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. DRIPPIN’s debut mini album doesn’t have a weak song on it. … Continue reading
Tag Archives: rating 9
Buried Treasure: TXT – Ghosting
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. TXT’s Blue Hour has already grown on me, and I think … Continue reading
Song Review: DRIPPIN – Nostalgia
Over the years, Woollim Entertainment’s music has proven to consistently match my taste, so the thought of any new debut from the agency is exciting. But though Nostalgia may be their first official title track, DRIPPIN are not unknown to the public. Every member except one participated in last year’s Produce X 101 series, with … Continue reading
K-Pop A-Z Review: f(x) – Electric Shock
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Electric Shock (from Electric Shock – 2012) While not quite my favorite f(x) title track, Electric Shock is emblematic of many of the charms found in their music. It’s a taut, relentless pop song, simultaneously inviting and aloof. The instrumental thrives on … Continue reading
K-Pop A-Z Review: f(x) – Dracula
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Dracula (from Red Light – 2014) Maybe it was because I grew up with Thriller, but I’ve always loved a cheesy Halloween-themed pop track. And, as gimmicky as Dracula could have been, f(x) turn it into one of their highlights. The theatrical … Continue reading
K-Pop A-Z Review: f(x) – Deja Vu
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Deja Vu (from 4 Walls – 2015) Deja Vu is all about texture. Its synth backbone has a retro 8-bit appeal – fizzy and scuzzy but undeniably cool. This continues into the catchy pre-chorus, which utilizes a brighter synth note to distinguish … Continue reading
GOLDEN CHILD PUMP IT UP: In-Depth Album Review – Lean On Me
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 single album Pump It Up. 1. Pump It Up // 2. That Guy // 3. Lean On Me LEAN … Continue reading
Song Review: Golden Child – Pump It Up
Golden Child have spent the past year exploring a musical trilogy that pulled their sound in darker, angstier directions. This resulted in some stellar songs, but the Golden Child I first fell in love with made their name on a bright, energetic style. Once K-pop boy groups journey down a moodier route, they tend to … Continue reading
Song Review: Everglow – La Di Da
The 80’s electro K-pop trend is in full swing, and long may it reign! Up to this point, I’ve enjoyed most Everglow singles, but never found one that really struck a chord with me. February’s Dun Dun offered a glimpse of potential, showcasing a refreshing fierceness. But, new single La Di Da blows that wide … Continue reading
Random Shuffle Review: H.O.T – Hope
With over 3,000 songs on my iPhone’s “K-Pop Singles” playlist, I thought it would be fun to add a bit of unpredictability to my song review posts. So as a result, we have the “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first gets … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: YooA (Oh My Girl) – Diver
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. Upon my first listen to YooA’s debut solo album, I was … Continue reading
Song Review: Taemin – Criminal
Though I’ve enjoyed virtually everything Taemin has released, and often hold him up as one of K-pop’s luminary performers, there’s a certain energy I’ve missed from his Korean output since 2016. Perhaps this is just my bias, having grown up with the Jacksons as my musical icons, but Taemin has always struck me as one … Continue reading
Song Review: Wonho – Open Mind
Former Monsta X member Wonho released his first solo track last month, the heartfelt Losing You. It was a perfectly pleasant ballad, but felt like more of a message than a peek at the sound he hoped to develop on his own. In that way, classifying Losing You as a pre-release teaser feels very apt. … Continue reading
Song Review: A.C.E – Favorite Boys
In an alternate reality, A.C.E’s Favorite Boys (도깨비) acted as the follow-up to their excellent 2019 single Under Cover, and I hailed it as an epic one-two punch. Instead, we had to suffer through Savage to get here. But, the journey was worth it. Favorite Boys is the dramatic, bombastic successor I’ve been hoping to … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: MCND – Bumpin’
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. MCND’s Earth Age mini album has followed in the footsteps of … Continue reading
Song Review: SuperM – 100
I have a weird sort of respect for SuperM. Sure, the project is about as inorganic as you can imagine, bringing together some of SM Entertainment’s most popular performers for an agency-forged super group. But if you’re going to take this approach, the music had better sound as big and over-the-top as its performers demand. … Continue reading
Random Shuffle Review: Rain – Rainism
With over 3,000 songs on my iPhone’s “K-Pop Singles” playlist, I thought it would be fun to add a bit of unpredictability to my song review posts. So as a result, we have the “Random Shuffle Review” feature. The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first gets … Continue reading
SUMMER OF K-POP: Sistar – I Swear
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
The Most Epic Days in K-Pop: July 14, 2014 (B1A4, Henry, Girl’s Day)
As the K-pop market has become more flooded with acts, it’s not unusual to see days with multiple comebacks. Usually, these are a grab bag of varying quality, but every once in awhile you’ll get a day that unveils multiple classics at once. This feature is dedicated to those epic days – days in which … Continue reading
SUMMER OF K-POP: Girls’ Generation-TTS – Stay
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