For as popular as Cha Eunwoo is, I’m surprised it’s taken so long for him to make his solo debut as a singer. I guess with so many acting and promotional jobs coming in, he probably doesn’t have much free time on his hands! Despite Stay being his first official title track, Eunwoo has recorded … Continue reading
There’s a specific style of J-pop performed by Korean acts (or Japanese acts fronted by Korean companies) that’s become ubiquitous over the past few years. Anything related to the Produce franchise or HYBE Corporation seems to be sucked into its orbit, and Mirae’s new Japanese single Running Up also fits within this framework. It’s characterized … Continue reading
Since switching agencies, iKON members have had more opportunity to develop solo careers and explore different sounds. DK (Kim Dongyuk) is known as the group’s main dancer, but his music takes a more downbeat, angsty turn for pre-release LTNS (오랜만이야). This track melds rock textures with mid-tempo percussion. The vocals are heavily filtered, giving them … Continue reading
In a period without many new K-pop releases, a few Japanese tracks from Korean artists are picking up the slack. First up is Yena’s DNA. Though it’s not her first foray into the J-pop market, this is the first original single she’s promoting there. Her pop/rock concept is well suited to Japanese tastes given the … Continue reading
Pre-releases are all the rage these days, and EPEX are preparing for the release of their first full album with the sentimental Graduation Day (졸업식). Over the course of the past few years, the group has ping ponged between genres, often going to opposite extremes. But we haven’t really heard them slow things down for … Continue reading
Just over three years after their debut, P1Harmony have unveiled their first full album. This always feels like a milestone for artists, and P1Harmony aren’t messing with the formula when it comes to its title track. Killin’ It (때깔) retains their attitude-fueled hip-hop sound. There’s no doubt the group excels in this realm, so it’s … Continue reading
I still can’t get over the name “Young Posse.” It sounds like something that would’ve been part of an original Disney Channel series — hip-hop as viewed by middle-aged executives. The group’s gimmicky Macaroni Cheese didn’t help alleviate these concerns, but to their credit Young Posse have gone straight to the K-hip-hop well with their … Continue reading
I keep seeing headlines about how well BABYMONSTER’s Batter Up has done with streams and views. The amount of interaction and hits on my review of the song bear that popularity out. Admittedly, I’m surprised there’s still such an appetite for this specific YG Entertainment song template. The debut of a new YG act is … Continue reading
(G)I-DLE’s music has gone through many transformations — most recently in the form of the polarizing, meme-ready Wife. Regardless of genre, their title tracks have become known for their catchphrases. Leader and composer Soyeon loves a concept, and nuance isn’t really her thing. Whether they’re a wife, a tomboy, a queen or a nude, the … Continue reading
After a promising pre-debut single, rookie group POW’s subsequent songs didn’t hit me as hard. Their agency seems to be throwing many different sounds at the wall, which is always a tricky prospect when a group is first starting out. New single Valentine switches things up yet again, playing around with tempo and tone but … Continue reading
Kim Jaehwan continues to move away from the balladeer his early title tracks suggested. His albums have often dabbled in funk music, but it’s cool to see him embrace the genre on title tracks. New single Ponytail comes across as a natural follow-up to last year’s Lucky. This is a more reserved take on the … Continue reading
We’ve reached the end of ATEEZ’s sub-unit/solo music video releases with Jongho’s Everything. Out of all the members, I’m most curious to hear what Jongho can do on his own. As the group’s main vocal, he’s in charge of the stirring power notes that help make their music so dramatic. In a perfect world, Everything … Continue reading
While fellow Boys Planet alum ZEROBASEONE opted for a lighter sound, EVNNE debuted with the edgier beats of Trouble. That song didn’t do much for me, though I appreciated its energy. Ugly faces a similar dilemma. Its thumping beat is incredibly addictive, but the composers have neglected to form much of a song around it. … Continue reading
It’s become more common than not for marquee K-pop acts to pre-release material before unveiling their title track. At best, this allows for more left-field songs to gain attention, broadening the sound and texture of an artist’s discography. At worst, it waters down the power of a flawless, all-killer-no-filler singles run. Wife will be the … Continue reading
English-language songs and Western artist collaborations are commonplace in today’s K-pop market, but this feels like one of the industry’s more random products. IVE have teamed up with American rapper Saweetie for a cover of Swedish duo Icona Pop’s 2013 hit All Night. Here’s the thing… I would love if K-pop’s girl groups started making … Continue reading
DXMON (pre)debuted earlier this month with cool hairstyles but a song that echoed many of K-pop’s familiar shouty boy group tropes. I had my fingers crossed they’d have something new up their sleeves for their official debut track, but although Spark brings the intensity down a bit it suffers from many of the same issues … Continue reading
ATEEZ’s weekly sub-unit music videos continue with Yunho and Mingi’s Youth. Thus far, the tracks have mainly played within the group’s usual sonic territory, but Youth lowers the energy to craft a wispy, occasionally jazzy, mid-tempo. This sound isn’t what I’d expect from Yunho or Mingi, and that alone adds a spike of interest. I … Continue reading
Pentagon’s Hui enters his solo career with the wind at his back, boosted by prominent Boys Planet promotion last year. He’s the rare idol soloist who can confidently compose his own material, though I’ve felt he often gives his best songs to other acts. Hmm Bop sees him taking on a boisterous funk personality, and … Continue reading
tripleS’s various sub-units have blitzed through several styles while maintaining the same general vibe. Now it’s time for a unit focused on balladry. It is the winter season, after all! Korea loves nothing more than a ballad during the cold winter months. tripleS Aria are happy to oblige, delivering the pretty — but dull — … Continue reading
Along with labelmates ITZY, NMIXX’s album has been preceded by a few pre-releases. First was December’s Soñar (Breaker), a song that has grown on me since its initial release. Then came Run For Roses, one of the group’s most striking songs yet. Pre-releases are a good way to build momentum, but they can also put … Continue reading
