i-dle are at a tricky fork in their career where their music no longer becomes an instant chart sensation yet they retain a large enough fan base to keep their career chugging along. At this point, artists can either cater directly to that fanbase or continue trying to score a more mainstream hit even if … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. But each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And even more than that, I’ll attempt to rank them from my least-to-most-liked. I invite you to share … 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
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible: … Continue reading
ENHYPEN are at an inflection point in their career, having lost member Heeseung earlier in the year as he opted for a solo career. The Sin: Bliss is their first album after this restructuring and is led by title track Bloody Paradise. To be honest, I haven’t been excited about ENHYPEN’s music in years, but … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Whenever I see that girl group X:IN has a new comeback, I know I’m in for something… interesting. In this case “interesting” does not equate to “good,” as they’re one of the lower-ranked groups on this blog. Somehow, their music almost always manages to self-sabotage, showing promise before doing something bizarre to mess it all … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Kim Jaejoong has been more active as an agency head than a performer this year, debuting two new boy groups under his iNKODE Entertainment. But every once and awhile, it’s important to return to the spotlight and remind everyone what a great singer he is. His bravura performance is on full display on the anthemic … Continue reading
Though Oh My Girl remain stubbornly inactive as a group, its members occasionally release material. Mimi is the group’s rapper and has dabbled in OST tracks before, but Bish Bash Bosh is her official solo debut. The song’s retro electro-hip-hop sound offers an interesting playground for her. When K-pop goes hip-hop (which is like… always), … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Kiss Of Life returned earlier this month with the latest in a long line of bare-bones summer tracks, capturing the sweltering nature of the season but refusing to do much as an actual song. However, this group often releases special videos for their b-sides and are already back with a video for the more abrasive, … Continue reading
When in doubt as a nugu group, it’s never a bad idea to release a song K-pop fans already know. AtHeart’s 3!4! is a cover of the 1996 hit by co-ed group Roo’ra. Come to think of it, AtHeart’s (presumably young) fan base may not have heard this song at all, giving them a chance … Continue reading
ONEWE are so prolific that, for me, their title tracks tend to blend into one another and can be difficult to write about in any meaningful way. But listening to the highlight medley for their new, mammoth 17-track album, it seems like they’re pushing into a more uptempo, rocking sound. This is what I’ve often … Continue reading
Thus far, MJ’s solo career has verged on trot music without fully pushing over the line. On new single 1~10 (Ghosting) (1분 전 (9에서 멈췄어)) he takes a more straightforward approach, delivering a burst of upbeat, rock-tinged pop. It’s a great match for his voice and personality, even if the song feels a bit generic. … Continue reading
If you would have told me I’d be salivating over the prospect of a new Odd Youth comeback, I would have looked at you like you were crazy, but this one comes with a major caveat. Can’t Go Back is the first new Sweetune-produced work in ages and follows an interview in which the production … Continue reading
OURBIRTHDAY make their official debut today under JYP subsidiary INNIT Entertainment. This follows a truly diabolical pre-release that dampened my hopes for their eventual sound. Thankfully, Squeezy is a small step up. The song largely jettisons the annoying sing-chant approach of Hungry for a funkier, old-school approach. This doesn’t mean that Squeezy is any huge … Continue reading
If you don’t count G-Dragon’s 2024 collaboration with bandmates Taeyang and Daesung, I haven’t written about a new Bigbang track since 2022. This makes BiiiG a pretty big deal, but also a bittersweet one. The band has now been cleaved down to three members, making this feel more like a sub-unit than a long-sought reunion. … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 