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. Back in September, it felt like … Continue reading
It’s a rare treat to hear new material from IMFACT, but it seems we’ll have to wait even longer for a full group comeback. In the meantime, main vocal Taeho has made his solo debut. GGOMA (꼬마) is a duet with singer-songwriter Choi Ye Geum, and finds him tackling an unexpected sound. From its unusual … Continue reading
Korean dramas often make stars of their actors, but their soundtracks can also elevate a singer’s career. 2020’s Itaewan Class was such a hit, launching Gaho’s Start Over into the stratosphere alongside it. Before that, he’d released a mini album and a couple other OSTs. None of them charted. With momentum behind his brand, Gaho … 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. So far, May has delivered quite … Continue reading
It’s a good time to be a fan of Fantastics. We finally got a music video for their excellent single Stop For Nothing, along with a new b-side or two. And days earlier, the video for their entry in Jr.Exile’s Battle Of Tokuyo project was unveiled. Now, if they’d only throw us international fans a … Continue reading
TOO’s 2020 debut left me a bit cold, but their summer follow-up ended up being one of my favorite tracks of the year. Its bright, exuberant sound fit them especially well, and helped distinguished them from other boy groups. But, every rose has its thorn, and Count 1, 2 ended up being TOO’s final comeback … Continue reading
Rocket Punch’s music has kept me at a distance so far. Last year’s Bouncy was an addictive bit of noisy pop, undercut by vocals that occasionally felt strained and uneasy. And though I initially hated the cutesy follow-up Juicy, its sheer ridiculousness (mostly) won me over in the end. Now, the girls have aimed straight … Continue reading
Say you’re one of the biggest music agencies in the world and you’re looking to launch your next big girl group. What do you do? Saddle them with a Christmas song (in February!)? Toss them an old b-side from the soundtrack of a Fast & Furious spin-off? Both sound like awful ideas, yet this is … Continue reading
Johnny’s Entertainment has been oddly quiet this spring, and its few releases have felt pretty underwhelming. I’m shocked that we haven’t yet gotten a full album announcement from Snow Man, and we’re just now learning what Kis-My-Ft2 will be up to for their big tenth anniversary. Thankfully, there are a couple of single releases to … Continue reading
As GOT7 members embark on their own solo careers, I’ll probably pick and choose which songs to write about. After all, The Bias List’s focus has always been idol groups, and labels like H1GHR Music begin to veer into different territory. But, it’s interesting to hear what idols are capable of when signing with a … Continue reading
With each new Universe release, I debate whether I should keep writing about these tracks or simply treat them as their own sort of b-side. After all, you can’t really consider them a “comeback” — especially since the full music videos are limited to the Universe app. And, none of the songs so far have … Continue reading
Though she doesn’t receive as much attention as some of (G)I-DLE’s other members, Yuqi has one of the group’s most compelling voices. And now, she has the opportunity to spotlight that talent with the release of her digital single Giant. Recorded in both English and Chinese versions, the song offers a shot of rock-infused inspiration. … Continue reading
Boy group Blitzers are the latest 2021 debut to throw their hat into the ring, joining this year’s rookie class with a boisterous blend of rap and rock. I’ve always enjoyed this genre mash-up, and welcome any attempt a group makes to stand out. To Blitzers’ credit, Breathe Again doesn’t simply regurgitate trends from their … Continue reading
Just over a month since their last group comeback, WJSN have unveiled their second sub-unit. The chic WJSN The Black consists of members Seola, Bona, Exy and Eunseo, and promises a groovier compliment to the Cosmic Girls sound. Debut single Easy fits that bill. It’s sleek and satisfying, even if it falls short of being … Continue reading
ONEUS’s Devil proved to be a polarizing comeback. While the album was super strong, its title track jettisoned much of the group’s usual charm for a harder blast of boy group posturing. But at the very end of No Diggity‘s music video, fans were treated to a teaser of funky bass. That flourish turned out … Continue reading
This past weekend, I wrote a few thoughts about the current state of K-pop’s girl group landscape. And, Oh My Girl are the antidote to almost every gripe I have. They consistently offer strong vocals, quirky, unique songs and a sound that’s all their own. With last year’s Nonstop and Dolphin, they were finally rewarded … Continue reading
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
Exile Tribe’s Battle of Tokyo series continues with its second installment. This mix of animation and live-action has been quite cool so far, and I’m eager to see the rest of the series. Call of Justice finds personal favorite The Rampage joining the fray, bolstered by their familiar rock-meets-rap style. It’s an exciting jolt of … Continue reading
Though they’re short two original members, Highlight have become one of K-pop’s longest-running groups thanks to a rebranding and revitalization in 2017. Perhaps unsurprisingly, their new single Not The End (불어온다) seems to spring directly from that year’s musical trends, feeling like an outtake from their earlier work rather than a new push forward. Highlight … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 