I can’t overstate how much I adore JO1’s Born To Be Wild. I loved it from the start, but it’s grown into the kind of pop behemoth that spawns entire essays on this blog. From build to chorus to breakdown, the track is perfection and still gives me goosebumps every time it pops up on … Continue reading
In a month lacking K-pop releases, the Universe app is offering some of July’s few big-name “comebacks.” That’s a pretty sad state of affairs, especially since the full music videos aren’t even made available outside the app. Regardless, it’s always nice to hear from Monsta X – even more so on the heels of their … Continue reading
Fans have long clamored for a solo album from EXO’s D.O. His smooth vocal style adds soul and groove to the group’s tracks, and he seemed poised for an excellent R&B career of his own. However, SM Entertainment doesn’t seem to know what to do with his skills. D.O. has stated his desire to challenge … Continue reading
Many K-pop idols end up branching out to Japan, but Rocket Punch feel uniquely suited for that market. Most of their title tracks have a very J-pop sound already, and Juri is a former member of Japanese group AKB48. It’s no surprise that Woollim is pushing them abroad this early, while senior groups Lovelyz and … Continue reading
Following the group’s disbandment, B.A.P’s Moon Jongup made his solo debut last year with Headache. I didn’t think much of the song on its release day, but it ended up being one of my biggest growers of the year. Loose, funky tracks like this don’t always get the attention they deserve. However, it’s a sound … Continue reading
I haven’t written about Girlkind since 2018’s S.O.R.R.Y, though the group has released a couple digital singles since then. They’ve even spawned their own 2019 sub-unit. But, you’d still be forgiven for not knowing who Girlkind are. Their promotions have been limited so far, and the music has been largely forgettable. With Good Vibes Only … Continue reading
Despite being best known for her ballads, some of Taeyeon’s most enduring work has spawned from daring musical turns. Songs like Something New and I Got Love harnessed rhythmic energy that helped them standout. New single Weekend brings Taeyeon to the disco, blending dance pop elements with laidback city pop inspirations. The result is appealing, … Continue reading
DAY6 sub-unit Even Of Day debuted late last summer, releasing a much more interesting mini album than its title track suggested. With Where The Sea Sleeps, I wondering why Young K, Wonpil and Dowoon didn’t distinguish their own music from DAY6’s core sound. That confusion continues with new single Right Through Me (뚫고 지나가요). I … Continue reading
KARD’s BM and I often live on different musical planets, but I appreciate the energy and swagger he brings to the industry. With the group’s future uncertain, the time is right for a solo project. And judging from the title of his single album (The First Statement), BM is playing the long game. Nonetheless, title … Continue reading
Okay, let’s get this straight before we move on. Break Ice (얼음깨) is a charity release, with proceeds benefiting pandemic relief. For that reason alone, you should stream the song, watch the ads and do what you can. Or, simply donate to the cause yourself. With that said, I’m here to write about what I … Continue reading
Kingdom’s February debut proved to be polarizing, but I think everyone could get onboard with the group’s high-concept visual. Excalibur introduced Kingdom’s world view, and the guys promise to release a series of albums to further develop that lore. It’s an ambitious plan for a rookie, but I applaud them for trying something new. I … Continue reading
Taking all her singles into account, I feel like AleXa has been let down by her material. She’s talented and charismatic, and her videos surround her with an unlimited supply of effects and eye candy. But when you strip away all that gloss, the songs have been lacking in personality. Because of this, I was … Continue reading
Anyone have the phone number of Woollim Entertainment’s A&R team? We need to have a discussion… DRIPPIN have been one of the year’s most promising rookies. In fact, they were my top pick of 2020! And while March’s Young Blood didn’t quite live up to their excellent debut Nostalgia, b-side Reach Out Your Hands offered … Continue reading
When Han Seungwoo announced his first solo comeback, it wasn’t immediately apparent that the title track would also serve as a farewell before his enlistment hiatus. I guess the writing was on the wall, but this distinction totally transforms the album’s appeal. Stripped back to bare bones, Seungwoo has chosen See You Again (다시 만나) … Continue reading
One of 2021’s most welcome trends has been the resurgence of classic second-gen groups. Whether this comes via rediscovery of old tracks or the embrace of new comebacks, it’s gratifying to see these established acts get their due. The latest group to make a long-awaited return is 2PM. Make It (해야 해) arrives almost five … Continue reading
LOONA’s relatively long hiatuses make each comeback feel like an event. And, this time their title track is even more momentous. It’s their first full-group release since 2019. Leader Haseul is back, and the Bollywood-esque PTT (Paint The Town) welcomes her with aplomb. But, like so many K-pop singles this year, the song suffers from … Continue reading
It’s been an unusually long break since Stray Kids’ last Korean comeback. They spent their first three years blitzing the market with music — no less than nine albums’ worth of material depending on how you classify their minis and repackages. Their 2021 has been devoted to Mnet’s Kingdom, which paid off in victory during … Continue reading
Yugyeom pre-released a track last week as his first work since signing with hip-hop label AOMG. Now, he’s taking full advantage of the agency’s roster and employing Gray as guest producer/artist on All Your Fault (네 잘못이야). I’ve been a longtime fan of Gray’s beats, as they often feel timeless in execution. And even if … Continue reading
Seemingly out of nowhere, WayV’s Kun and Xiaojun announced the release of their first single album. Both are designated as main vocals within the group, yet don’t always have the opportunity to shine as part of WayV’s hip-hop heavy sound. Unsurprisingly, Back To You (这时烟火) is a ballad, stripped to its bare bones to offer … Continue reading
It’s “idol band” day, with ONEWE and Lucy revealing their comeback tracks at the same time. In ONEWE’s case, Rain To Be (비를 몰고 오는 소년) comes from their first mini album and is their first single since December’s A Book In Memory. Like many of their tracks, Rain opts for an angstier sound but … Continue reading
