From Can’t You See Me to Puma, the choices around TXT’s latest mini album have easily been my biggest disappointments of 2020. But by promoting album-closer Eternally, Big Hit has finally done something right. Now, don’t get me wrong – although it has some cool, trippy moments, the music video is bloated as hell and … Continue reading
Tag Archives: rating 8
SUMMER OF K-POP: Beast – Dance With U
There are few things I enjoy more than a great summertime song. They’re bright, they’re exciting, and they remind me of my favorite time of the year. There’s no telling what this summer in K-pop will bring, but over the next few weeks I’ll be flashing back each day, showcasing a highlight from past summers. … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – Pass Me By
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading
SUMMER OF K-POP: Junho (2PM) – So Good
There are few things I enjoy more than a great summertime song. They’re bright, they’re exciting, and they remind me of my favorite time of the year. There’s no telling what this summer in K-pop will bring, but over the next few weeks I’ll be flashing back each day, showcasing a highlight from past summers. … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – H.E.R
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Seventeen – Together
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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 2018, Seventeen released a b-side (Run To You) that … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD TAKE A LEAP: In-Depth Album Review – Moment
As usual, Golden Child gets the “bias group advantage” on this site. This means not only their title track and a buried treasure will be reviewed, but I’ll be taking a look at the entire new mini album Take A Leap. Check back over the next five days, as I tackle the songs one at … Continue reading
Song Review: A.C.E – Stand By You
A.C.E had the unlikely honor of releasing one of my favorite songs of 2019 and one of my least favorite songs of 2019. Apart from that, they’ve been a remarkably consistent group – at least when it comes to quality. Their release schedule has been anything but consistent. However, it looks like we’ll be getting … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Weki Meki – Moya Moya
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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’m in the market for a fun, frothy girl group summer … Continue reading
Song Review: IU – Into The I-Land
When I think of K-pop survival series, IU doesn’t immediately come to mind. But to be fair, she probably never thought she’d be singing something called “Into the I-Land” either. For those who haven’t been keeping up, I-Land is the name of Big Hit Entertainment and MNET’s upcoming “making the band” series, where trainees will … Continue reading
Song Review: CRAVITY – Cloud 9
I nearly selected CRAVITY’s Cloud 9 as a “buried treasure” back when it was first released in April. I’m glad I didn’t, because now it’s been chosen as a summer follow-up single. And while the track isn’t anything revolutionary, its bright, upbeat sound is a welcome salve for all of the edgy, moody boy group … Continue reading
Song Review: Stray Kids – God’s Menu
I always get a little nervous when it’s time for another Stray Kids comeback. I adore so much of their material, but their hard-hitting hip-hop sound can also be pretty hit-or-miss when it comes to my personal taste. I tend to enjoy their songs best when they incorporate an additional instrumental element, from psy-trance to … Continue reading
Song Review: Seventeen – My My
Apart from the behind-the-scenes teasers unveiled throughout the week, I’m not sure if the release of My My was officially announced. But, its pre-comeback music video certainly took me surprise. It’s about time that K-pop delivered a welcome surprise, and I’m always up for a good pre-release. At least, I’m assuming that’s what this is? … Continue reading
Song Review: Chungha – Be Yourself
Leading up to the release of her long-fabled full album, Chungha has catered to various markets. We had the energetic Stay Tonight for the dance clubs, the dull My Friend for the coffee shops, and now the upbeat Be Yourself for the… Sprite drinkers. Yes, this song is not only part of MNH’s ongoing New.wav … Continue reading
Song Review: WayV (NCT) – Turn Back Time
Despite its many units and incarnations, the NCT universe has remained pretty consistent in sound. This extends to its Chinese vanguard, known as WayV. Their burgeoning discography has been a sampler platter of SM Entertainment influences, tied together by an injection of distorted guitar and tight, layered vocals. New single Turn Back Time (超时空 回) … Continue reading
Song Review: E’Last – Swear
So far, 2020 has been pretty forgettable when it comes to new debuts. Most of the higher-profile ones have underwhelmed to some degree, and there have been a lot of solid-but-unspectacular, under-the-radar rookies who opt for trendiness rather than innovation. But, every once and awhile we get a CRAXY – with a song so bonkers … Continue reading
Song Review: Cosmic Girls (WJSN) – Butterfly
Since their 2016 debut, Cosmic Girls have gone a long way towards established a signature sound. Much of this has been possible by keeping their stable of songwriters tight. I think this is important for an idol group, as it fosters a sense of incremental growth without jarring transitions in style. New single Butterfly continues … Continue reading
Song Review: Ha Sungwoon – Get Ready
It’s been almost a year since Ha Sungwoon’s last comeback. That summer album showed a lot of promise, foregoing the tepid r&b of his solo debut for more adventurous sounds. Now, he’s back with the kind of funk-pop track I’d like to see K-pop’s moody boy groups tackle again. Get Ready isn’t perfect, but its … Continue reading
Song Review: Bang Yedam (Treasure) – WAYO
More often than not, K-pop agencies play the long game with their trainees, recruiting young with the hope of rearing a world-conquering star. This is usually a behind-the-scenes process, but fans have been with Bang Yedam ever since he competed in the second season of K-pop Star at the age of ten. K-pop Star was … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Twice – Sweet Summer Day
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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 not as strong or consistent as either of their 2019 … Continue reading