You’d think having more and more idol groups join K-pop’s competitive landscape would result in a greater variety of sounds and perspectives. Strangely, the exact opposite has happened. Looking at the rookie debuts of the past few years, it’s becoming harder and harder to distinguish songs from one another. What makes a Just B different … Continue reading
It’s cool that SM Entertainment has kept its digital Station platform going. The idea launched around the same time The Bias List did, offering an avenue for the agency’s artists to expand their catalog by tackling new genres and collaborating with talent from around the industry. Love Theory pairs NCT’s Taeyong with K-hip-hop artist Wonstein. … Continue reading
Jessi has been on a roll these past few years. Ever since joining P Nation, her music has felt more confident and focused, taking advantage of her skills as both a rapper and vocalist. I wasn’t immediately sold with 2020’s Nunu Nana, but that song ended up being a major grower. Last year’s What Type … Continue reading
Every once and awhile, K-pop agencies make smart decisions. On a purely aesthetic level, Dongkiz’s upgrade to “DKZ” is very welcome. The industry has far too many idol groups with three-letter acronym names, but anything is better than “Dongkiz”! But, this rebranding goes beyond the name. DKZ has a new line-up, with former member Wondae … Continue reading
Many expected Dreamcatcher to participate in this spring’s Queendom, and they certainly would have brought a unique perspective to the series. Instead, they’ve released their second full-length album, proving again that the music itself remains the most important focus. Their rock-infused sound can be found elsewhere in the world, but it’s been a unique twist … Continue reading
Thus far, rookies EPEX have delivered contrasting concepts, debuting with the boisterous hip-hop of Lock Down before segueing into the cutesy funk pop of Do 4 Me. It’s all part of their “Prelude to Anxiety” series – whatever that’s supposed to mean. At least one thing is true: new single Anthem Of Teen Spirit (학원歌) … Continue reading
For the past two years, SHINee’s music has been all over my year-end top ten lists. Their full-group songs have been excellent, but members Taemin and Key also released top tier material. Leader Onew pitched himself as more of a balladeer with 2018’s Voice, which matches his skill as a vocalist. But, I’m not usually … 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 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
Warning: This recap is not spoiler-free. Proceed at your own risk! EPISODE ONE RECAP // EPISODE THREE RECAP It’s time to finish the first round of Queendom performances. There’s only four of them this week, but the show still stretched for two uninterrupted hours. That’s a lot of backstage filler, folks. Watching the first few … Continue reading
I’ve listed my “top tens” for many artists, but it’s time to rummage through entire discographies and rank every single from worst to best. This feature will primarily tackle groups who have disbanded or gone on indefinite hiatus. It’s a way for me to re-evaluate my initial thoughts on their singles run. Don’t be surprised … Continue reading
Suho’s rock-infused balladry has taken him to the top of the charts, but there are more engaging tracks on his new album than comeback single Grey Suit. Thankfully, SM Entertainment has decided to promote the upbeat Hurdle alongside this ballad, resulting in a second music video and a second Bias List review! I would have … Continue reading
Rookie group GHOST9 have been going nonstop. Less than two years into their career they’re already on their third series of albums. Following their Pre Episode and Now projects, the guys have arrived at the Arcade for a mini album that launches a new concept. X-Ray is the first tease, and it’s a frustrating song. … Continue reading
The last few years have seen several new girl groups hit big right out of the gate, but none has been as immediately successful as IVE. Debuting last December, their Eleven was an instant success and has gone on to rule the charts ever since. Of course, with multiple members of the popular IZ*ONE among … Continue reading
The pool for K-pop idol group names has been so emptied that agencies are simply grafting random letters, numbers and symbols together. I’m going to quote ILY:1’s fandom page because I’m kind of obsessed with how much this reads as parody: “Their name is a combination of the word “I” and suffix “-ly,” while the … Continue reading
I have a few “holy grails” in K-pop – comebacks I’ve wished for so long they seem impossible. BIGBANG’s return is one of these landmark moments. Hints of a comeback first emerged back in 2020, waylaid by the pandemic. Two years later, the group confirmed they would finally release new music, and I couldn’t have … Continue reading
EXO’s Suho completed his military service earlier this year and has quickly returned with a new solo album. Last time we heard from him, he delivered the soft-rock balladry of Let’s Love. The song did incredibly well, establishing his voice outside of EXO. I’m all for K-pop members exploring a more rock-infused sound, but the … Continue reading
Fresh off her release for the Universe app, IZ*ONE leader-turned-soloist Kwon Eunbi is back with her second mini album. Woollim Entertainment has paired her with a host of great songwriters, from the Newtype team (1Take, TAK and others) to Full8loom to Monotree. New single Glitch gives her an interesting sound to work with, taking its … Continue reading
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
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. File BAE173’s Annoyed (짜증나게) under: obvious … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 