GOT7 have steadily began to have more creative input when it comes to their Korean material, but their scattershot j-pop releases are still driven mostly by composers from that genre. Sometimes I wonder how k-pop groups feel about their Japanese work. Do they treat the song as an important part of their overall discography, or … Continue reading
EXO’s CBX sub-unit was one of last year’s best surprises, giving us a collection of bright, classic pop when many of their peers were going dark and/or trendy. Seven months later, they’ve returned with a debut Japanese mini-album. EXO has enjoyed quite a bit of success in Japan despite never releasing an actual album in the country. … Continue reading
Last time we heard from KNK, their music video had been scrapped, forcing them to make a comeback without that vital piece of promotion. Given this, I’m actually surprised that it took them half a year to make a return. They are a group on the rise, seeking to establish a loyal fan base and … Continue reading
Like many groups trying to break into the big leagues, B.I.G have changed styles almost every time they make a comeback. With February’s excellent 1.2.3, it felt like they finally found one that stuck. But not content to rest on their laurels, the guys have shifted genres once again. Hello Hello sees rapper Minpyo back with … Continue reading
Now that YG Entertainment has moved to a double title track only release schedule for most of their artists — often with a long break in between comebacks — it’s essential for every one of those songs to be amazing. If you start giving the music video treatment to subpar material, it weakens the whole … Continue reading
Another day, another tropical-inspired k-pop track. Last year, when I was complaining about the overuse of this particular sub-genre, I thought it would be on its way out. But so far 2017 has doubled down on the trend, causing so many recent singles to sound the same. Of all the groups that could have fallen down … Continue reading
FNC Entertainment has been working overtime, debuting HONEYST just seven months after launching SF9. Both groups were featured in the agency’s Dance Or Band series, which — despite its competitive nature — felt more like an advertisement for everyone involved than an actual rivalry. And though SF9 were chosen to debut first, the acoustic-leaning HONEYST … Continue reading
Few k-pop artists could captivate with their voice alone, but Roy Kim is one of them. He could release the dullest song in the world and still knock it out of the park with that impossibly rich, honeyed tone. Korea seems to agree, though it’s been a year and a half since he’s released an album. … Continue reading
Generally, I’m a huge proponent of a group finding a well-matched producer and sticking with them as long as they can. But what happens when an act attaches itself to a collaborator that I’m not so fond of? Such is the case with VIXX, who have worked with Devine Channel since last summer and overhauled their … Continue reading
Hitchhiker has long been one of my favorite SM Entertainment producers, collaborating with acts like Shinee and Super Junior to brilliant effect. His experimental solo work is a little harder to enjoy on a pure pop level, relying heavier on trippy, repetitive riffs and percussive loops than any sense of melody. Last year’s $10 felt … Continue reading
Listeners who are familiar with PSY‘s music through his colorful, viral music videos might not be aware of just how compelling he can be when he slows down and stops trying to grab youtubers’ attention. There are a treasure trove of b-sides that reveal a much more interesting side to his persona, and his pre-Gangnam … Continue reading
I’m a firm believer that music shouldn’t be in the meme business. A dynamite song should be able to stand on its own, apart from any visual gimmick or performance trick. As silly and viral as everything about Gangnam Style was, the track itself possessed an incredible series of hooks that anchored its more off-the-wall … Continue reading
It was just announced that DAY6’s Every DAY6 project will celebrate its halfway mark with a full album next month. Presumably, this will contain all ten tracks released so far plus the two June entries, and it’s just another example of how smartly JYP Entertainment has orchestrated this entire release schedule. I mean, it took … Continue reading
Regardless of how you feel about Lovelyz‘ music, they’ve been able to carve out their own sound within the girl group landscape. More often than not their material pulls in the lighthearted, cutesy elements that so many other acts have ridden to fame, but its all within a distinctly synth-heavy framework that has a hazy, almost … Continue reading
Despite its downbeat title, Sad Song (슬픈 노래) is actually the more uptempo offering from Sechs Kies‘ 20th Anniversary comeback. Calling it a dance track might be a bit misleading, as it retains the moodiness of its counterpart Be Well, but its persistent electro beat gives the song a stylish drive that raises the energy to … Continue reading
When Sechs Kies first signed with YG Entertainment, it was hard to imagine what their new music would sound like. They were one of the defining k-pop groups of the late 90’s, known for hard hitting dance tracks and delicate, mid-tempo singalongs. As with any comeback from a first generation band, I would have hoped … Continue reading
The last time we heard from k-pop royalty BoA, it was as part of another SM Station track. One-off singles are all well and good, but it’s surprising that SM hasn’t given one of their most iconic artists a proper comeback since 2015. With the second season of Produce 101 currently reminding viewers what a warm … Continue reading
LOONA do not need to be any more confusing or convoluted than they already are, and the name of their new song is not helping things. It’s the most needlessly obscure title since Decalcomanie. Sonatine was a 1993 Japanese gangster movie, but I doubt that that was the inspiration for this particular track. I suppose the word could just … Continue reading
Co-ed group K.A.R.D’s pre-release strategy has been ambitious and quite successful, and with Rumor they’ve completed the trilogy of singles that herald their upcoming debut. If K.A.R.D’s story so far is one of rising tension and interest, we should be heading toward a climax. But strangely enough, the group has given us similar-sounding tracks three … Continue reading
Many have given IU the nickname “digital queen.” Such is the strength of her wide-reaching popularity in Korea. Nearly anything she releases instantly jumps to the top of the charts, even if her music may not make the same waves internationally. She’s by no means unpopular outside of Korea, but like Taylor Swift in the States, … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 