Seventeen have quickly become one of the most reliable hit-makers in k-pop, regularly churning out the kind of dance pop that feels universal and classic — in line with trends, but pulling influences from multiple decades and genres. 2016 has been a big year for the group, cementing them at the top of the new … Continue reading
One of the selling points upon Seventeen’s debut last year was their unique configuration as three separate units (performance, hip-hop and vocal) within their thirteen-member group. Though the vocal unit delivered a fantastic one-off in February, I’m surprised that we haven’t had releases from the other units outside of side tracks on the group’s albums. … Continue reading
Sub-units are common in k-pop, but few end up being more popular than the actual group that spawned them. Though they haven’t released anything in two years, Orange Caramel has arguably leapfrogged over their parent group, After School, when it comes to awareness and chart success. Consisting of members Nana, Raina and Lizzy, the trio … Continue reading
Before there was Seventeen, Pledis Entertainment was most known for rotational girl group After School. Though the girls haven’t released new material in awhile, they’re widely considered one of the most consistently top-notch girl groups in k-pop. I’d argue that, song-for-song, sub-unit Orange Caramel is even more addictive, but After School is no slouch themselves. While … Continue reading
Two comebacks in, and it’s clear that Nu’est has fully reinvented their sound. I think this is smart. As labelmates Seventeen are going full pop, Nu’est are establishing a more mature, artistic style that sets them apart. But on a personal note, I’m realizing that this new Nu’est just isn’t going to be for me. … Continue reading
There are many underrated groups in k-pop, but Nu’est have to be one of the most notorious. They burst out of the gate in 2012, but in a case of poor management and promotion cycles, quickly lost much of their initial popularity. Even so, they’re a group of remarkable consistency, with a crazy-good back catalog … Continue reading
After taking a look at the songs, it’s time to turn to the albums of 2016. As much as I love a good single, it can only be improved by being part of an excellent album. Last year saw Wonder Girls, Infinite, B1A4 and Shinee releasing my favorite collections. This year, the boy groups have … Continue reading
I always write up a Top 50 songs list in December, but for the first time I thought it would be fun to take a mid-year survey of the k-pop landscape as well. As of this moment, these five songs are what I would consider the strongest releases of 2016. This year has actually been very … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of kpop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Seventeen’s Very Nice repackage is really a brilliant piece of pop … Continue reading
Seventeen are back with a repackage of their first studio album. This April’s Pretty U grew on me immensely, becoming more addictive with each play. New single Very Nice (아주 NICE) is the exact opposite, offering an instant burst of funk-inspired pop magic. It’s yet another step in this group’s unstoppable rise to the top. … Continue reading
It’s rare that we get a pre-debut music video that’s not a solo or sub-unit. From what I’ve heard, Pledis Girlz (hopefully not their final name) will debut as a ten-member group. We doesn’t feature all ten members, but feels like a good indication of their color, especially since the girls directly participated in its composition. … Continue reading
It’s a tall order to follow-up a song as well received (and well-delivered) as Mansae. For me, it was one of 2015’s best singles, and established Seventeen as the top rookie group of the year. It also raised expectations almost impossibly high for their follow-up. Both Adore U and Mansae shared similar styles, opting for … Continue reading
Nu’est have finally returned after nearly two years since their last Korean album. Many fans have been waiting for their comeback, and I’m definitely one of them. I’ve followed the group for some time and liked pretty much everything they’ve released so far. But I’m disappointed to say that I don’t think Overcome will ever fully … Continue reading
Seventeen (my favorite debut group of the year), have gifted us a surprise collaboration single with popular solo artist Ailee. Better yet, the song features a unit group of my three favorite members (S.Coups, Vernon & Woozi). Essentially, it’s a light hip-hop track that’s a lot less in your face than their full-group singles. … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 