Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. A few years ago, UP10TION were one of K-pop’s most promising … Continue reading
For me, A.B.C-Z have always seemed to exist on the periphery of the Johnny’s Entertainment roster, which is pretty ridiculous considering how integral they’ve been to the agency’s various pursuits. From stage plays to Shounen Club, the members are certainly not unknown. But, a lack of English subtitling and a comparatively small fan base makes … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. SuperM’s new album is so loaded with content that it’s hard … Continue reading
SM Entertainment has always scheduled quick repackage releases, but Super Junior-D&E’s Bad Liar emerges in what feels like record time. Not even a month has gone by since the guys dropped B.A.D. But then again, SM’s release schedule has been unusually packed all month, and this frenzied rush doesn’t seem as though it will slow … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Some songs improve greatly within the context of a solid album. … Continue reading
Boy group Y&W (Young & Wild) debuted this past July, but were so unknown that even I missed them. However, every so often a great idol track emerges from a group like this, even within the restraints of a limited budget and lo-fi music video. Their follow-up single Thirsty Now (목말라) is a refreshing ode … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying The Boyz’ The Stealer. … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Everglow’s La Di Da has been quite a revelation, and comes … Continue reading
The road to SuperM’s first full-length album has been paved by two pre-release singles: the high-octane, polarizing 100 and the EXO-meets-NCT Tiger Inside. Both did a good job showcasing the grandeur that fuels the SuperM project, but now that we’ve arrived at the album’s official title track, it feels like the time to really throw … Continue reading
When writing about boy group UNVS’s debut, I was struck by how vocal-heavy it was. In a K-pop landscape that favors concept, beat and choreo, it was refreshing to hear a song that emphasized vocal arrangement. Unfortunately, their follow-ups didn’t quite live up to this potential. But, the fourth time’s the charm with new single … Continue reading
I’m a little confused about what BDC are. Apparently, they’re a pre-debut unit, similar to MXM. But, without a full group debut on the horizon, it seems as though they should just become permanent. There aren’t many trios in K-pop, and that approach might be refreshing. Whatever they decide to do, I hope their producers … Continue reading
Over the course of their first full-length album, The Boyz succumbed to many moody boy group tropes. This came as a disappointment to me, as I much prefer their funkier, SHINee-esque moments. Right Here and Giddy Up remain defining singles for them, and haven’t been bettered by anything they’ve released since. New track The Stealer … Continue reading
If I’m being honest, I’ve not been a fan of the English-language reworkings (or English-language originals) released by Arashi over the past few months. I appreciate their goal of global outreach during this final lap of their career, but after building decades of goodwill across hundreds of J-pop tracks, it feels odd to cap it … Continue reading
I’ve always found it odd when acts release summer singles in September. Maybe it’s due to my occupation and schedule, but for me it feels like summer ends promptly at the end of August, blunting the effect of any new seasonal song. But Kis-My-Ft2 has been a longtime favorite of mine, and their music tends … Continue reading
A long hiatus can be devastating for a group, but can also spur a musical transformation that allows them to reach new heights. Last time we heard from fromis_9 was all the way back in June 2019, when they released the unrelentingly hyper Fun. I know that song has its fervent supporters (some of which … Continue reading
VAV’s Made For Two arrives on the heels of member Baron’s military enlistment, offering a needed salve to fans who are already missing him. Though VAV’s style has shifted to please musical trends, their title tracks have always been steered by jack-of-all-trades producer Ryan S. Jhun. At his best, Jhun has a gift for a … Continue reading
When Stray Kids deliver a repackaged album, they’re not joking around. In Life comes armed with eight new tracks – more than some artists’ full albums! As an extension of June’s Go Live and title track God’s Menu, new single Back Door continues to explore the group’s abrasive blend of hip-hop, EDM and pop. But … Continue reading
With over 3,000 songs on my iPhone’s “K-Pop Singles” playlist, I thought it would be fun to add a bit of unpredictability to my song review posts. So as a result, we have the “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first gets … Continue reading
One of my absolute favorite Mamamoo songs is 2016’s Woo Hoo, which wasn’t promoted as a title track at all. Instead, it was a CF release, tied to the release of LG’s G5 mobile phone. Sometimes, not having to conform to title track expectations frees a song. Composers don’t necessarily have to have choreography or … Continue reading
King & Prince’s singles run has pin-balled between extremes, from the fluffy cutesiness of songs like Cinderella Girl and Koi-Wazurai to the edgier Mazy Night and Naughty Girl. This is largely in response to the needs of the drama projects these songs are tied into, but this “grab bag” sense of concepts tends to be … Continue reading
