i-dle are one of those K-pop groups that actively reach out to global audiences and try to incorporate cultural touchstones they may not always be well-versed in. This has led to valid criticism in the past, though their music has leaned in a more generic direction the last few years. With new digital single Mono, … Continue reading
Tag Archives: rating 7
EXO REVERXE: In-Depth Album Review – Flatline
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
EXO REVERXE: In-Depth Album Review – Touch & Go
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
EXO REVERXE: In-Depth Album Review – Back Pocket
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
Song Review: ZEROBASEONE – Roses
Two weeks ago, ZEROBASEONE released the fan song ballad Running To Future as the first pre-release from their upcoming “special” (ie: final) album. Today, they’re back with its second pre-release Roses. This one adds rock guitar for texture and a bit more bounce to its percussion but ultimately serves the same purpose as its predecessor. … Continue reading
EXO REVERXE: In-Depth Album Review – Moonlight Shadows
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
Song Review: TNX – Call Me Back
It’s funny. For years after 2021’s LOUD series ended, I complained about JYP not debuting his winning team while PSY’s TNX were already promoting their music. Yet after only a year of activities, KickFlip has already released more songs than TNX have in their entire life as a group. I guess that’s the benefit of … Continue reading
EXO REVERXE: In-Depth Album Review – Suffocate
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
Song Review: 1VERSE – WABIF (Wide Awake Before I Fall)
It’s 1VERSE’s first comeback and they’re already down a member, as Hyuk remains on hiatus during the release of digital single WABIF (Wide Awake Before I Fall). We’re also in visualizer territory rather than a music video, which is probably a smart idea for a group with limited financial resources. I’m always of the mind … Continue reading
EXO REVERXE: In-Depth Album Review – Crazy
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
Song Review: ONEUS – Grenade
There’s a class of mid-range 4th generation groups who have either disbanded or found themselves in a diminished place thanks to K-pop’s fast-moving system. As new generations come up, this is often an inevitable fate for all but the biggest of acts, but ONEUS also must contend with an agency that is having their own … Continue reading
EXO REVERXE: In-Depth Album Review – Back It Up
EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018. Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out! 1. Crown … Continue reading
Song Review: Catch The Young – Amplify
While Catch The Young haven’t exactly caught the charts on fire, they’ve slowly and steadily built a solid discography. Today marks the release of their first full album — a huge achievement for any band. This project is led by title track Amplify, which takes their rock sound in a more energetic direction. I prefer … Continue reading
Song Review: Misamo (Twice) – Confetti
Misamo is Twice’s first sub-unit, active for almost three years now. I last wrote about them in November of 2024 and now they’re kicking off 2026 with new single Confetti and upcoming album PLAY. As their music has developed, it’s taken on more of an old-school approach. Confetti pull us all the way back to … Continue reading
Song Review: ONEWE – Ferris Wheel
ONEWE are getting into the pre-release game with Ferris Wheel (관람차), which is a taste of their upcoming demo album. The word “demo” feels more like branding than reality here, as I’m not sure songs can still be considered demos after they’ve been promoted with music videos and performed on shows. But regardless of vernacular, … Continue reading
Song Review: NCT Wish – Hello Mellow
There have been an increasing number of Japanese groups formed by Korean agencies who end up promoting in Korea much more often than their home country. With this in mind, NCT Wish have split their efforts pretty well between the two countries, building a large fan base in the process. Apart from a song here … Continue reading
Song Review: n.SSign – Funky Like Me (ft. Peak & Pitch)
n.SSign’s sole 2025 single Itty Bitty was a sneaky little earworm, slowly rising to become one of my favorite songs of last spring. The guys don’t promote nearly enough for a group of their stature. They still feel like rookies, despite debuting in 2023. New single Funky Like Me was first premiered last month at … Continue reading
Song Review: LNGSHOT – Moonwalkin’
LNGSHOT is the first idol group to launch from Jay Park’s MORE VISION record label. They made a pre-debut last month in the midst of all of my year-end countdowns, so I wasn’t able to write about that song. However, they’ve made their full debut today and I’m ready to dive in. I grew up … Continue reading
Song Review: ILLIT – Sunday Morning
ILLIT have a knack for releasing viral songs — or at least dance challenges that make their songs go viral. The ultra-subdued Not Cute Anymore is currently enjoying a run on the charts that has prompted the group to get back on music shows for additional promotions. In the midst of this, they’ve released the … Continue reading
Song Review: KiiiKiii – Delulu
KiiiKiii had a strange debut year, moving from ultra-quirky sounds to much more straightforward fare before going silent for the last chunk of the year. That was in preparation for their upcoming comeback due at the end of this month. From initial teasers, they seem to be embracing their quirkier side once more, though little … Continue reading