Battle of the B-Sides: CSR, ITZY, CRAVITY, Chungha, BoA
Feature

Battle of the B-Sides: CSR, ITZY, CRAVITY, Chungha, BoA

K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading

Song Review: BoA – Emptiness
Review

Song Review: BoA – Emptiness

SM Entertainment is in full swing this week, releasing a new NCT Dream mini album yesterday and a new single from K-pop legend BoA today. New BoA music is always something to celebrate, even if her promotions are usually more subdued these days. The sound of new single Emptiness (정말, 없니?) echoes this approach, harnessing … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: BoA, Luminous, Monsta X, 4minute, Sechs Kies
Feature

Battle of the B-Sides: BoA, Luminous, Monsta X, 4minute, Sechs Kies

K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading

Song Review: BoA – The Greatest
Review

Song Review: BoA – The Greatest

BoA’s career forms the architecture of K-pop’s success in Japan, and she’s rightfully celebrating her 20th anniversary in Japan with all the pomp and circumstance that milestone deserves. A title like “The Greatest” may feel a bit cringey as part of other acts’ discographies, but it suits BoA just fine. The real question is: does … Continue reading