The Top Three K-Pop Songs of May 2023
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The Top Three K-Pop Songs of May 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. May 2023 Overall Thoughts We’re not quite to the halfway point of the calendar year, so … Continue reading

Song Review: The Boyz – Delicious
Review

Song Review: The Boyz – Delicious

The Boyz’ Japanese discography includes some of their best and worst material. New single Delicious leads their upcoming album and splits the difference between these extremes. It’s unlikely to inspire much excitement, but its laidback groove won’t ruffle many feathers either. When first watching this video on YouTube, the algorithm immediately played the chorus of … Continue reading

Song Review: Ryugujo – Mr.FORTUNE
Review

Song Review: Ryugujo – Mr.FORTUNE

Last week, I called Avu-chan’s Year 0, Class 0 the best audition show I’d ever seen. That feeling has only intensified with time. And, it’s bolstered my interest in Ryugujo — the group formed through the series. They’re a self-proclaimed “alternative” act, which essentially means their music has a unique perspective and sound. Both songs … Continue reading

Song Review: Pentagon – Shh
Review

Song Review: Pentagon – Shh

Just weeks since the finale of Boys Planet, Pentagon’s Hui is back with his group. But before he (presumably) participates in a big Korean comeback, other members are here to deliver the Japanese-language dance track Shh. This group configuration is down to six people, which is a little jarring for an act that started as … Continue reading

Song Review: IVE – Wave
Review

Song Review: IVE – Wave

IVE’s music has reminded me just how important a good A&R team is. The ability to consistently choose great songs with a clear vision can’t be understated. But often when a K-pop act pursues the Japanese market, their material is determined by outside forces. There are many groups with lopsided discographies Korean/Japanese discographies (looking at … Continue reading

Song Review: Snow Man – Slow…
Review

Song Review: Snow Man – Slow…

After the slam dunk success of double a-side Tapestry/W earlier this year, I’ve been less enthused with the tracks Snow Man are promoting for their upcoming album. It’s only natural they’d want to showcase different facets of their sound, but neither last week’s Aikotoba nor yesterday’s Slow are the style of songs I love from the … Continue reading

Song Review: Golden Child – Crayon
Review

Song Review: Golden Child – Crayon

It’s weird being a massive fan of a group while simultaneously wiping a segment of their discography from your mind. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger Golden Child supporter in the K-pop review community, yet I have no place in my music collection for the Japanese material they’ve been saddled with. Listening to a … Continue reading