Twice now, I’ve underestimated Treasure’s title tracks. Though Boy and I Love You each earned a “good” rating on this blog, both quickly grew on me despite some of my quibbles. This hindsight leads me to approach new single MMM (음) with a different perspective. Yet, just as I’m poised to embrace another jarring dance … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! …Is It Ok? (from Hot Summer – 2011) I’ve always loved Is It Ok’s introductory instrumental. It primes the listener for a big, grandiose show that materializes gradually as the rest of the song unfolds. The ornate production is perfectly paired with … Continue reading
Berry Good are a resilient bunch. It’s been over a year since their last comeback, and when you’re talking about a lower-profile group that kind of a hiatus can be very anxiety-producing. But, the girls are back with new single ACCIO (presumably named after the magic spell in Harry Potter). Upon hearing the first teaser, … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Ice Cream (from Nu Abo – 2010) Ice Cream utilizes plenty of 8-bit synth textures as part of its retro arrangement, and that’s probably the biggest contributor to its appeal. The melody itself is a little sing-song for my taste, but there … Continue reading
I’ve been watching Park Jihoon in the web-drama Love Revolution and have been really impressed with his knack for comedy. With that drama’s dorky/endearing character fresh in my mind, it’s quite jarring to watch the music video for new single Gotcha. But, I guess this is just a testament to his versatility as a performer. … Continue reading
Though they debuted with little hype, Secret Number caught my attention with strong vocals and a song that took advantage of that skill. I haven’t played Who Dis? all that often since its release in May, but I still have a soft spot for its straightforward arrangement and hearty delivery. New single Got That Boom … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! I Love You, I Love You (from More Charming By The Day OST – 2010) Another of f(x)’s many soundtrack offerings, I Love You, I Love You is a sprightlier affair than the ballads already covered in this segment. The song is … Continue reading
Since debut, Mamamoo’s sound has changed quite drastically. Looking back, I think the turning point was 2018’s Starry Night, which went on to become a big hit for them. From that point on, most of their title tracks have rejected the big vocal moments that characterized their first few years. In their place is a … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Hot Summer (from Hot Summer – 2011) Originally a single by German pop group Monrose, I’ve always considered Hot Summer to be f(x)’s most approachable title track. That may be because the entire song is set up to support its catchy, angular … Continue reading
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
