Jessi can always be counted on for a fun, colorful rap track — no matter the agency she’s signed with. Gum is her first work since leaving P Nation and signing with Jay Park’s More Vision, but you’d never know it from listening to the track. Gum is everything you’d expect from Jessi: energetic, a … Continue reading
Seventeen have yet again broken pre-order records for their new album. It’s astonishing how much of a global juggernaut they’ve become, especially considering Pledis Entertainment’s dire straights when they first debuted. This success calls for a victory lap, and new single God Of Music (음악의 신) is happy to oblige. I love the ambition in … Continue reading
I spend a lot of time (probably too much!) complaining about the things that annoy me when it comes to K-pop agencies, but in YG Entertainment’s case I’ve always loved how they’ll occasionally extend an album’s life cycle by promoting a song months after its release. B.O.M.B comes from Treasure’s summer project Reboot, appearing late … 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. Last week, Just B quietly released … Continue reading
After pre-releasing the pleasant Underwater last week, Chuu has returned with her official solo debut. Howl leads her new album with a pulsing electro beat that compliments her clear, pleasant voice. I hadn’t been keeping up with song teasers, so its gradual transformation surprised me on first listen. What begins as a wistful ballad gains … Continue reading
Jay Chang is making an event of his debut, releasing two title tracks in one day. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out my thoughts on his New Jack Swing-indebted Rockstar. The second track I’ll Be There dials things back but retains focus on his clear, confident vocals. First off, I can’t get … Continue reading
E’Last delivered a great chorus with February’s Thrill, but struggled to form an equally engaging song around it. However, the highlight medley for their new album sounds as if it’s ripped straight from K-pop’s second generation — a hallowed era in my eyes. And, new single Kiss Me Baby takes them in a decidedly funkier … Continue reading
Jay Chang made a name for himself on this year’s Boys Planet. Though he didn’t become a member of ZEROBASEONE, he captured attention with his strong vocals and natural presence. Rockstar is one of two title tracks from his debut album, the second of which will be revealed later today. It’s a little funny calling … Continue reading
I couldn’t tell you how either of rookie group Queenz Eye’s singles sound, though I covered one on the blog earlier this summer. However, they’ve caught my ear with new track This Is Love by taking a more melodic approach that puts their vocals at the forefront. To be fair, This Is Love is only … 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. TXT’s new album has exactly two … Continue reading
TXT continue to push into global markets, building upon their winter smash Sugar Rush Ride with English and Spanish language collaborations featuring Jonas Brothers and Anitta. Both tracks are present on their new album (minus Anitta), offering a taste of different genres. Meanwhile, new single Chasing The Feeling is the latest in a long line … Continue reading
Soloist Jini was briefly a member of JYP girl group NMIXX before leaving at the end of last year. Free from the “mixxpop” concept and backed by a new agency, she’s returned with her first EP. More and more, K-pop soloists have been leading the charge for new sounds, unburdened by structural constraints that often … Continue reading
Despite only releasing music for about a year, the tripleS universe has already spawned a sizable catalog. These releases have mostly been split into units, though the overall aesthetic is pretty similar across the different groups. Fans of this cohesive vibe will be delighted to see another new unit make their debut. For me, many … Continue reading
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard Ailee’s immense vocals, especially on something other than a ballad. But today, she’s made a long-awaited return and brought bombastic dancefloor drive with her. Ra Ta Ta takes EDM, hip-hop and Latin elements and throws them into a blender. It’s at its best when firing on all cylinders. Ailee’s … Continue reading
Good things come to those who wait, and in the case of INI that means better music. I’ve been a fan of the group since their Produce 101 days, but their first year of releases left much to be desired. However, they’ve been on a roll in 2023, kicking off with digital single New Day … Continue reading
As K-pop’s boy groups rediscover rock music this year, Just B enters the fray with an advantage. Since their debut, they’ve traded in rock sounds — most notably on standout b-side Get Away. Their take on the genre tends to be a bit more bombastic than many of their peers, and that continues on new … Continue reading
Lim Young Woong is a chart behemoth in Korea, but I’ve never featured his music on the blog before. His beginnings in trot music marked him as someone just outside the idol landscape, but as soon as the first teaser dropped for new single Do Or Die my interest was piqued. He’s made a complete … 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. Though ONF’s new album is reliably … Continue reading
NCT 127 secured a Bias List first with the only “buried treasure” post published before an album was released. That’s thanks to b-side Angel Eyes, which was pre-released alongside a special performance video. To be honest, that song is much more my speed than most of the group’s recent title tracks. At this point, it’s … Continue reading
2023 has already seen a ton of boy group debuts, and the stream keeps on coming. Many of these acts have introduced themselves with a pre-release, building anticipation before unveiling their title track. 82MAJOR has a few familiar faces, including participants from Fantasy Boys and Show Me The Money. Sure Thing follows what I’d like … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 