The road to SuperM’s first full-length album has been paved by two pre-release singles: the high-octane, polarizing 100 and the EXO-meets-NCT Tiger Inside. Both did a good job showcasing the grandeur that fuels the SuperM project, but now that we’ve arrived at the album’s official title track, it feels like the time to really throw … Continue reading
As part of their recent online concert, ONEWE unveiled new digital single Parting (소행성). While I’ve enjoyed quite a bit of the band’s music so far, I’ve often noted that many of their songs feel like idol group material that just happens to be performed by a rock band. When it comes to title tracks, … Continue reading
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m baffled by Top Media’s plans for UP10TION. The group has two members who gained huge popularity through Produce X 101 and could inject some life into this struggling brand, yet the agency has pulled them away for solo work while having the rest of the guys continue … Continue reading
When writing about boy group UNVS’s debut, I was struck by how vocal-heavy it was. In a K-pop landscape that favors concept, beat and choreo, it was refreshing to hear a song that emphasized vocal arrangement. Unfortunately, their follow-ups didn’t quite live up to this potential. But, the fourth time’s the charm with new single … Continue reading
I’m a little confused about what BDC are. Apparently, they’re a pre-debut unit, similar to MXM. But, without a full group debut on the horizon, it seems as though they should just become permanent. There aren’t many trios in K-pop, and that approach might be refreshing. Whatever they decide to do, I hope their producers … Continue reading
After a 2019 that was flush with diverse boy group debuts, most of this year’s new acts have emerged with a similar sound. The recipe seems clear: a pinch of Monsta X’s lumbering EDM/hip-hop, a sprinkling of trap beats, and an overall concept that favors dark sets and mysterious, multi-album storylines. When GHOST9’s debut was … Continue reading
XUM is the rebooted name for three-fifths of disbanded girl group Neon Punch. In my opinion, their fun music never needed a reboot. But, XUM has arrived, and their name stands for… drumroll, please… “Xumething Unlimited Move.” So… there’s that. For the record, Neon Punch was a much cooler name, even if it became threatened … Continue reading
Nearly every song on Cignature’s debut mini album has a sound effect title, and that pretty much says it all. Nun Nu Nan Na, ASSA, Daldalhae, HingHing… we’re in full-on aegyo, nursery rhyme mode here. And, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. ASSA was a fun little concoction, comfortable in its own silliness. … Continue reading
Despite the international success of KARD, co-ed groups are still a rarity in K-pop. And with member J.Seph enlisting soon, that may become even more the case in the coming months. Enter: Checkmate. Composed of three men and two women, the newly-debuted group seem to have their eyes set on a similar trajectory. If I … Continue reading
Over the course of their first full-length album, The Boyz succumbed to many moody boy group tropes. This came as a disappointment to me, as I much prefer their funkier, SHINee-esque moments. Right Here and Giddy Up remain defining singles for them, and haven’t been bettered by anything they’ve released since. New track The Stealer … Continue reading
The 80’s electro K-pop trend is in full swing, and long may it reign! Up to this point, I’ve enjoyed most Everglow singles, but never found one that really struck a chord with me. February’s Dun Dun offered a glimpse of potential, showcasing a refreshing fierceness. But, new single La Di Da blows that wide … Continue reading
Stray Kids have always been an idol group with a heavy focus on hip-hop, and their new repackaged album leans into that hard. I tend to prefer when their music takes an electronic bent, so I’m having a hard time connecting with many of the new songs. But true to form, the guys are unveiling … Continue reading
Whatever happens going forward, I will always have a soft spot for Snuper. At their prime, the group delivered some of the best K-pop of this past decade. The frustrating irony is that most of that music has gone underappreciated and unknown, lost in the wake created by a-list acts with much bigger followings. But … Continue reading
With over 3,000 songs on my iPhone’s “K-Pop Singles” playlist, I thought it would be fun to add a bit of unpredictability to my song review posts. So as a result, we have the “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first gets … Continue reading
If I’m being honest, I’ve not been a fan of the English-language reworkings (or English-language originals) released by Arashi over the past few months. I appreciate their goal of global outreach during this final lap of their career, but after building decades of goodwill across hundreds of J-pop tracks, it feels odd to cap it … Continue reading
For better or worse, YG Entertainment has spawned its own sub-genre. We’ll call it “Teddysound.” It involves high octane verses underlined by aggressive electronic beats, a second verse rap switch-up, a hollow, chant-like chorus and a tacked-on, anthemic finale. At this point, it’s unwise to expect anything different from a YG title track, so we … Continue reading
I’ve always found it odd when acts release summer singles in September. Maybe it’s due to my occupation and schedule, but for me it feels like summer ends promptly at the end of August, blunting the effect of any new seasonal song. But Kis-My-Ft2 has been a longtime favorite of mine, and their music tends … Continue reading
After a 2019 reinvention that climaxed with the throbbing club track Sunset, KNK have been absent from K-pop’s comeback slate for over a year. They’re the kind of group I always find myself rooting for – the guys who have been through so much and seem destined to finally catch a break. To an extent, … Continue reading
A long hiatus can be devastating for a group, but can also spur a musical transformation that allows them to reach new heights. Last time we heard from fromis_9 was all the way back in June 2019, when they released the unrelentingly hyper Fun. I know that song has its fervent supporters (some of which … Continue reading
VAV’s Made For Two arrives on the heels of member Baron’s military enlistment, offering a needed salve to fans who are already missing him. Though VAV’s style has shifted to please musical trends, their title tracks have always been steered by jack-of-all-trades producer Ryan S. Jhun. At his best, Jhun has a gift for a … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 