After a super-strong pre-debut single, I’ve struggled to connect with anything else rookie group YOUNITE has released. Like so many current boy groups, their music so far feels like a lukewarm blend of tropes and trends without memorable songwriting to back it up. New single Waterfall hearkens back to the lighter sound palette of their … Continue reading
Even before Lovelyz went on hiatus, Lee Mijoo began to develop a side career as a colorful variety star. She’s seemed ready for solo stardom for awhile, and that day has finally come with the release of Movie Star. Movie Star plays things straighter than some might have expected, delivering a thumping electro track with … Continue reading
I was pleased to see VERIVERY find such big success with a bright, upbeat pop track last year. Not every boy group has to posture and pose like a villain to sell albums, and Tap Tap felt like the start of a new era for the guys. Crazy Like That takes a slight sidestep, delivering … Continue reading
When you think about it, HYBE’s embrace of the ever-growing AI market feels inevitable. I expect this to be a huge facet of K-pop as time goes on. Before writing about MIDNATT, let me tell you how I’ve been using AI over the past seven months. Last November, I discovered the Whisper AI model, which … Continue reading
I’ve been jokingly referring to newly-debuted group The Wind as “BFriend,” and I have a feeling that moniker is going to stick. So far, their music is a note-perfect re-creation of GFriend’s debut year. This alone scores them massive points from me. How refreshing to hear a new boy group do something totally different from … Continue reading
After dropping their pre-release Allergy last week, (G)I-DLE are back with their newest title track Queencard (퀸카). These two songs are linked thematically, but their overall sound is also consistent. The group has built upon the success of last year’s Tomboy, taking rock elements and giving them a fashionable K-pop sheen. This works well when … Continue reading
This kind of pre-debut song isn’t usually something I’d write about in detail, but Dream is the first musical taste of YG Entertainment’s new girl group BABYMONSTER and that feels like a big deal. With a name like BABYMONSTER, I expected the girls to come out swinging with some bombastic, attitude-infused track. I’m sure that … Continue reading
I’m not sure Chemistry needs to be covered here since it’s not technically K-pop. But, the song is making the rounds on K-pop communities and THE7’s debut Get Loose was pretty fun. Chemistry continues the group’s buoyant pop sound, delivering good (if generic) vibes. More than anything, Chemistry reminds me of a song you’d hear … Continue reading
We’re nearing the summer months, when K-pop tends to get a bit brighter and more upbeat. I’m a longtime proponent of idol music that sounds and feels fun, and rookie group Aimers seem to be headed in that direction. None of their previous music has clicked with me, and new single Bubble doesn’t change that. … Continue reading
ICHILLIN are trying to confuse us! Less than two months ago, they returned with a song called Alarm. Now, they’re back with another one called Siren! I sense a theme here… I wasn’t a fan of Alarm, but Siren has some bite to it. As always, I’d prefer a robust, melodic chorus over the beat-drop/sing-talk hook … Continue reading
Hey, it’s that guy who’s technically part of Super Junior but never performs with them anymore! I find this situation (and the reason behind it) quite odd, but I’m happy Sungmin still gets to release solo music. In the case of Lovesick (사랑이 따끔), he’s bringing a blast of upbeat trot music. I appreciate trot … Continue reading
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
You could say I’ve been hard on (G)I-DLE’s music so far, but everyone has their musical pet peeves and too many of their songs simply push the wrong buttons for me. However, I’m always ready to approach new music with an open mind, and pre-releases offer a great chance for acts to play a little … Continue reading
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
ONEUS’s pre-release Unforgettable has been a stealth attack on my playlist. It’s not one of their showier tracks, but its melodic through-line gives it high replay value. This is worth noting when writing about new title track Erase Me. The song has many strengths, but a through-line is not one of them. I don’t mean … Continue reading
The spring of 2023 will be characterized by a quartet of top-tier girl group releases. The results have been mixed so far, with IVE’s I Am throwing down the gauntlet in rousing fashion but LE SSERAFIM’s Unforgiven missing the mark. Now, aespa sweep us into the final stretch before (G)I-DLE bring things to a close … Continue reading
I’ve listened to Seventeen’s newest mini album exactly one time through. Unfortunately, their music is drifting further from what I first fell in love with back in 2015. This is natural for any artist, and it’s amazing how they continue to (mostly) self-produce so many years after debut. Title track Super has been enjoyable in … Continue reading
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how “9+ rated songs” come to define a year for me. These are the songs that earn an “A-” or above on this blog, and they’re also the ones I go crazy over and replay throughout the year. This is not an exhaustive (or wholly accurate) way to measure the … Continue reading
+(KR)ystal Eyes is not some weirdly-structured math formula… it’s the second sub-unit from sprawling girl group tripleS! Their debut album (and delayed mv) were quietly released this week, heralded by the stylish Cherry Talk. The TripleS rollout is giving me strong LOONA vibes, not only from its multiple sub-units but from the nature of the … Continue reading
SM’s Station releases are often forgettable little trifles, but at their best they offer the chance for the agency’s artists to stretch their wings and record a song that wouldn’t fit on a typical idol album. Hybrid is a meeting of two giant voices. TVXQ’s Changmin is known for his powerful high notes, while Guckkasten’s … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 