Though their music differs vastly in sound, I like to think of AAA as j-pop’s answer to Bigbang. Its members form a uniquely amazing unit when put together, but are just as strong as soloists pursuing their own musical interests. For Mitsuhiro Hidaka, that takes the form of a genre-bending brand of pop-infused hip-hop under the … Continue reading
News are no stranger to World Cup anthems. This partnership has already resulted in my favorite single of theirs — 2012’s World Quest — as well as the excellent One (For The Win) two years later. Now they’re back with Blue, which sounds exactly as you’d expect it to. But when it comes to News … Continue reading
When producers LDN Noise and Ryan S. Jhun collaborate, we tend to get instant classics. From Married To The Music to Dumb Dumb, their track record is incredibly strong. And frankly, I’m surprised that KBS was willing to secure such behind-the-scenes star power for UNB. It would be easy to saddle the temporary project group … 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 wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. If I have any misgiving about Nu’est’s post-2016 material, it’s that … Continue reading
Ever since the announcement of SHINee’s sixth album promotions, many were wondering how the group would address the unavoidable — the tragic passing of founding member Jonghyun late last year. It was there in the melancholic edges of Good Evening, and even in I Want You’s wistful lyrics, but it’s woven into every fiber of … Continue reading
With over 2,300 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 the … Continue reading
As a massive fan of ONF’s debut mini album, it’s been frustrating to watch their follow-up delayed because of their involvement with YG’s failed survival series MIXNINE. Two of their seven members ended up “winning” a place in the program’s resulting project group, only to have the whole thing cancelled months after the series ended. … Continue reading
2018 has been a strong year for j-pop so far, both when it comes to native Japanese artists and k-pop acts expanding into this territory. Though boy group Da-iCE’s January single Tokyo Merry-Go-Round didn’t do much for me, they’ve come roaring back with the brilliant Fakeshow. This is easily in the running for their best … Continue reading
Three years ago this month, SHINee released their masterful View, which would go on to become one of 2015’s most enduring songs of summer and jump-start k-pop’s fascination with 90’s deep house. Now, three years later, the group finds themselves at an altogether different crossroads. After the loss of member Jonghyun last December, their tenth … Continue reading
Dominant j-pop agency Johnny’s Entertainment hasn’t debuted a new act since 2014, making King & Prince’s arrival highly anticipated. The group is a combination of two trainee units, Mr. King and Prince, and has already proven to be a huge commercial success with first single Cinderella Girl (シンデレラガール). As with most Johnny’s acts, no one voice … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. It’s a wonder I enjoy BTS’ new album as much … Continue reading
I don’t know what it is about this year, but so far most of my highest rated songs have been Japanese releases by Korean acts. The Hallyu Wave in Japan has well and truly reignited, and the prospect of so many original songs coming down the line is very exciting. With the rock-influenced Call Call … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. The song title “Flower Garden” makes me imagine a cutesy … Continue reading
Most of the time, a 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 (and j-pop), I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. This is probably the most “buried” of buried treasures I’ve … Continue reading
Well, isn’t this a nice surprise? I’ve always enjoyed Halo’s music, but the group hasn’t been able to break through with the Korean public in a meaningful way. This struggle has resulted in numerous comebacks that have passed by unknown to most casual k-pop listeners. With a limited budget and consistently decreasing hype, I didn’t … Continue reading
Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. When it rains in EXO-CBX land, it pours. In just … Continue reading
The fact that Lovelyz worked with Sweetune for That Day (그날의 너) is some consolation for personal faves Snuper ditching the production team for their upcoming comeback. It also brings renewed interest to the question of Woollim Entertainment’s partnership with Sweetune. I wish I had some knowledge of the inner workings of the industry, but the … Continue reading
For fans of KAT-TUN, it’s been a long wait. The guys have been on a self-imposed hiatus for nearly two years after founding member Taguchi decided to leave the group. Ask Yourself is their first release as a trio, and their first new music we’ve heard since 2016. This return could have gone any number … Continue reading
Until We Meet (会えるまで) is the sixteenth B1A4 single that leader Jinyoung has composed, and his songwriting and producing skills show no signs of dampening. At this point, he’s developed a signature sound for the group — a stately, synth-kissed brand of melodic pop that feels at once powerful and dreamlike. And B1A4’s prolific Japanese … Continue reading
Back in 2010, Woollim Entertainment’s Infinite debuted with Come Back Again, but followed it up by promoting album track-turned-single She’s Back. This multi-pronged promo approach doesn’t happen all that often anymore in k-pop without a repackage, but I’m delighted that it has been extended to Infinite-successors Golden Child. The group has made a quick turnaround … Continue reading
