ATEEZ’s growing J-pop discography has had its share of original tracks, and most of them fit comfortably within their established Korean sound. Not Okay is the latest to join the party, and leverages familiar sounds — for better or worse. I haven’t been shy about expressing my distaste for much of ATEEZ’s recent output. What … Continue reading
Tag Archives: j-pop
Song Review: Tempest – Baddest Behavior
Tempest have a new comeback on the horizon, and I’m confident it’ll be good. This confidence comes from math. For whatever reason, the group seems to alternate between songs I love and songs I loath. I’ve cracked the pattern, and after last September’s awful Vroom Vroom we’re in for a Can’t Stop Shining style hit! … Continue reading
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (February 25, 2024)
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
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (February 18, 2024)
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
Song Review: Mirae – Running Up
There’s a specific style of J-pop performed by Korean acts (or Japanese acts fronted by Korean companies) that’s become ubiquitous over the past few years. Anything related to the Produce franchise or HYBE Corporation seems to be sucked into its orbit, and Mirae’s new Japanese single Running Up also fits within this framework. It’s characterized … Continue reading
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (February 11, 2024)
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
Song Review: Billlie – Domino (Butterfly Effect)
I’m not as familiar with Billlie’s discography as others, so I was confused by the “Japanese version” tag attached to this music video. Is there a Korean version of Domino? I certainly can’t find one. Regardless, this synth-heavy sound would be a great direction for the group to take in any music market, melding their … Continue reading
Song Review: Yena – DNA
In a period without many new K-pop releases, a few Japanese tracks from Korean artists are picking up the slack. First up is Yena’s DNA. Though it’s not her first foray into the J-pop market, this is the first original single she’s promoting there. Her pop/rock concept is well suited to Japanese tastes given the … Continue reading
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (February 4, 2024)
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
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of January 2024
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 2024 Overall Thoughts Well, what a nice surprise this month has been! After many years … Continue reading
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (January 28, 2024)
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
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (January 21, 2024)
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
Song Review: Genic – Sayonara no wake
Sometimes a new release is perfectly timed to capture the mood of the day. Genic’s Sayonara no wake has been available since last month, but the music video for this winter ballad dropped today. It just so happened to correspond with a major snowstorm hitting my little corner of the world, perfectly complimenting the quiet … Continue reading
Song Review: One Love One Heart – Aise, Shigoku Sanzan na Bokura no Hi wo
One Love One Heart’s second album releases tomorrow and I’m very excited. Their first was my favorite J-pop album of 2023, establishing a clear style for this ambitious mixed-gender group. Though the ultra-catchy Fireworks leapfrogged into my top ten singles list, I like One Love One Heart’s music best when it blends their voices to … Continue reading
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (January 14, 2024)
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
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (January 7, 2024)
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
Buried Treasure: TXT x SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] – LEvel
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. Readers, this is why I’m always … Continue reading
Song Review: Snow Man – Love Trigger
Every once and awhile, a favorite act releases a song that simply lands with a thud. For me, Love Trigger is that song for Snow Man. I’m a big Snow Man fan. They often appear near the top of my year-end J-pop lists and I find the group endlessly entertaining. Their musical output has been … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of December 2023
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. December 2023 Overall Thoughts This December round-up always feels more like a formality than a need. … Continue reading
My Favorite Live Set of 2023
In between The Bias List‘s more sprawling countdowns, the end of the year is a great time to spotlight some things that don’t quite fit into my established posts. And sometimes, these things arrive at the very end of the year. Buzz Rhythm Live ’23 was a three-day festival in early November, tied to a … Continue reading