Xdinary Heroes debuted late last year with an interesting concept but a disappointing song. So far, their music feels like a punkier version of DAY6’s idol rock, which makes sense since they hail from JYP Entertainment. Come to think of it, their big-budget music videos also have strong “fight the system” Stray Kids energy. The … Continue reading
Early on in HyunA’s new single Nabillera, she references her 2011 mega-hit Bubble Pop. It’s a bittersweet moment, because it reminds listeners how incredible her music can be. Match a dynamite song with an artist as charismatic as HyunA and you have K-pop that defines the entire industry. Songs like Red and Roll Deep saw … Continue reading
ILY:1’s Love In Bloom never found a place on my playlist, but I appreciated its throwback to a tropical pop sound. It’s funny how you can miss musical trends once they’re over! New single Que Sera Sera (케세라세라) jettisons the tropical influences but offers a different kind of throwback. The song sees the group harnessing … Continue reading
It’s been a while since we had a song from SM’s NCT Lab project. So far, this showcase has given us a Mark Lee solo and a dance unit. Now, it’s time to focus on the group’s vocalists. Rain Day brings together Taeil, Kun and Yangyang for a mid-tempo designed for laid-back summer days. NCT’s … Continue reading
From what I’ve gathered from interviews, STAYC’s agency were opting for a sound closer to western pop when composing new single Beautiful Monster. The lines between music markets have blurred so much over the past few years that I’m not exactly sure what that means, but as long as it gives us a great chorus, … Continue reading
Hyolyn absolutely killed her Queendom stages. She seemed the odds-on favorite throughout much of the competition, but was ultimately undone by a relative lack of international fandom power. Such is the business of modern K-pop, I guess. For me, she’ll always enjoy “legend” status based on her work with Sistar alone. But, I have a … Continue reading
I enjoyed Seventeen’s Hot more than most seemed to, but the song didn’t have much longevity. In fact, it’s been years since a Seventeen title track has stuck around long on my playlist. It seems that, ever since Pledis Entertainment merged with HYBE, Seventeen’s sound has lost some idiosyncratic edge. Repackage track _World is a … Continue reading
It’s Sunday, which means it’s time to end the week with an open discussion post! To keep things civil, there are a few rules: Be kind and respectful to one another. Any harassing language will be deleted. This is not a place to state what you don’t like about me and/or my blog. Move elsewhere, … 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 have a strong bias toward … 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 know some of you have … 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 want to jinx it, … 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. The first half of Chungha’s Bare … Continue reading
BTS’s J-Hope pre-released More at the start of this month and somehow my even-keeled review spawned quite a discussion in the comments section! (That is, if you define “discussion” as unhinged character attacks with a wicked plot twist.) So, let me humbly begin this review by admitting that I don’t understand art. I’m too thick-headed … Continue reading
Over the past few weeks, I’ve become increasingly invested in ITZY’s “Sneakergate.” Originally teased as a chic, royal concept, the rug was pulled from underneath fans when Sneakers’ Kidz Bop-esque audio sample emerged. That teaser went on to become Stockholm syndrome, repeated daily until you had no choice but to give in. A conspiracy theory … Continue reading
One of the nicest things about summer break is having the time to catch up on music from markets I love but don’t always follow with as much discipline as K-pop. Ado’s New Genesis (新時代) may have been released last month, but I’d be remiss not to write about it regardless of how many days … Continue reading
It’s been quite a week for Twice’s fandom. A full group contract renewal, news of an upcoming Korean comeback and now a new Japanese single! Twice has long spoiled their fans, releasing song after song after song, but this latest blitz feels especially concentrated. The aptly-titled Celebrate precedes their fourth Japanese album and continues the … Continue reading
Hailing from Mystic Story has its advantages. You have agency founder Yoon Jongshin at your disposal, a celebrating songwriter whose work is foundational to popular Korean music. His songs may not be particularly trendy, but his name recognition alone draws attention. Billlie’s project album Track by Yoon puts that name front and center, as single … Continue reading
After last summer’s delightful Hello Hello, Snow Man have returned with their newest summer single Orange Kiss (オレンジkiss), which also serves as the theme to leader Iwamoto’s new movie. I haven’t been shy about my admiration for Snow Man’s music. Their personality and charm enhances every song, but the music is no slouch on its … Continue reading
I saw a headline somewhere that referred to Naniwa Danshi as “glitter idols,” and that’s probably the best moniker you could use to describe them. Johnny’s has opted to give them a classic idol concept, complete with over-the-top costuming that’s popped right out of a manga. It’s not remotely trendy, but that’s the point. A … Continue reading
After eight months without a comeback, SF9 have returned as SF6. Such is the reality for K-pop’s boy groups, who must juggle military enlistments as their career matures. But, that’s beside the point because the guys have finally stepped out of their moody, sensual style and embraced sunny summertime pop! They’ve delivered an entire album … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 