Song Review: NiziU – What If
Review

Song Review: NiziU – What If

It’s getting more difficult to decide which songs to write a review for on this blog. NiziU’s b-side What If (만약이라는 건 없어) is promoted by a “track video” today, which is basically a different term for a (somewhat budget) music video. I’m not sure whether the group will be performing this on music shows … Continue reading

Song Review: NiziU – Love Line
Review

Song Review: NiziU – Love Line

Though they’re primarily based in Japan, JYP girl group NiziU has global ambitions. Love Line (운명선) is their second Korean single, further establishing the girls as part of the K-pop landscape. And while it may exist between markets, the song itself borrows from girl group sounds of the past for a flavor that feels unique … Continue reading

Song Review: NiziU – AlwayS
Review

Song Review: NiziU – AlwayS

We’ve entered December, which all but ensures a steady stream of ballads from both K-pop and J-pop. This softer energy tends to be quite seasonal, as listeners seek coziness over musical bombast. Japan has an especially insatiable appetite for ballads, making NiziU’s AlwayS the perfect release for this time of year. AlwayS starts life as … Continue reading

Song Review: NiziU – Rise Up
Review

Song Review: NiziU – Rise Up

Though JYP Entertainment has been active in Japan for many years, girl group NiziU was an early experiment in “J-pop group produced by Korean agency.” With companies like HYBE, SM and Lapone following suit, this strategy has become more common as time has gone on. It’s changing the J-pop idol landscape and blurring the lines … Continue reading