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. HITCHHIKER Years … Continue reading
Category Archives: Feature
The Top Ten Best Songs by CRAYON POP
As their name suggests, Crayon Pop are one of k-pop’s most upbeat, energetic creations of the past few years. Though their discography is comparatively small, it’s remarkably consistent. They’re also a group overshadowed by their one impossibly enormous hit. But beyond that is a treasure trove of fun, smart and even experimental pop music. Here’s the … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Black Eyed Pilseung
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. BLACK EYED … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by AFTER SCHOOL
Before there was Seventeen, Pledis Entertainment was most known for rotational girl group After School. Though the girls haven’t released new material in awhile, they’re widely considered one of the most consistently top-notch girl groups in k-pop. I’d argue that, song-for-song, sub-unit Orange Caramel is even more addictive, but After School is no slouch themselves. While … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by BOA
It’s finally time to take a long overdue look at the singles from one of k-pop’s legendary performers. Honestly, BoA has released so much music in both Korea and Japan that this list has been revised several times over. I think everyone’s choices will probably be unique to them, but for me, I’ve found that her … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Sweetune
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. SWEETUNE Years … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Album Tracks by EXO
As a companion to my Top Ten Singles lists, it’s time to look at some of the best album tracks and b-sides from the best artists. EXO have a flawless singles run, but the quality doesn’t stop there. Here’s the best of what their albums have to offer. Honorable Mentions: Exodus Thunder Love, Love, Love … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by SPICA
With the release of last month’s Secret Time, Spica has just enough singles for a Top Ten Countdown. The group came hard during their debut year, releasing no less than five comebacks in 2012. Their sound has evolved throughout their career, but always with a focus on strong vocals and a catchy hook. An unfortunate … Continue reading
Top Three K-Pop Songs of August 2016
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by FTISLAND
This was not one of the easier lists to compile. FTIsland have dozens of singles to choose from, and I’ve liked almost all of them. But, if I were to rate their discography as a whole, the scores would be pretty even across the board, with a few major peaks standing out from an otherwise … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: LDN Noise
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. LDN NOISE … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Album Tracks by VIXX
As a companion to my Top Ten Singles lists, it’s time to look at some of the best album tracks and b-sides from the best artists. VIXX are well known for having a remarkably consistent discography that goes far beyond their singles. Here’s the best of the best. Honorable Mentions: Echo What U Waiting For … Continue reading
Designing a Comeback: The Perfect INFINITE Album
I’m a wishful sort of music listener, often finding myself wanting to jump in and help guide my favorite artists when it comes to choice of material and concept. I guess that’s pretty much describes any fan, right? With Infinite’s comeback looming around the corner, I thought it would be fun to imagine a situation … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by SHINHWA
Mention the name Shinhwa and most people will immediately think: “k-pop’s longest running boy band.” It’s quite a title, and also quite an accomplishment for any group. Shinhwa debuted in 1998 and have remained strong since, reinventing their sound several times over amidst label changes and military conscription hiatuses. They now stand as a beacon … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Seo Young-bae & Iggy
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. SEO YOUNG-BAE … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by DAL SHABET
Girl group Dal Shabet has been with us for five years now, moving from hyper cutesy pop to a more mature blend of dance music. Though they’ve never won a music show or broken into the a-list, they’ve kept at it and their output has only improved. The group now moves into a new era … Continue reading
Top Three K-Pop Songs of July 2016
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
KCON 2016 Recap & Review
It’s that time of year again! 2016 marked my second KCON, with a super solid line-up of performers that caused the concert side of things to sell out, and skyrocketed attendance for the convention. The past three days were a series of definite highs and lows, so read on to hear my thoughts. Convention Let’s … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Album Tracks by B1A4
As a companion to my Top Ten Singles lists, it’s time to look at some of the best album tracks and b-sides from the best artists. B1A4 is one of my favorite k-pop groups, and a lot of that is due to their strength as an albums artist. Here’s the best of the best. Honorable Mentions: … Continue reading
K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Thomas Troelsen
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. THOMAS TROELSEN … Continue reading