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
When AB6IX first debuted in 2019, they were riding high on the existing popularity of their Wanna One members and Produce trainees. That popularity has since faded as more competition shows have emerged and the group’s music has struggled to maintain public awareness. But, rapper Park Woojin still carries plenty of name recognition to leverage … Continue reading
Though Hwang Minhyun has released solo music while with Nu’est, Hidden Side acts as his official solo debut. He’s also busy as the host (erm… I mean, “star master”) of the currently-airing Boys Planet. His history with Nu’est and Wanna One gives him plenty of industry cache, but I can’t say I immediately picture him … Continue reading
King & Prince’s last single Tsukiyomi released just after it was revealed that three of the five members would be leaving the group this spring. Now, the group is running on momentum until that fateful moment. Double a-side Life Goes On / We Are Young serves double duty as a dual OST offering and a … Continue reading
Fifty Fifty’s debut album was a pleasant surprise, offering a variety of styles with consistent songwriting and execution. Title track Higher wasn’t the most instantly engaging choice for promotion, but it endured nicely over time. Its languid energy frames new single Cupid, though the girls have subdued their sound even further this time around. Their … Continue reading
Newly debuted group HAWW’s name stands for “Heal All The World Wide,” and I love them for that. Earnestness is a severely underrated charm, and I’m 100% ready for an idol group to usher in world peace, reverse climate change and ensure economic equality via a cute little pop bop. Of course, I’m being sarcastic … Continue reading
From their 2020 debut through the summer of 2021, Lucy were pretty much unstoppable. Their music dominated my playlist and stood apart from all of their peers. Since then, I’ve struggled to connect with their comebacks in the same way. All the same ingredients remain, but the melodies and arrangements don’t feel as memorable or … Continue reading
Post-Johnny’s success can be elusive for idols who leave the agency, whether they were part of an established group or never debuted at all. One OK Rock’s Taka is the biggest counterexample, but more often than not these performers struggle against an entertainment industry largely beholden to Johnnys’ legacy. 7ORDER first emerged as Johnny’s Jr. … Continue reading
Woodz hasn’t yet announced the date of his new album, but he teases it today with pre-release single Abyss (심연). In this case, a pre-release offers the chance to showcase something a little softer than a traditional K-pop title track. Abyss maintains the rock edge he’s been pursuing for some time while muting the energy … Continue reading
When I first delved into J-pop nearly a decade ago, the easiest entry points were K-pop acts performing in Japanese. They had built-in familiarity, and the acts tended to take a safe approach that complimented their Korean discography. Now that I’m steeped in Japanese music from Japanese creators and performers, I find most J-pop releases … Continue reading
Since their debut in 2020, E’Last have developed a theatrical sound that blends boy group tropes with symphonic flourishes and moments of grandiose melody. Last year’s Creature was a misstep, opting for an anti-drop chorus that sacrificed the group’s greatest assets. Luckily, new single Thrill dives in the opposite direction with a full-throated, rock-infused chorus. … Continue reading
Though they’ve delivered a standout b-side or one-off colab here and there, I haven’t enjoyed a title track from The Boyz since 2020’s The Stealer. I love the guys and think they’re incredibly talented (especially when it comes to performance), but at a certain point that isn’t enough. If an act consistently lacks the kind … Continue reading
A K-pop act’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. Key improved an already-solid album with … Continue reading
A K-pop act’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. The debut album from tripleS is … Continue reading
A K-pop act’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. This is the first “buried treasure” … Continue reading
KAT-TUN released their eleventh album this week and it’s their most consistent work in years. Also, you can stream the standard eleven-track version worldwide! Way to go, Johnny’s! Fantasia promised to pay tribute to the group’s various eras and sounds, but the whole package feels pretty sleek and modern. It’s relentlessly upbeat, embracing sick dance … Continue reading
Beyond the glossy exterior of K-pop’s big budget comebacks lies a whole world of indie artists and idols-turned-soloists. I’m thinking about acts like from20, who happens to have a hand in the song I’m writing about today. Dancing In The Dark arrives courtesy of Hello Gloom, the stage name for IMFACT’s Ungjae. After quietly disbanding … Continue reading
I haven’t featured a review of Genic’s music since back in April 2020 when the group debuted with the awesome Sun Comes Up. But over the past few months, I’ve revisited their discography and become a bit of a Genic fanatic. I love a co-ed group, and these self-producing superstars have the chops to back … Continue reading
After enjoying 2021’s competition show LOUD, my expectations for TNX were sky high. This was based on their stature during the series and the perceived creativity bolstering PSY’s P-Nation label. But, last year’s debut album turned out to be a disappointment, following too many trends instead of delivering fresh, inventive energy. The pre-release track for … Continue reading
It’s been a rather long hiatus for Purple Kiss, with their most recent mini album released last summer. The atmospheric sound characterizing many of their title tracks isn’t the best match for the summer months, but it’s right at home during the darker days of winter. New single Sweet Juice delivers a fantasy concept that … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 