The Boyz are releasing their second full album in parts, starting with a collection targeted at bright summer sounds. I’ve been waiting for the group to return to this style for years. 2021’s Thrill Ride had the imagery right, but Lip Gloss nails the sound. I love when K-pop groups don’t take themselves too seriously. … 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. I don’t usually listen to Korean … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
At first, I was planning on simply including Body To Body in this week’s upcoming “New & Noteworthy J-pop” post, but I know not everyone reads those and I didn’t want fans of bombastic 80’s synthwave (like myself!) to miss out on this track. Meik debuted as a soloist in 2017 after leaving group J☆Dee’Z … Continue reading
It’s been a weird week for me. Both my favorite K-pop group (Infinite) and my favorite J-pop group (Kis-My-Ft2) returned with new music, yet I found each of these singles to be among the week’s most underwhelming material. It’s seriously like Bizarro World. To be honest, it’s been a difficult couple of years 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. I’m still in a haze over … 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. Kwon Eunbi’s new project may only … Continue reading
In the lead-up to XG’s first mini album, the Japanese girl group continue to tease new sounds with their second pre-release TGIF. Prior track GIRL GVNG was a fun — if slight — nod to their hip-hop side. TGIF takes them straight to the dancefloor with a nimble beat that feels like a natural successor … Continue reading
I had to go back to my September 2022 review of Limelight’s pre-debut Starlight to remember what this trio was all about. I guess I never got around to reviewing their most recent single Honestly, though I remember liking it when it came out early this year. But for all extents and purposes, I’m heading … Continue reading
1. Intro: 13 // 2. New Emotions // 3. Time Difference // 4. I Got You // 5. Find Me FIND ME Funny enough, Find Me is my least favorite track on this album but my favorite vocal performance. On the past three songs, I’ve struggled with the restraint of Infinite’s vocals and melodies. After … Continue reading
Rookie boy group BXB impressed earlier this year with the emotive drama of Fly Away. As they set to embark on their first official comeback, one would hope they’d build upon the strengths of that debut to craft something even bigger and better. Unfortunately, Planet cribs from Fly Away‘s most sluggish instincts, resulting a well-performed … Continue reading
Mamamoo and its sub-units never met an onomatopoeia they didn’t love. Their music has increasingly become characterized by cartoonish hooks placed over funky backbeats. Hints of their retro, jazzy debut-era sound still creep up in the vocal delivery, but their work has become mired in a sense of novelty that belies their obvious talent. My … Continue reading
After setting the industry (and my playlist) alight in 2021, Brave Girls released one final album before leaving their agency and rebranding as BBGirls. That name feels very awkward, but I’m so happy these four decided to stick together. Their music is great counterprogramming to K-pop’s younger girl groups, confident in its ability to showcase … Continue reading
Let me paint a picture for you: In the unlikely event that producers Sweetune are announced as part of a modern-era idol comeback, my entire base of operations goes on red alert. Lights flash, alarms sound and any outside activity freezes as the fist-pumping grandeur of The Chaser pipes through the overhead speakers. Okay, I don’t … Continue reading
1. Intro: 13 // 2. New Emotions // 3. Time Difference // 4. I Got You // 5. Find Me I GOT YOU Apart from the (very good) intro track, I Got You is the only song on 13egin produced by a longtime Infinite collaborator. BLSSD composed 2018’s Tell Me and a trio of title … Continue reading
I was quite ruthless when writing about Xikers’ pre-release Koong, drawing ire from the their fan base alongside accusations that I “hated” the group. In reality, I very much enjoyed this spring’s Rockstar and I’m heartened by the fact Do Or Die brings them back to this guitar-heavy sound. This feels like a nice niche … Continue reading
I’ve been enjoying the heck out of The Wind’s early-Gfriendcore concept. In my eyes, they’re doing everything right so far. By working with a small, dedicated team of composers, they’ve quickly developed a signature sound characterized by buoyant production and big moments of exuberant catharsis. Last week’s pre-release Summer Vacation has grown into an undeniable … Continue reading
Woollim Entertainment has had an unusually barren year so far, releasing just a handful of tracks and only one official comeback. But Kwon Eunbi has recently been gaining attention online, making this the perfect time to remind fans that she is a fierce performer first and foremost. The Flash pairs her with talents from the … 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. Looking back, I was probably a … Continue reading
1. Intro: 13 // 2. New Emotions // 3. Time Difference // 4. I Got You // 5. Find Me TIME DIFFERENCE Fans disappointed in New Emotions‘ trend-chasing sound have flocked to Time Difference (시차) for a dose of the classic Infinite style. As far as 13egin‘s upbeat moments go, this is closest to what … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 