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. There’s a lot of stomping going … 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. ENHYPEN’s second full album is a … Continue reading
Though JYP Entertainment has been active in Japan for many years, girl group NiziU was an early experiment in “J-pop group produced by Korean agency.” With companies like HYBE, SM and Lapone following suit, this strategy has become more common as time has gone on. It’s changing the J-pop idol landscape and blurring the lines … Continue reading
We hear more Mamamoo solo releases than group comebacks these days, which isn’t surprising given their standing as a veteran idol act. These solo tracks tend to be quite varied — both in sound and execution. Moonbyul impressed earlier this year by swerving in new directions, while Solar delivered both the expected and a sonic … Continue reading
ENHYPEN’s music has evolved over time, moving from darker, concept-heavy fare to softer earworms that embrace global pop trends. Last year turned up up the funk with Bite Me and (especially) Sweet Venom, but new single XO (Only If You Say Yes) smooths the groove for an airier take on understated radio pop. Not many … Continue reading
K-pop is littered with acts who – for one reason or another – didn’t get the full spotlight they deserved. I’ve spent plenty of time ranking and reviewed the industry’s biggest artists, but these underrated acts should never be forgotten. This feature will take a look at disbanded groups and rank/rate their entire singles run, … Continue reading
Fresh off their pre-release Burn It, FTIsland are back with the title track of their seventh (!) album. This is a band firmly in control of their sound — an established pillar in the industry. To my mind, this confidence makes the perfect excuse to experiment with new approaches, but Serious sees them delivering a … Continue reading
Though Dreamcatcher have experimented with various genres, their core rock sound has remained intact across the past seven years. Overall quality may ebb and flow depending on the track, but you pretty much know what you’re in for when you press play on a new single. Justice leverages many of their greatest strengths, offering a … Continue reading
When BADVILLAIN made their debut last month, that self-titled track captured me with its symphonic bombast. However, it quickly did a nose dive on my playlist, proving that exciting production can only take you so far when the song itself is mostly just shouty posturing. I’m (im)patiently waiting for the day a new group can … Continue reading
Nine years into their career, Twice continue to straddle the line between various music markets, frequently releasing work in Korea, Japan and internationally. New single Dive heralds their latest J-pop album, hinting at a more mature summer sound. Twice have released their share of bangers in Japan, often mirroring the soundscapes present in their Korean … Continue reading
NTX debuted all the way back in 2021, though their under-the-radar career may have passed many by. Releasing one title track per year hasn’t been a winning formula, even if much of the music has been decent. Most recently, Holy Grail tied a so-so song to a very cool instrumental. New single Problematic struggles on … Continue reading
Today has delivered several new summer tracks and GOT7’s main vocal Youngjae is here to offer something a little more subdued and groovy. Rather than the soundtrack to a beach party, T.P.O feels like the song you’d play on the way home as the sun is setting. With this as a mission statement, T.P.O is … Continue reading
Weeekly went through some growing pains, but have largely stuck to a bright, upbeat concept. Now in their fourth year, the group tackles a K-pop right of passage: the summer-themed comeback. Lights On bounds forward with plenty of energy, even as it struggles to distinguish itself within a sea of similar summer efforts. The song … Continue reading
Xdinary Heroes are having a busy year. Fresh off the release of their first full album, they’ve embarked on a series of digital singles. Last month, we heard the rollicking Boy Comics. July’s treat comes in the form of LOVE and FEAR — a more aggressive blast of cathartic rock. LOVE and FEAR plays like … Continue reading
Taeyeon’s To. X became a long-lasting hit on Korean charts, proving her continued dominance even sixteen years into her career. To tide fans over between albums, she’s dropped digital single Heaven. Its frothy disco pop sound is worlds away from To. X‘s downbeat confessional. I’ll admit this right away: I’m tired of this chill, vanilla, … Continue reading
While there have been plenty of great title tracks so far this summer, we haven’t heard many that are explicitly themed to the season. (G)I-DLE are here to fix that with new single Klaxon (클락션). Following 2020’s DUMDi DUMDi, the girls are back with another summer track that hearkens back to K-pop’s distant past. 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
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. I’ve softened a bit on Rocky’s … Continue reading
With so many K-pop acts releasing Japanese material this week, CSR’s Higher almost got lost in the shuffle. But a day late, it’s time to feature the song. This quickly follows their latest Korean comeback, released only a few weeks ago. If ever there was a group primed for the Japanese market, it has to … Continue reading
To round out my mid-year countdowns, I’ve got a spotlight on some of my favorite songs and albums from music markets that aren’t Korea or Japan. To simplify things, I just call this category “pop.” What were your favorite singles and albums during the first half of 2024? TOP SINGLES Bentley Robles – IAM IAM … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 