Though they’re relative newcomers to the k-pop world, Mamamoo have quickly established themselves as a girl group with a different sound than any of their peers. Their powerful vocals are perfectly suited to the old-school soul/r&b that has defined their work since debut. And though they’ve got much more ahead of them, they’ve released just … 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. TEDDY Years … Continue reading
Those of you that have been following this site for the better part of the year will probably be able to accurately predict my thoughts on IMFACT’s Feel So Good. But before I go on to confirm those predictions, it’s worth noting how incredibly different the group’s February debut was in both sound and image. Looking … Continue reading
For the past several years, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun has been a reliable deliverer of autumn ballads. Now that he’s set to transition into his military enlistment soon, he’s overcompensated for his upcoming absence with a full album of them. For me, a Kyuhyun ballad is a Kyuhyun ballad — really just the same thing repeated … Continue reading
K-pop group names are just getting weirder and weirder. One look at “Momoland,” coupled with “JJan! Koong! Kwang!” and I think the glazed over looks some friends give me when I say I’m a massive k-pop fan become more understandable. Now, this is in no way a complaint. I’m a big supporter of #keepkpopweird, if … Continue reading
Astro have been one of 2016’s brightest k-pop hopes, debuting as a rookie group with an instantly recognizable upbeat style and image. In these uncertain times, their particular brand of hooky power pop is just what the doctor ordered. And luckily, that sunniness and youthful energy continues with their new single, Confession (고백). Composed by … Continue reading
Plan A (formerly A-Cube) have finally launched their first boy group in the form of Victon. Like may k-pop acts, the guys have been given a cobbled together, seemingly nonsensical group name that sheds little light on what their sound is. Debut track I’m Fine (아무렇지 않은 척) is similar in this way. It’s an … Continue reading
T-ara’s one of those veteran idol groups who have become content to coast on their past glories rather than continue to drive the k-pop music scene forward. Though scandals and lack of promotion have dulled their popularity quite a bit over the years, they’re also one of the few 2009-debuted girls groups to remain standing. … Continue reading
Along with many of us in the States, tonight’s election results have hit me to my core. It’s hard to objectively write about music when you’re in state of shock, so I wanted to give a heads up that it may take a bit longer to get to some of the new releases over the next … Continue reading
After two weeks of pre-releases, Paradise marks the official title track of Hyolyn’s new mini album. Teasers promised something more uptempo and hip-hop influenced, and Paradise delivers in that regard, sounding like a cross between her work with Sistar and resident bad girl HyunA’s solo material. The song steams along quite promisingly during its initial … Continue reading
It’s been over a year since Topp Dogg released music, and since then the group has lost another member. Then again, they started with thirteen, which always seemed a bit bloated for the style of music they were pursuing. Though they’ve been active for three years, the group has never really found the breakout success … Continue reading
Girl group Mamamoo have slowly been inching their way into the major leagues of k-pop. Their sound is unique among their peers, opting for an old-fashioned mix of soul and r&b in a world of trendy production techniques and concepts. This approach can only succeed with true talent at the helm, and Mamamoo are a powerhouse … Continue reading
As BTOB has essentially turned into a ballad group, fans have been waiting for when they would finally come back with something more uptempo. After all, amidst the slower material on their most recent albums, the group has proven that they can still throw out a ridiculously fun, new-jack swing influenced dance track. But Pray … Continue reading
On the road to re-establishing their brand over the past year or so, B.A.P have blitzed us with a variety of sounds, from the dark theatricality of last November’s Young, Wild & Free to the uptempo pop of Feel So Good and That’s My Jam. Now, they return with a song that feels like a … Continue reading
As a companion to my Top Ten Singles lists, it’s time to look at some of the best album tracks and b-sides from the best artists. Though Block B haven’t released as many b-sides as most of their contemporaries, for them it’s a matter of quality over quantity. Here are ten of their best. Honorable … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. A large chunk of VIXX’s discography was built with the help … Continue reading
What is up with GOT7’s Japanese discography? I can’t think of any other k-pop act with such a wide discrepancy between their Korean and Japanese material. Yes, Japan is a very different market with their own likes and dislikes, but Hey Ya (along with their other j-pop releases) doesn’t even fit neatly into current Japanese … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. EXO-CBX’s new mini album is absolutely fantastic from start to finish. … Continue reading
K-pop rookies seem to be getting younger and younger with each passing year, so the emergence of The East Light (with an average age of 15) isn’t all that surprising. But unlike the hyper-polished pop of similarly-aged NCT Dream, these guys are tackling a less likely genre of music: classic garage rock. And despite their … Continue reading
When it comes down to it, the whole BOYS24 experience has been kind of frustrating. Though the program didn’t have close to the cultural impact of its similarly-minded predecessor, Produce 101, it was a highly entertaining series with great talent. Even better, it resulted in a very strong mini album of original songs that were used … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 