With each new album, Woodz has leaned harder into rock music. It seems to be a burgeoning trend in K-pop, and he’s uniquely positioned to seize upon it. His gritty, expressive vocal practically begs for equally-passionate guitar riffs, and his natural swagger sells the rock attitude – a vital component to make this genre feel … Continue reading
Tag Archives: rating 8
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: Hands Up
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Song Review: PSY – Celeb
I’m writing more about the new PSY album than I expected to, but he often releases multiple title tracks to promote his comebacks. Celeb is an interesting story. The song and video have been in the can since 2019, originally meant for release that year alongside his album. Who knew we’d be waiting almost three … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: Hug & Walk
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Song Review: LE SSERAFIM – Fearless
2022 has seen a mixed bag of debuts, with plenty of new acts emerging but few leaving an identifiable mark. No group has received as much pre-debut hype as HYBE/Source Music’s LE SSERAFIM. In a way only K-pop can manage, they were a huge success even before any music had been released! With name recognition … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: VERIVERY – Velocity
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 seems to me that as … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: Kimi wo Daisuki da
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: Kimi, Boku.
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Monsta X – Burning Up (ft. R3HAB)
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. Monsta X’s Love has already grown … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: LOVE
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Song Review: PSY – That That (ft. Suga)
PSY’s ninth album has been teased for so long it began to feel more like an urban legend than an actual release. He’s one of the pillars of K-pop – even more so now that his successful P Nation has signed many of the industry’s buzziest acts. But those who know PSY only for the … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: Pick It Up
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Song Review: Moonbyul – C.I.T.T (Cheese in the Trap)
Though retro trends still have a vise-grip hold on K-pop, the industry has started embracing punky, guitar-led sounds as well. This is in line with global trends, and may just be “the next big thing.” Whether Mamamoo’s Moonbyul is a soothsayer or not, her newest solo single C.I.T.T (Cheese in the Trap) rides the wave … Continue reading
Song Review: Yoon Jisung – Bloom
Yoon Jisung’s solo career has mostly consisted of ballads, but last year’s Love Counseling teased a more upbeat sound. It turns out he’s well-suited to the breezy, city pop style that K-pop currently has a huge crush on. Because of this, he was smart to pursue something more buoyant with new single Bloom. The song … Continue reading
Song Review: Miyeon ((G)I-DLE) – Drive
K-pop hasn’t always had precedent for girl group members going solo – especially while their group is still actively promoting. But, Cube Entertainment has done a nice job establishing the individual talents of (G)I-DLE. In fact, I prefer some of their solo efforts to their group work. Next on the docket is main vocal Miyeon, … Continue reading
Song Review: Monsta X – Love
You can tell a lot from a K-pop album’s highlight medley. When listening to these teasers, I often find myself playing “spot the title track.” But, this game is fraught with peril. How many times do I hear fantastic samples in a highlight medley, only to realize they’re b-sides and the title track itself is … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: Kimi no Iru Sekai
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: Saigo mo Yappari Kimi
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Reviewing Every KIS-MY-FT2 Single: AAO
In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography. Yet, I … Continue reading
Song Review: Kim Sung Kyu – Savior
After a year away, Infinite’s Kim Sung Kyu has returned with his first new album since signing with agency Double H TNE. Since his exit from Woollim Entertainment, he’s assembled a band and launched a YouTube channel, but his music remains quite consistent with past releases. New single Savior could easily feature on any of … Continue reading