One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Puzzle Bubble (from Puzzle Bubble OST – 2011) Released as an OST for an online game, it’s hard to have very high expectations for Puzzle Bubble. The song is also known as Garagabana, which should give you an even clearer idea of … Continue reading
In the expansive hall of dubious K-pop group names, Bling Bling takes a prestigious place. It’s not a great idea to fashion your identity around slang in the first place. But, it’s even more baffling to use outdated slang. Bling Bling sounds pretty silly. Yet, I’ve learned not to dwell on misguided monikers. After all, … Continue reading
I must admit, I’m shocked at how long BTS’s Dynamite has endured on global charts. I mean, I shouldn’t be surprised. In many ways, the track was a slam dunk before it even materialized – a glossy, trend-friendly pop song with wide appeal. And while I still find it to be more commercial jingle than … Continue reading
Far be it from me to tell any performer what kind of music they should be making, but I can’t help imagining how awesome it would be if Henry released a song like Lucy’s Snooze. He seems intent on following the footsteps of K-r&b soloists like Crush and Dean, but it feels like such a … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! No More (from Pink Tape – 2013) Taking a doo wop approach, No More has a much warmer tone than much of the experimental Pink Tape album. As such, it’s a nice palette cleanser but tends to get lost in the shuffle. … Continue reading
Idol band CNBlue have made it through military enlistment and the departure of a member, emerging on the other side with their first new album in three years. Having debuted in 2009, it feels as if this group has been a K-pop staple for as long as I can remember. The hype around their music … Continue reading
Like so many boy groups before them, BTOB are currently navigating the tricky business of military enlistments. Some members are currently serving, while others have been discharged. It’s been over two years since they’ve been able to release something as a full group, but they’ve smartly created a new sub-unit to keep the BTOB brand … Continue reading
Over a year since its release, AKMU’s 2019 title track How Can I Love The Heartbreak, You’re The One I Love is still lodged in the top twenty of the Melon digital chart. That’s the very definition of an enduring megahit, and a testament to just how much Korea loves this singer-songwriter duo. Because of … Continue reading
SM’s Station platform has made an unexpected return with the release of Changmin’s surprise digital single All That Love. This breakup song follows Changmin’s recent marriage, which is kind of an odd contrast of sentiments. 2020 has been a relatively quiet year for TVXQ, both in Korea and Japan, so any new music is appreciated. … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Lollipop (from Pinocchio / Hot Summer – 2011) Given this incredible combination of talents, you’d think that Lollipop would be one of the crown jewels within f(x)’s discography. I mean, what better act to duet with them than SHINee? Yet, the track … Continue reading
For me, Taemin’s Never Gonna Dance Again project has been an experience of contrasts. And when it comes to its title tracks, that’s been especially true. Criminal drew out everything I love most about Taemin’s music, and has quickly become my favorite solo single in his discography. In contrast, new release Idea (IDEA:理想) embraces the … Continue reading
Industry veterans Super Junior will be returning in December with their tenth (!) studio album, but before that they’ve pre-released the nostalgic fan song The Melody (우리에게). It arrives on the fifteenth anniversary of the group’s debut, alongside a scrapbook-like music video that traces their illustrious career. So, rather than being a notable song on … Continue reading
Twice now, I’ve underestimated Treasure’s title tracks. Though Boy and I Love You each earned a “good” rating on this blog, both quickly grew on me despite some of my quibbles. This hindsight leads me to approach new single MMM (음) with a different perspective. Yet, just as I’m poised to embrace another jarring dance … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Ice Cream (from Nu Abo – 2010) Ice Cream utilizes plenty of 8-bit synth textures as part of its retro arrangement, and that’s probably the biggest contributor to its appeal. The melody itself is a little sing-song for my taste, but there … Continue reading
I’ve been watching Park Jihoon in the web-drama Love Revolution and have been really impressed with his knack for comedy. With that drama’s dorky/endearing character fresh in my mind, it’s quite jarring to watch the music video for new single Gotcha. But, I guess this is just a testament to his versatility as a performer. … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! I Love You, I Love You (from More Charming By The Day OST – 2010) Another of f(x)’s many soundtrack offerings, I Love You, I Love You is a sprightlier affair than the ballads already covered in this segment. The song is … Continue reading
Monsta X have returned with their fourth full Korean album Fatal Love (though their minis often have enough tracks to count as “full” under other agencies’ qualifications). And, the album feels like a bit of a progression for the group, leaning closer in sound to their English-language work. Whether that’s a positive thing or not … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Hard But Easy (Luna + Krystal) (from Invincible Lee Pyung Kang OST – 2009) Taken from the Invincible Lee Pyung Kang soundtrack, Hard But Easy is much more straightforward than most of the material found on f(x)’s own albums. As a vocal … Continue reading
Almost a year ago, CL debuted her In The Name Of Love project, much to the delight of 2NE1 fans. But, the album was marred by a lack of promotion, and never became the big return-to-form I was hoping for. As talented and iconic as CL is, she’s facing an uphill battle in an industry … Continue reading
Since reinventing herself as a DJ/dance vocalist, SNSD’s Hyoyeon has become pretty prolific. Her singles often see her collaborating with a diverse roster of artists and producers, but the music has all tied together by harnessing a similar vibe. For Think About Me, she’s paired with hip-hop artist Coogie and DJ/producer Raiden, who also featured … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 