For me, Mark’s voice is synonymous with NCT’s music. Early on, he was in every unit, bringing a sense of cohesion to the sprawling project. I’m actually surprised he hasn’t released a solo song yet. But with the advent of NCT Lab – a platform for solo works from NCT’s many members – we’ve got … Continue reading
Last time I wrote about Jamie, she was still working under her Korean name Park Jimin. Now, she’s back with a complete reinvention. The English-language Pity Party is unlike anything she’s recorded before, though it has solid roots in the disco trends popularized by global artists like Dua Lipa. Jamie feels uniquely perched to tackle … Continue reading
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
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. January 2022 Overall Thoughts It’s a new K-pop year! I always feel optimistic in January because … Continue reading
The Universe app really needs to stop releasing these random tracks so I can stop with my tradition of off-kilter reviews. It’s getting harder to come up with new ideas! In short, I appreciate how Don’t Stop pairs ATEEZ with their usual collaborators. It makes it feel less like a cash-in and more like an … 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
It’s been a long time since we heard new music from KARD, and with member J.Seph enlisted in the military it seems we’ll have to wait at least a few more months. After label-mate April’s disbandment, they join rookies Mirae as DSP Media’s only active group. It’ll be interesting to see if the agency takes … Continue reading
For the first time in years, I didn’t cover last month’s MAMA Awards on this blog. Honestly, they were just too boring to write about. But, I did enjoy the Wanna One reunion — even if it was just a medley of their familiar hits. If anything, the members’ post-Wanna One careers have only exemplified … 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. Surprisingly, the bulk of Pentagon’s new … Continue reading
Golden Child had a busy 2021, and 2022 kicks off with their official Japanese debut. When this was first announced, I was both surprised and excited. Their charms feel well-matched to the J-pop market, and with fantastic producer Funk Uchino onboard, the possibilities seemed bright. Then, A Woo‘s teaser premiered and my expectations tempered. Would … Continue reading
Though Nature aren’t yet well-known to the general public, they’ve amassed a solid discography that hasn’t been afraid to experiment with new sounds. We haven’t heard from them since June of 2020 – a lifetime when it comes to K-pop groups. But, they’re finally back with the boisterous Rica Rica. I’m not entirely sure what … Continue reading
Global music trends are currently in my favor, as sounds shift in directions I tend to enjoy. As always, K-pop is catching up to deliver a wealth of rhythmic, retro-themed tracks. By any measure, I should be jumping up and down and proclaiming this a golden age for the industry. Yet when it comes to … 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
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. Yena’s debut album has strong summertime … 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. There were a ton of mini … Continue reading
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
Under-the-radar group Luminous nabbed a spot on my top 2021 rookies list thanks to the strength of debut single Run. Many boy groups use hip-hop as a base for their sound, but Run harnessed the groovier aspects of the genre to craft a song that felt nostalgic yet fresh. Sadly, new single All Eyes Down … Continue reading
Mamamoo’s Moonbyul has been teasing her newest album for weeks, and pre-released the fun throwback track G999 last month. That song hinted at new directions for her music, and Lunatic further fulfills that promise. But while G999 benefited from a laidback groove and focused arrangement, Lunatic feels all over the place. Judging by its title, … Continue reading
I didn’t love BamBam’s solo debut, but his recent duet with Red Velvet’s Seulgi offered a different avenue for his talent. It turns out moody sounds fit him quite well, and that approach continues on new single Slow Mo. The track retains plenty of hip-hop influences, but they’re in service to a gentle, atmospheric melody. … Continue reading
We all have our specific musical preferences, and I’m a sucker for breathless energy and hard-hitting electro-funk. You can place almost any song over a blazing K-pop beat and I’ll be satisfied. Up to this point, Victon’s discography trended toward more leisurely-paced material, though member Do Hanse’s Take Over hinted at more dynamic sounds. From … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 