The Midnight Romance has been an under-the-radar group this year, but they’ve been releasing new music at a shockingly steady rate. Just over two weeks since their brilliant Nightmare, the guys are back with emotional piano ballad I Don’t Want To Live Without You. It’s a far cry from their usual synth-powered sound, but stands … Continue reading
Like so many boy groups before them, BTOB are currently navigating the tricky business of military enlistments. Some members are currently serving, while others have been discharged. It’s been over two years since they’ve been able to release something as a full group, but they’ve smartly created a new sub-unit to keep the BTOB brand … Continue reading
Over a year since its release, AKMU’s 2019 title track How Can I Love The Heartbreak, You’re The One I Love is still lodged in the top twenty of the Melon digital chart. That’s the very definition of an enduring megahit, and a testament to just how much Korea loves this singer-songwriter duo. Because of … Continue reading
When it comes to follow-up singles, K-pop agencies have been choosing material I never would have gone for. I mean, aren’t they reading my “buried treasures” series?? Kidding aside, I’m happy that Woollim are giving rookie group DRIPPIN a second music video to promote their album. But, they’ve somehow managed to pick my least favorite … Continue reading
Remember WARPs? They came out of nowhere last December with the brilliant Rock Tonight, which ended up being one of my favorite J-pop tracks of 2019. Then, they seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. This isn’t too surprising, as I’m sure the COVID pandemic played a part in derailing whatever plans they … Continue reading
LDH Japan has suddenly begun to blitz the internet with new music videos from its Exile Tribe acts, which is pretty exciting. Unfortunately, many of these have been in support of ballads that were digitally released months ago. But then we have Rising Soul – a new single by the agency’s popular Sandaime J Soul … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. GFriend have always been “albums artists,” with b-sides that are often … Continue reading
SM’s Station platform has made an unexpected return with the release of Changmin’s surprise digital single All That Love. This breakup song follows Changmin’s recent marriage, which is kind of an odd contrast of sentiments. 2020 has been a relatively quiet year for TVXQ, both in Korea and Japan, so any new music is appreciated. … Continue reading
When last we checked in with Lucy, I was bemoaning how little they were utilizing their violinist. Jogging was a perfectly serviceable track, but felt too generic for a group with a leader who also happens to play the violin. Thankfully, new single Snooze (선잠) rights this wrong and finds great use for strings within … Continue reading
As usual, TXT are bolstering their latest album campaign with multiple promotional releases. And also as usual, they’re not choosing the follow-up singles I wish they would. Songs like Blue Orangeade, New Rules and Drama all missed the chance to become excellent singles in Korea, and now I’m afraid that Ghosting and Wishlist will suffer … Continue reading
Natty made her solo debut earlier this year, and reminded me of a young BoA. Her skill as both a dancer and vocalist positions her well for upbeat pop music, and I’m glad to hear she’s continuing that approach with new single Teddy Bear. From the title alone, you’d expect the track to be pretty … Continue reading
STAYC aren’t just a run-of-the-mill debut group. They arrive bolstered by producers Black Eyed Pilseung, and are the first act signed to their new agency High-Up Entertainment. Black Eyed Pilseung have been responsible for quite a few major K-pop hits, including songs from Twice, Chungha and Apink. So, have they saved their best material for … Continue reading
SixTONES have taken the J-pop world by storm this year, and much of that is due to their ability to subvert expectations. Yes, they still brandish the elaborate costuming that’s become a hallmark of Johnny’s Entertainment acts, but their music has pushed toward a more international direction. I’m of two minds about this. I love … Continue reading
Arashi are putting a bow on their twenty-one year recording career, with what is assumed to be their final studio album This Is Arashi. It’s an odd hodgepodge of songs, including some of the group’s recent English work and even a Christmas track. So rather than feel like a cohesive project, the album plays more … Continue reading
Just two-and-a-half weeks since their comeback in Korea, Twice have delivered their next Japanese single. This is truly the K-pop group who doesn’t sleep. Rather than draw from the retro style of October’s I Can’t Stop Me, Better feels more like a sequel to last year’s Fake & True and Feel Special. It continues Twice’s … Continue reading
Boy group E’Last debuted this spring with a theatrical sound that hearkened back to older generations of K-pop. I really enjoyed their single Swear, but didn’t return to it nearly as much as I would have thought. Still, I’m excited to see the group maintain their dramatic flair with new track Tears Of Chaos (눈물자국). … Continue reading
Kim Junsu has always been one of those indispensable K-pop vocalists. There’s no one else quite like him, and just hearing his voice hearkens back to earlier eras. His last album was released all the way back in the spring of 2016, promoted by the excellent, underrated Rock The World. Now, after four years and … Continue reading
Less than a year after debut, Japan’s Produce 101-spawned JO1 is releasing their first full album. Of course, the Japanese market works differently than K-pop, usually cobbling together a run of already-released singles and b-sides into an album. But, this still seems like a quick accomplishment for the rookie group. After the generic Infinity, August’s … Continue reading
Of all the Wanna One members, Ha Sungwoon never really caught my attention. Yet, his solo career has gone from strength to strength. He’s proving himself a great pop songwriter with surprising versatility. And, I love the funky route his title tracks have taken. Forbidden Island (그 섬) continues this arc, thriving on a hearty … Continue reading
For me, Taemin’s Never Gonna Dance Again project has been an experience of contrasts. And when it comes to its title tracks, that’s been especially true. Criminal drew out everything I love most about Taemin’s music, and has quickly become my favorite solo single in his discography. In contrast, new release Idea (IDEA:理想) embraces the … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 