Debuting in 2016, Pentagon have finally amassed enough title tracks to be eligible for a top ten countdown. Of all the rookies in their generation, it feels like Pentagon have been on a roller coaster of highs and lows, finding both breakout success and frustrating hardships. Through it all, they’ve built a rock-solid discography, equally … Continue reading
J-pop’s enduring tie with anime has helped it retain a sense of bombast when other music markets have moved in more subdued directions. V6’s 50th (!) single is also the latest theme for long-running anime One Piece, and sounds as big and adventurous as that series. Add to that some classic, over-the-top Johnny’s Entertainment sparkle … Continue reading
In theory, boy group Hotshot stood to benefit big time from 2017’s second season of Produce 101. But despite member Sungwoon becoming part of Wanna One, the guys have struggled to stand out in K-pop’s ever-competitive industry. Both group comebacks came and went without much fanfare, and it’s unclear if that will improve now that … Continue reading
I vividly remember the disappointed groan I let out last March when it was revealed that NCT’s Empathy album would be filled with songs we’d already heard before. That groan returned a week ago when the project’s long-anticipated Chinese unit debuted with a retread of last year’s Regular. I mean, Regular isn’t even one of the … Continue reading
After a series of scattershot singles, IMFACT hit me hard with last year’s NaNaNa. It worked within a now-familiar genre (deep house), but inverted the structure just enough to simultaneously make it interesting and draw on the guys’ impressive vocals. Thankfully, new single Only U follows the same general sound, even if it feels more … 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. Seventeen’s new album is primarily a downbeat affair, which matches the … 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. Over the course of their two mini albums, I’ve come to … Continue reading
The year of debuts rolls on with the first new girl group of 2019. Cherry Bullet hails from FNC Entertainment, home to AOA. Perhaps inspired by their seniors, the girls have been teasing a video game concept similar to last year’s Bingle Bangle. And true to form, Q&A feels like Bingle Bangle with more bite. … Continue reading
I’ve gotta admit, I was worried. When Seventeen started teasing Home as a mixture of “future” r&b (why is everything labeled “future” so hopelessly dull?) and more traditional balladry, I prepared myself for the worst. You all know how tired I am of pop music’s ever-increasing love affair with downbeat pace and moody atmosphere. Add … Continue reading
2019 is still young, but it’s already given us an Eung Eung, a Ya and now an U Um U Um (으음으음). Is this the year of nonsense filler word titles? Probably not, but it’s an interesting pattern. Hyomin’s U Um U Um (that’s a lot of U’s!) follows last year’s Mango, which didn’t sit … 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. It’s ironic (and feels almost sinful to write), but now that … 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. Astro have taken a slightly more mature turn on their new … 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. After a 2018 that saw few notable debuts, 2019 seems like … Continue reading
It feels like it’s been forever since Astro was active as a group. They released their Rise Up mini album last summer (led by the underrated Always You), but scheduling contracts prevented them from promoting. Thankfully, Fantagio Music is making up for lost time with the group’s first full length album. Most of its tracks bring … Continue reading
Apart from having a notoriously difficult-to-google group name, Favorite haven’t done much to stand out in the crowded world of K-pop rookies. Their material thus far has been quite solid, but also quite transient. It feels fun and inoffensive, but easily replaceable by songs from bigger acts. With this in mind, it’s time for the … Continue reading
In a preview of what will soon be facing all second generation boy groups, BTOB is rapidly decreasing in number as their members begin their mandatory military enlistment. It’s become common for artists to release a song or album prior to enlisting, and serves as a nice gesture towards their fans. It’s hard to fault what’s … Continue reading
Despite debuting late in the year and releasing only one mini album to their name, ATEEZ wound up as one of my favorite rookies of 2018. Their hard hip-hop style isn’t usually to my taste, but Treasure’s wall-of-sound vocals and towering arrangement quickly won me over. Better yet, the group proved that they were capable … Continue reading
Over the past few years, GFriend’s title tracks have gradually transformed. Their are still hints of their “powerful innocence” concept, but with the absence of producers Iggy and Youngbae, their sound has grown more nuanced. It’s a shame that we’re unlikely to hear a Fingertip-style banger again (at least as a promoted single), but the … 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. As the years have gone on, I feel like Cosmic Girls’ … 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. Before I even knew what pop music was, I was obsessed … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 