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. Too many modern K-pop albums feel cobbled together by committee. I … Continue reading
Under-the-radar boy group M.O.N.T have been steadily releasing music these past few months, whether as a trio or soloists. Most of it has drawn more upon hip-hop influences than the funk-pop of last year’s Rock Paper Scissors. But, even the most melodic tracks in M.O.N.T’s discography have always relied strongly on rap. Shadow is no … Continue reading
We’ve entered the second phase of a string of comebacks supporting BLACKPINK’s upcoming album. This is not an unprecedented approach for YG Entertainment. Nearly all of the agency’s acts have been involved in a months-long blitz of singles at some point in their career. But, it’s particularly refreshing to see BLACKPINK get this spotlight, and … Continue reading
OnlyOneOf’s spring single Angel was a sleeper hit for me, thriving on its catchy funk-pop groove and airy vocal delivery. That song came from the first part of a “produced by” project, in which the group has worked with a variety of big-name producers and tagged them as part of their song titles. New single … Continue reading
Earlier this summer, Empress of J-pop Ayumi Hamasaki released her first new single in nearly four years. Ohia no Ki was a sentimental ballad, similar to those that have helped forge her decades-long career. But, I’m much more interested in its follow-up track, the electronic-meets-rock Dreamed A Dream. This song also represents a comeback of … Continue reading
KARD had an incredible debut year, quickly becoming one of the buzziest acts of 2017 and one of the few modern K-pop co-ed groups to gain attention. Since then, I’ve had a hard time connecting with their music. Too often it feels as if they’re twisting themselves into concepts that capitalize on a “badass” image, … Continue reading
I’m a big fan of the Exile Tribe family of groups, and for me The Rampage are the ones to beat at the moment. Their trio of vocalists are excellent – complimentary but compelling in their own right. And, the group’s edgy sound makes a great conduit for dynamic material. The Rampage’s music often steers … Continue reading
Japan’s first season of Produce 101 spawned boy group JO1, who made their debut this March with their single Infinity. For me, that song amounted to little more than a checklist of boy group tropes, but it did quite well for the guys. Now, they’re back with the bigger, ballsier Oh-Eh-Oh. Co-produced by Pentagon’s Hui, … Continue reading
Like Jeon Somi, Kang Daniel and Jang Wonyoung, Kim Yohan placed first on his season of Produce 101, becoming the center of short-lived boy group X1. And like those other victors, his notoriety has led to a big presence in Korean media. For Yohan, that has mostly transferred to acting roles (or at least the … Continue reading
Jenyer is the stage name of ex-4minute member Jeon Jiyoon. She made her solo debut back in 2016, but Bad is her first release under agency Arturo Entertainment. It’s great to hear her again, and Bad is a convincing comeback – embracing trends but standing on its own. The song showcases her as a budding … Continue reading
Seventeen’s 24H is already the group’s fourth original Japanese single, continuing to represent their successful push into international markets. It comes on the heels of March’s Fallin’ Flower, and uses that track’s energy as a jumping off point. But, 24H pushes us in even stronger directions. Its willingness to explore is appreciated. Composed by the … Continue reading
Buoyed by several members’ Produce X 101 popularity, CRAVITY debuted earlier this year to much commercial success. Their fan base is already strong. Now, they’ve just got to figure out which direction to take their music. So far, they’ve presented us with two contrasting concepts: the Monsta X-lite Break All The Rules and the flower … Continue reading
ATEEZ often deliver multiple music videos to support their albums, but there’s not usually much space between the two releases. It’s been nearly a month since the group dropped Inception, and this wait makes Thanxx feel like a real single of its own rather than one half of a pair. Like their Wave/Illusion release last … 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. When writing about ONEUS’s To Be Or Not To Be, I … 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. I’ve seen quite a few people raving about Break The Wall, … 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. MCND’s Earth Age mini album has followed in the footsteps of … Continue reading
Debuting on the same day as a new BTS single is an intimidating prospect. With so much of K-pop fans’ attention diverted to Dynamite, many may miss girl group AREAL’s first foray into the industry. The girls hail from JZ Factory Entertainment, which is also home to Right Said Fred-meets-K-pop act N.O.M. In other words, … Continue reading
Dynamite is BTS’s first English-language single, and I’m surprised it took them this long. Western pop markets – America, in particular – are notoriously hesitant toward music recorded in any other language, to their immense detriment. True market penetration requires a push past the industry’s gate-keepers, and that’s a struggle. Social media and streaming has … Continue reading
Apart from their exciting, old-school hip-hop debut Tenhane, most of Ballistik Boyz’ best material has appeared as b-sides. February’s Anti-Hero’s was alright (though the teacher in me despises that misplaced apostrophe), but the rock-rap Front Burner and breakbeat Bang Out were absolutely incredible. New single Summer Hype doesn’t live up to either of those tracks, … Continue reading
I’ve got a potentially controversial opinion: it’s time to reduce the amount of rap in idol songs. It’s become such a staple that K-pop’s melodies are beginning to follow suit, losing their robust, artfully-constructed refrains in favor of throwaway sing-talk. I suspect much of this is due to the logistics of idoldom in a rapidly-expanding … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 