Though he’s released a handful of solo material, Babylon’s most memorable role so far has been as the hook-man on Zico’s infectious party track Boys & Girls. New single LALALA echoes that song’s atmosphere, but proves that Babylon is more than capable of fronting a track of his own. It’s gotten to the point in k-pop … Continue reading
If there was one contestant I wished would have made it into Produce 101’s boy group Wanna One, it’s twelfth-place finisher Jeong Sewoon. Not only was he a personal favorite, but I felt that he had a lot to gain from being in a group. For as much potential as he displayed throughout the series, … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop 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 kpop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Pristin’s debut album didn’t really do much for me, but … Continue reading
VIXX sub-unit LR debuted two years ago with the melancholic Beautiful Liar, which suited Leo and Ravi well even if it wasn’t exactly the late-summer anthem many of us may have been craving. VIXX’s music is occasionally criticized for taking itself too seriously, opting for dark, theatrical concepts rather than a more accessible sound. And … Continue reading
The debut of Woollim’s new boy group has been rumored for well over a year, increasing expectations for what Golden Child may sound like. And from a personal perspective, the guys are the successors to my ultimate bias, Infinite. This runs the risk of inviting a host of unwarranted comparisons, but DamDaDi (담다디) sounds nothing … Continue reading
Beyond the steady stream of debut groups from known agencies, there exists a whole other shadow world of k-pop rookies who spring from agencies too small to offer much promotion. These groups are often saddled with a minuscule production budget and a debut track by unknown composers. Their chances at long-term success are very minimal, … Continue reading
Pristin’s debut track Wee Woo seemed to grow on many listeners, but my experience was a bit different. The song remains dangerously catchy, but its more grating elements haven’t aged well. In some ways, I’m actually surprised that the group’s music is performing as strongly as it is. The cutesy, childish influences that permeate their … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop 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 kpop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. I’ve never given N.Flying much attention before, and FNC Entertainment … Continue reading
Though they’ve only released two singles so far, NCT Dream has quickly become my favorite NCT unit. While 127 has been focused more and more on a hip-hop driven sound, Dream are bubblegum pop music through and through. Despite its title, We Young is probably the most mature the group have sounded so far… but … Continue reading
It’s been a long time coming, but 2017 seems to be the year of Bigbang members’ solo comebacks. First we had G-Dragon in June, and now it’s Taeyang‘s turn. The White Night album arrives with great anticipation, especially after the monstrous success of 2014’s Eyes, Nose, Lips. And for the first of two title tracks, … Continue reading
Ever since Bigbang‘s MADE project in 2015, multi-month single album campaigns have become an increasingly popular mode of promotion for k-pop acts. It can be an especially enticing idea for struggling groups, allowing them to keep their name in the spotlight for longer than a typical promotional period. But for every prolific DAY6, there is … Continue reading
Last year, it took a while for the whole IOI phenomenon to click with me. As much as I loved watching Produce 101, the post-show releases felt more like agencies throwing various songs and genres at the girls rather than an attempt to create a cohesive sound. But then again, can a group who’s set … Continue reading
Most of the time, a kpop 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 kpop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. While SM Entertainment doesn’t always pick the right title tracks … Continue reading
My k-pop loving heart skips a beat every time I hear the name Yoo Young Jin. Despite having vastly different styles, he and Sweetune are my all-time favorite k-pop composers. But while I can find clear Western touchstones for Sweetune’s 80’s-drenched style, Yoo Young Jin’s unique beat-driven blend is without precedent. SM Entertainment uses his … Continue reading
After the incredible success of Really Really, Winner have unexpectedly become to the torchbearers for tropical k-pop. But while they’ve displayed a natural ease with this genre, I’m hoping that their transformation doesn’t ultimately become problematic. Tropical pop is already a fatigued genre, peddled by anyone and everyone in k-pop. I was personally sick of … Continue reading
With the departure of member Taehyun, Winner has adopted a surprising dance-oriented sound that led to the massive success of April’s Really Really. In a rare display of smart, efficient management, YG Entertainment has allowed the guys to make a quick follow-up designed to cement their new style. When I heard that Love Me Love … Continue reading
Of the two title tracks released from Girls’ Generation‘s tenth anniversary comeback, the bright Holiday was clearly designed to be the wide-appeal, summer-themed pop hit. It feels like a natural follow-up to 2015’s Party, but thankfully downplays that song’s gimmickry in favor of something less saccharine. In fact, Holiday more closely recalls the kind of … Continue reading
If any contestant seemed best primed for a debut with Produce 101 Season 2’s boy group Wanna One, it was Kim Samuel. He’d already gained debut experience with duo 1Punch and as a solo act, and enjoyed a built-in fan base that stretched all the way back to his trainee days with Pledis Entertainment. So … Continue reading
Newer k-pop fans would be forgiven for not knowing who N.Flying are. Despite being a rookie group from a sizeable agency, the guys haven’t made a Korean comeback in nearly two years. Before that, they presented two very different sounds. Debut single Awesome shone a spotlight on their rap/rock sound, but felt a little too … Continue reading
Despite their ridiculous group name, new rookies ONF have much to live up to. They’re the newest act from WM Entertainment, home to the consistently fantastic B1A4 and burgeoning boundary-pushers Oh My Girl. The agency is known for its quirky output, raising anticipation for how ONF would sound. With debut single On/Off, the group opts for … Continue reading
