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
Tag Archives: FNC
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of March 2022
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. March 2022 Overall Thoughts I’m eager to write a super effusive, super excited monthly round-up. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
Song Review: Cherry Bullet – Love In Space
Cherry Bullet’s promotional schedule has been infrequent, with their last title track emerging over a year ago. But, Love So Sweet found its way on many a year-end list, charming with its synth tones and catchy chorus. I liked the song too, but not enough to consider it a 2021 highlight. New single Love In … Continue reading
Battle of the B-Sides: SF9, BTOB, Yuri, Seventeen, TRCNG
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
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of January 2022
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. January 2022 Overall Thoughts It’s a new K-pop year! I always feel optimistic in January because … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: P1Harmony – Follow Me
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. P1Harmony continue to stretch their hip-hop … Continue reading
Song Review: P1Harmony – Do It Like This
P1Harmony have already proven themselves compelling rookies, but they’ve been undercut by a serious lack of promotion. FNC missed a big opportunity limiting them to a single comeback in 2021. Hopefully 2022 will offer a more steady stream of music, because their hip-hop sound has a ton of potential. Last year’s Scared pointed toward a … Continue reading
Song Review: SF9 – Savior
Okay, I’ve had my fun (?) with these Universe releases and their half-mvs. Universe has actually gotten better at uploading the full videos to YouTube (whether we want them or not!), but it’s hard to get excited about a K-pop product that feels like a total afterthought. With that in mind, I’m going to let … Continue reading
Song Review: FTIsland – Unthinkable
FTIsland don’t get enough credit for being as enduring a force as they are. Sure, they’re not the five-member powerhouse they once were, but with over fourteen years of idol life behind them, they’re one of K-pop’s longest-running groups. With age comes the threat of monotony. How does a band in their fifteenth year keep … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of November 2021
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. November 2021 Overall Thoughts We may still have December before us, but according to the norms … Continue reading
Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2021: Part One (Brand New, Cube, DSP, Fantagio, FNC, IST, Jellyfish)
Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on K-Pop’s biggest agencies, this is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not privy to any business-related financial information beyond what any other fan would know. The purpose of these articles is to examine how well these agencies are serving their artists and the general K-pop fan-base. If you’re curious … Continue reading
Song Review: SF9 – Trauma
I went into this year’s Kingdom: Legendary War familiar with SF9’s music but not attached to the group itself. I’m not sure the competition changed that much, but their interpretation of Taemin’s Move offered a potential inroad that caught my attention. Its sleek, dancefloor-ready sound and stylish image informed parts of their summer comeback Tear … Continue reading
Battle of the B-Sides: SHINee, Miss A, Girls’ Generation, BTOB, SF9
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
Battle of the B-Sides: NCT 127, Woodz, Hyolyn, P1Harmony, Gugudan
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: CNBLUE – Love Cut
With their return last year, CNBLUE joined the distinguished list of ‘post-enlistment’ idols. Not many K-pop groups last this long, and Korea’s military conscription laws create a natural fork in the road for any male act’s career. At this point, CNBLUE may wish to tweak their sound in search of continued chart relevancy, or simply … Continue reading
Song Review: N.Flying – Sober
Nearly four months after the release of their first full-length album, N.Flying are back with a repackage. June’s Moonshot seemed to be popular on the blog, and grew on me (a bit) as time went on. But, I’m pretty picky about rock music. I prefer my rock infused with other genres (like electro or hip-hop). … Continue reading
Battle of the B-Sides: SF9, Wonderboyz, DAY6, Girls’ Generation, Bigbang
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
Battle of the B-Sides: Infinite F, FIX, Astro, Wonder Girls, CNBlue
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
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of July 2021
At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. July 2021 Overall Thoughts Well, July was… interesting. And by “interesting,” I mean unimaginably dull. Other … Continue reading
Battle of the B-Sides: Highlight, GWSN, U-KISS, AOA, Taeyeon
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