In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
As I’ve lamented several times already, 9-rated songs have been few and far between this year on the blog. Even many of my “buried treasures” haven’t quite crossed that threshold. I don’t often feature buried treasures for J-pop songs. There’s only so much music I have time to cover, and I know the Bias List … Continue reading
As I mentioned when writing about their January single, I’ve been on a big Johnny’s West kick lately. Upon a deep reevaluation of their music, it turns out I love it more than I’d thought! Luckily, the Mixed Juice album was waiting just around the corner, ready to deliver a new collection of songs. The … Continue reading
Just a few weeks since the release of their second album, SixTONES are back with new single Kyomei (Resonance). Upon hearing the jarringly cut YouTube version, I wasn’t a fan. But, the full song is much more cohesive and satisfying. Even so, I’m finding myself return to the poppier Fashion more often. This song isn’t … Continue reading
There’s no group I’m more excited about at the moment than Snow Man. And given their immense popularity in Japan, I’m not alone. Their infectious music and comedic variety presence feel like antidotes to the self-serious approach bogging down many K-pop comebacks. They have an almost cartoon-like appeal (either an asset or drawback depending on … 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 J-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. TAKUYA WATANABE … 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 J-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. HIKARI Years … Continue reading
I don’t know whether to classify this as a single or a buried treasure under Bias List rules, but indulge me a bit because it’s not often I get to write about a Johnny’s song that’s actually available on streaming platforms! KAT-TUN have been venturing into digital distribution since last March, and I hope this … Continue reading
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
After the 2016 disbandment of SMAP, the group’s members have pursued various avenues in life and the entertainment business. For Takuya Kimura, that has meant a little bit of everything. He’s active in dramas, radio, gaming and music. New single I’ll Be There comes from his second solo album, and was composed by members of … Continue reading
I’m always in the mood for Johnny’s music, but I’ve been on a particular kick these past few months. This was further emboldened by the first annual Johnny’s Festival a couple weeks ago. The agency has been slow to announce new releases for 2022, which has me taking a deep dive into groups I’m less … Continue reading
When SixTONES and Snow Man debuted in January 2020, I was pretty convinced SixTONES would be my group of choice. After all, Imitation Rain was a downright legendary debut. Two years later and I’m a Snow Man mega-fan, while SixTONES’ output feels much more hit and miss. It’s a personal taste thing, but I’m also … Continue reading
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 2021 Overall Thoughts After spending the past few weeks counting down everything under the sun … Continue reading
As I was looking back at the dramas I’ve watched this year, I realized that many of the ones I stuck with weren’t even from 2021. Overall, my taste continued to veer toward Japanese series. They just feel quirkier (and shorter!). Rather than try to rank dramas that are so different from one another, here’s … Continue reading
My Top J-Pop Songs countdown continues in its expanded format! We’ve got fifty of the best (mostly idol) tracks Japan had to offer, with many great choices relegated to the honorable mentions. Because I don’t write about all of these songs the way I do for K-pop, this is always a fun countdown to compile. … Continue reading
My Top J-Pop Songs countdown continues in its expanded format! We’ve got fifty of the best (mostly idol) tracks Japan had to offer, with many great choices relegated to the honorable mentions. Because I don’t write about all of these songs the way I do for K-pop, this is always a fun countdown to compile. … Continue reading
My Top J-Pop Songs countdown continues in its expanded format! We’ve got fifty of the best (mostly idol) tracks Japan had to offer, with many great choices relegated to the honorable mentions. Because I don’t write about all of these songs the way I do for K-pop, this is always a fun countdown to compile. … Continue reading
Dramas weren’t a big part of my K-pop/J-pop consumption until last year, so I was mostly immune to OST hits. That’s still the case for Korean soundtracks, which don’t often double as promoted title tracks. But in Japan, nearly every single is a tie-in with a drama, anime or commercial. It’s a wonderfully symbiotic relationship, … Continue reading
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
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 