Stray Kids aren’t offering any respite for fans. Their newest album bore music video after music video, blurring the line between title track and b-side. Now, we have a new Japanese single. I’m sure hardcore followers are pleased by this rapid-fire blitz, but the sheer bulk of releases threatens of overwhelm us bloggers! Either way, … Continue reading
Nearly four months after the release of their first full-length album, N.Flying are back with a repackage. June’s Moonshot seemed to be popular on the blog, and grew on me (a bit) as time went on. But, I’m pretty picky about rock music. I prefer my rock infused with other genres (like electro or hip-hop). … Continue reading
Boy group Blitzers burst onto the scene this spring with a promising rap-rock sound. This genre blend is a tried-and-true formula for success, dating all the way back to Run DMC and Aerosmith’s 80’s encounter. It’s a niche that Blitzers would do well to maintain. No other idol group is consistently exploring it. But if … Continue reading
It’s been years since f(x)’s Luna graced us with her dance opus Free Somebody. That mini album represents so much wasted potential. Her music could have been tearing up dance floors these past five years. Instead, we’re lucky to get an occasional ballad. New single Madonna promises to change that, delivering her most upbeat offering … Continue reading
As a day-one admirer of aespa’s Next Level, I’ve loved watching the song work its way into public consciousness and become one of 2021’s most iconic K-pop tracks. SM Entertainment is clearly angling for an edgier sound for the group, perhaps in an attempt to replicate BLACKPINK’s global success. But so far, their tracks have … Continue reading
At this point, most of my Universe reviews are bleeding into each other. I start by complaining how fans have to download this cumbersome app to view the full music videos, and go on to write about how the music itself feels extraneous to an artist’s discography. So, shall we shake up the format a … Continue reading
Several weeks after pre-release Spicy, CL is back with the second taste of her upcoming album Alpha. Lover Like Me was penned by English singer/songwriter Anne-Marie, who has had tremendous success in Korea with her song 2002. I’m not sure what it is that made 2002 such a massive hit in the country, but it’s … Continue reading
Rather than release double title tracks, JYP Entertainment has been gifting its acts with a variety of music videos, blurring the line between singles and b-sides. In general, I think this is an exciting prospect, but I’m starting to wish the agency invested as much effort in making great music. As I mentioned in my … Continue reading
I was surprised how invested I became with the second season of Japan’s Produce 101. I decided to watch it on a whim, and found myself rooting for the contestants in a way I hadn’t since Korea’s second go-around back in 2017. I’m delighted with the final line-up, particularly since it includes a few killer … Continue reading
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
After releasing her first mini album earlier this year, Yukika headed to the dancefloor with the wonderful throwback The Moment. That song plunged deeper into 80’s synth-driven sounds, and pointed toward a direction I’d love to hear her explore further. With new digital single Loving You (not a Minnie Riperton cover!), she’s reverted to a … Continue reading
While BTS may be the most globally known K-pop act, I’d argue that NCT has had greater influence on the sound of this generation’s boy groups. During the first few years of their existence – with various units tackling distinct styles – this influence was surely a boon for the industry. But, now we’ve reached … Continue reading
Best-of albums are uncommon in K-pop, and usually mark a special occasion. With the news surrounding Wheein’s contract negotiations, I can’t help but feel like this new album is a sign that Mamamoo may be taking a hiatus or at least slowing down. If I’m being honest, I haven’t been excited about a new Mamamoo … Continue reading
After the excellence of recent comeback libidO, I was in the process of laminating my OnlyOneOf stan card, only to be interrupted by an unexpected message from 8D Creative: 8D: By the way, Love (the group’s leader) is leaving OnlyOneOf. Just thought you should know. Me: What?!? Wh- 8D: Yep, he’s out as of this … Continue reading
Rather than return with a full group comeback, BLACKPINK’s 2021 has seen the group deliver long-promised solo songs. This spring marked the release of Rosé’s first solo, and now Lisa has dropped her self-referential LALISA. YG Entertainment has a long history of idol rappers going solo, with acts like G-Dragon, CL and Mino paving a … Continue reading
Watching the competition show LOUD has renewed my interest in P Nation and its artists. The agency is already stacked with major talent, both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes. And the series’ reinterpretations of popular songs have showcased the creativity at the core of P Nation’s ethos. It’s disappointing, then, when … Continue reading
Over the years, I’ve become increasingly disillusioned with the K-pop sub-genre some affectionately call “noise music.” As dance clubs become less common and listeners primarily consume new music from their computer screens, dance-oriented tracks seem designed to get your head nodding as you watch YouTube rather than get your body moving on the dancefloor. Though … Continue reading
The effects of military enlistment have resulted in numerous side projects for DAY6. Their sub-unit Even Of Day has released two albums, and now it’s time for the group’s bassist to embark on a solo career. Young K has long been a prominent songwriter within the band, almost ensuring his own work will carry a … Continue reading
When STAYC debuted with So Bad, I was thrilled by the arrival of a girl group who seemed to deliver a new, exciting sound. Then, they returned with ASAP – a more sparsely-produced, sing-song affair that conformed to many of this era’s girl group trends. Of course, that’s the song that became a huge hit. … Continue reading
Stray Kids fans know that the group’s promotion doesn’t end with a single title track. In almost all cases, the group has released a follow-up music video (or more!) for album b-sides. This has quickly established a vast singles run (if you want to count these extra releases as official “singles”). Either way, it’s a … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 