A K-pop group’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. For me, ITZY’s music has suffered … Continue reading
Victon is slowly proving to be a group of successful soloists. Han Seungwoo carved out a nice career for himself prior to enlistment, and now it’s rapper Do Hanse’s turn. His debut comes in the form of a digital album, with Take Over as the first of two title tracks. Surprisingly, it’s the only song … Continue reading
K-pop history is stuffed with great albums, and there’s only so many Buried Treasures and Battle of the B-sides features available to cover all these noteworthy tracks. The album format has always been special to me. Whether it’s a full-length or mini, albums have the opportunity to tell stories and develop an act’s personal style. … Continue reading
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
It’s been over two years since The Rose’s Kim Woosung released his first mini album, though he returned with digital single Lazy earlier this year. His material usually maintains an alternative edge while flirting with pop sounds. In a trendy but welcome shift, he’s put on his disco shoes and sparkly shirt to deliver the … Continue reading
The Universe app continues to bear musical fruit — if you’re willing to go through all the rigmarole to view the full mv! Luckily, the complete audio is available for anyone who wants to listen, and the latest act to deliver a new song is WJSN. Most Universe releases have elicited little more than an … Continue reading
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
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
After releasing her first mini album earlier this year, Yukika headed to the dancefloor with the wonderful throwback The Moment. That song plunged deeper into 80’s synth-driven sounds, and pointed toward a direction I’d love to hear her explore further. With new digital single Loving You (not a Minnie Riperton cover!), she’s reverted to a … Continue reading
There are some K-pop voices that instantly take me back to a different generation. Yang Yoseob’s tone was vital to the early 2010’s, gifting Beast’s music with a unique quality. Its clarity and lightness are immensely calming, capable of delivering powerful dance tracks as well as more typical ballads. In short, I could listen to … Continue reading
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
A K-pop group’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. For many listeners, NCT 127’ Sticker … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. As we impatiently wait for the … Continue reading
LOUD’s format surprised all the way up to its grand finale. The line-up for its two boy groups was actually revealed in the penultimate episode, with the finale devoted to a festival-like series of performances. It was nice to watch an episode without stressing over votes and eliminations, and I’m super excited about both groups … Continue reading
While BTS may be the most globally known K-pop act, I’d argue that NCT has had greater influence on the sound of this generation’s boy groups. During the first few years of their existence – with various units tackling distinct styles – this influence was surely a boon for the industry. But, now we’ve reached … Continue reading
LOONA’s Japanese debut Hula Hoop has no music video, and there doesn’t seem to be one forthcoming. This usually means I skip writing about the song unless I’m ridiculously enthused or enraged. But, enough of you asked for a review and today’s a slow K-pop day. So, here we are! Like so many recent idol … Continue reading
Best-of albums are uncommon in K-pop, and usually mark a special occasion. With the news surrounding Wheein’s contract negotiations, I can’t help but feel like this new album is a sign that Mamamoo may be taking a hiatus or at least slowing down. If I’m being honest, I haven’t been excited about a new Mamamoo … Continue reading
Without being a massive, in-the-know fan, I’m consistently surprised at how different Wonho’s solo work has sounded from the bulk of Monsta X’s discography. When it comes to title tracks, he’s opted for a much softer sound, making me curious how he felt performing the harder-edged material that came to define his former group’s singles … Continue reading
It feels like I’m writing a new Stray Kids review every other day. JYP Entertainment has gone all out for their newest album, filming several music videos to promote group and sub-unit tracks. I don’t know if I’ll write a detailed review on every one, but Bang Chan and Hyunjin’s Red Lights deserves a few … Continue reading
As they have in the past, ATEEZ held a public vote to decide which of two songs would become their newest title track. My choice was soundly beaten, proving yet again that Old Man Nick and the general K-pop fandom have diverged in taste. Thankfully, a music video for Eternal Sunshine is waiting in the … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 