A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. 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. This is not a unique or … Continue reading
Tag Archives: rating 8
Song Review: xikers – Just For Fun (Minjae, Sumin & Yechan)
It’s clear that speaking/rapping over a club beat is not going away anytime soon in K-pop, and while I hope this will eventually transition to singing over a club beat, at least we’re hearing more exciting, upbeat production. From what I can tell, Just For Fun by Minjae, Sumin and Yechan of xikers is little … Continue reading
Song Review: IU – Unknown Planet
Last week, IU released a music video for Dear My Crazy Soulmate, the b-side to Unknown Planet (별로부터). Now, it’s time for the main course. Those hoping for a little more experimentation will appreciate this one, as the song forgoes Soulmate‘s gentle sound for a synth-powered instrumental that brings the drama. I’ve always thought IU’s … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: LE SSERAFIM – AEIOU
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. 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. Much of K-pop — and especially … Continue reading
Song Review: Youngtak – GOGO
I don’t usually write about trot singers on this blog. Trot is an entire musical ecosystem that’s mostly separate from what most people imagine K-pop to be, though its sound certainly holds sway over the larger industry. Every once and awhile, a trot singer branches out to more “K-pop” material and these two worlds collide. … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: &TEAM – Night To Howl!
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. 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. It always amazes me how a … Continue reading
Song Review: Pentagon – Coward
Pentagon are the latest act to celebrate their tenth anniversary this year, and although they’ve lost a few members they’ve brought together seven of the ten original line-up for special single Coward (겁쟁이). Co-composed and produced by member Kino, the track takes the sentiment expected of a career milestone and bolsters it with plenty of … Continue reading
Song Review: LE SSERAFIM – Made My Night
Three years ago, LE SSERAFIM released Perfect Night, a collaboration with the video game series Overwatch that became a massive hit for them. Now, they’ve back with another collaboration — albiet in a very different genre. Made My Night opts for an energetic club sound, further adding to the resurgence of dance music in K-pop. … Continue reading
Song Review: ALL(H)OURS – Dang Dang
Though they’ve released their fair share of duds, at its best ALL(H)OURS’ music offers creative production and the kind of addictive hooks that characterized many second-gen hits. I was no fan of their latest pre-release Hop, but the teasers for title track Dang Dang had me anticipating another compelling blend of genres from the guys. … Continue reading
Song Review: In A Minute – Midnight
The other day, I asked Google if and when K-pop might return to the sounds popularized in the early 2010s. Its AI seemed pretty intent that pop’s cyclical nature meant we’d see a 2nd/3rd gen resurgence in the next year or so. No one should completely trust AI, but for all our sake I hope … Continue reading
Song Review: Big Ocean – Love Sign
What do you do when you really like the sound of a song but are totally disappointed in its length? The music video for Big Ocean’s Love Sign pulls off the trick of making you think the track is more complete than it is, but when you go to listen to the official audio you … Continue reading
Song Review: hrtz.wav – Alive (ft. RIIZE’s Sungchan)
After being formed on MNET’s Steal Heart Club, hrtz.wav made their debut earlier this year. I didn’t think much of that title track, though the band showed promise. Thankfully, their new album sounds like a major upgrade and Alive offers proof of their evolution. They even secured RIIZE’s Sungchan on the track (which feels very … Continue reading
Song Review: Doh Kyung Soo (EXO’s D.O.) – Guitarist
Though many think of D.O. as an R&B singer or coffeehouse troubadour, his most recent work has actually been more upbeat and even dancey at times. He splits the difference with new single Guitarist, which takes the titular instrument in a funky direction. This is as light and buoyant as funk can be, sanitized of … Continue reading
Song Review: VERIVERY – Don’t Panic!
VERIVERY have enjoyed a second life after members appeared on Boys II Planet, though they haven’t been particularly busy since that time. One comeback came and went at the end of 2025 and now, nine months later, they’re finally back with a new album. The bouyant Don’t Panic! takes them back to their bright, poppy … Continue reading
Song Review: Minho (SHINee) – Make It Hot
SHINee released one of the best albums (and songs!) of the year back in June and seemed to snatch all of K-pop’s momentum going into an underwhelming summer of releases. Now, Minho is back with his own track and album, playing to his strengths on the catchy Make It Hot. As teasers for this song … Continue reading
Song Review: Evan – Death Of Me
When Evan first left ENHYPEN to go solo, I was quite skeptical. Apparently, he had music he just had to get out as a soloist, but his initial releases felt rather perfunctory and similar to something his former band could have recorded. However, it’s always best to keep an open mind and he’s rewarded us … Continue reading
Song Review: ASC2NT – If I Die Tomorrow
It’s so funny when you watch a music video from an act you know has a shoestring budget and it’s this big, cinematic spectacle (ie: obviously AI). I’m not sure who they think they’re fooling, but I’d much rather see a small budget piece with an engaging and creative concept than pure slop. Music video … Continue reading
K-Pop A-Z: Infinite – I Still Remember
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with Infinite’s A-Z reviews here! I Still Remember (from I Still Remember – 2026) As one of The Bias List‘s “A-Z” artists, Infinite automatically have every new song reviewed — even if it’s not part of an album or strong enough to be considered a “buried treasure.” To … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: NEXZ – Appetite
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. 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. Sometimes you just have to give … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Hanbin (Tempest) – Air
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. 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 gonna be so pissed if … Continue reading