I went on such a strange ride with STAYC’s winter hit Teddy Bear. I liked the song right off the bat, and that quickly grew into love as it became one of my most played songs of the year. But after a month or so, I’ve barely returned to the track and don’t have much … Continue reading
For their latest comeback, DKB have utilized two of K-pop’s long-successful promotional tactics — releasing a repackage with double title tracks. Rather than write about both songs (All Yours isn’t very good, tbh), I’m going to focus on the one whose video appears to be edited with more care. Furthering the nostalgia factor, DKB emerge … 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 been a long time since … Continue reading
Dance troupe turned K-pop group Artbeat v debuted late last year (minus the “v”), and since then the members have shuffled. Now a five-person act, they’re back with the sugary sweet new jack swing of Dubi Dubi. New jack swing happens to be one of my favorite genres, and this is an incredibly straightforward re-creation … Continue reading
Over the past few weeks, there’s been a ton of K-pop releases embracing bright dance pop sounds. This has been a boon to my playlist, as I tend to flock toward this energy during the summer months. Jo Yuri’s music has shifted style with each release, but Taxi lands her right in the K-pop roller … Continue reading
Lapone Entertaiment’s ‘J-pop that’s basically K-pop’ groups tend to release music that falls into several established archetypes. Of these archetypes, my favorite by far is the propulsive disco-funk-dance hybrid that characterized JO1’s epic Born To Be Wild. DXTEEN’s First Flight can’t touch that instant JO1 classic, but its glossy sound and surging chorus make for … Continue reading
Rather than opt for a standard music video, TVXQ’s U-Know is promoting his newest mini album with a thirteen-minute short film, unveiling his cinematic concept via a full storyline. Even so, the album has an official title track in Vuja De, and that’s what I’ll be writing about today. Vuja De embraces elements of big … Continue reading
I can’t believe it’s been two years since I last wrote about a Jeon Somi comeback! I had to look back to verify that, because 2021 seems like a lifetime ago. Thankfully, she’s returned with an upgrade. Producer Teddy is still in tow, but Fast Forward has a fashionable Euro-dance sound that makes for an … 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 don’t usually listen to Korean … Continue reading
At first, I was planning on simply including Body To Body in this week’s upcoming “New & Noteworthy J-pop” post, but I know not everyone reads those and I didn’t want fans of bombastic 80’s synthwave (like myself!) to miss out on this track. Meik debuted as a soloist in 2017 after leaving group J☆Dee’Z … 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. Kwon Eunbi’s new project may only … Continue reading
I had to go back to my September 2022 review of Limelight’s pre-debut Starlight to remember what this trio was all about. I guess I never got around to reviewing their most recent single Honestly, though I remember liking it when it came out early this year. But for all extents and purposes, I’m heading … Continue reading
After setting the industry (and my playlist) alight in 2021, Brave Girls released one final album before leaving their agency and rebranding as BBGirls. That name feels very awkward, but I’m so happy these four decided to stick together. Their music is great counterprogramming to K-pop’s younger girl groups, confident in its ability to showcase … Continue reading
1. Intro: 13 // 2. New Emotions // 3. Time Difference // 4. I Got You // 5. Find Me I GOT YOU Apart from the (very good) intro track, I Got You is the only song on 13egin produced by a longtime Infinite collaborator. BLSSD composed 2018’s Tell Me and a trio of title … Continue reading
I was quite ruthless when writing about Xikers’ pre-release Koong, drawing ire from the their fan base alongside accusations that I “hated” the group. In reality, I very much enjoyed this spring’s Rockstar and I’m heartened by the fact Do Or Die brings them back to this guitar-heavy sound. This feels like a nice niche … Continue reading
Woollim Entertainment has had an unusually barren year so far, releasing just a handful of tracks and only one official comeback. But Kwon Eunbi has recently been gaining attention online, making this the perfect time to remind fans that she is a fierce performer first and foremost. The Flash pairs her with talents from 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. Looking back, I was probably a … Continue reading
1. Intro: 13 // 2. New Emotions // 3. Time Difference // 4. I Got You // 5. Find Me TIME DIFFERENCE Fans disappointed in New Emotions‘ trend-chasing sound have flocked to Time Difference (시차) for a dose of the classic Infinite style. As far as 13egin‘s upbeat moments go, this is closest to what … Continue reading
I missed XEED’s debut last December, but a slow day in K-pop draws my ear to their follow-up single Blue. I’m always game to support an underrated group from a small agency, and XEED definitely show promise. Blue brings me back to K-pop’s “tropical” days, mixed with a few synthwave elements that have been popular … Continue reading
I never covered n.SSign’s pre-debut song Salty on the blog, but it’s quite solid and part of a standout mini album that features a few of my favorite classic K-pop producers. In fact, n.SSign’s producers are the main reason I’m interested in the group. Not only will their upcoming album feature a track from Sweetune … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 