Despite finding early success thanks to their Produce-fueled notoriety, AB6IX have had a rough go of it. They’ve rarely been able to promote as a full group, sidelined by injury and now scandal. The Answer (답을 줘) marks their first comeback after leader Youngmin permanently withdrew from the group following his DUI. It will take … Continue reading
Song Review: Hwasa (Mamamoo) – Maria
The year of Mamamoo solos continues, with Hwasa making a long-awaited comeback. She’s a lightning rod of charisma, and sometimes I think her music relies too strongly on that. She can make anything sound cooler than it is, and if paired with the right song could certainly create something legendary. Last year’s Twit nearly got … Continue reading
Song Review: Sunmi – Pporappippam
Sunmi’s comebacks are frustratingly infrequent, and usually involve little more than a digital single. But when she really delivers, the months-long wait is worth it. Pporappippam (보라빛 밤) pairs her once again with producer FRANTS, who has co-composed most of her post-2018 material. The two are a match made in heaven, especially when they draw … Continue reading
Song Review: Stray Kids – Blueprint
Stray Kids’ God’s Menu has grown on me since its release, but I still think their album Go Live boasts a handful of tracks that would have made much more satisfying singles. Luckily, JYP Entertainment is in the habit of releasing multiple music videos for the group, and that approach has resulted in Blueprint (청사진) … Continue reading
Song Review: TXT – Eternally
From Can’t You See Me to Puma, the choices around TXT’s latest mini album have easily been my biggest disappointments of 2020. But by promoting album-closer Eternally, Big Hit has finally done something right. Now, don’t get me wrong – although it has some cool, trippy moments, the music video is bloated as hell and … Continue reading
SUMMER OF K-POP: f(x) – Vacance
There are few things I enjoy more than a great summertime song. They’re bright, they’re exciting, and they remind me of my favorite time of the year. There’s no telling what this summer in K-pop will bring, but over the next few weeks I’ll be flashing back each day, showcasing a highlight from past summers. … Continue reading
Looking Back: The Top Three K-Pop Songs of August 2012
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! August … Continue reading
The Top Ten Best Songs by ASTRO
Astro were one of the first new debuts after I started The Bias List, and it’s been very fun watching them grow over the years. With the release of May’s Knock, they’re delivered enough title tracks to qualify for a top ten list, though I did switch out that underwhelming song in favor of a … Continue reading
SUMMER OF K-POP: Beast – Dance With U
There are few things I enjoy more than a great summertime song. They’re bright, they’re exciting, and they remind me of my favorite time of the year. There’s no telling what this summer in K-pop will bring, but over the next few weeks I’ll be flashing back each day, showcasing a highlight from past summers. … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – Pass Me By
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading
SUMMER OF K-POP: Junho (2PM) – So Good
There are few things I enjoy more than a great summertime song. They’re bright, they’re exciting, and they remind me of my favorite time of the year. There’s no telling what this summer in K-pop will bring, but over the next few weeks I’ll be flashing back each day, showcasing a highlight from past summers. … Continue reading
Song Review: BTS – Stay Gold
Surprising no one, BTS have conquered Japan alongside every other global music market. This has been achieved through a combination of Japanese re-recordings and original material. Oddly, their trio of original J-pop songs (For You, Lights and now Stay Gold) share a sound that’s downright toothless compared to their Korean work. Much of their global … Continue reading
Song Review: BLACKPINK – How You Like That
We’ve reached the point in BLACKPINK’s career where we’re literally applauding them for releasing anything. It’s certainly not fans’ fault. They’ve been starved for new content for years now, making just the idea of a BLACKPINK song more exciting than an actual BLACKPINK song. This scarce promotion might serve to build hype and the allure … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – H.E.R
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading
SUMMER OF K-POP: Girl’s Day – Darling
There are few things I enjoy more than a great summertime song. They’re bright, they’re exciting, and they remind me of my favorite time of the year. There’s no telling what this summer in K-pop will bring, but over the next few weeks I’ll be flashing back each day, showcasing a highlight from past summers. … Continue reading
A Love Letter to Japan’s Late-90’s Techno Trance Craze
I often write about musical trends on The Bias List, and it’s rarely in a positive light. But, today I want to zero in on one of my favorite trends to ever sweep pop music. We’re going back decades for this one, as I attempt to compose a love letter of sorts, written to one … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – Make Me Love
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Seventeen – Together
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. Back in 2018, Seventeen released a b-side (Run To You) that … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – Moment
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – OMG
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading