A couple weeks after ex-bandmate Baekho’s solo debut, Nu’est’s JR — now working under his given name — has unveiled his own post-group work. Like Baekho, he’s already recorded several solo tracks as part of Nu’est’s albums. These songs were more varied than his position in the group might suggest. I Hate You, With and … Continue reading
It can be difficult for a band in their thirteenth year to craft music that rivals their commercial peak. This is affected by the inherent ageism in the pop industry, but even without that challenge there comes a time when a group has simply ‘been there, done that’ with most genres and sounds. Where do … Continue reading
Another month, another Universe release. This time it’s VIVIZ, and I thought I’d revisit my carnival challenge last seen in the review of Oh My Girl’s Shark. After all, I like VIVIZ and I like Oh My Girl. They deserve the extra effort, even if Universe deserves nothing at all. So… step right up and … Continue reading
When we last heard from EPEX, they were embroiled in controversy over lyrical content referencing a Nazi massacre. The agency quite rightly adjusted the lyrics, but this exposed issues with sensitivity and general global awareness — and that’s putting it mildly. New single Hymn To Love (사랑歌) eliminates all potential of controversy, seeing the group … Continue reading
When I first laid eyes on the tracklist for CLASS:y’s newest mini album, its length caused me to do a double take. Calling two tracks a “mini album” is quite a stretch — even for K-pop! But, the group has compensated for this brevity with a long-form music video that combines both tracks into one … Continue reading
With WayV on a longer-than-expected hiatus and SuperM inactive, the always-beguiling Ten hasn’t had much time in the spotlight. That’s a shame for all of us. He’s long-since due for a solo album of his own. Instead, we’ve had a special single here and there and the occasional appearance on NCT’s Universe album. Last August, … Continue reading
Jo Yuri’s Op.22 Y-Waltz series has moved from the major key of this summer’s Love Shhh to the “minor” key of her new mini album. This doesn’t bode well for me. I tend to be pretty biased toward the sound of a major key. What can I say? I’m a fan of upbeat sounds. New … Continue reading
ITZY have re-recorded many of their singles in English, but Boys Like You marks their first full foray into the Western market. We’re getting more and more of these English-language tracks from K-pop groups, and the most successful ones tend to be those that hew closest to the artist’s signature sound and strengths. I hate … Continue reading
WEi’s music has gone through several iterations since their 2020 debut. Now, it seems they’ve entered a stage where their agency has given up on crafting a unique identity. The group has always struggled in this regard. Despite a stacked line-up of talent and pre-debut notoriety, none of their title tracks feel unique to them. … Continue reading
Military enlistment is looming for some members of N.Flying, making this comeback their final group promotions before hiatus. It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from the guys, and even longer since I’ve connected with one of their singles. Waaaay back in 2017 and 2018 I was firmly aboard the N.Flying train. Hweseung had just been … Continue reading
Back in August, Wonho warned us not to hesitate. Now, we’re being told not to regret. Honestly, I’m into these self-help guidelines as long as the music is good. And so far, Wonho’s singles run has been super consistent. Highlights like Open Mind, Lose and Crazy cast him as a reliable purveyor of polished dance … Continue reading
UP10TION have always been an unclassifiable group for me. I tend to either love their title tracks in a top-ten-of-the-year kind of way or feel absolutely nothing. This uncertainty has led me to keep them at a distance despite musical triumphs like Tonight, Going Crazy and Spin Off. This on-again-off-again relationship seems to be stuck … Continue reading
After so many years, it feels weird to be writing about the solo debut of a Nu’est member. Their albums often featured solos (many of them highlights), but watching the guys embark on their own careers makes Nu’est’s disbandment really sink in. As the group’s career matured, Baekho became a driving force behind song composition. … Continue reading
The release of a best-of compilation is incredibly rare for K-pop, and often suggests a group is reaching the end of active promotions. When Mamamoo’s I Say Mamamoo: The Best emerged just over a year ago, I wondered if their brand had any more tank in the gas or if the ladies would simply focus … Continue reading
The Rose have made a grand return with their first full-length album. It’s a hard-won comeback, arriving on the heels of a legal battle with their former agency. And while I may not have been particularly hyped about it in the beginning, pre-release Childhood caught my ear a few weeks ago. I still think it’s … Continue reading
Stray Kids have become one of a handful of groups defining the sound of K-pop’s fourth generation. Early on, I was a huge fan of their rap-meets-rock sound and its ensuing foray into EDM and trance. Since 2020, my interest in their music has become more hit and miss. The spark of creativity remains, but … Continue reading
2022 has seen an increasing trend of male idol groups releasing fan-servicey material while some (or all) members serve in the military. ONF and DAY6’s Even Of Day are prominent examples within the past two months. Calling your enlistment track “Still Here” is more than a little on the nose, but it’s reassuring to hear … Continue reading
AB6IX have had a rough go of it, initially emerging as a heavily-hyped, post-Wanna One group who seemed destined for instant a-list stardom. Since then, their musical output and chart positions have varied, without a signature sound taking hold. Member Daehwi has found great success as a producer, most recently competing in KBS’s Listen Up … Continue reading
2022 is the year of long-dormant girl groups making their return. We had Girls’ Generation in August and we’re looking forward to a loooong awaited comeback from Kara in November. This month, it’s EXID’s turn. They’re celebrating their tenth anniversary with a special single album, and they’ve brought longtime producer Shinsadong Tiger along for the … Continue reading
When K-pop’s title tracks are at their most polarizing, a common plea from fans is: “check out the b-sides! I swear they’re better than the title!” I’m guilty of this rallying cry, and I’m a firm believer that you need to listen to entire albums to get a realistic picture of an artist’s work. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 