The Top 40 K-Pop Album Tracks & B-Sides of 2022 (40-21)
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The Top 40 K-Pop Album Tracks & B-Sides of 2022 (40-21)

I spend the whole year plucking “buried treasures” from K-pop’s vast slate of albums, and now it’s time for those b-sides to have their own countdown! As usual, some of 2022’s strongest music was never promoted with a glossy video or music show blitz. Over the next two days, I’ll be counting down my forty … Continue reading

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2022: JYP ENTERTAINMENT
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Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2022: JYP ENTERTAINMENT

This feature has gradually shifted from a December to a November tradition, leaving more space for next month’s sprawling end-of-year countdowns. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at many of K-pop’s biggest agencies and offering my thoughts about how their 2022 went. Following SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment‘s evaluations, it’s time to dive … Continue reading

Song Review: ITZY – Sneakers
Review

Song Review: ITZY – Sneakers

Over the past few weeks, I’ve become increasingly invested in ITZY’s “Sneakergate.” Originally teased as a chic, royal concept, the rug was pulled from underneath fans when Sneakers’ Kidz Bop-esque audio sample emerged. That teaser went on to become Stockholm syndrome, repeated daily until you had no choice but to give in. A conspiracy theory … Continue reading

Song Review: ITZY – Voltage
Review

Song Review: ITZY – Voltage

Much has been written about the “girl crush” branding that’s taken over K-pop these past few years. Songs within this style have been around for decades, so I’m not sure we can call this a new sub-genre. But, the general template for a “girl crush” track has quickly become oversaturated, making it easy for these … Continue reading

Song Review: ITZY – Loco
Review

Song Review: ITZY – Loco

ITZY burst into K-pop two and a half years ago with a song and sound that made them one of 2019’s most interesting groups. Since then, so many of their peers have ITZYfied their own music – shoveling teen crush attitude over busy instrumentals stuffed with restless, chintzy percussion. ITZY should be immensely proud of … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: After School, ToppDogg, T-ara, Girls’ Generation, ITZY
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Battle of the B-Sides: After School, ToppDogg, T-ara, Girls’ Generation, ITZY

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