This has been quite the week for girl group debuts, hasn’t it? REDSQUARE is the third new act to emerge in the space of forty-eight hours. And like Woo!ah! and Secret Number, they come from a relatively small agency without the kind of clout that would render them instant successes. But of the three groups, … Continue reading
Originally scheduled for debut in March, COVID-19 pushed back Secret Number’s first single album to May. And, as any new act is wont to do, they’re confidently asking us: Who Dis? Extra points for the intentionally bad spelling and grammar. But though that title might conjure images of cringe-inducing “hip-hop hands” and misguided hair styles, … Continue reading
It seems like just yesterday that NCT Dream unveiled their newest mini album. The “Neo Zone” sure has been prolific lately, with member Haechan participating in a comeback each month since March. Punch arrives as a repackaged title track to NCT 127’s second full-length, and expands on their abrasive hip-hop sound. In doing so, the … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. I wouldn’t normally feature a buried treasure on the same day … Continue reading
I have never wanted to be more wrong about a song. TXT were my favorite rookie act of last year, injecting some fun into boy group K-pop while most of their contemporaries opted for moody material. Based on their track record, I fully expected them to deliver my favorite single of 2020. I knew that … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! March … Continue reading
Among many other issues, this year in K-pop has felt very underwhelming when it comes to debuts. This was to be expected after 2019 showered us with exciting new groups, but I’ve definitely been missing that super rookie energy lately. Instead, we’ve seen a handful of emerging acts from smaller agencies. Woo!ah! hails from new … Continue reading
I’ve written at length about survival series, along with my distaste for them and the culture they foster. Learning that Road to Kingdom would feature eliminations was a gut punch. That constant threat of danger is meant to make the series more thrilling, but all it does is frustrate. It’s absolutely cruel that these groups … Continue reading
Longtime readers of The Bias List will know how stingy I am when it comes to rating songs nine and above. But, there’s plenty of music that qualifies. In fact, I’ve got a playlist of over 600 of them sitting in my iTunes. The vast majority of these are singles or title tracks, but there … Continue reading
Rookie group UNVS had a promising debut this past February. But if I’m being honest, I haven’t returned to it since. Such is the challenge with new acts. There are already so many K-pop groups to follow, and unless a rookie promotes often and releases undeniably ear-catching material, they’re likely to fall by the wayside. … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. As usual, DAY6’s new album is far more exciting and adventurous … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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. Apart from atmospheric opener Moon Dance and obligatory ballad Must, I’d … Continue reading
Despite releasing several singles, I’ve only featured girl group Busters on The Bias List once in 2019. I always get their name mixed up with Korean rock group Bursters, which falsely makes me think they’ve been more prolific than they have. Despite debuting back in 2017, the girls have only four (low budget) music videos … Continue reading
Formerly a duo, BOL4 has become a solo project for Ahn Jiyoung after member Woo Jiyoon left last month. Given this departure, I’m surprised that Jiyoung is already back with new music. Just last week we heard her on a sleepy duet with EXO’s Baekhyun, and now we have a new mini album under the … Continue reading
Ironically, the BVNDIT song that’s stuck with me the most wasn’t a title track at all. In fact, it wasn’t even performed in Korean. February’s odd, lyrically cringey Cool wasn’t perfect, but at least it had a personality. Apart from that, the group’s discography has felt completely generic. It’s competent – as all modern K-pop … Continue reading
May is quickly shaping up to be the month of superstar collaborations. Yours brings together EXO’s Chanyeol and DJ Raiden, and throws in Lee Hi and Changmo for good measure. This buffet of talent offers a little something for everyone, and each performer is used well – even if the song takes a minute to … Continue reading
If one thing has been lacking from K-pop’s 2020 boy group landscape, it’s a sense of fun. Now don’t get me wrong, we’re not exactly in “fun” times right now, so to expect anybody to be in a particularly good mood at the moment is asking a lot. But when things are dark, don’t we … Continue reading
Late last year, DAY6 shocked me with their fantastic – and musically varied – full album The Book of Us: Entropy. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the group’s music before, but Entropy really pushed their sound to another level. Retro anthems like Deep In Love and Emergency were particularly impactful, and gave me hope … Continue reading
Since reuniting as five, Nu’est have displayed contrasting charms. First, we had the angsty Bet Bet, followed by the buoyant Love Me. Anyone who’s read my reviews for awhile will know which concept I preferred. New single I’m In Trouble plays things down the middle, jumping on the minimalist, bass-driven trend with a hook that … Continue reading
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! February … Continue reading
