Much like Cat & Dog, the first time I heard TXT’s Angel Or Devil I was not particularly impressed. And also like Cat & Dog, I quickly became addicted to its goofy charm and now consider it an album highlight. Such is the power of TXT, I suppose. Seriously though, they have an uncanny ability … Continue reading
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reviewing every song in EXO’s discography, from A-Z. That will continue, but I’m taking a brief break to write about the songs on their newest album, Obsession. Be sure to check back every day as I take a look at each and every track! 1. Obsession // 2. … Continue reading
Though I’ve always loved AOA’s discography, I was only familiar with a few of the members prior to this year’s Queendom series. Because of this, I was delighted to find a group of ladies with an appealing sense of self-deprecating humor and a down-to-earth warmth at odds with their often-glamorous image. Korea seems to have … Continue reading
I was quite hard on Kang Daniel’s July debut. It felt too beholden to trends, at the expense of really showcasing his appealing personality. Still, the album was a huge commercial success, cementing his status as one of 2019’s biggest soloists. With new single Touchin’, his ban on music shows has been lifted and he’ll … Continue reading
Being the current bias group of The Bias List has its advantages, and just like their big brother group Infinite, Golden Child are going to get the full-album review treatment. (Plus, back in the summer when it seemed like Golcha was never going to come back, I promised on twitter to run this feature!) So … Continue reading
AWEEK debuted early this year with the forgettable The More I See, which positioned them in a cutesy mold with little success. As is common for rookies of their stature, the guys have switched things up completely for their first comeback. In this case, the gamble pays off. Breathe is a surprisingly hard-hitting dance track … Continue reading
Being the current bias group of The Bias List has its advantages, and just like their big brother group Infinite, Golden Child are going to get the full-album review treatment. (Plus, back in the summer when it seemed like Golcha was never going to come back, I promised on twitter to run this feature!) So … Continue reading
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. What a transformation Twice’s Japanese music has made this year! Previous … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with EXO’s A-Z reviews here! Sign (from Don’t Mess Up My Tempo / Love Shot – 2018) Pounding forward on jolts of dubstep distortion, Sign is as pure a distillation of EXO’s core sound as you’re likely to find. It’s a percussive beast, formed by an industrial … Continue reading
Being the current bias group of The Bias List has its advantages, and just like their big brother group Infinite, Golden Child are going to get the full-album review treatment. (Plus, back in the summer when it seemed like Golcha was never going to come back, I promised on twitter to run this feature!) So … Continue reading
Being the current bias group of The Bias List has its advantages, and just like their big brother group Infinite, Golden Child are going to get the full-album review treatment. (Plus, back in the summer when it seemed like Golcha was never going to come back, I promised on twitter to run this feature!) So … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with EXO’s A-Z reviews here! Run (from Overdose – 2014) EXO songs often have a slightly experimental bent to them, so it’s always surprising when the group goes full-on pop. Run does not have a self-serious bone in its body. It’s the kind of anthemic track clearly … Continue reading
Being the current bias group of The Bias List has its advantages, and just like their big brother group Infinite, Golden Child are going to get the full-album review treatment. (Plus, back in the summer when it seemed like Golcha was never going to come back, I promised on twitter to run this feature!) So … Continue reading
SuperM’s Let’s Go Everywhere first arrived two weeks ago as the soundtrack to a wonderfully weird in-flight safety video on Korean Air’s fleet of planes. If nothing else, this super group is certainly going to cash in on every CF deal that Korea has to offer. I’m still very much on board with this SuperM … Continue reading
After a series of slower tracks, IU has revisited past sounds with new album Love Poem. And, there are certainly plenty of sounds to choose from. She’s had an interesting career, launching with a bubblegum pop style before segueing into a more theatrical, Broadway-ready belt that ultimately calmed to the quirky-cool singer we know today. … Continue reading
Over the past few years, I think I’ve liked the idea of IU better than the reality itself. Once known for ornate, symphonic pop music, her oeuvre has devolved into wispy ballads and quirky coffeehouse fare. She remains intensely popular in Korea, and her pleasantly light vocal timbre and undeniable presence back up this success. … Continue reading
Good things come to those who wait. And wait. And wait. Seriously, I spent most of this year moaning about how long it was taking for Golden Child to make a comeback. Injuries, acting schedules and other agency pursuits combined to create an unbearably long, thirteen-month hiatus. I was fearful that my favorite group had … Continue reading
Like BTS before them, TXT have taken to promoting more than one song from their albums. This approach allows for several big-budget music videos, and Big Hit seem intent on fusing a sense of fantasy lore to TXT’s already-compelling persona. For Magic Island, the guys have delivered a thirteen-minute short film, utilizing part of the … Continue reading
Fresh off their success on Queendom, Mamamoo are back with their second title track of 2019. This has been a fruitful year for them, particularly Hwasa. Her name has been lodged at the top of the K-pop brand reputation lists, and her casual but quirky energy has become synonymous with the group’s appeal. Mamamoo have … Continue reading
Stray Kids’ Astronaut arrives nearly a week after it was originally scheduled, and several weeks after the departure of the group’s main vocal Woojin. I’m honestly surprised that they were able to release it as early as they did, given the inevitable re-recordings and edits needed to accommodate Stray Kids’ new eight-member configuration. Ironically, the … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 