At the end of each month, I compile my top three K-pop title tracks and list a ton of honorable mentions. In 2025, I thought I’d try something new and add a weekly feature to supplement my monthly round-up. Each Sunday, I’ll offer a compendium of the week’s new releases featured on the blog. And … Continue reading
Teen Top’s Niel has had a solo career for over ten years now. Back in 2015, he debuted with the Taemin-lite Lovekiller but has been active only sporadically since. She is his first solo single since last year’s underrated Parting Path and sees him taking on a more downbeat soul sound. Right off the bat, … 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 2024 Overall Thoughts Well, what a nice surprise this month has been! After many years … Continue reading
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible: … Continue reading
Whether working with Teen Top or on his own, Niel’s voice instantly conjures nostalgia. It’s very recognizable and rich with character. And on new single Parting Path (이별하러 가는 길), it’s quite versatile as well. The song is largely mid-tempo, but with an energy that builds and changes as it reaches its finale. I’m sure I … Continue reading
After leaving TOP Media (but not Teen Top), Niel has returned with a new album after a solo hiatus that lasted nearly six years. For younger listeners unfamiliar with Teen Top, I urge you to check out classics like Rocking, I Wanna Love, ah-ah, No More Perfume On You, Love Is and To You. You’ll … 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! Which … Continue reading
With a title like “What’s Good?”, Niel’s latest effort was going to be fighting an uphill battle from the very beginning. American slang just doesn’t translate that well to k-pop, and its injection almost always feels like pandering to trends and the perceived coolness of Western media. But Niel’s solo work has always seemed to … Continue reading
Teen Top‘s Niel has returned with his second solo mini album. His work has always reminded me of a lighter version of what Shinee‘s Taemin releases. They’re both clearly inspired by Michael Jackson, but Niel has an airier tone and seems to prefer a less aggressive r&b sound than Taemin’s go-for-broke dance assault. Love Affair … Continue reading
