Back with double title tracks, Taeyang has made a long awaited comeback as mandatory military enlistment looms in the distance. While Darling stripped back on production flourishes to shine a strong spotlight on his powerful vocals, Wake Me Up takes a trendier approach. Bigbang, and its members’ solo work, have such an idiosyncratic sound that … Continue reading
It’s been a long time coming, but 2017 seems to be the year of Bigbang members’ solo comebacks. First we had G-Dragon in June, and now it’s Taeyang‘s turn. The White Night album arrives with great anticipation, especially after the monstrous success of 2014’s Eyes, Nose, Lips. And for the first of two title tracks, … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. There have been some big name rookies already this year, … Continue reading
Ever since Bigbang‘s MADE project in 2015, multi-month single album campaigns have become an increasingly popular mode of promotion for k-pop acts. It can be an especially enticing idea for struggling groups, allowing them to keep their name in the spotlight for longer than a typical promotional period. But for every prolific DAY6, there is … Continue reading
Formed through YG Entertainment competition show Who Is Next in late 2013, Winner went on to enjoy breakout success with their first full length album. Since that time, the group has seen ups and downs, with truncated promotional campaigns and the loss of founding member Taehyun. But against all odds, Winner has returned as one … 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 k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. ANDREW CHOI … Continue reading
While reviewing Wanna One’s Energetic, I mentioned how I felt that IOI’s debut year was hampered by a discography that forced a variety of sounds and styles at the girls rather than let them forge a unique musical identity. It remains to be seen whether Wanna One will be plagued by the same issue, but … Continue reading
Sometimes the pure inanity of k-pop is a real sight to behold. I like to imagine a totally new reader stumbling upon The Bias List by accident and taking a look at this review’s title. For those not deep within the k-pop landscape already, “oguogu” + “gugudan” + “ice chu” = wtf. But at a time … Continue reading
While Boyfriend have released a string of solid singles for the Japanese market during the past two years, they’ve been criminally ignored in their native Korea. Beyond a non-promoted anniversary song, we haven’t heard from the guys since March of 2015. And that’s a shame. Boyfriend has one of the strongest, most consistent discographies out … Continue reading
Only a few days after Girls’ Generation‘s big tenth anniversary album, former member Jessica Jung is back with her own celebration, entitled My Decade. While it could be argued that the move (and album title) is a bit petty, Jessica deserves to honor her own career just as much as the group she was once … Continue reading
The list of k-pop groups with ridiculous names is very long, but few have been as head-scratchingly bizarre as “Weki Meki.” Fantagio’s new girl group arrives with a decent amount of hype thanks to four of its members’ participation in season one of Produce 101, but that good will is seriously tested by a strange … Continue reading
Last year, it took a while for the whole IOI phenomenon to click with me. As much as I loved watching Produce 101, the post-show releases felt more like agencies throwing various songs and genres at the girls rather than an attempt to create a cohesive sound. But then again, can a group who’s set … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. While SM Entertainment doesn’t always pick the right title tracks … Continue reading
After a burst of music show performances in the spring, last month’s Every DAY6 release Hi Hello didn’t seem to be pushed or promoted very hard. But though that song felt a bit underwhelming the first few listens, it was one of July’s biggest growers, offering a hazy, subdued counterpoint to the summer’s more bombastic … Continue reading
K-pop’s original dance floor diva, Uhm Jung Hwa was crafting classic club music at a time when the trend favored hip-hop and ballads. She’s beloved within the industry, and the inspiration for countless female artists and girl group members that grew up watching her stylish music videos. Add to that one of the genre’s most … Continue reading
My k-pop loving heart skips a beat every time I hear the name Yoo Young Jin. Despite having vastly different styles, he and Sweetune are my all-time favorite k-pop composers. But while I can find clear Western touchstones for Sweetune’s 80’s-drenched style, Yoo Young Jin’s unique beat-driven blend is without precedent. SM Entertainment uses his … Continue reading
After the incredible success of Really Really, Winner have unexpectedly become to the torchbearers for tropical k-pop. But while they’ve displayed a natural ease with this genre, I’m hoping that their transformation doesn’t ultimately become problematic. Tropical pop is already a fatigued genre, peddled by anyone and everyone in k-pop. I was personally sick of … Continue reading
With the departure of member Taehyun, Winner has adopted a surprising dance-oriented sound that led to the massive success of April’s Really Really. In a rare display of smart, efficient management, YG Entertainment has allowed the guys to make a quick follow-up designed to cement their new style. When I heard that Love Me Love … Continue reading
Of the two title tracks released from Girls’ Generation‘s tenth anniversary comeback, the bright Holiday was clearly designed to be the wide-appeal, summer-themed pop hit. It feels like a natural follow-up to 2015’s Party, but thankfully downplays that song’s gimmickry in favor of something less saccharine. In fact, Holiday more closely recalls the kind of … Continue reading
SM Entertainment has promised a second half of the year that sees a return of some of its biggest legacy artists. That kicks off with the tenth anniversary comeback of Girls’ Generation. It’s been two years since the girls’ last album, and this extended wait has built up plenty of anticipation. As enjoyable as the … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 