ITZY were without their main vocalist for January’s comeback, but still managed to drop an early-2024 highlight with the rugged, exciting Untouchable. Now, Lia has returned to the group and everything’s golden. At least, that’s what their new single Gold seeks to portray. It’s an interesting sonic shift for them, throwing disparate musical elements together … Continue reading
Though they’ve lost members along the way, CNBLUE has slowly and surely grown into one of K-pop’s longest running bands. At this point, you can pretty accurately predict how their music will sound before even hearing it, which can be both comfortable and frustrating. New single A Sleepless Night (그리운건 그대일까 그때일까) is another solid … Continue reading
It’s exceedingly rare for a K-pop act to drop two full-length albums in the space of a year, but that seems to be EPEX’s plan. The date for their upcoming album hasn’t yet been set, but My Girl acts as its pre-release. The guys delivered an impressive one-two punch this spring, making me hope their … Continue reading
With as many digital singles as Xdinary Heroes have released this year, it hasn’t felt like the band has ever gone away. So rather than a comeback, Night Before The End acts as an extension. It also takes the opportunity to showcase a new texture to the band’s sound, slowing its energy for a dramatic … Continue reading
By any metric, it’s hard to argue that Seventeen aren’t the biggest K-pop act currently active. With this in mind, I keep waiting for another new single to wow me in the way so many of their past songs have. Maestro‘s chorus was an unsatisfying tease while last year’s God Of Music was pleasant but … 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. It’s a fun time to be … 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. Mistranslations and nonsense titles are something … Continue reading
JD1 feels like one of those acts who are much more popular in Korea than abroad. This often pairs with music that sounds less internationally-minded, though his first two singles were palatable enough to appeal to a wide swath of listeners. As far as I’m concerned, he’s two for two so far. New single Be … Continue reading
As their career progresses, XG have moved between two major modes: hip-hop and club music. Often, there are elements of both in their music, but songs like Something Ain’t Right and New Dance leaned heavily into melodic house influences. New single IYKYK builds upon this approach, adding smooth R&B-style vocals that give it a sleek, … Continue reading
I’m not deep enough into the BTS fandom to know this song existed prior to today, and I’m not even sure it warrants a review given its irreverence. However, new BTS releases are few and far between these days, and this is technically Jin’s first (though not new) song since being discharged from the military. … Continue reading
Billlie have a new album out later this month, their first Korean release in about a year. And as is the fashion lately, they’re kicking off promotions with a pre-release track. Trampoline merges their quirky worldview with the subdued nature of 2024 girl groups, adding a jazzy flair for good measure. This will make for … Continue reading
BLACKPINK’s Jennie has a sparse solo discography to her name, both in quantity and quality. 2018’s Solo and last year’s You & Me felt quite underdeveloped as songs. However, she played an integral part in Zico’s irresistible Spot! earlier this year, paving the way for more solo work. Mantra emerges as her third single, continuing … Continue reading
I never got a chance to write about BEWAVE’s debut Sing! earlier this year. That song didn’t do much for me, but I heard potential from this young group. New single Hard To Get To You (너에게로 가는 길이 너무 어려워) moves toward fulfilling that potential, unveiling a surging sound that’s refreshingly anthemic in its … Continue reading
Despite consistently releasing new music, AB6IX have struggled to recapture the buzz of their debut era. Instead, they’ve expanded their sonic palette, exploring a variety of genres with generally strong results. 2021’s funky Cherry was one of those successes and new single NVKED echoes that upbeat energy. NVKED has an effusive, bounding instrumental, pulsing with … Continue reading
Nomad debuted earlier this year with the groovy No Pressure. I honestly had to go back and re-read my review to remember that song, but after jarring my memory its “no pressure, no diamond” hook quickly wormed its way back in. I suppose this is a testament to its enduring catchiness, even if I personally … Continue reading
Back in 2008, J-pop superstar Namie Amuro released the triple A-side 60s 70s 80s, where she recorded three songs inspired by those titular decades. My favorite was the 80’s-tastic What A Feeling, but the 60’s pastiche New Look wasn’t far behind. For their new single, Twice’s Japanese sub-unit Misamo have covered that track, tossing away … Continue reading
Over the years, Jay Park has found a successful formula collaborating with female artists. He’s had hits with IU and Kiss Of Life’s Natty and now he’s paired with Chungha for a funky single that brings out the best in his music. I’m one of those listeners who swears on Joah and So Good being … Continue reading
TVXQ are celebrating the twentieth (!) anniversary of their Japanese debut with the upcoming release of new album Zone. Before that, its lead single Sweet Surrender has been pre-released alongside a music video. The guys have steadily promoted since their 2017 return from the military, but to be honest it’s been a few years since … Continue reading
In a strange twist, the sweet, ultra-melodic girl group sound I came to love (think: Lovelyz, GFriend, April) has found a new home with fifth-gen boy groups. TWS are the most popular act tackling a bright, bubbly style but prior to their debut The Wind offered their take on the genre. Their Our: YouthTeen album … Continue reading
3piece are one of those very under-the-radar acts hampered only by their lack of notoriety and resources. Their debut single borrowed sonic touchstones from K-pop’s past (namely, tropical pop), which definitely appeals to me. However, the music missed the extra spark that a bigger budget could likely add. New single Light Up (피어올라) follows a … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 