This is a generalization, but it’s safe to say that SM Entertainment is more notable for hiring outside composers and producers than relying on their artists to self-produce material. Because of this, their idols essentially function as delivery methods for the huge stockpile of songs the agency is sitting on. This isn’t to take away … Continue reading
Though they’ve never found the mainstream success their music warrants, Cross Gene has been a reliably strong k-pop group since their debut in 2012. For their latest Korean release, they’ve mashed two pre-release tracks into one hybrid title track. The approach is more interesting than enjoyable. I felt the same way when Shinee experimented with this idea … Continue reading
Rocker and TV variety personality Jung Joon Young has developed a pattern of crafting raucous alternative rock with his group Drug Restaurant (formerly JJY Band) and more traditional Korean balladry when it comes to his solo work. The latter approach gave us the incredibly Sympathy last year, and with new single Me And You he’s … Continue reading
Though it’s not likely to receive that same attention as BigBang‘s similarly scheduled roll-out in 2015, DAY6 are releasing a single and accompanying music video each month this year. It’s a remarkably exciting prospect, especially for a group who feels like they haven’t been allowed to release nearly enough material since their debut in 2015. January’s … Continue reading
Though it grew on me a bit as time went on, I’m still not a big fan of SF9’s debut single. Regardless of that, the group has already cultivated a nice fan base out of the gate and are clearly on the track to become a big player in this new generation of k-pop. New … Continue reading
Though members Zico and Park Kyung have made waves as solo artists, Block B‘s group comebacks are becoming more and more infrequent. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost three years since they gave us a song as bright and upbeat as 2014’s HER. But with the rollicking Yesterday, they’ve finally revisited this style. The … Continue reading
Though new debuts by k-pop groups are always exciting, I’d argue that their follow-up release is even more important. When making a first impression, investments are high. But the real test is whether a group can keep up the quality, especially when it comes to rookies from small agencies. MASC impressed with debut track Strange last … Continue reading
After writing about FlowBack’s ultra-80’s, ultra-fantastic single Heartbreaker earlier this week, it feels like the right time to launch a new feature. My itunes library is riddled with playlists to suit all my specific interests within the k-pop sphere. Chief among these personal biases is 80’s-inspired music. K-Pop has a love affair with this specific … Continue reading
This time last year, SM Entertainment‘s 52-week Station project kicked off with Taeyeon’s Rain. At the time, it seemed like an exciting prospect that could have gone in any number of directions. And though the end results weren’t usually as thrilling or noteworthy as they could have been, the project itself felt like a total … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Though Red Velvet’s new single Rookie didn’t quite meet my expectations, … Continue reading
On a certain level, I’ve often found Zion.T’s output to be frustrating. It would be hard to find anyone who would deny his influence on Korean music over the past couple of years. He has one of the most identifiable and iconic vocal tones in k-pop, and has almost single-handedly invented his own genre of neo-soul. … Continue reading
Ever since their debut, SM’s Red Velvet has existed in a somewhat awkward place between mainstream and experimental. Their music has borrowed elements from both extremes of their agency’s girl group output, but every time they score a song that feels like the perfect blend, they seem to take a step or two back with … 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 2017 Overall Thoughts 2017 started with one of the strongest (and most packed) first weeks that we’ve … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Shinee‘s latest Japanese album, Five, is super solid. The first … Continue reading
Debuting in 2013 as Universal Music’s first foray into the k-pop world, Boys Republic are one of the genre’s most underrated groups. Though they’ve never had that one breakout hit that would shoot them to superstardom, they’ve delivered a consistently awesome series of singles that have run the gamut from light pop fare to edgier, … Continue reading
Shinee‘s j-pop material has always been stronger than many of their peers, but their new album Five is especially solid. Bolstered by a heavy dose of bombastic funk, most of its tracks see the group moving towards a big, uptempo party vibe that contrasts with their more experimental, nuanced work last year in Korea. Get … Continue reading
If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. JYP (PARK … Continue reading
I very rarely write about songs performed in English, but this being a super slow week in k-pop releases means that Gallant’s new song gets a mention. Of course, with Eric Nam and Tablo taking over two thirds of the track, Cave Me In is about as Korean as a Western pop song could be. … Continue reading
I’ve been watching K-Pop Star since it’s been on the air, but I’ve always been surprised out how few bona fide stars it actually produces. Apart from Akdong Musician and Lee Hi, the show has become more closely associated with indie acts. This isn’t to say that an artist with a less pop-influenced style can’t be a … Continue reading
Rookie group IMFACT were frustratingly managed in their debut year, suffering a fate that has affected many new acts before them. Rather than establish a distinct sound, they pin-balled between the upbeat novelty of debut Lollipop and the tuneless, swagger-on-steroids of Feel So Good. Neither were particularly great songs, and both seemed built to appeal to vastly … Continue reading
