As part of my “Top 100 K-pop Songs of All-Time” countdown, I took the effort to dive deeply into my top ten picks and break them down moment by moment. But, there are plenty of other songs that deserve this same treatment. So, The Bias List proudly presents an in-depth feature: “Breaking Down the K-pop … Continue reading
Tag Archives: kpop
Song Review: Momoland x Chromance – Wrap Me In Plastic
After their breakout 2018 success, Momoland have pinballed from one novelty to another, trying to find something that might stick. This has been largely unsuccessful, though they remain a competitive force in today’s K-pop landscape. Their pursuit of viral sounds has led them toward a few different collaborations, the latest of which sees them paired … Continue reading
Song Review: aespa – Forever
Whether intentional or not, SM Entertainment has established a template for debuting their newer girl groups. Open with a big, colorful dance track and follow up with a cover of a late-90’s/early 00’s Yoo Young-Jin produced song. This combination worked wonders for Red Velvet, but both Happiness and Be Natural were dynamite songs. I liked … Continue reading
Song Review: Kim Myungsoo (L) – Memory
Infinite’s Kim Myungsoo – better known by his stage name L – is in a nebulous position. He hasn’t officially left Infinite, yet he’s no longer part of their agency Woollim Entertainment. I’m not sure how that works regarding any future reunion, but that point is moot for a while. His special single Memory (기억과 … Continue reading
Song Review: HyunA – Good Girl
Though HyunA released I’m Not Cool last week, she was originally scheduled to promote a different track last year. That song is Good Girl, which officially breaks free of its b-side status with a music video today. I liked I’m Not Cool well enough, but this feels more like a single. I’m glad that she’s … Continue reading
Song Review: Purple Kiss – Can We Talk Again
Like agency seniors Mamamoo, girl group Purple Kiss are building toward their upcoming debut with a series of pre-releases. This is a great way to showcase the group’s skills without confining them to one box, and the two songs we’ve now heard certainly display versatility. Last year’s My Heart Skips A Beat painted them as … Continue reading
Song Review: CIX – Cinema
Though they debuted back in 2019, CIX have yet to release a title track or album that has connected with me. Within the idol worship world that is K-pop fandom, this may lead fans to believe that I have something against the group themselves. But, that’s not the case at all. I just haven’t liked … Continue reading
Breaking Down the K-pop Song: SHINee – One Minute Back
As part of my “Top 100 K-pop Songs of All-Time” countdown, I took the effort to dive deeply into my top ten picks and break them down moment by moment. But, there are plenty of other songs that deserve this same treatment. So, The Bias List proudly presents an in-depth feature: “Breaking Down the K-pop … Continue reading
Breaking Down the K-pop Song: Kara – Step
As part of my “Top 100 K-pop Songs of All-Time” countdown, I took the effort to dive deeply into my top ten picks and break them down moment by moment. But, there are plenty of other songs that deserve this same treatment. So, The Bias List proudly presents an in-depth feature: “Breaking Down the K-pop … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of January 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. January 2021 Overall Thoughts It’s the start of a new year, and new possibilities when it … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Hyojin (ONF) – Before Today Is Over
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. What’s up with WM Entertainment continued … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD YES.: In-Depth Album Review – Breathe
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album YES. 1. YES. // 2. Burn It // 3. Cool Cool // 4. Round N Round // … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Dreamcatcher – Poison Love
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. Dreamcatcher’s Road to Utopia is a … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD YES.: In-Depth Album Review – Milky Way
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album YES. 1. YES. // 2. Burn It // 3. Cool Cool // 4. Round N Round // … Continue reading
Song Review: IZ*ONE – D-D-Dance
IZ*ONE’s D-D-Dance has been floating around for a few days, with the official video premiering today on the Universe app (hence the “extended preview” version embedded below). The track is essentially a CF. And as the history of K-pop CFs has taught us, that means that the quality of the song could really land at … Continue reading
Song Review: HyunA – I’m Not Cool
Oftentimes, it feels as if I appreciate the idea of a HyunA song more than the actual song itself. She’s such a fierce, charismatic performer, and has played an integral part in the last decade (and more!) of K-pop. She’s also released her fair share of classics, both as a soloist and part of girl … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD YES.: In-Depth Album Review – Round N Round
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album YES. 1. YES. // 2. Burn It // 3. Cool Cool // 4. Round N Round // … Continue reading
Song Review: IU – Celebrity
Taken together, IU’s past three singles (Blueming, Eight and Into the I-LAND) form an overarching sound that comes across as quite cohesive. They’re all feel-good, sing-along pop anthems, and I honestly can’t figure out why I haven’t played them more than I have. This style is a great match for IU’s vocal, and I’ll be … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD YES.: In-Depth Album Review – Cool Cool
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album YES. 1. YES. // 2. Burn It // 3. Cool Cool // 4. Round N Round // … Continue reading
Song Review: Dreamcatcher – Odd Eye
Dreamcatcher have returned with the final installment of their Dystopia trilogy. This series kicked off with panache last year as title track Scream twisted their usual rock sound into something more theatrical. In contrast, new single Odd Eye is pretty much what you’d expect to hear from Dreamcatcher’s music – composed by their usual collaborators … Continue reading