They may have only debuted in the spring of 2016, but NCT’s unit-based, rotational nature has already provided enough singles for a top ten countdown. As SM Entertainment’s newest group, NCT offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of upbeat dance pop, experimental hip-hop/EDM, or soaring balladry, you’ll find at least one song to … Continue reading
Though they’ve only released two singles so far, NCT Dream has quickly become my favorite NCT unit. While 127 has been focused more and more on a hip-hop driven sound, Dream are bubblegum pop music through and through. Despite its title, We Young is probably the most mature the group have sounded so far… but … Continue reading
Before the Bias List‘s Top 50 songs countdown in December, it’s time to take a mid-year survey of the k-pop landscape in 2017. Compared to 2016, this year has been somewhat underwhelming. But that doesn’t mean 2017 hasn’t had its share of highlights. Unsurprisingly, my list includes a number of acts that overlap with last … 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. RYAN S. … 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. February 2017 Overall Thoughts If I could describe February with only one word, it would be “consistent.” … 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. NCT Dream have only recorded three songs so far, but … Continue reading
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
As we move through the year’s best k-pop moments, it’s important not to forget 2016’s most memorable choreography, which is one of the genre’s most valuable hallmarks. Dance routines are such a huge part of most k-pop comebacks, highlighted by a catchy “point dance” that aims to be easily repeated by viewers. As groups’ rosters begin … Continue reading
The end of the year countdowns are here! We’re starting things off with the big one… the top 50 songs of the year! Each day this week, I’ll be counting down ten of the year’s best, until number one is revealed on Friday. Unlike last year, j-pop releases will be placed in their own countdown, … Continue reading
At the end of each month, I’ll look back at my three favorite title tracks by k-pop artists. Unlike my end-of-year countdowns, jpop and Japanese releases by kpop artists are ineligible, though I will give the great ones a spotlight. For my top three tracks, I’ll take my own ratings into account, but there is a … Continue reading
The longer SM Entertainment’s NCT project is in existence, the more excited I get about its potential. Some of that is due to the agency’s smart showcasing of members’ personalities through variety series, but most of it is a direct result of the project’s ambition and scope. More than anything, NCT is a vessel to channel … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 