This week, I’m breaking my own rules for a very good reason. On Friday, Janet Jackson’s Janet documentary premieres. My hope is that this will begin to set right a decades-long exile fueled by those classic American bedfellows: racism and sexism. Janet’s name comes up occasionally on this blog. Her career – from sound to … Continue reading
Tag Archives: review
Song Review: Wanna One – Beautiful (Part 3)
For the first time in years, I didn’t cover last month’s MAMA Awards on this blog. Honestly, they were just too boring to write about. But, I did enjoy the Wanna One reunion — even if it was just a medley of their familiar hits. If anything, the members’ post-Wanna One careers have only exemplified … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Pentagon – Call My Name
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. Surprisingly, the bulk of Pentagon’s new … Continue reading
Pop Legend Review: Janet Jackson – If
This week, I’m breaking my own rules for a very good reason. On Friday, Janet Jackson’s Janet documentary premieres. My hope is that this will begin to set right a decades-long exile fueled by those classic American bedfellows: racism and sexism. Janet’s name comes up occasionally on this blog. Her career – from sound to … Continue reading
Song Review: Golden Child – A Woo!!
Golden Child had a busy 2021, and 2022 kicks off with their official Japanese debut. When this was first announced, I was both surprised and excited. Their charms feel well-matched to the J-pop market, and with fantastic producer Funk Uchino onboard, the possibilities seemed bright. Then, A Woo‘s teaser premiered and my expectations tempered. Would … Continue reading
Pop Legend Review: Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation
This week, I’m breaking my own rules for a very good reason. On Friday, Janet Jackson’s Janet documentary premieres. My hope is that this will begin to set right a decades-long exile fueled by those classic American bedfellows: racism and sexism. Janet’s name comes up occasionally on this blog. Her career – from sound to … Continue reading
Pop Legend Review: Janet Jackson – Together Again
This week, I’m breaking my own rules for a very good reason. On Friday, Janet Jackson’s Janet documentary premieres. My hope is that this will begin to set right a decades-long exile fueled by those classic American bedfellows: racism and sexism. Janet’s name comes up occasionally on this blog. Her career – from sound to … Continue reading
Song Review: Nature – Rica Rica
Though Nature aren’t yet well-known to the general public, they’ve amassed a solid discography that hasn’t been afraid to experiment with new sounds. We haven’t heard from them since June of 2020 – a lifetime when it comes to K-pop groups. But, they’re finally back with the boisterous Rica Rica. I’m not entirely sure what … Continue reading
Song Review: Pentagon – Feelin’ Like
Global music trends are currently in my favor, as sounds shift in directions I tend to enjoy. As always, K-pop is catching up to deliver a wealth of rhythmic, retro-themed tracks. By any measure, I should be jumping up and down and proclaiming this a golden age for the industry. Yet when it comes to … Continue reading
Bite-Sized Album Review: ZE:A – Illusion
K-pop history is stuffed with great albums, and there’s only so many Buried Treasures and Battle of the B-sides features available to cover all these noteworthy tracks. The album format has always been special to me. Whether it’s a full-length or mini, albums have the opportunity to tell stories and develop an act’s personal style. … Continue reading
Song Review: Johnny’s West – Reimei
I’m always in the mood for Johnny’s music, but I’ve been on a particular kick these past few months. This was further emboldened by the first annual Johnny’s Festival a couple weeks ago. The agency has been slow to announce new releases for 2022, which has me taking a deep dive into groups I’m less … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Yena – Pretty Boys
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. Yena’s debut album has strong summertime … Continue reading
Buried Treasure: Jinjin & Rocky (Astro) – Lock Down
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. There were a ton of mini … Continue reading
Debut Re-Evaluation: GFriend – Glass Bead
K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers! But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold … Continue reading
Song Review: Luminous – All Eyes Down
Under-the-radar group Luminous nabbed a spot on my top 2021 rookies list thanks to the strength of debut single Run. Many boy groups use hip-hop as a base for their sound, but Run harnessed the groovier aspects of the genre to craft a song that felt nostalgic yet fresh. Sadly, new single All Eyes Down … Continue reading
Song Review: Moonbyul (Mamamoo) – Lunatic
Mamamoo’s Moonbyul has been teasing her newest album for weeks, and pre-released the fun throwback track G999 last month. That song hinted at new directions for her music, and Lunatic further fulfills that promise. But while G999 benefited from a laidback groove and focused arrangement, Lunatic feels all over the place. Judging by its title, … Continue reading
Song Review: BamBam (GOT7) – Slow Mo
I didn’t love BamBam’s solo debut, but his recent duet with Red Velvet’s Seulgi offered a different avenue for his talent. It turns out moody sounds fit him quite well, and that approach continues on new single Slow Mo. The track retains plenty of hip-hop influences, but they’re in service to a gentle, atmospheric melody. … Continue reading
Song Review: Victon – Chronograph
We all have our specific musical preferences, and I’m a sucker for breathless energy and hard-hitting electro-funk. You can place almost any song over a blazing K-pop beat and I’ll be satisfied. Up to this point, Victon’s discography trended toward more leisurely-paced material, though member Do Hanse’s Take Over hinted at more dynamic sounds. From … Continue reading
Song Review: Yuju – Play
The era of post-GFriend projects is upon us, with Viviz’s debut next month and Yuju’s solo album today. I’m still in shock that the group is no more, but it will be interesting to hear the music they come up with. If Play (놀이) is any indication, Yuju is set to lean into her skills … Continue reading
Song Review: AB6IX – 1, 2, 3
Over the course of the past year, AB6IX have been playing with the word “complete.” A new special album concludes this trilogy of completion, positioning the fans as an important part of the group’s existence. Throughout their career, AB6IX never settled on one defining sound or energy. The upbeat 1, 2, 3 continues this mix-and-match … Continue reading