For the second pre-release before Sistar member Hyolyn’s debut solo album, she’s teamed up with Jay Park. Despite the high wattage of star power on display, One Step still feels like an album track rather than a proper single. But unlike last week’s offering, the song’s sound is much better suited to Hyolyn’s inimitable performance … Continue reading
It feels like we’re reaching the breaking point when it comes to the tropical house trend. Big name groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have managed to wring some life from it this past month, but when even lower-profile acts like Berry Good jump on the bandwagon, the market starts to feel a bit over-saturated. Luckily, … Continue reading
One of the selling points upon Seventeen’s debut last year was their unique configuration as three separate units (performance, hip-hop and vocal) within their thirteen-member group. Though the vocal unit delivered a fantastic one-off in February, I’m surprised that we haven’t had releases from the other units outside of side tracks on the group’s albums. … Continue reading
YG Entertainment has a long history of releasing excellent mid-tempo ballads, but none has ever sounded quite like BLACKPINK’s new single Stay. The girls have constantly been compared to 2NE1 (the only other female act in the agency) and portions of Stay‘s melody feel lifted from directly from that group’s oeuvre, but it’s been repackaged … Continue reading
For the past few months, I’ve felt like one of the only k-pop fans who hasn’t been completely won over by new YG girl group BLACKPINK. Luckily their first comeback, consisting of Playing With Fire (불장난) and Stay, has gone a long way in reigniting my interest. At many points, both Whistle and Boombayah felt as … Continue reading
Given last week’s funky and laidback pre-release, it was only a matter of time before Bastarz returned with something closer to last year’s hard-hitting Zero For Conduct. Make It Rain is definitely that track, slamming listeners over the head with an aggressive, grimy hip-hop sound. Block B made their name on edgy material, but even … Continue reading
With The Closer, VIXX have delivered on their ambitious 2016 trilogy release schedule. When the project first began with April’s excellent Dynamite, I looked forward to a year of varying concepts that pushed VIXX’s already solid sound. But between Fantasy and The Closer, the guys have instead settled into a certain downbeat vibe, assisted by … Continue reading
As a group heading into its fifth year, the first official EXO sub-unit seems almost overdue, especially given their large number of members and initial unit configuration of EXO-M and EXO-K. When it was announced that CBX would comprise of Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin, it was hard to guess exactly what sound they’d be paired with. … Continue reading
I never found the time to review The Solutions’ July single Ticket To The Moon, even though I found it to be a summer highlight. Korea isn’t exactly known for its rock music, and The Solutions’ particular brand of synthy indie pop is even more unique in the world of k-pop. Paired with Lovelyz’ main vocal Kei forges … Continue reading
A couple of weeks after pre-releasing the upbeat r&b funk of What You Need, EXO member Lay is back with his debut solo EP. To herald its release, Lose Control slows things down and sexes things up, giving his sound yet another layer. From the very beginning, Lose Control screams late 90’s/early 00’s radio r&b. Almost … Continue reading
Although members of Sistar have featured on many tracks outside of their group’s releases, Hyolyn is the first to go completely solo with her upcoming mini album. As befits a member of one of k-pop’s biggest groups, she’ll be releasing a trio of singles as part of her solo debut. First up is Love Like This, … Continue reading
At the tail end of last year, it seemed as if LuHan was releasing songs and music videos every other week, including the brilliant (and underrated) Medals. But after months away, he returns with the moody Catch Me When I Fall. And although it doesn’t quite live up to the best of his past material, it’s … Continue reading
Although Block B sub-unit Bastarz’s 2015 mini album was heralded by its heavy hip-hop title track, the rest of the EP ended up being far more diverse in sound. With this in mind, the retro funk/jazz fusion vibe of Selfish & Beautiful Girl (이기적인 걸) isn’t as surprising as it first may seem. Co-composed by member … Continue reading
Twice’s rapid rise to the top has been an incredible feat to witness. Just two singles in, and they’re arguably the most impactful girl group in k-pop at the moment. In our meme-driven entertainment culture, the girls have crafted a sound built on an assortment of colorful musical moments — both catchy and viral-worthy. After the … Continue reading
Despite enjoying bigger success in Japan than their native Korea over the past couple of years, Boyfriend’s j-pop material has never come close to surpassing their incredibly run of Sweetune-produced singles from 2011-2013. But never say never, because now the group is back with the bombastic dance pop of Jackpot, and it’s their best Japanese release … Continue reading
Even when I’m not necessarily a fan of a song, it’s hard for me to rate it less than “good,” especially since I know how much work goes into these k-pop comebacks. But with 24K’s Bingo, I have trouble finding many redeeming qualities. The group has been pursuing this “harder” sound for awhile now, and unfortunately … Continue reading
When SM Station first started, it felt primarily like a delivery method for ballads. But as the months have gone on, it’s become much more focused on EDM tracks, inviting some of the agency’s biggest artists to collaborate with DJs and dance producers. This time around, in-house collective BeatBurger is paired with k-pop royalty BoA. … Continue reading
There was a period when Jay Park released lighthearted, throwback r&b pop that resulted in at least two singles (the incredible Joah and So Good) that have only grown better with age. But that Jay Park has been replaced with someone much more predictable. In fact, I’ve hesitated more than once to review his prolific output of … Continue reading
This seems to be the week for comebacks and debuts of rookie girl groups. But of all of them, A.De held personal interest by virtue of Good Time being produced by Sweetune. Last week, the production team gave us 100%’s fantastic Better Day, and Good Time continues that resurgence. The song is much more Kara than Infinite, but … Continue reading
You Bad! Don’t Make Me Cry (넌 Bad 날 울리지마) may just be my favorite title translation for a k-pop song all year. Not only is it an eccentric mouthful of misjudged, simplified English, but its lack of focus actually describes the song perfectly. And the best part is… none of this is criticism. I’ve … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 