AB6IX’s music has really grown on me since debut, but my impression was initially quite negative thanks to pre-release Hollywood. I mention this because new single Salute hearkens back to many of the elements that I disliked about Hollywood, offering a noisy beat-drop in place of a chorus. It feels like Salute was designed with … Continue reading
Monsta X have returned with their fourth full Korean album Fatal Love (though their minis often have enough tracks to count as “full” under other agencies’ qualifications). And, the album feels like a bit of a progression for the group, leaning closer in sound to their English-language work. Whether that’s a positive thing or not … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Hard But Easy (Luna + Krystal) (from Invincible Lee Pyung Kang OST – 2009) Taken from the Invincible Lee Pyung Kang soundtrack, Hard But Easy is much more straightforward than most of the material found on f(x)’s own albums. As a vocal … 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. October 2020 Overall Thoughts After a fantastic September, October was another strong month. And, it was … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Goodbye Summer (ft. D.O.) (from Pink Tape – 2013) Certain summer songs succeed on a sense of wistfulness, and Goodbye Summer nails that sentiment. The track is little more than strumming guitar and airy harmonies, but its simplicity works. This is a … 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. DRIPPIN’s debut mini album doesn’t have a weak song on it. … 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. Though I Can’t Stop Me is the undisputed highlight of Twice’s … 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. TXT’s Blue Hour has already grown on me, and I think … Continue reading
Almost a year ago, CL debuted her In The Name Of Love project, much to the delight of 2NE1 fans. But, the album was marred by a lack of promotion, and never became the big return-to-form I was hoping for. As talented and iconic as CL is, she’s facing an uphill battle in an industry … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Glitter (from 4 Walls – 2015) Glitter is an exuberant track, bursting with a sense of positivity right from the start. Its bright synths have an energy similar to the theme song of a children’s tv show, but this is countered by … Continue reading
Since reinventing herself as a DJ/dance vocalist, SNSD’s Hyoyeon has become pretty prolific. Her singles often see her collaborating with a diverse roster of artists and producers, but the music has all tied together by harnessing a similar vibe. For Think About Me, she’s paired with hip-hop artist Coogie and DJ/producer Raiden, who also featured … Continue reading
I don’t usually write about song covers, but ATEEZ and Halloween seem like too good a match to pass up. Several months ago, they reinvented Turbo’s 90’s hit Black Cat as part of the series Immortal Songs. Now, they’ve recorded a proper studio version and paired it with a big-budget performance video. The result is … Continue reading
Mino made his official solo debut back in 2018, though he’s been releasing solo music since Winner’s debut in 2014. I still consider his I’m Him an underrated gem. But overall, he and I are on two different planets, musically. I appreciated the ambition and creativity of 2018’s Fiancé, but didn’t have much urge to … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Gangsta Boy (from Pinocchio / Hot Summer – 2011) Taking an old-school hip-hop approach, Gangsta Boy unveils a quirky sing-talk style for most of its verses. As expected from its era, the chorus opts for a generous dose of stylistic autotune. I … Continue reading
When it comes to pop music, I’ve always followed producers. In fact, that approach became one of the biggest reasons I first got into K-pop. I followed producer Thomas Troelsen, who I’d always admired from his work with Scandinavian acts (including his own brilliant group Private). I mention this because The Midnight Romance’s music and … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Ending Page (from Pink Tape – 2013) Opening with rock guitar and a catchy chant, Ending Page initially seems as if it’s going to more bombastic than it is. Instead, the verses dial back to focus on acoustic guitar and a satisfying … Continue reading
Full disclosure: I’m not much of a gamer. And, I don’t really find the idea of virtual/avatar pop stars to be appealing (hello, æspa!). So, while everyone else was raving about Pop/Stars two years ago, I was mostly oblivious to the hype. For those like me, the K/DA project is a virtual girl group themed … Continue reading
Forget retro or trap or EDM or whatever trend you want to highlight. Yoo Jaesuk has become the year’s most reliable purveyor of mega-hits – at least on the Korean charts. His series Hangout with Yoo has transformed itself into a delivery method for K-pop unit groups. First we had SSAK3 with their summer smash … Continue reading
Though they released Only One last December, it’s been over a year since JBJ95 have come back with an album. The duo have proven themselves adept at delivering melodic pop tracks, and I think their work is at its best when it conjures a sense of nostalgia. New track Jasmin takes them in a more … Continue reading
In a day of debuts, P1Harmony are here to make themselves known with the powerful Siren. Hailing from FNC Entertainment, the group follows in the footsteps of agency seniors SF9, who have grown into a very successful act in their own right. And though P1Harmony lack a ton of pre-debut hype, they did appear in … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 