K-Pop is an agency-driven genre, meaning that what gets put into the market is often expertly crafted by a team of individuals and hoisted upon a group/artist who then takes it to the next level with their talent and charisma. This doesn’t necessarily take art out of the equation, but it does create an environment … Continue reading
During their eight years in the k-pop industry, 4Minute were one of few prominent girl groups who rose to fame on a harder-edged, attitude infused sound, contrasting with the lighter, cuter concepts preferred by many of their peers. For this, they’re often put in a similar bracket as 2NE1. And although we won’t be getting any … 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. SHINSADONG TIGER … Continue reading
Though they’ve only been active since 2014, JYP boy group GOT7 have already become one of k-pop’s biggest acts — especially internationally. They’ve released just enough title tracks to create a top ten list, though I’ve mentioned before that their Japanese output really pales in comparison to their Korean material. As usual, only promoted title … 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. RPHABET Years … Continue reading
When talking about underrated boy groups, Cross Gene have to be in the conversation. They debuted in 2012 and have straddled the line almost equally between Korean and Japanese releases. They’ve also become better with time, even if the general public hasn’t completely been won over yet. For a group of their stature, they have … Continue reading
October is officially here, which means the countdown to Halloween has started. Whether you’re cobbling together a mix for a Halloween party or carnival, or just looking for some seasonal selections to soundtrack your pumpkin carving, K-Pop has a lot to offer. Here are some of the best tracks. If your favorite Halloween K-Pop song … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
K-Pop is an agency-driven genre, meaning that what gets put into the market is often expertly crafted by a team of individuals and hoisted upon a group/artist who then takes it to the next level with their talent and charisma. This doesn’t necessarily take art out of the equation, but it does create an environment … 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. BTS have become known as true albums artists, ensuring that the quality of their work goes far beyond their title tracks. Here are ten of the best examples. Honorable … 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. HITCHHIKER Years … Continue reading
As their name suggests, Crayon Pop are one of k-pop’s most upbeat, energetic creations of the past few years. Though their discography is comparatively small, it’s remarkably consistent. They’re also a group overshadowed by their one impossibly enormous hit. But beyond that is a treasure trove of fun, smart and even experimental pop music. Here’s the … 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. BLACK EYED … Continue reading
Before there was Seventeen, Pledis Entertainment was most known for rotational girl group After School. Though the girls haven’t released new material in awhile, they’re widely considered one of the most consistently top-notch girl groups in k-pop. I’d argue that, song-for-song, sub-unit Orange Caramel is even more addictive, but After School is no slouch themselves. While … Continue reading
It’s finally time to take a long overdue look at the singles from one of k-pop’s legendary performers. Honestly, BoA has released so much music in both Korea and Japan that this list has been revised several times over. I think everyone’s choices will probably be unique to them, but for me, I’ve found that her … 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. SWEETUNE Years … 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. EXO have a flawless singles run, but the quality doesn’t stop there. Here’s the best of what their albums have to offer. Honorable Mentions: Exodus Thunder Love, Love, Love … Continue reading
With the release of last month’s Secret Time, Spica has just enough singles for a Top Ten Countdown. The group came hard during their debut year, releasing no less than five comebacks in 2012. Their sound has evolved throughout their career, but always with a focus on strong vocals and a catchy hook. An unfortunate … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
This was not one of the easier lists to compile. FTIsland have dozens of singles to choose from, and I’ve liked almost all of them. But, if I were to rate their discography as a whole, the scores would be pretty even across the board, with a few major peaks standing out from an otherwise … Continue reading
