time for the albums. In a landscape shifting more and more towards the digital single, I’ve been a longtime proponent of the classic pop album. 2017 hasn’t given us all that many, but there have definitely been a few standouts. Here are my favorites … Continue reading
Before the Bias List‘s Top 50 songs countdown in December, it’s time to take a mid-year survey of the k-pop landscape in 2017. Compared to 2016, this year has been somewhat underwhelming. But that doesn’t mean 2017 hasn’t had its share of highlights. Unsurprisingly, my list includes a number of acts that overlap with last … Continue reading
Coming off a very strong 2016, this year in k-pop has felt very middle-of-the-road. That’s not to say that there haven’t been highlights (we’ll get to those tomorrow…), but overall 2017 just hasn’t been that exciting thus far. Traditionally, k-pop revs up in the summer and fall as comebacks are more frequent and acts tend … Continue reading
Though most of k-pop fandom’s obsession rests on groups and individual artists, I have just as strong a bias toward certain producers as the performers themselves. That’s why I started The Bias List‘s Producer Spotlight feature. There are dozens of amazing individuals and teams working behind the scenes to craft k-pop’s best songs. Here are … Continue reading
Other than the finale, the best part of each year’s Produce 101Â is the concept performance battle. This is where the remaining contestants are split into groups and given an original song that fits within a specific genre. Last year, this segment resulted in the gorgeous In The Same Place, which became a bit of a … Continue reading
From bubblegum pop princess to mature singer-songwriter, IU has grown to become one of k-pop’s most loved and respected artists. Her output has varied quite heavily throughout the years, and each listener is likely to have an IU sound that they prefer most. Looking at my top ten, I think you’ll see where my allegiances … Continue reading
It’s that time of year again! Even if it doesn’t always feel like it here in the Pacific Northwest, summer is on the horizon. This is my favorite season for k-pop, with a strong focus on energetic, upbeat releases. Unlike the Ultimate 80’s Playlist I featured earlier in the year, Â “summer” is a far more … Continue reading
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. May 2017 Overall Thoughts May was a month of contrasts. The first two weeks were among the … Continue reading
iKON is YG Entertainment‘s newest boy group, formed through a series of survival shows that saw them debuting one year after their peers Winner. The guys may have only recorded one full album so far, but with YG’s singles-oriented release schedule, they have just enough title tracks for a top ten countdown. iKON is currently one … Continue reading
Few k-pop groups have embraced a retro sound as wholeheartedly as Secret. Though they haven’t released any new material since 2014, they were a huge presence in the girl group landscape from 2010-2012 and have since gone on to have successful solo careers. While we wait (impatiently) for a reunion, here are their best title … Continue reading
When it comes to solo female artists in k-pop, few have become as iconic as HyunA. Rather than go down a cute, innocent route, she’s harnessed her own sexuality and charisma to cause a stir every time she releases new music. No one would classify her as a power vocalist, but her blend of hip-hop … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. ERIK LIDBOM … Continue reading
Released in September of 2013, Coup d’Etat built on the touchstones of G-Dragon‘s 2009 debut album and his 2012 One Of A Kind mini. At this point, his immense star power had been cemented, allowing for high-profile collaborations that brought a more international flavor to his work. Within this framework, Coup d’Etat is one of k-pop’s … Continue reading
Since his solo debut in late 2014, Block B‘s Zico has enjoyed massive success. Every single he releases — whether promoted or not — seems to jump to the top of the charts. And in the space of just over two years, he’s compiled enough material for a proper countdown. Though his style isn’t always … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. NAM GI … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. MONOTREE Years … Continue reading
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. April 2017 Overall Thoughts 2017 continues to fall behind when compared to last year. Though it was easy … Continue reading
When it comes to the founding fathers of modern k-pop, it’s hard to think of one more influential than Seo Taiji. He’s lauded for his solo work as well, but this countdown will focus on his material with Seo Taiji & Boys. The trio released only four studio albums together, but within that short time they amassed … Continue reading
One of k-pop’s most daring boundary-pushers, Gain is not only part of girl group Brown Eyed Girls, but a compelling solo artist as well. Over the course of six mini albums, she’s delivered a diverse variety of styles and sounds, all woven together by the force of her undeniable charisma. Here’s her best work. 10. … Continue reading
Though k-pop rises or falls on the strength of its singles, a group’s real strengths can often be found in the lesser-known material that makes up their mini albums and full lengths. The definition of “album” in k-pop is so wide that I’ve got to lay down some ground rules before composing any sort of … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 