With The Closer, VIXX have delivered on their ambitious 2016 trilogy release schedule. When the project first began with April’s excellent Dynamite, I looked forward to a year of varying concepts that pushed VIXX’s already solid sound. But between Fantasy and The Closer, the guys have instead settled into a certain downbeat vibe, assisted by … Continue reading
As a group heading into its fifth year, the first official EXO sub-unit seems almost overdue, especially given their large number of members and initial unit configuration of EXO-M and EXO-K. When it was announced that CBX would comprise of Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin, it was hard to guess exactly what sound they’d be paired with. … Continue reading
Sub-units are common in k-pop, but few end up being more popular than the actual group that spawned them. Though they haven’t released anything in two years, Orange Caramel has arguably leapfrogged over their parent group, After School, when it comes to awareness and chart success. Consisting of members Nana, Raina and Lizzy, the trio … 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. ZigZag Note … Continue reading
I never found the time to review The Solutions’ July single Ticket To The Moon, even though I found it to be a summer highlight. Korea isn’t exactly known for its rock music, and The Solutions’ particular brand of synthy indie pop is even more unique in the world of k-pop. Paired with Lovelyz’ main vocal Kei forges … Continue reading
K-Pop is an agency-driven genre, meaning that what gets put into the market is often expertly crafted by a team of individuals and hoisted upon a group/artist who then takes it to the next level with their talent and charisma. This doesn’t necessarily take art out of the equation, but it does create an environment … Continue reading
Although members of Sistar have featured on many tracks outside of their group’s releases, Hyolyn is the first to go completely solo with her upcoming mini album. As befits a member of one of k-pop’s biggest groups, she’ll be releasing a trio of singles as part of her solo debut. First up is Love Like This, … Continue reading
Although Block B sub-unit Bastarz’s 2015 mini album was heralded by its heavy hip-hop title track, the rest of the EP ended up being far more diverse in sound. With this in mind, the retro funk/jazz fusion vibe of Selfish & Beautiful Girl (이기적인 걸) isn’t as surprising as it first may seem. Co-composed by member … Continue reading
Twice’s rapid rise to the top has been an incredible feat to witness. Just two singles in, and they’re arguably the most impactful girl group in k-pop at the moment. In our meme-driven entertainment culture, the girls have crafted a sound built on an assortment of colorful musical moments — both catchy and viral-worthy. After the … Continue reading
During their eight years in the k-pop industry, 4Minute were one of few prominent girl groups who rose to fame on a harder-edged, attitude infused sound, contrasting with the lighter, cuter concepts preferred by many of their peers. For this, they’re often put in a similar bracket as 2NE1. And although we won’t be getting any … Continue reading
Despite enjoying bigger success in Japan than their native Korea over the past couple of years, Boyfriend’s j-pop material has never come close to surpassing their incredibly run of Sweetune-produced singles from 2011-2013. But never say never, because now the group is back with the bombastic dance pop of Jackpot, and it’s their best Japanese release … 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. SHINSADONG TIGER … Continue reading
Even when I’m not necessarily a fan of a song, it’s hard for me to rate it less than “good,” especially since I know how much work goes into these k-pop comebacks. But with 24K’s Bingo, I have trouble finding many redeeming qualities. The group has been pursuing this “harder” sound for awhile now, and unfortunately … Continue reading
When SM Station first started, it felt primarily like a delivery method for ballads. But as the months have gone on, it’s become much more focused on EDM tracks, inviting some of the agency’s biggest artists to collaborate with DJs and dance producers. This time around, in-house collective BeatBurger is paired with k-pop royalty BoA. … Continue reading
There was a period when Jay Park released lighthearted, throwback r&b pop that resulted in at least two singles (the incredible Joah and So Good) that have only grown better with age. But that Jay Park has been replaced with someone much more predictable. In fact, I’ve hesitated more than once to review his prolific output of … Continue reading
This seems to be the week for comebacks and debuts of rookie girl groups. But of all of them, A.De held personal interest by virtue of Good Time being produced by Sweetune. Last week, the production team gave us 100%’s fantastic Better Day, and Good Time continues that resurgence. The song is much more Kara than Infinite, but … Continue reading
You Bad! Don’t Make Me Cry (넌 Bad 날 울리지마) may just be my favorite title translation for a k-pop song all year. Not only is it an eccentric mouthful of misjudged, simplified English, but its lack of focus actually describes the song perfectly. And the best part is… none of this is criticism. I’ve … Continue reading
Sometimes a group’s name and song title really tell you all you need to know. Nothing about “OhBliss” or (especially) “Bunny Bunny” sounded remotely appealing to me. But you never truly know until you give it a listen, right? Could Bunny Bunny actually be a hidden treatise on the sociological hardships caused as a result … 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. For those who love the work of production team Sweetune, … Continue reading
Fans of mega-successful project group I.O.I probably haven’t been very happy with me over the year, as I haven’t often been kind to their music. This is despite absolutely loving Pick Me and the Produce 101 series that spawned the group. Beyond that, it’s been hard for me to understand the hype. In general, the whole … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 