K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend’s A-Z reviews here! Me Gustas Tu (from Flower Bud – 2015) Sometimes it’s so weird what makes a song popular. I have to remind myself that most people aren’t like me: voracious seekers of new music. Casual listeners need great songs pushed in their face, … Continue reading
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible: … Continue reading
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend’s A-Z reviews here! MAGO (from Walpurgis Night – 2020) Previous Thoughts: “And, like many of K-pop’s recent retro offerings, MAGO has a great chorus. It’s a two-parter, kicking off with an effervescent refrain that feels like a big centerpiece without going overboard. This is followed … Continue reading
Jay Chang has had quite a varied idol career so far. First appearing on Boys Planet, he later debuted with boy group One Pact. Then, he participated in another survival series (Build Up) and debuted with its winning project group B.D.U. That contract took him away from One Pact’s recent comeback. All the while, he’s … Continue reading
ICHILLIN’ released a couple great tracks early this year, but both ended up falling off my playlist much quicker than expected. They each felt more like production showcases than enduring melodies — an approach that often struggles in the long run once the excitement of that production wears off. I predict a similar future for … Continue reading
Hey, it’s been two years without a new Wonho single! He’s been serving his mandatory enlistment and now seems ready to start a new era. For awhile there, he was dropping banger after banger, but pop has moved into different territory since then. The English-language What Would You Do fits into the more downbeat, subdued … Continue reading
I was a bit overzealous when writing about G-Dragon’s Power because I was simply so excited to have him back in music after seven long years. That zealousness continues with a review for Home Sweet Home, even if the song has no accompanying music video, and grows even more intense with fellow Bigbang members Taeyang … Continue reading
Rosé’s first full album is just around the corner, and it’s already buoyed by a global megahit in the form of APT. with Bruno Mars. That single’s addictive sound has proven to appeal to a vast array of tastes. You know a song has broken through with the general public when they start using it … Continue reading
Before I take a brief look at many of K-pop’s smaller agencies, there are a few that I have more to say about. Consider these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “big four” but longer than a paragraph or two could cover. As usual, the thoughts below are my own and aren’t privy to any … Continue reading
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend’s A-Z reviews here! Luv Star (from Snowflake – 2016) For awhile, GFriend and Lovelyz’ sounds intersected. To me, Luv Star feels much more like a Lovelyz track, down to the shimmering synths and light vocal approach. This isn’t a bad thing at all, since GFriend … Continue reading
Rather than release longer albums, Nowadays have blitzed their debut year with a steady stream of single tracks. This isn’t an awful approach if you keep the music coming and that music catches on with the public. Unfortunately, the group has found difficulty breaking through and competing with the year’s buzzier rookies. I haven’t yet … Continue reading
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. 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 it won’t be topping any … Continue reading
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend’s A-Z reviews here! Love Whisper (from Parallel / Rainbow – 2017) Previous Thoughts: “In some ways, Love Whisper is as GFriend as GFriend gets, but mostly it sounds like a generic post-Luv Apink track. On first listen, the song’s lack of ambition feels like a … Continue reading
For a group of their stature, A.C.E have developed an outsized fanbase internationally, touring extensively to cultivate fans all over the world. Their music has occasionally catered to this market, though the past few years have been quite inconsistent when it comes to sound. In my heart, I’ll always hold A.C.E as those daring upstarts … Continue reading
Before I take a brief look at many of K-pop’s smaller agencies, there are a few that I have more to say about. Consider these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “big four” but longer than a paragraph or two could cover. As usual, the thoughts below are my own and aren’t privy to any … Continue reading
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 