It’s been over a year since E’Last made their most recent comeback, and looking back I can’t recall anything about that song except the fact that I didn’t really care for it at the time. The group debuted with a theatrical, strings-heavy sound that set them apart from most of their peers. Over the years, … Continue reading
The revitalization of DAY6’s chart success continues with the release of digital single Maybe Tomorrow, which has instantly found a place in the top ten of Melon‘s streaming chart. The demand for their music seems truly insatiable at this moment. This can be a tricky time in an artist’s career, trying to balance the need … 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. It’s amazing what happens when boy … Continue reading
Well, this is a surprise! I somehow missed the announcement about this song, so hearing a collaboration between two of K-pop’s most influential rappers comes as a pleasant little shock tonight. Stop The Rain pairs Epik High’s Tablo with BTS’s RM, crafting a multi-generational shot of emotional catharsis. I’m always hesitant to write about songs … Continue reading
It’s been an unexpected “Cube Entertainment circa 2011” flashback this week, with Highlight/Beast, Jang Hyunseung and now HyunA all releasing new music. The actual songs haven’t been nearly as fun or memorable as this flashback suggests, but it’s still nice to see familiar faces back in the fray. HyunA’s music career remains quite active, reliably … Continue reading
Another day, another girl group debuting with a confusing acronym. When I read “UDTT,” my mind goes immediately to “UTI,” which is probably not the reaction the agency is looking for. In reality, the acronym stands for “Uddang Tangtang Girls,” which… doesn’t make things any more clear. At any rate, their debut single Really Really … Continue reading
1. Lucky To Be Loved // 2. Countdown! // 3. Random Play // 4. Freestyle // 5. Now Playing // 6. Go Back GO BACK After my first listen of the album, Go Back was immediately my favorite b-side. After a few days and more listens, songs like Lucky To Be Loved and Random Play … Continue reading
1. Lucky To Be Loved // 2. Countdown! // 3. Random Play // 4. Freestyle // 5. Now Playing // 6. Go Back NOW PLAYING Try With Us concludes with two of its stronger tracks. Now Playing (심야 영화) has much in common with K-pop’s current sound: bouncy and upbeat but still a bit subdued. … 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. The K-pop industry loves to harness … Continue reading
Girl group LOVEONE debuted late last year but I haven’t yet written about them on this blog. In fact, dig just under the surface and there are many under-the-radar acts that have never received a write-up. Most of these have great intentions but are hamstrung by a limited budget and agencies that are too risk-averse … Continue reading
Over the past few months, G-Dragon’s variety series Good Day has aired globally on Disney+ alongside its Korean terrestrial broadcast. I watched the first episode, but as much as I enjoy G-Dragon as an artist I find his current iteration quite uncomfortable as a TV personality. But even from one episode, I got the gist … Continue reading
1. Lucky To Be Loved // 2. Countdown! // 3. Random Play // 4. Freestyle // 5. Now Playing // 6. Go Back RANDOM PLAY Going into this album, I was keeping my fingers crossed for another song like last year’s hey! hey!. I’ll probably be hoping for that each time TWS make a comeback … Continue reading
I don’t follow YOUNITE closely enough to be familiar with any members or have much stake in the group, but they often surprise me with the strength of their material. No matter what anyone says, last year’s goofy Geekin is a major highlight that’s still a blast to listen to today. However, the new jack … Continue reading
1. Lucky To Be Loved // 2. Countdown! // 3. Random Play // 4. Freestyle // 5. Now Playing // 6. Go Back LUCKY TO BE LOVED The overriding feeling among blog readers seems to be that I’m absolutely crazy for loving TWS’s new single Countdown, but I promise you this is no PSYOP or … Continue reading
Kai’s been teasing the release of his new album with several songs, both of which took dance elements and subdued them to a leisurely pace. All the while, I’ve had to make peace with the fact that Kai clearly wants something different from his solo work than I’d expect. Title track Wait On Me continues … Continue reading
Even though Apink’s annual anniversary releases aren’t promoted beyond a simple behind-the-scenes video, they’re still worth writing about based on the group’s stature alone. Unlike so many of their peers, Apink are still active fourteen (!) years after their debut. And, I appreciate that these celebratory singles aren’t the kind of drippy ballad most groups … Continue reading
On the surface, Waltz is Ryugujo’s first anime theme — an important milestone for any J-pop group. However, the song is meaningful in other ways as well. It’s been announced that this will be the final Ryugujo song written by their producer and mentor Avu-chan. This news elicited and honest-to-god gasp from me when I … 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. Listening to NCT Wish’s new mini … Continue reading
I love being able to spotlight a severely under-the-radar act on this blog. Epic Travels quietly debuted last year but have since added member Sangil (formerly of Snuper!). If you need a catch-up on Snuper’s extraordinary singles run, this blog will be a great resource. Epic Travels’ new video for Tab Tab currently has just … Continue reading
Girl group UNIS were one of a handful of survival series spawned groups who made their debut last year. Their two title tracks were solid but unspectacular. If you were to ask me to hum either one of them today, I don’t think I could do it. New single Swicy aims to lodge itself in … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 