Every NINE MUSES Single Ranked: From Worst to Best
Feature

Every NINE MUSES Single Ranked: From Worst to Best

I’ve listed my “top tens” for many artists, but it’s time to rummage through entire discographies and rank every single from worst to best. This feature will primarily tackle groups who have disbanded or gone on indefinite hiatus. It’s a way for me to re-evaluate my initial thoughts on their singles run. Don’t be surprised … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides:  Ha Sungwoon, Kim Hyung Jun, Nine Muses, Agust D, TVXQ
Feature

Battle of the B-Sides: Ha Sungwoon, Kim Hyung Jun, Nine Muses, Agust D, TVXQ

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

The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2013 (Day Four: 20-11)
Feature

The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2013 (Day Four: 20-11)

2013 was a high-concept, musically diverse year in K-pop. Hip-hop hadn’t yet taken over, and melody was still king. Instrumentals aimed for the rafters of stadiums, bringing in explosive guitar, sledgehammer beats and bombastic electro riffs. Songs played around with structure in artful, unexpected ways, often polarizing opinion before unveiling themselves as future classics. Here … Continue reading