A K-pop act’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. Kingdom and I have fallen into … Continue reading
Tag Archives: kingdom
Song Review: Kingdom – Ascension
When Kingdom debuted last year, I couldn’t help but be impressed by their ambition. Not only did they have a unique concept, but their rollout promised seven albums – each centered around the lore of a different member. Coming from a small agency, I questioned whether they’d have the resources to see this plan through. … Continue reading
The Top 10 K-Pop Rookies of 2021
This was a very uneventful year for K-pop rookies. There were no big agency debuts until Xdinary Heroes a few days ago, leaving 2021 to acts who were more under-the-radar. For me, none of these rookies were consistently excellent. Some released one or two knockout songs, only to follow-up with underwhelming returns. Others are too … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Kingdom – We Are
A K-pop act’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. Kingdom are slowly proving themselves kings … Continue reading
Song Review: Kingdom – Black Crown
Pop music as fantasy can be a lot of fun, and I love some good old-fashioned artifice. That’s why Kingdom’s renaissance faire concept is so appealing. K-pop is uniquely positioned to take advantage of long-form musical storytelling. And even though the group’s debut wasn’t perfect, its embrace of theatricality was much appreciated. However, we can’t … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Kingdom – Warning
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. K-pop’s concept-driven promotion can be a … Continue reading
2021 in K-POP so far: Risers & Fallers
A review is just a snapshot in time, and sometimes I end up regretting the way I rated a song. There are so many factors that influence the longevity of K-pop. Familiarity, album context, live performances and cultural saturation can all boost or sink a song’s fortune. I run this feature during the mid-point of … Continue reading
Song Review: Kingdom – Karma
Kingdom’s February debut proved to be polarizing, but I think everyone could get onboard with the group’s high-concept visual. Excalibur introduced Kingdom’s world view, and the guys promise to release a series of albums to further develop that lore. It’s an ambitious plan for a rookie, but I applaud them for trying something new. I … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Finale Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode Four // Episode Five // Episode Six // Episode Seven // Episode Eight // Episode Nine Friends, I have disturbing news… . . . . . . The final episode of Kingdom … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Nine Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode Four // Episode Five // Episode Six // Episode Seven // Episode Eight ‘NO LIMIT’ ROUND We’re back with the rest of the No Limit round performances (and Han’s goofy hat). Last … Continue reading
Reviewing and Ranking Kingdom’s Final Singles (ATEEZ, BTOB, iKON, SF9, The Boyz, Stray Kids)
In addition to my weekly recaps of each Kingdom episode, I like to write a special post dedicated to the music itself. Since we’ve yet to see these songs performed, it’s a great chance to discuss them on their own merits — free from set pieces and visuals and stunts. With that in mind, here’s … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Eight Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode Four // Episode Five // Episode Six // Episode Seven LAST WEEK’S DANCE UNIT RESULTS After watching both dance performances, I ranked the “It’s One” team over “Mayfly,” but they were essentially … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Seven Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode Four // Episode Five // Episode Six MORE RANKINGS THAN YOU EVER ASKED FOR Episode seven opens with about twelve minutes of rankings. We get round one, round two (minus online views?) … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Six Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode Four // Episode Five THE PRELUDE We’ve already reached the eve of Kingdom‘s final round. And to celebrate, the show is going to pause for a… sports day. Ironically, as much as … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Five Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three // Episode Four ROUND TWO: MY FINAL RANKINGS One thing I’ll say for Kingdom is that it wastes no time getting started. Unlike the Produce 101 franchise, this series doesn’t spend endless minutes on … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Four Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two // Episode Three THE AFTERMATH AND THE RE-BIRTH Following last week’s ranking, the groups head back to the respective agencies to celebrate or lick their wounds, depending on their outcome. BTOB thinks their performance lacked story, while … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Three Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Two THE FINAL THREE PERFORMANCES This week completes the first round of performances, with the final acts added to last week’s trio. And, the show wastes no time getting to the first performance, which means I’ll waste no … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode Two Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode One // Episode Three THE RANKING We kick off immediately with the rest of the global fan vote from last week and learn that sixth place goes to iKON. I can’t say I’m too surprised, and I don’t think it means … Continue reading
Kingdom: Legendary War – Episode One Recap and Ranking
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! Other Recaps: Episode Two // Episode Three Well… I’m back! Last year’s Road to Kingdom was a bumpy road for sure, with one particular pothole that still has me feeling PTSD. But, this time will surely be less dramatic. Unlike RTK, Kingdom will not … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of February 2021
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. February 2021 Overall Thoughts 2021 is off to a roaring start, and February really kicked into … Continue reading