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. Brave Girls’ new mini album is … Continue reading
A Xia Junsu comeback is always cause for celebration. No matter what genre he tackles, Junsu’s captivating presence and commanding vocals demand attention. Last we heard from him, he indulged his dance pop side with 2020’s excellent Pit A Pat. With new single Hana (하나), he’s embraced “tropical” moombahton sounds – despite that genre no … Continue reading
Last time we heard from boy group WEi (Universe releases aside…), they gave us the upbeat, summery sounds of Bye Bye Bye. It was a sudden shift in style, embracing upbeat power pop rather than the angstier material they had debuted with. New track Too Bad follows this pattern, cementing the group’s transformation. And unsurprisingly, … Continue reading
Nearly two years since her solo debut, Mamamoo’s Solar has returned with her first mini album. Just like 2020’s Spit It Out, she continues to subvert expectations by embracing upbeat grooves rather than the balladry some might have imagined. For better or worse, Honey (꿀) follows in the footsteps of many recent Mamamoo singles – … Continue reading
Following the release of Japanese solo albums, the members of TVXQ (or Tohoshinki, as they’re known in Japan) have joined forces for new EP Epitaph. The guys haven’t released a full or mini album since 2019, making this feel like a momentous occasion. Here’s hoping their recent Japanese blitz is a harbinger for upcoming work … Continue reading
When Astro’s Moonbin and Sanha made their sub-unit debut in 2020, I was smitten by the funky pop of Bad Idea. I didn’t think much of the album itself, but that song seemed to offer a great template for future work. New mini album Refuge was preceded by last month’s Ghost Town — a trendy, … Continue reading
As popular as Monsta X have become, the members haven’t released much solo music. And when it comes to individual name recognition, I hadn’t expected Kihyun to get the push. As the main vocal, he’s more than deserving of solo spotlight. And rather than pursue the predictable route of a balladeer, debut single Voyager embraces … Continue reading
All good things must come to an end, and Nu’est have decided to bow out on their own terms. The release of Again, Spring (다시, 봄) marks their final single before disbandment, couched within a greatest hits album. It’s difficult writing about a song like this because the focus is directed more toward sentiment than … Continue reading
With its members in various states of pre and post military enlistment, Winner is currently in a bubble that’s allowed them to schedule a full-group concert for later this spring. I wonder if they’ll release new music to go along with this milestone? For now, we’ll make do with a solo single from the group’s … Continue reading
With K-pop’s “girl crush” sound and concept omnipresent over the past few years, it’s become abundantly clear which groups can pull it off and which feel less authentic. I wouldn’t call (G)I-DLE’s debut era “girl crush,” but their edgier energy certainly helped lay the groundwork. They’ve made their name on self-produced shots of calculated attitude. … Continue reading
Brave Girls leveraged an unexpected resurgence to craft an extraordinary 2021. Both Chi Mat Ba Ram and After We Ride have quickly become classics (visiting my ‘top ten of the year’ countdown on their way!). Because of this, my expectations for any future work are sky-high. New single Thank You doesn’t do anything to dull … Continue reading
Since returning as a soloist in 2019, Park Bom has had a rather infrequent run of singles. We didn’t hear from her at all in 2020, and her latest track dropped nearly a year ago. But, she’s back with Melomance’s Kim Minseok as a duet partner on the dramatic Flower (꽃). It’s always a treat … Continue reading
I don’t often write about Jay Park’s music on The Bias List. I guess he could still be considered an “idol,” but I’d classify his work as more straight-up R&B than K-pop. The lines are blurring more and more every year. However, a feature from the ever-popular IU warrants a review. Whenever I click on … Continue reading
Debut group TAN (To All Nations) were formed through MBC’s Wild Idol audition show, which paired typical Produce-esque tropes with outdoor training and survival challenges. It was a bizarre concept, and I’ll admit that I gave up on the series after episode one. Even Infinite’s Sungkyu as a celebrity mentor couldn’t keep my attention! Thankfully, … Continue reading
To be honest, I completely forgot Kwon Eunbi’s Universe track was dropping today. You know I like to “celebrate” these releases with some insane funhouse game, but that takes a fair bit of planning. But then, I remembered these Universe reviews are supposed to be as half-assed as the music itself. That’s the joke! So, … Continue reading
As I mentioned when writing about their January single, I’ve been on a big Johnny’s West kick lately. Upon a deep reevaluation of their music, it turns out I love it more than I’d thought! Luckily, the Mixed Juice album was waiting just around the corner, ready to deliver a new collection of songs. The … Continue reading
In preparation for Kim Wooseok’s new single, I looked back at his previous solo comebacks and realized that none of them have made any impression on me. Yes, I reviewed the songs. But, they came and went so quickly that I hardly remember them. Beyond the bubble of Produce 101 hype, I’ll never understand Top … Continue reading
Weeekly have made their name on a fresh, youthful sound that’s been a nice counterpoint to the girl crush trends of the moment. True to their name, past singles have felt perfect for Friday night or the weekend. With that in mind, new single Ven Para is that unwelcome Monday morning when you have to … Continue reading
Just a few weeks since the release of their second album, SixTONES are back with new single Kyomei (Resonance). Upon hearing the jarringly cut YouTube version, I wasn’t a fan. But, the full song is much more cohesive and satisfying. Even so, I’m finding myself return to the poppier Fashion more often. This song isn’t … 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. Rocket Punch’s Yellow Punch album doesn’t … Continue reading
