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
Despite my negative reaction to pre-release Koong, I’ve been playing Xikers’ new album quite often. Title track Do Or Die is fantastic, and songs like Run and Sunny Side are surprisingly groovy. Homeboy‘s hazy, downbeat sound is a surprising choice for follow-up single, but the song has grown on me with time. Homeboy‘s verses utilize … Continue reading
“Pre-debut” releases are quite confusing, but I guess it’s a nice way to introduce your group without the pressure of official debut promotions. The members of TIOT will be familiar to viewers of Boys Planet, and their song Unbeatable (백전무패) will be familiar to much older K-pop fans. It’s a cover of the 2001 track … Continue reading
XG continue to make inroads into K-pop markets, most recently performing at this year’s KCON LA. I’ve struggled to connect to most of their music, but I think I’m in the minority. Their blend of hip-hop, dance and fierce attitude seems poised to make them favorites of international fans. New Dance is XG’s most straightforward … Continue reading
The slow-burn success of H1-KEY’s Rose Blossom was one of the year’s most surprising (and deserved) stories, and the group has taken their time to deliver a follow-up. Time To Shine (불빛을 꺼뜨리지 마) arrives courtesy of the same composer (Hong Ji Sang) and offers a sprightlier sound than its predecessor. This track forges an … Continue reading
“Best Of” albums are far more common in the Japanese market than any other country I’m aware of, and that extends to K-pop acts. Ima (Even If The World Ends Tomorrow) (今 -明日 世界が終わっても-) is taken from Seventeen’s first “best of,” marking another stage in their successful career. And though the track was composed by … Continue reading
When it comes to upbeat boy group tracks, August has been very generous so far. Now, Peak Time winners Vanner join the fray — re-emerging with the funky Performer. Both sonically and thematically, it feels like a suitable statement of intent, even if the song loses some potency when it strays from its taut, propulsive … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 