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. July 2022 Overall Thoughts Counting up all of July’s releases, I’m not sure we’ve ever had … Continue reading
Tag Archives: mamamoo
Song Review: Loco & Hwasa – Somebody!
When I think of mixed-gender, summertime duets in K-pop, my mind instantly goes to 2014’s A Midsummer Night’s Sweetness, which was inescapable that year. I love the idea of a chill duet soundtracking the season, and the combination of Loco and Hwasa seems perfectly designed for this purpose. Despite the exclamation mark in its title, … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: PSY – Now (ft. Hwasa)
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. PSY’s ninth album proves his continued … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of April 2022
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. April 2022 Overall Thoughts In a paradoxical trend, the average song rating on this blog has … Continue reading
Song Review: Moonbyul – C.I.T.T (Cheese in the Trap)
Though retro trends still have a vise-grip hold on K-pop, the industry has started embracing punky, guitar-led sounds as well. This is in line with global trends, and may just be “the next big thing.” Whether Mamamoo’s Moonbyul is a soothsayer or not, her newest solo single C.I.T.T (Cheese in the Trap) rides the wave … Continue reading
Song Review: Solar (Mamamoo) – Honey
Nearly two years since her solo debut, Mamamoo’s Solar has returned with her first mini album. Just like 2020’s Spit It Out, she continues to subvert expectations by embracing upbeat grooves rather than the balladry some might have imagined. For better or worse, Honey (꿀) follows in the footsteps of many recent Mamamoo singles – … Continue reading
Song Review: Moonbyul (Mamamoo) – Lunatic
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
Song Review: Wheein (Mamamoo) -Make Me Happy
This should be a good week for Mamamoo fans, as two of its members are releasing solo albums. First up is Wheein, working under her new agency The L1ve. So far, her solo material has trended toward more subdued sounds, though last year’s Water Color found a satisfying groove. New single Make Me Happy (오묘해) … Continue reading
2021 MBC Gayo Daejejeon (Song Festival): Recap & Best Performances
We’re down to the wire now with K-pop’s final year-end festival. MBC’s show is usually my favorite. It feels the most festive, bridging the gap between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It also tends to have the most robust artist line-up. Like every festival of the past two years, this one revolved around … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of December 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. December 2021 Overall Thoughts After spending the past few weeks counting down everything under the sun … Continue reading
Song Review: Moonbyul (Mamamoo) – G999 (ft. Mirani)
December marches on with an uncharacteristically steady stream of big comebacks. As we move closer to the new year, Mamamoo’s Moonbyul is gearing up for the release of her new album. Its first tease comes courtesy of pre-release G999, featuring hip-hop artist Mirani. I’ve found Mamamoo solos to be pretty hit or miss, including much … Continue reading
The Top Three K-Pop Songs of November 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. November 2021 Overall Thoughts We may still have December before us, but according to the norms … Continue reading
Song Review: Hwasa (Mamamoo) – I’m A 빛
Mamamoo’s success has provided an equally successful launching pad for its members’ solo careers, with Hwasa being the biggest beneficiary. In addition to her solo music, she’s a regular on MBC’s long-running series I Live Alone, as well as one of the buzziest idols in the industry. She brings a sense of nonchalant confidence to … Continue reading
Battle of the B-Sides: Xia Junsu, Mamamoo, TO1, B1A4, iKON
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
Battle of the B-Sides: EPEX, Twice, IN2IT, Wheein, Infinite H
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
Song Review: Mamamoo – Mumumumuch
Best-of albums are uncommon in K-pop, and usually mark a special occasion. With the news surrounding Wheein’s contract negotiations, I can’t help but feel like this new album is a sign that Mamamoo may be taking a hiatus or at least slowing down. If I’m being honest, I haven’t been excited about a new Mamamoo … Continue reading
Song Review: Mamamoo – Where Are We Now
It’s quite rare for an idol group to release a ballad as title track. K-pop is wrapped up in performance (ie: choreography), making it difficult for ballads to check all the necessary comeback boxes. But, the Korean charts love a big, sentimental belter. And if any idol group is going to succeed without the dance … Continue reading
Song Review: Wheein (Mamamoo) – Water Color
Mamamoo have not only proven themselves a force to be reckoned with, but each member has gone on to enjoy solo success in a variety of fields. Wheein seems perfectly poised for this endeavor, with a strong voice that can tackle a wide spectrum of genres. New single Water Color sees her paired with a … Continue reading
2020 MBC Gayo Daejejun: Recap & Best Performances
Of the three year-end song festivals, I’ve always considered MBC’s to be the most intimate-feeling, as well as the one with the most diverse line-up. Plus, it’s got the added celebratory nature of New Year’s Eve. In 2020, none of these strengths could really be capitalized upon. It’s hard to create that intimate feeling without … Continue reading
2020 SBS Gayo Daejun: Recap & Best Performances
As has been the case with most of the Gayos of the past few years, SBS’s Gayo Daejun was a bit dull tonight. Performing without a live audience has its ups and downs, and the best moments of the show were when the production really embraced the potential of the circumstances it had been dealt. … Continue reading