It’s been over six years since SM Entertainment last debuted a new girl group, making aespa’s arrival long overdue. I feel like there have been rumors about a new girl group for at least four years now, with many picturing a large, SNSD-like configuration. Instead, aespa is a tight, four-person act, just as Red Velvet … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! My Style (from Pinocchio / Hot Summer – 2011) My Style’s splashy introduction feels tailor-made for early-00’s Beyoncé, harnessing drumline-like percussion before settling into a sticky electro groove. I love the synth accents during the song’s verses. They feel pretty canned and … Continue reading
The Midnight Romance has been an under-the-radar group this year, but they’ve been releasing new music at a shockingly steady rate. Just over two weeks since their brilliant Nightmare, the guys are back with emotional piano ballad I Don’t Want To Live Without You. It’s a far cry from their usual synth-powered sound, but stands … Continue reading
Like so many boy groups before them, BTOB are currently navigating the tricky business of military enlistments. Some members are currently serving, while others have been discharged. It’s been over two years since they’ve been able to release something as a full group, but they’ve smartly created a new sub-unit to keep the BTOB brand … Continue reading
Over a year since its release, AKMU’s 2019 title track How Can I Love The Heartbreak, You’re The One I Love is still lodged in the top twenty of the Melon digital chart. That’s the very definition of an enduring megahit, and a testament to just how much Korea loves this singer-songwriter duo. Because of … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Mr. Boogie (from Nu ABO – 2010) How can a dance track called Mr. Boogie possibly be anything less than awesome? From its title alone, you already know that this is going to be a ton of fun. And, f(x) don’t disappoint. … Continue reading
When it comes to follow-up singles, K-pop agencies have been choosing material I never would have gone for. I mean, aren’t they reading my “buried treasures” series?? Kidding aside, I’m happy that Woollim are giving rookie group DRIPPIN a second music video to promote their album. But, they’ve somehow managed to pick my least favorite … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! February … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Milk (from Red Light – 2014) Though there are more obvious triumphs on the Red Light album, Milk has long been a favorite of mine. This song is all about percussion, which drives every element and extends to the girls’ highly-rhythmic vocals. … Continue reading
Remember WARPs? They came out of nowhere last December with the brilliant Rock Tonight, which ended up being one of my favorite J-pop tracks of 2019. Then, they seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. This isn’t too surprising, as I’m sure the COVID pandemic played a part in derailing whatever plans they … Continue reading
LDH Japan has suddenly begun to blitz the internet with new music videos from its Exile Tribe acts, which is pretty exciting. Unfortunately, many of these have been in support of ballads that were digitally released months ago. But then we have Rising Soul – a new single by the agency’s popular Sandaime J Soul … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. GFriend have always been “albums artists,” with b-sides that are often … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Me+U (from Nu ABO – 2012) After a long wait, MeU would eventually become f(x)’s official fan name. But, it got its start one year into the group’s career with Me+U. This is a deeply weird track, bumping over a repetitive 8bit … Continue reading
SM’s Station platform has made an unexpected return with the release of Changmin’s surprise digital single All That Love. This breakup song follows Changmin’s recent marriage, which is kind of an odd contrast of sentiments. 2020 has been a relatively quiet year for TVXQ, both in Korea and Japan, so any new music is appreciated. … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Love Hate (from Electric Shock – 2012) Love Hate wastes no time getting started. The verses are delightfully playful, and feel as if they’re constantly struggling to keep up with themselves. The pre-chorus is even better, as the melody takes a perfect … Continue reading
When last we checked in with Lucy, I was bemoaning how little they were utilizing their violinist. Jogging was a perfectly serviceable track, but felt too generic for a group with a leader who also happens to play the violin. Thankfully, new single Snooze (선잠) rights this wrong and finds great use for strings within … Continue reading
As usual, TXT are bolstering their latest album campaign with multiple promotional releases. And also as usual, they’re not choosing the follow-up singles I wish they would. Songs like Blue Orangeade, New Rules and Drama all missed the chance to become excellent singles in Korea, and now I’m afraid that Ghosting and Wishlist will suffer … Continue reading
Natty made her solo debut earlier this year, and reminded me of a young BoA. Her skill as both a dancer and vocalist positions her well for upbeat pop music, and I’m glad to hear she’s continuing that approach with new single Teddy Bear. From the title alone, you’d expect the track to be pretty … Continue reading
STAYC aren’t just a run-of-the-mill debut group. They arrive bolstered by producers Black Eyed Pilseung, and are the first act signed to their new agency High-Up Entertainment. Black Eyed Pilseung have been responsible for quite a few major K-pop hits, including songs from Twice, Chungha and Apink. So, have they saved their best material for … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Love (from Pinocchio / Hot Summer – 2011) As far as I know, Love is the only instance where production team Sweetune has worked with SM Entertainment. That’s kind of surprising when you think about it, but just shows how much of … Continue reading
