In a disappointing month for K-pop comebacks, I’ve cast poor Seventeen as my Great Shining Hope of October. That’s a lot of pressure to put on one song, but Rock With You seemed to promise many of the elements I’ve been craving: big, bounding energy + a hooky structure (with rock guitar thrown in for … Continue reading
A week after Super Junior’s Donghae pre-released his solo track California Love, Eunhyuk is back with his own song. This double shot of D&E heralds the release of their upcoming unit album. I think this promotional tactic is cool – allowing each member to offer a taste of their own style before a comeback that … Continue reading
After nearly a decade of anticipation, CL’s first full album has finally arrived! If I used gifs to illustrate my point, I’d paste a standing ovation after this sentence. Seriously, give the lady some applause. The industry has not always been kind to her, but she’s persisted and released three singles in 2021. Not all … Continue reading
Infinite’s Woohyun wasted no time after military service, releasing new music just weeks after being discharged. He’s one of two Infinite members sticking with Woollim Entertainment, though it seems the guys have negotiated stipulations that allow them to remain active as a group. As I’ve mentioned before, Woohyun is one of my absolute favorite voices … 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 may never stop complaining about … Continue reading
Growing up, the Jackson family (specifically Janet and Michael) were my pop star archetypes. This probably explains my current taste in music, as well as my initial fascination with K-pop. So much of the industry’s sound and spectacle draws influence from the Jacksons – sometimes even more so than Western music markets. And when idols … Continue reading
ENHYPEN have been a frustrating prospect to watch. I was in on the ground floor, watching their formation through the I-LAND series. With huge agency support and a team of well-regarded songwriters, their music should be resonating. But every time I think they’re going to pull something spectacular out of the hat, the songs are … Continue reading
*Switching this post from “buried treasure” to “song review,” and including the mv for the English version below. The review corresponds to the Korean version. Listening to Pixy’s new album, I feel like I finally understand the appeal of the group. Title track Addicted might actually be the weakest of the four songs, with Bewitched … Continue reading
Several days after announcing her online concert, Sunmi surprise-released new CF single Go Or Stop. The song is “inspired” by KIA, presumably because cars go and… stop? Whatever the motivation, it’s always great to hear new music from Sunmi. Go Or Stop pairs her with frequent collaborator Frants, and comes close to being a real … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. However you may feel about aespa’s … Continue reading
It’s ‘Golden Child comeback’ time again, which means a track-by-track review of their new album, Game Changer and repackage DDARA! 1. Game Changer (Intro) // 2. Ra Pam Pam // 3. DDARA // 4. Oasis // 5. Bottom Of The Ocean // 6. Fanfare // 7. Singing In The Rain // 8. Game // 9. … Continue reading
As with each of their albums, CRAVITY have followed title track Gas Pedal with a second music video. Seriously… I wish this promotional tactic was used more often for groups whose music I actually enjoy! In CRAVITY’s case, their inconsistent discography has been consistently frustrating. I want to connect with it, but every time their … Continue reading
Woodz has quickly become an artist whose work I anticipate. His blending of different genres feels fresh within the idol world, and I love when he moves in a more rock-influenced direction. His last single could have done with a sung chorus, but its blazing guitar continued to develop Woodz’s unique sound. In comparison, new … Continue reading
2021 continues to be the year of GOT7 solos. I’m surprised how quickly they’ve rolled these out, with four of the seven members releasing new music within the last six months. Main vocal Youngjae has released solo work before, but Colors From Ars is his first mini album and represents his official debut as a … Continue reading
On the heels of their excellent Game Changer album, Golden Child are back with a quick repackage. You’ve gotta love Woollim Entertainment’s slavish devotion to traditional K-pop promotions. You’ll always get a repackage, even as other agencies phase out this old tactic. With new single DDARA, the guys make a big U-turn from August’s Latin-inspired … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. With all my coverage of Key’s … Continue reading
In honor of SHINee’s Key taking charge of his sound on new mini album Bad Love, I’ll be taking a look at each track throughout the week. Check back every day, and make sure to explore my other In-Depth Album Reviews if you’re interested! 1. Bad Love // 2. Yellow Tape // 3. Hate That… … Continue reading
Though they’re undoubtedly one of K-pop’s most popular acts, the idea of Twice expanding into the Western market has always felt a little iffy to me. For whatever reason, international fans tend to flock toward darker, edgier concepts. Twice’s music is often bubblegum in execution, which may reinforce negative K-pop stereotypes held by more skeptical … Continue reading
In honor of SHINee’s Key taking charge of his sound on new mini album Bad Love, I’ll be taking a look at each track throughout the week. Check back every day, and make sure to explore my other In-Depth Album Reviews if you’re interested! 1. Bad Love // 2. Yellow Tape // 3. Hate That… … Continue reading
Now in their second year after debut, E’Last have maintained a symphonic sound that hearkens back to earlier generations of K-pop boy groups. I love them for this, but I’ve yet to fall head-over-heels in love with any of their songs. The drama and bombast is much-appreciated, but the songwriting tends to meander more than … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 