Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Once the Olympics kick off next month, I’m sure Louder … Continue reading
The last time I reviewed a single by The East Light, I bemoaned the fact that they’d reverted to a more juvenile sound. This is — of course — an exceedingly young group. If anyone has the right to produce child-like hits, it’s these guys. But after bursting onto the scene with 2016’s raucous Holla, … Continue reading
Infinite’s long-awaited comeback resulted in the title track Tell Me, which divided opinion on this site and others. It’s taken from the group’s third full-length album, Top Seed, and kicks off a string of ten other newly released songs. Just like with 2016’s Infinite Only, I’m here to offer my thoughts on every single one … Continue reading
Sweetune addicts, we have something to look forward to! In about two weeks time, new boy group Target will be debuting with a mini album produced entirely by the legendary team. And if the undiluted, this-is-what-makes-Sweetune-great pop assault of Tempest is only a b-side, I’m hoping the actual title track will be amazing. But prior to … Continue reading
Infinite’s long-awaited comeback resulted in the title track Tell Me, which divided opinion on this site and others. It’s taken from the group’s third full-length album, Top Seed, and kicks off a string of ten other newly released songs. Just like with 2016’s Infinite Only, I’m here to offer my thoughts on every single one … Continue reading
Infinite’s long-awaited comeback resulted in the title track Tell Me, which divided opinion on this site and others. It’s taken from the group’s third full-length album, Top Seed, and kicks off a string of ten other newly released songs. Just like with 2016’s Infinite Only, I’m here to offer my thoughts on every single one … Continue reading
Lim Youngmin and Kim Donghyun of MXM became one of 2017’s best-selling rookies, even though their current configuration as a duo is only temporary until they join fellow Produce 101 contestants Lee Daehwi and Park Woojin to form Brand New Music’s as-yet-unnamed boy group. If that sentence sounds overly long and complex, it’s because the … Continue reading
Back in 2016, it felt as if Oh My Girl were poised to become one of the leading acts of k-pop’s new wave of girl groups. They can still get there, but their level of promotion needs to increase. All that 2017 gave us was the polarizing Coloring Book, and that was nine months ago. … Continue reading
As a long-time (some might say obsessive) fan of Infinite, Tell Me is not the kind of song I wanted from their return. The group has been inactive since September of 2016 — the longest they’ve ever gone between comebacks. And with all the anticipation built up from that absence (and the fact that this … Continue reading
Despite possessing some of the most powerful pipes in k-pop, Mamamoo have never really released a straight-up ballad as a title track. But with this being the season for more reserved material, it’s the perfect time for a song like Paint Me (칠해줘). Few groups can summon the necessary power to make such a stark … Continue reading
Rap/rock hybrid N.Flying scored one of last summer’s most addictive surprises with the spirited The Real. Their agency FNC is home to several idol rock groups, making it harder for these guys to carve out a niche all their own. But by adding second vocalist Yoo Hwe Seung, N.Flying have developed a boisterous style of … Continue reading
As often happens this time of year, I’ve been poking around East Asian music from outside the k-pop industry. With new releases slowing to a trickle throughout December, it was as good a time as any to check in with Japan. And one of the most reliable providers of quality j-pop over the past few … Continue reading
Only two days into the new year and one of my k-pop resolutions has been answered. I am firmly within the “keep k-pop weird” camp, even as many of Korea’s idol groups strive for a more internationally-minded sound that incorporates popular Western trends. A song concept like Wolf Baby‘s is something only k-pop could produce, … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I don’t often feature OST releases as buried treasures because, … Continue reading
Having released over seventy (!) singles, there aren’t many genres that BoA hasn’t tackled. But the electroswing of Jazzclub is definitely a new one. The single comes from her upcoming Japanese album, which will be her first full-length in any country since 2015. I can’t imagine that the entire thing will sound as distinctive as … Continue reading
Carrying on a tradition that began with 2013’s still unbeatable Miracles In December, EXO is back with their fourth special winter album. Sometimes these releases end up being overtly tied to the holidays, and other times they’re simply an excuse to spotlight a good ballad. Universe falls into the latter category, delivering a wistful piano ballad … Continue reading
For all its merits, mainstream k-pop is too often dependent on the newest and shiniest idol acts. Its current incarnation may have developed in the 90’s, but there just aren’t enough of those original superstars left who can compete with today’s trends. Luckily, dance floor diva Uhm Jung Hwa made a very welcome, long-awaited return … Continue reading
It’s hard to believe that this is already Twice’s fourth single of 2017 (fifth, if you count Japanese release One More Time). To say the girls have had a big year is an understatement, but that type of frequent promotion should be expected from Korea’s biggest girl group. With new single Heart Shaker, they once … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with Infinite’s A-Z reviews here! 60 Seconds (from New Challenge – 2013) Though leader Sungkyu’s original solo recording remains the definitive version of 60 Seconds and would easily garner a rating in the 9’s, the full group brings a certain amount of weight to the already-excellent track. It’s … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with Infinite’s A-Z reviews here! 1/3 (from Over The Top / Paradise – 2011) Though Infinite’s first full length album was bolstered by two back-to-back mega-hits, its album tracks are often a bit more experimental. In some ways, 1/3 is of the standard dance-pop style that the group … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 