Astro are the latest group to release a song via the Universe app, meaning its full music video is only available to subscribers. So far, this barricade hasn’t been too much of a drawback because few of the Universe songs are any good. Most of the time, these tracks feel like cast-offs, pulled from the … Continue reading
ONEUS’s ambitious “ONEUS Theatre” project is the gift that keeps on giving. Though these songs aren’t promoted on music shows, the group has delivered two newly-released studio recordings and a cover of Michael Jackson’s Thriller — all in under a month. Every K-pop act is hard-working, but it’s satisfying to see the fruit of ONEUS’s … Continue reading
A.C.E are one of the few K-pop groups I’ve seen perform in-person on multiple occasions. Both concerts were held in small venues, giving a sense of intimacy you don’t always get with K-pop. Rather than world-conquering, unapproachable idols, the guys feel more like comfortable friends. That mirrors their overall appeal. They’re scrappy underdogs with more … Continue reading
Brand New Music’s Lee Eunsang made his debut with the short-lived X1, moving onto solo and duo work after that group dissolved. I had to search to see if I had reviewed his solo debut (I hadn’t), which gives a sense of how little impact it left on me. Because of this, I come into … Continue reading
No matter the agency, fromis_9 return again and again with strong material. Their rocky journey has now brought them to the doorstep of Pledis Entertainment, who will be managing their career from now on. Pledis’s recent history with girl groups is far from strong, making many fans nervous about fromis_9’s future. But for now, new … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. August 2021 Overall Thoughts When it comes to new music, I often mention the “expectations game.” … Continue reading
Nearly all of MCND’s title tracks follow the same path for me. For the first few days, I’m largely unimpressed and craving choruses that are more melodic and less shouty. Then, I watch the live stages and the guys’ energy brings the song to life. As the weeks wear on, those shouty hooks become total … Continue reading
In an unexpected move, veteran group BTOB joined Mnet’s Kingdom competition. While most of their junior competitors opted for the hard-hitting, performance-focused style that’s come to characterize this generation of K-pop, BTOB got by on old-school appeal. Vocals were always put front and center, and their stages often felt like old-fashioned theater pieces. The guys … Continue reading
K-pop acts should never publicize comeback plans too far in advance. Schedules are fraught with uncertainty, especially when it comes to big agencies like SM Entertainment. Key’s new solo album was initially promised for July, but has now been pushed back to the end of September. To satiate eager fans, he’s pre-released Hate That — … Continue reading
K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading
Hey! Say! JUMP have been on an experimental kick since 2019, and I’ve enjoyed watching them grow into their more mature, adventurous style. Of course, “experimental” won’t be for everyone and some musical choices have been stronger than others. New single Gunjo Runaway (群青ランナウェイ) is definitely an odd one, filled to the brim with chaotic, … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. It’s very common for K-pop acts … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. Stray Kids’ new album is perfectly … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. After a string of VERIVERY releases … Continue reading
Those of you who follow my twitter account know that I’ve spent the past few weeks gushing about how great survival series LOUD has been. If you’re not already watching the show, there’s still time to catch up! I’m a veteran watcher of Korean survival/audition series, having followed the vast majority of them since 2013. … Continue reading
Since Johnny’s Entertainment (and its related labels) don’t post full music videos online, I usually wait until the physical release of a new single to review it. But unless there’s some extra dance break hidden in the album version, the online video for Snow Man’s new track Evolution seems complete. I can hardly believe it, … Continue reading
GOT7’s Jay B offered the first peek at his solo work with May’s Switch It Up. Like many of his fellow group members, he’s opted from a subdued r&b style with heavy trap influences. It’s an ultra-trendy sound, and not one I usually flock toward. But, I thought Switch It Up was very successful, bringing … Continue reading
After years of writing about K-pop, certain age-old questions tend to pop up. I spend way too much energy thinking about them, but I guess that comes with the gig! But, the time has come to tackle some of these questions head-on in a new Bias List feature. Yes, we’re going to have a good … Continue reading
Sometimes, being a K-pop fan requires selective memory. This wasn’t the case during earlier generations, when it was common for groups to find their own distinct sound and (mostly) stick with it for long stretches of title tracks. These days, many groups swerve from one style or concept to another, hoping to cast their net … Continue reading
In a year without many excellent debuts, Mirae’s Killa easily stands at the top of the pack. The guys emerged with a fully-realized futuristic sound that complimented their group name and showcased their skills. They did exactly what a good rookie is supposed to: invite listeners into their world and make a convincing claim as … Continue reading
