I haven’t written about a solo track from Infinite’s Dongwoo since 2019, which might as well be a lifetime ago. Since then, the guys have regrouped under their own agency, toured extensively and released new music that (sadly) hasn’t done much for me. Now, it’s time for Dongwoo to showcase his own talents with a … Continue reading
I don’t know what’s gotten into me this year, but there have been several boy group tracks I’ve loved that — in the past — I might have dismissed as “noise music.” I suppose as this trend has softened it’s made the sound less infuriating. Or, maybe the songs have just been more fun. Chief … Continue reading
Absent a full-group comeback, the girls of ARTMS have been blitzing the market with digital singles. Next on the docket is Heejin, who’s shifted into a new genre with sAvioR. The last time I wrote about her on the blog she was dabbling in new jack swing, but sAvioR takes a hard turn toward grungy … Continue reading
Funny (?) story: I actually listened to sub-unit idntt unevermet’s 8:11 (8시 11분) yesterday when it was first released but promptly forgot all about it before I even had a chance to write a review. I’m not sure that’s ever happened before, but it goes to show you how little impact idntt’s debut had on … Continue reading
Within the K-pop industry’s hyper-polished, hyper-controlled framework, Jessi has always been a necessary cog in the machine. She’s gone through so many iterations since her debut twenty (!) years ago, but every style and configuration has been anchored by her inimitable personality and bold attitude. Even when the music hasn’t connected, her persona has. New … Continue reading
When last we heard from Xodiac, it was in the form of four-member sub-unit UNIT-X early this summer. I had to look up this review because I couldn’t remember the song at all, and that’s probably because it was a cover of an old SS501 track. Now, the group is back as a whole with … Continue reading
I continue to be mystified by PLAVE’s incredible success. While established idol groups’ new videos are stuck at tens of thousands of hits, PLAVE’s new single BBUU! has already sailed past a million. I assume there’s some extra-musical appeal I’m missing. After all, I’ve never delved past the songs themselves because the music remains quite … Continue reading
New boy group AM8IC impressed me with their pre-debut Buzzin and its fun, funky riff on Ghostbusters. Now, it’s time for the guys to make their actual debut with their first mini album. Title track Link Up opts for a more reserved energy, borrowing from many familiar 2025 sounds. Link Up‘s verses are emblematic of … Continue reading
ITZY released a strong single this spring with Girls Will Be Girls, but that album’s club-heavy b-sides pointed toward an even more promising avenue for the girls. Their charismatic performance style feels perfectly suited to the kind of talk-heavy dance music that’s currently in vogue and I’m surprised they didn’t release that kind of title … Continue reading
In a sea of copycat comebacks, Just B have forged their own sonic path. Their recent music has borrowed heavily from hyperpop, delivering brief bursts of dense electronic soundscapes. While this hasn’t always worked as well as it could, I admire them for picking a genre and sticking with it. New title track True Heart … Continue reading
TXT’s Yeonjun made his solo debut last year with the quirky (and ultimately addictive) GGUM. Now, it’s time for him to try his hand at an album. No Labels arrives with plenty of hype in both Korean and international markets and promises to offer a fuller picture of his artistry (and body, if judging by … Continue reading
Boy group NTX surprised me in the best way possible with their title track Over N Over earlier this year. That song adopted a second/third gen K-pop sound with anthemic gusto and instantly became a standout in their discography. Now, the guys have returned with more creative control and a sonic switch-up that sees them … Continue reading
After an exciting flash of energy with 2024’s Love Attack, girl group RESCENE retreated back to current girl group tropes for their work this year. Still, they’ve developed a small but passionate fan base and are set to expand those numbers with an upcoming album. Up first is pre-release Heart Drop. Honestly, all of these … Continue reading
Newbeat debuted earlier this year with a sound that was decidedly not for me. Their “new beat” included a surplus of irritating sing-talk and recycled samples we’ve heard a thousand times before from boy groups. But with a first comeback comes the chance to course correct. The version of Newbeat heard on Look So Good … Continue reading
I recently finished watching the JYP edition of The Game Caterers — a field day suite of games involving members of every active JYP group. The series was a lot of fun and I admired how agency COO J.Y. Park participated as well. It was like watching the principal of a school hang out with … Continue reading
XLOV’s genderless concept is so welcome in K-pop and makes me want to support the group wholeheartedly, but I’ve struggled with the disconnect between their image and their music. This summer’s 1&Only became a sleeper hit for me, but even then the song felt much too straightforward for XLOV’s ambitions. Sadly, new single Rizz is … Continue reading
Two years since their debut, Kiss Of Life are pushing into the Japanese market with their first J-pop single. It’s hard not to wonder if this move comes as a pivot away from the western markets they had been pursuing up until their controversy earlier this year. Whatever the case, Lucky is a so-so debut … Continue reading
I’ll be honest: a shiver runs down my spine when I see a song title like “Eenie Meeny Miny Moe.” Nursery rhymes have been a part of pop music for decades, but K-pop likes to go overboard with the approach, utilizing their sing-song melodies for the basis of an entire song. Fifty Fifty’s quirky Pookie … Continue reading
Despite emerging from a K-pop agency I have a lot of respect for, I’ve struggled to get into any of ARrC’s material so far. Their overall sound hasn’t been for me as most of the songs have relied on chanted or rapped hooks. Still, I try to approach each new comeback with a blank slate … Continue reading
There’s a certain type of song that’s hard to rate on this blog. It’s a piece of music that sounds objectively good but would never come close to being part of my own playlists. Such was the case with Miyeon’s pre-release Reno. I appreciated the direction she went with the track even if the music … Continue reading
