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 2018 Overall Thoughts October was like one of those Halloween horror movies with a twist … Continue reading
The last we heard from Eric Nam, he was trying on the tropical instrumental drop structure that K-pop has fallen so in love with these past few years. Honestly was a pleasant trifle of a pop song, but quickly forgotten. “Innocuous” is the name of the game when it comes to many of Nam’s songs, … Continue reading
Rookie boy group 14U have had a hard time finding their niche, but their sparse discography has been bolstered by equally-new production team DEZION. Together, they’ve crafted a quartet of bright, funky tracks that overflowed with potential. But like so many other groups struggling to gain a foothold, the guys have switched producers for new … Continue reading
Though they’ve yet to enjoy mainstream success, rookie group BLACK6IX have drawn on K-pop’s past to release a pair of solid singles. This refreshing adherence to a 2011/12 sound continues with the dramatically titled Swamp Of Despair (절망의 늪). There’s no trendy tropical house or EDM to be found here. In its place is a … Continue reading
It’s been interesting to watch the trajectory of JBJ’s members ever since the project group’s disbandment earlier this year. It’s like a mini precursor to the type of reconfiguration that will happen next year when Wanna One is no more. Some JBJ members have gone solo, others have returned to their original groups, and two … Continue reading
As the years have gone on I’ve become a bit disillusioned with the whole Produce 101 format. The show is still an absolute juggernaut, with a far-reaching shadow that touches almost every corner of the K-pop industry. But more often than not, it feels as if the powers-that-be are simply coasting on its popularity to … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. LEEZ Years … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Monsta X’s Shoot Out is a fine single, but it’s one … Continue reading
Ever since adding vocalist Yoo Hweseung to their roster, N.Flying has released a series of energetic — often goofy — power pop singles. And honestly, that’s what I’d like them to continue to do. Groups like DAY6 and The Rose have the angstier side of idol rock covered, but N.Flying have begun to develop something … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I don’t often post buried treasures within twenty-four hours of a … Continue reading
As Block B seems poised to move on to different things, their agency has debuted a younger brother group in the form of ATEEZ. Before even listening to their music, I assumed they’d be given a hip-hop sound similar to their seniors. But then I saw the name LEEZ pop up as a producer for … Continue reading
After a long drought of Korean material, K-pop legend BoA is now gracing us with her third title track of the year. Woman, her ninth album, was unexpected announced only a few days ago, but as soon as teasers of the title track were released it became clear we were in for something iconic. I’m … Continue reading
When it comes to boy groups, it seems like the majority of international fans prefer a darker, more brooding concept. I’m the exact opposite, which makes Golden Child a gift straight from K-pop heaven. I’ve seen some online chatter hoping that the group will quickly transition to a “dark child” concept, presumably tackling moody sounds … Continue reading
The K-pop industry has always had a tricky relationship with mental health. Its performers put on an impossibly cheerful façade, so much so that media training is almost as important as dance, vocal or hip-hop. It’s easy to forget the humanity behind the veneer. But, I think things are starting to change — even if … Continue reading
What’s up with this month’s strongest boy group tracks going to acts so under-funded that their management can’t even properly encode a music video? Seriously, the video for N.Tic’s second single, Do You Know Who I Am (내가 누군지 아니), is of incredibly poor quality. It’s jittery, pixelated and lumbers along with occasional audio sync issues. … Continue reading
Thanks to my daily publication schedule, there’s very little in the K-pop world that passes me by. But every once and awhile, I miss a song that deserves my attention. Soloist Soya hadn’t caught my ear yet this year, releasing a pair of uninspired tropical tracks over the spring and summer. But, I really shouldn’t … Continue reading
Stray Kids threw down the gauntlet with March’s awesome District 9, blending hip-hop and rock for a refreshingly old-school sound that turned things up to eleven to harness K-pop’s unashamed energy. The song’s rock elements were toned down for August’s My Pace, and that continues to be the case with new single I Am YOU. I’m … Continue reading
Any issues I’ve had with Monsta X’s sound are laid bare during Underwater, the opening track on their new album. You’ve got this gorgeous melody, impeccably performed and carefully arranged. But then the track shifts to incorporate the group’s rappers, resulting in the jarring inclusion of noisy, clattertrap synths and overly-aggressive hip-hop. This kind of … Continue reading
Launching in mid-2015, DSP Media’s April debuted with six members (including KARD’s Somin as their leader). Three years later, the group still has six members, but not without a few changes over time. What hasn’t changed all that much is their sound — an effervescent burst of innocent pop music with the occasional symphonic flourish. … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Today, I’ve got a real buried treasure for you. Not that … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 