It’s getting harder to distinguish between a proper comeback mv and a “special mv” in K-pop, but BBGirls’ Lemonade deserves at least a brief write-up. Despite its repetitive structure, comeback One More Time ended up growing on me. It makes for a great singalong while driving! Lemonade is funkier and groovier, taking a more laid-back … 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. One of the composers I miss … 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’m sure readers are as tired … Continue reading
POW may not be debuting for another month, but they’re following a recent K-pop trend by pre-releasing a track to familiarize audiences with their style. This tactic may muddy the waters a bit, but it feels like a good way to announce yourself with relatively low risk and start building a fan base before that … Continue reading
Hur Youngji has had an unusual career path, joining girl group Kara in 2014 via reality TV series and releasing a few albums with them during the group’s twilight years. Then, she participated in their big reunion album late last year. In between, she’s acted, performed with agency-mates KARD and flirted with a solo career. … Continue reading
Well, isn’t this a nice surprise? Not only is this Weeekly’s first new track in ages, but it’s a fan song that’s actually upbeat and fun! Good Day (Special Daileee)‘s effusiveness won’t be for everyone, but I enjoyed its fizzy burst of pop melodies right from the start. The song’s EDM sound and chorused vocals … Continue reading
Over the past two years, CRAVITY have adopted a brighter pop style and released the best music of their career. They’ve been on a roll, though pre-release Cheese stalled that momentum a bit. New title track Ready Or Not continues to play with bright boy group sounds, but it’s their most generic title track in … Continue reading
Following winter’s excellent Killer, SHINee’s Key is back with new mini album Good & Great and its title track of the same name. Key is one of those idols I know I can count on to deliver a strong dance track, driven by his unique vision and effortless charisma. Good & Great retains most of … Continue reading
Amidst all the big-name comebacks today, girl group Blackswan have a stealth attack in the form of b-side Cat & Mouse. The song was previously released alongside title track Karma back in May but it’s now enjoying elevated status with a newly-released music video. I call this a ‘stealth attack’ because the song is legitimately … Continue reading
Across their past few title tracks, Trendz have caught my ear with a brand of sturdy, rock-influenced K-pop that reminds me of a lighter version of early ATEEZ. This is no surprise given their work with producer Leez — an important contributor to the songwriting success of not only ATEEZ but Dreamcatcher as well. Like … Continue reading
Purple Kiss are intent on keeping summer going throughout September, making a sharp turn and releasing their frothiest, most upbeat track yet. They’ve gone down the funky route before, but 7HEAVEN is downright ebullient. As a fan of big, summery dance tracks, this is music to my ears. Why not keep the party going all … Continue reading
Though I didn’t connect with BOYNEXTDOOR’s debut tracks as strongly as I would have liked, I appreciate their commitment to a signature sound and the bright, youthful energy their music portrays. But Sometimes (뭣 같아) is a quick comeback after their May debut and further develops their unique point of view. This song isn’t as … Continue reading
It feels weird — almost nostalgic — to be excited about a new SM Entertainment boy group. After years of NCT-style tracks, the agency seems ready to turn a page with the newly-debuted Riize. Their pre-release Memories has grown on me over the weeks, anchored by a euphoric chorus that should inform their sound going … Continue reading
I’m not always a huge fan of K-pop covers, but Baekho chose the perfect song in Elevator. The original 1995 Park Jinyoung classic was a staple of the 90’s, yet it never had an official music video and the song’s production is ripe for an update. As influential as this evergreen hit is, you don’t … Continue reading
H1-KEY have developed a nice niche of classic-sounding, melodic K-pop. Their songs play like comfort food, but they’re anchored by a robust set of vocals and detailed production. Seoul (Such A Beautiful City) continues this streak, even if much of it feels like a tourism CF. But really, doesn’t all K-pop exist as subconscious advertisement … Continue reading
Most Japanese releases from K-pop acts don’t really attempt to engage with the Japanese market beyond a surface level, making it exciting when we get an international duet or track written by J-pop talent. Stray Kids’ Social Path pairs the group with theme-song-queen and overall epic rocker LiSA. Social Path feels like a nod back … Continue reading
As we tiptoe toward September, Cignature are back to offer their take on a summer song. Smooth Sailing (안녕, 인사해) is bright and insistent, delivering a smooth shot of brassy pop uplift. This group has had many guises thus far, but this ebullient energy fits them well. It’s at once nostalgic and on trend, concerned … 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. Vanner’s Veni Vidi Vici is the … 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 a good time for Lucy … Continue reading
I love a cool collaboration, and producer KERENMI has delivered with new single Adult. The track brings together Avu-chan from Queen Bee (the coolest J-pop artist of the moment, btw) and BE:FIRST’s youngest member — and self-professed fan — Ryuhei. I don’t know much about BE:FIRST beyond their music, but Ryuhei has already shown eclectic … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 