Earlier this year, I was impressed by a Japanese b-side from CRAVITY, but the group hadn’t yet released an original J-pop single. That changes with Dilly Dally, though it feels more like a Korean comeback that just happens to be performed in Japanese. Dilly Dally‘s pop/rock sheen builds naturally upon September’s Ready Or Not, and … Continue reading
STAYC’s had a pretty strong year, though their music has shifted toward poppier sounds. For those unsure about this transformation, new Japanese single Lit references an energy more akin to their debut year. It’s subdued and quirky, eschewing the bright tones of tracks like Teddy Bear and Bubble. The group pull off this sound well … Continue reading
With new single Boogie Man, Lucy proudly continue K-pop’s tradition of releasing songs with a great Halloween theme long after the holiday has passed. There’s nothing like a little spookiness alongside your winter lights, right? But regardless of Boogie Man‘s musical tone, it’s nice to hear the group stretch themselves and tackle something with more … Continue reading
NMIXX will be one of the first acts to make a 2024 comeback, but before that they’ve unveiled pre-release Soñar (Breaker). So far, 2023 has seen them move away from the intense “mixx pop” that characterized their debut (and polarized opinion). It’s been nice to hear their vocals more clearly, with July’s Roller Coaster a … Continue reading
TVXQ performed Down on this year’s MAMA Awards as the first taste of their upcoming album. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since their last Korean comeback. I’m hopeful their new music will be an extension of their excellent catalog, but lately SM Entertainment has struggled to deliver the goods when it comes … Continue reading
The other day, I looked back at my top ten K-pop songs of 2019 and realized how much of a slide most of these artists have taken since then. This is subjective, of course. As my interest has waned, they’ve all went on to have tremendous commercial success. I get that I’m probably in the … Continue reading
I just can’t with these “virtual” groups. I’m already irritated by how industry titans like HYBE use effects to strip away all character from their artists’ voices, slowing turning K-pop idols into pretty, performing robots. But crafting an entire group from CGI is another level entirely. With so many acts already vying for attention, I … Continue reading
DKB are at a transitional moment, recently losing member Teo after a drunk driving incident. No one could blame them for being upset, and the aggressive energy of What The Hell seems to channel that feeling. Most of this song is boy-group-by-the-numbers, unveiling a mixture of crooning and bad boy rapping over a rugged beat. … Continue reading
Prior to today’s debut, new boy group One Pact have dropped several pre-release songs. Unfortunately, none of this music has appealed to me (though I did enjoy member Jay Chang’s solo songs last month). After this series of more bombastic, performance-oriented tracks, the guys have pulled way back for Must Be Nice (좋겠다). I’m surprised … Continue reading
I don’t often write “buried treasure” posts for Japanese b-sides, but I almost made an exception for &TEAM’s Dropkick. As fate would have it, HYBE decided to release the song with its own music video and send the guys to promote it on music shows. That’s one hundred percent the correct choice, since Dropkick laps … Continue reading
Upon the release of his first full album, fans are reeling at the revelation that Nam Woohyun was secretly battling a rare form of cancer earlier this year. Beyond the sheer ache we all feel for his struggle, I can’t help but admire his bravery in the face of a life-altering diagnosis. It’s impossible not … Continue reading
This year’s been light on original K-pop holiday carols so far, but I guess we’re just now knocking on December’s door. Rookies ATBO have made an early-career bid for winter ubiquity, releasing a single album themed to the season. Must Have Love checks off all the Christmassy tropes, bounding along a sleighbell-assisted beat. At its … Continue reading
Seventeen members have made smart use of mixtapes to tiptoe into solo work without all the fuss of full comeback promotions. I’m not sure how a single song can constitute a “mixtape,” but music is music whatever you call it and I’m happy to see Dino stretching his wings with more solo material. As one … Continue reading
Though she’s featured in SM Entertainment’s super group Got The Beat and made a successful return with Girls’ Generation last summer, it’s been a long wait for new solo music from Taeyeon. It’s hard to believe INVU was nearly two years ago! Now, she’s back with a new mini album and title track To. X. … Continue reading
Ryugujo are my favorite 2023 debut in any music market. I find the concept of a boy group taking on Avu-chan’s genre-bending, gutsy alt-rock very compelling and unlike anything else on the market. Part of the fun is watching them grow into this challenge. You don’t simply sing an Avu-chan track, nor are there many … Continue reading
It’s been over seven years since YG Entertainment debuted a girl group. This is the agency that gave us 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, so when it comes to new projects expectations will always be high. BABYMONSTER has been teased for quite a long time, further heightening curiosity as we approached their long-awaited debut date. So, why … Continue reading
Is iii’s Forbidden Midnight the most K-pop song to ever K-pop? I ask this knowing that K-pop — at its best — goes far beyond the easy critiques lodged at the industry from people who’ve never actually listened to the music or engaged in the fandom. But boy, does a pre-release like this give fuel … Continue reading
Fantasy Boys need better promotion behind their comebacks. I had no idea they were releasing an album or that this album would include two title tracks. K-pop releases are all about their roll-out. Build the hype, guys! Get It On is far more boisterous than yesterday’s Potential, bursting out of the gate with a rugged … Continue reading
A couple weeks after dropping pre-release ballad Miss You, former Treasure member Bang Yedam has returned with his first solo album. Title track Only One (하나만 해) puts a bit more bounce in his step, recalling K-R&B hitmakers Zion.T and Crush. This musical lane fits Yedam and feels authentic to the style he’d prefer. I’m … Continue reading
I must have been in a grumpy mood on the day of Fantasy Boys’ September debut because I definitely under-rated New Tomorrow. That song was never going to change the idol industry or become a year-end highlight, but its frothy pop sound stood the test of time. However, the guys have switched gears entirely for … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 