So far, I haven’t had much to say about WHIB apart from commenting on their strange group name, but who am I to deny a song titled “Rush Of Joy“? We can all use more joy in our lives, and WHIB are here to dole it out with funk pop precision. For those keeping track, … Continue reading
Ever since Peak Time game them a second wind, Vanner have been releasing the kind of classic, second-gen inspired K-pop sound many of us oldies hold close to our heart. Both mini albums have been super solid, led by dynamic title tracks that took advantage of the group’s experience. Automatic is another triumph to add … Continue reading
Choi Yena has straddled the line between rock chick and quirky popstress, often combining the two for a bubbly sound that capitalizes on her colorful personality. New single NEMONEMO (네모네모) dives full-on into the quirk, delivering the kind of a hyperactive dance track more commonly heard in J-pop. It won’t be for everyone, but the … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … 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
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. When writing about P1Harmony’s new comeback … Continue reading
With 2024’s resurgence in popularity for idol band DAY6, I wonder if Korea is at the forefront of rediscovering their love for band music. Rock was a major force during the 90’s and early 2000’s, but like most music markets (apart from Japan!), the genre has ceded power to more modern sounds like hip-hop and … Continue reading
Pop music has been stuck in a retro romance for this entire decade, seemingly obsessed with referencing past eras rather than pushing forward to new sounds. This has caused genres like synthwave and synthpop to feel quite oversaturated, even if they’re styles I personally love. So, when it was announced that HYO would be drawing … Continue reading
Xodiac’s past few releases have been buoyant and bright, tackling today’s trends with an ease that made them polished but rather generic. New title track Our Days harnesses this effervescent energy and tethers it to a pumping pop rock anthem, taking its cues from popular contemporaries like TWS. This is a sound that greatly appeals … Continue reading
Yesterday, WayV told us to “go higher” and now Super Junior-D&E are back with a similar message. The timing is pure coincidence, but it always amuses me when these things happen. Since establishing their own label, the duo have taken even greater control of their music. Judging by Go High‘s approach, that may not be … Continue reading
WayV released their first Japanese mini album all the way back at the beginning of August, but weeks later they’ve unveiled a music video for its promoted track Go Higher. I’m not sure what the plan was behind this delay, apart from the fact that J-pop often takes long breaks between various promotions. Either way, … Continue reading
I’ve written about NCT Wish nearly every week in September. Their first mini album has been preceded by two pre-releases and now we’re finally hearing the official title track. Steady is co-written by longtime SM Entertainment talent Kenzie and sees the group tackling their trendiest material yet. Both UK garage and Jersey Club have become … Continue reading
Kang Daniel has had a dramatic 2024, with his self-created agency Konnect Entertainment folding after five years. His new mini album is credited under Warner Music, which also oversees his Japanese career. I’m not sure what’s next for Kang Daniel the businessman, but I’m glad he’s still releasing music. With that said, new single Electric … Continue reading
With QWER’s TBH still riding high on digital charts, the group is back with a new album. This was preceded by the comedic Fake Idol, which featured (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon in its video. This time around, she’s active behind the scenes, co-writing/producing new single My Name Is Malguem (내 이름 맑음). QWER’s Manito mini album showcased … Continue reading
The month of SHINee solos concludes with the release of Key’s new mini album Pleasure Shop. He’s consistently been a K-pop artist who knows exactly what he wants from his music, and often those desires point toward the dancefloor. Last year’s Good & Great dabbled in house music and Pleasure Shop is largely a continuation … Continue reading
The line between “promoted single” and “special track” continues to blur in the K-pop market. Yuqi’s Radio (Dum-Dum) is classified as the latter, but comes with a lo-fi music video to give it extra visual punch. Of all the (G)I-DLE members, Yuqi’s solo work has struck me most dramatically. I’d still take her 2021 Bonnie … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights! February 2022 … Continue reading
Nam Woohyun has always been generous to fans, frequently releasing special one-off singles to mark occasions or simply show gratitude to those who follow him. He’s also a composer, with some of his best solo work being co-written by him. And then, of course, there’s that voice. I could listen to that voice sing anything. … 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. Hwasa’s new mini album is a … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 