Thus far, MJ’s solo career has verged on trot music without fully pushing over the line. On new single 1~10 (Ghosting) (1분 전 (9에서 멈췄어)) he takes a more straightforward approach, delivering a burst of upbeat, rock-tinged pop. It’s a great match for his voice and personality, even if the song feels a bit generic. … Continue reading
If you would have told me I’d be salivating over the prospect of a new Odd Youth comeback, I would have looked at you like you were crazy, but this one comes with a major caveat. Can’t Go Back is the first new Sweetune-produced work in ages and follows an interview in which the production … Continue reading
OURBIRTHDAY make their official debut today under JYP subsidiary INNIT Entertainment. This follows a truly diabolical pre-release that dampened my hopes for their eventual sound. Thankfully, Squeezy is a small step up. The song largely jettisons the annoying sing-chant approach of Hungry for a funkier, old-school approach. This doesn’t mean that Squeezy is any huge … Continue reading
If you don’t count G-Dragon’s 2024 collaboration with bandmates Taeyang and Daesung, I haven’t written about a new Bigbang track since 2022. This makes BiiiG a pretty big deal, but also a bittersweet one. The band has now been cleaved down to three members, making this feel more like a sub-unit than a long-sought reunion. … Continue reading
This was my tenth year attending KCON LA, and as usual I want to offer some thoughts on the experience. If you’re interested in previous recaps, click here: 2016 // 2017 // 2018 // 2019 // 2022 Pt.1 // 2022 Pt.2 // 2023 // 2024 // 2025 Overall Thoughts Regarding the Event Positives 1. I … Continue reading
While it goes without saying that we all miss the full 9-member ZEROBASEONE, I actually think they work insanely well as a five piece. Much of this is down to intention. It feels like — to a certain extent — they’ve gone from a (very good) MNET survival group to a longterm K-pop act with … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Red Velvet’s Surfin’ Boy seemed to polarize opinion, but in a strange twist of fate we’ve got a song that actually sounds more like a classic Red Velvet “velvet” track in the form of Jun. K’s new single featuring Wendy. This digital single doesn’t reinvent any wheels, but its smooth, groovy R&B sound is very … Continue reading
BOYNEXTDOOR have several distinct modes to their songwriting, and they’ve found the most success with a hyperactive indie-pop sound best characterized by last year’s blockbuster If I Say, I Love You. A few months ago, they were ddok ddok ddoking in their homeland and now they’re Boom Boom Booming in Japan. However, this single might … Continue reading
I write this review en route from KCON LA, where TXT headlined day three of the festival (more on that later). In a fun twist of fate, it was also the day their most recent Japanese single was released. Setsuna Hanabi (セツナハナビ) follows a very strong Japanese album last year and largely carries the pace … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. But each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And even more than that, I’ll attempt to rank them from my least-to-most-liked. I invite you to share … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … 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. Sometimes it amazes me which song … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
In the midst of a series of high-profile American promotions, TXT’s Yeonjun has released a follow-up music video for the track Fxxking Star from his newest album. It always cracks me up when artists use an “x” to self-censor a cuss word because it pretty much confirms they’re using the language as aesthetic branding with … Continue reading
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading
Do you ever wonder how a song would sound if it was half asleep? Are you hoping for something so boring that it will actually put you to sleep? Well, idntt has just the song for you with their new “track video” Deep Dream. The hints are right there in the title. You will be … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 