In the months since its conclusion, season two of Produce 101 has dramatically altered the k-pop landscape — at least when it comes to boy groups. Its reach extends to so many corners of the industry that it can be difficult to keep up with it all. That’s where this handy guide comes in, as … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks 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. For lovers of the “pop” part of k-pop, Golden Child’s … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks 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. EXO’s new Japanese album is absolutely fantastic from start to … Continue reading
Looking back on my past reviews of Gugudan’s discography, I’ve been a little hard on the group. I’ve never actively disliked one of their songs, but every time they make a comeback I feel like they’re failing to live up to their potential. The “series of theatrical acts” conceit that fuels their music is wonderfully … 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. January 2018 Overall Thoughts It’s a brand new year, which means all possibilities are on the … Continue reading
On her currently-streaming documentary, BoA has professed a desire to release music that appeals to the current generation of k-pop fans. Her concerns are valid: Why listen to an established artist like BoA when there are so many younger, trendier groups on the scene? Why not fuel her choreography with a simple, meme-ready point move … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks 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. Honestly, it’s been pretty awesome that I’ve gotten to write … Continue reading
Poking around the internet over the past few months, it feels like everyone is losing their collective minds over LOONA. And while I agree that the prospect of new music each month is exciting, I can’t say that much of the LOONA-related material has had longevity on my personal playlist. Maybe I’m just getting a … Continue reading
Thus far, Suzy’s solo music has often been more about aesthetic than dynamic composition. She possesses the kind of soft vocal that lends itself well to this relaxing style, even if it’s not the type of thing to appeal to my tastes. This makes it difficult to review most of her work, as it feels … Continue reading
Boy group VAV have flown under the radar so far, despite being quite prolific. They released a total of four singles in 2017, but hadn’t yet compiled them into an album until now. The group caught my ear when they started collaborating with producer Ryan Jhun, who composed a few of last year’s best k-pop … Continue reading
When it was announced that Golden Child would be working with Sweetune for their comeback, I was absolutely elated. Not only would 2017’s most-promising rookie group be paired with my favorite producers, but it would also be the first time that Woollim Entertainment has worked with Sweetune on a title track since 2014. The agency made … Continue reading
Calling your album “The Perfect Red Velvet” sure sets expectations sky high, but Red Velvet have gradually been blending their quirky pop and r&b sides for the past year or so. It’s surprising, then, that new single Bad Boy borrows almost exclusively from their “velvet” persona, spotlighting the girls’ voices over a minimalist trap/r&b beat. … Continue reading
Super Junior is home to many solo and sub-unit projects, but none has been quite as enduring as D&E. Composed of members Donghae and Eunhyuk, the duo has crafted an impressive discography of their own and enjoyed massive success in Japan. It’s worth mentioning that I didn’t consider the brilliantly bonkers Can You Feel It … Continue reading
UP10TION are one of those under-the-radar groups that somehow become more successful than any casual k-pop fan might expect. Their comebacks never receive all that much spotlight, but the group still manages to sell boatloads of albums. This trait extends to their Japanese promotions, which have a solid track record commercially, even if few listeners … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks 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. Though I would rather have seen Rainz stick with the … Continue reading
YG boy group iKON had a frustratingly sparse 2017 in Korea, releasing only a double a-side single that came and went without much fanfare. Their late-2015 debut album hinted at a much more versatile group capable of delivering a variety of moods and tones. New single Love Scenario (사랑을 했다) hearkens back to those days, … Continue reading
When I cued up Jeong Sewoon’s new single, I was expecting some soft, acoustic ballad. But January continues to surprise with upbeat material, as he’s taken a sudden shift towards EDM. To be clear, Sewoon’s August debut had a lot of rhythm and energy as well, but I’d still consider it to be driven primarily … Continue reading
As happens with so many k-pop song, fromis-9’s pre-debut Glass Shoes grew on me tremendously the longer I heard it. The light, cutesy girl group concept has been done to death over the past few years, but acts like GFriend have been able to transcend it with robust arrangements and energetic hooks. With To Heart, fromis_9 … Continue reading
I am never more biased than when I’m writing about the work of my favorite k-pop producers. And number one on that list is Sweetune, who have very rarely put a foot wrong. Their lush, ultra-melodic style is instantly recognizable, yet completely enduring. As trends ebb and flow, they’ve been an anchor of classic pop … Continue reading
Quite frankly, Rainz’ new single is a mess. Cobbled together by no less than seven songwriters, Turn It Up lurches from one idea to the next without a lot of fluidity. But some of k-pop’s most enduring classics have a piecemeal, anything-goes appeal. So the question then becomes, is Turn It Up a successful mess, … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 