This kind of pre-debut song isn’t usually something I’d write about in detail, but Dream is the first musical taste of YG Entertainment’s new girl group BABYMONSTER and that feels like a big deal. With a name like BABYMONSTER, I expected the girls to come out swinging with some bombastic, attitude-infused track. I’m sure that … Continue reading
We’re nearing the summer months, when K-pop tends to get a bit brighter and more upbeat. I’m a longtime proponent of idol music that sounds and feels fun, and rookie group Aimers seem to be headed in that direction. None of their previous music has clicked with me, and new single Bubble doesn’t change that. … Continue reading
ICHILLIN are trying to confuse us! Less than two months ago, they returned with a song called Alarm. Now, they’re back with another one called Siren! I sense a theme here… I wasn’t a fan of Alarm, but Siren has some bite to it. As always, I’d prefer a robust, melodic chorus over the beat-drop/sing-talk hook … Continue reading
Hey, it’s that guy who’s technically part of Super Junior but never performs with them anymore! I find this situation (and the reason behind it) quite odd, but I’m happy Sungmin still gets to release solo music. In the case of Lovesick (사랑이 따끔), he’s bringing a blast of upbeat trot music. I appreciate trot … Continue reading
Just weeks since the finale of Boys Planet, Pentagon’s Hui is back with his group. But before he (presumably) participates in a big Korean comeback, other members are here to deliver the Japanese-language dance track Shh. This group configuration is down to six people, which is a little jarring for an act that started as … Continue reading
I’ve listened to Seventeen’s newest mini album exactly one time through. Unfortunately, their music is drifting further from what I first fell in love with back in 2015. This is natural for any artist, and it’s amazing how they continue to (mostly) self-produce so many years after debut. Title track Super has been enjoyable in … Continue reading
BTOB and Apink occupy a similar space in K-pop. Both are early-2010’s debuts still going strong today. And both have accomplished this with music that tends to be pretty safe and pleasant. There’s a sense of security attached to these groups that’s become increasingly rare in the fast-paced K-pop industry. Wind And Wish (나의 바람) … Continue reading
We’re in the middle of a girl group gauntlet, with K-pop’s most popular acts making a string of comebacks this spring. Today, it’s LE SSERAFIM’s turn. Their one-two punch of Fearless and Antifragile helped define 2022, but new single Unforgiven reverts to tropes better left on the cutting room floor. My first thought upon hearing … Continue reading
Before discussing this song, I must mention how much I love the title “Already Go Ready.” It’s the kind of beautiful nonsense no one actually says in real life. It sounds like the catchphrase of some fantastic teen sitcom. Unfortunately, the song itself doesn’t quite live up to this excitement. Already Go Ready (얼레리꼴레리) has … Continue reading
When it comes to Xdinary Heroes’ music, I just can’t gain a foothold. Thus far, I’ve found almost every chorus grating and gimmicky, and their punky aesthetic feels like cosplay coming from a mega-corporation like JYP Entertainment. New single Freakin’ Bad is an improvement, though the song is still unlikely to find its way on … Continue reading
Though he’s often known for his more hip-hop inspired tracks, Taeyang’s Eyes, Nose, Lips stands as one of K-pop’s best and most enduring torch songs. The guy can sing the heck out of a ballad, and he’s one of the few voices that compels attention without all the bells and whistles that often surround idol … Continue reading
After six years without a new album, Taeyang is treating fans to multiple title tracks. After January’s Vibe, Shoong pairs the veteran performer with another K-pop titan. This time, it’s an in-house collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Lisa. When it comes to solo material, Taeyang often pairs himself with rappers. Bandmate G-Dragon has filled that role more … Continue reading
I already wrote about Agust D’s Haegeum in detail, so this review for follow-up Amygdala will be brief. It’s an interesting choice for promotion via music video, delving the depths of his past traumas to create a kind of tone poem. Someone in the sociology/psychology field needs to do a study on vocal effects/vocal processing … Continue reading
DRIPPIN unveiled a fruitful era last year with their multi-part Villainz project, scoring two spots in my top ten K-pop songs of 2022. Much of that was due to the involvement of production team Newtype, who continue to work with the group on new single Seven Sins. Unsurprisingly, the song is solid. But, its sound … Continue reading
It’s weird being a massive fan of a group while simultaneously wiping a segment of their discography from your mind. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger Golden Child supporter in the K-pop review community, yet I have no place in my music collection for the Japanese material they’ve been saddled with. Listening to a … Continue reading
Well, we finally have another soft drink anthem to compete with NewJeans’ Zero. Between these two tracks, Coca Cola has to be pretty stoked — especially since both revolve around a chorus that’s essentially a repeated incantation of their product. Even though it feels like one, I don’t think Yeeun’s Cherry Coke is an actual CF. … Continue reading
Camellia (얼어있는 길거리에 잠시라도 따듯한 햇빛이 내리길) acts as a pre-release for Just B’s upcoming comeback and a taste of what the members can do when self-composing. In K-pop, self-composed tracks are usually slower and more contemplative in nature. I’m not sure why this is beyond the fact that many idols seem to prefer coffeehouse-style … Continue reading
K-pop groups must stop unveiling their music videos before their album release. It seriously messes with my review schedule! To make matters worse, I had nearly finished my write-up for Kep1er’s Giddy when the song froze and contorted into a harsh sound of mangled metal. My computer locked up and I was forced to do … Continue reading
Every Apink review should start with a recognition of the group’s longevity. The fact that they continue to release new music is admirable and it’s great to have more active sunbaenims in K-pop’s girl group sphere. Even if I haven’t connected with much of what they’ve done post-2019, Apink have consistently delivering strong, stylish material … Continue reading
Kim Wooseok hasn’t promoted with UP10TION for years, and his departure from the group was made official this February. Pour one out for this eternal classic! But unlike other members, he’s remained with TOP Media. Looking back, I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a single title track from Wooseok. Sometimes that just happens. Obviously, our tastes … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 