It’s funny to look back at old reviews of Xdinary Heroes’ work on this blog. I really hated some of their early material, but with time the group has developed stronger songs and found better ways to deploy their humor. Recent single ICU is probably my favorite track they’ve ever promoted, and the accompanying album … Continue reading
More and more with K-pop, we’re seeing a rift form between acts who primarily target Asian markets and those making a bigger push toward Western audiences. Ideally, artists would simply release great music that appeals to everyone, but it’s not uncommon for a performer to release English-language material and tour it extensively in the States. … Continue reading
Though JYP Entertainment’s output had a rough start this year, the agency has been unfurling hit after hit over the past few months. They’re set to finish 2025 strong and that extends to global (but mostly K-pop so far) group NEXZ. I haven’t been a fan of most of their music and new single Beat-Boxer … Continue reading
Since their debut in late 2022, &TEAM have developed a strong Japanese discography. All of those singles have also been recorded and performed in Korean, making it feel like they’ve already made a K-pop debut. But with the release of their first original Korean album, the guys have officially branched out to a new market. … Continue reading
The era of Golden Child’s music dominating this blog came to an abrupt end when the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2024 as most members left Woollim Entertainment. Since then, the agency has been largely inactive. Joochan’s new solo track Rise & Shine is the rare sign of life from Woollim — a … Continue reading
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 may never have heard this … Continue reading
Over the past year or so, Just B have developed buzz that their infrequent release schedule isn’t taking full advantage of. When we last heard from them this spring, they dabbled in an electronic hyperpop sound that fit them surprisingly well and began to carve out a nice musical niche. A new mini album is … Continue reading
Though Xdinary Heroes’s sound isn’t always for me, I admire their willingness to run full charge into new musical challenges. Their discography is vast and varied and almost always carries a confident energy that helps sidestep even the cringiest of sonic adventures. New single ICU is not cringy, but it’s certainly confident. The guys rock … Continue reading
Despite it only being a single album, LE SSERAFIM and HYBE mean business with Spaghetti. Not only does the song arrive bolstered by a fleet of remixes and alternate versions, but it also boasts a J-Hope co-write and feature. In other words, this ship has been built too big to fail. I guess we must … Continue reading
MiSO is not the kind of big name I would usually write about, but sometimes a song warrants coverage even if most people have never heard of the artist. She was a member of the hilariously-named group Girls Girls, who I actually wrote about all the way back during the first year of this blog. … Continue reading
TXT have gone all out for their new Japanese album, following single Can’t Stop with a second music video for album track Where Do You Go. I really like Can’t Stop and absolutely love my own cobbled together mix that adds a dance break and extra chorus, but of the album’s other new songs Where … Continue reading
Given the time of year, you’d expect more spooky offerings from K-pop comebacks. Luckily, pre-debut group AM8IC is here to fill that void, though they’ve gone for a more upbeat, funny version of Halloween tropes. Like Dongkiz (DKZ) back in 2019, they’ve taken inspiration from the iconic Ghostbusters franchise. For me, this almost always ends … Continue reading
After a series of survival series, BAE173 are trying to make a comeback in the most classic sense, reestablishing the buzz they had upon debut with a new album and series of promotional tracks. Title track Turned Up has been available for a week now, along with (most of?) the album for some reason. I’m … Continue reading
A week after Kim Lip’s Can You Entertain, the Odd Eye Circle solos continue with fellow ARTMS member JinSoul. Ring Of Chaos exists in a similar musical world, harnessing throwback elements for a breezy, understated pop track. Though I wouldn’t fully call Ring Of Chaos new jack swing, it borrows rhythms made popular in the … Continue reading
It’s hard to tell what Hearts2Hearts are aiming for during their debut year. Are they the new-gen SNSD redux many of us hoped for? Or, are they a moodier prospect with subdued sounds befitting K-pop’s current landscape? They can be both or course, but I’m craving a strong musical identity from the start. New title … Continue reading
TXT are about to release their third Japanese studio album, making them well-established within the territory. Their albums have featured a mix of new material and Japanese re-recordings of Korean tracks, and this time we’ve got a proper lead single as well. Can’t Stop pulls from an addictive 80s sound and offers a peak at … Continue reading
1. Head Shoulders Knees Toes // 2. Overdrive // 3. Hot Blue Shoes // 4. Caffeine Rush // 5. Overthinking // 6. Here For You HERE FOR YOU Fan songs are an integral part of an idol group’s discography, and they’re at their best when they’ve got some heft to their melody and production. TWS … Continue reading
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. NMIXX’s first full album is very … Continue reading
1. Head Shoulders Knees Toes // 2. Overdrive // 3. Hot Blue Shoes // 4. Caffeine Rush // 5. Overthinking // 6. Here For You OVERTHINKING We’re back in highlight territory as the album moves toward its finale. When Overthinking was first teased, I commented that it sounded like “Lucky To Be Loved in the … Continue reading
ARTMS’s trio of Odd Eye Circle members are set to release new singles one by one and first up is Kim Lip. She asks us the very pertinent question: “Can you entertain?” Almost every idol or group can release their version of a trend or a trope, but actual entertainment involves more than simply tracing … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 