As expected, we’re beginning to see the re-debut of former IZ*ONE members. Just like past Produce acts IOI and Wanna One, some of these artists slot into a new or existing group while others make their mark as a soloist. Neither path has guaranteed success, as post-Produce careers tend to be hit or miss. But … Continue reading
CRAXY scored one of my favorite debuts of last year with their bonkers Aria. The group went all out on a splashy music video and a song that changed structure and style at the drop of a hat. I love when K-pop goes weird and over-the-top while retaining a melody worth coming back for. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
As with each of their albums, CRAVITY have followed title track Gas Pedal with a second music video. Seriously… I wish this promotional tactic was used more often for groups whose music I actually enjoy! In CRAVITY’s case, their inconsistent discography has been consistently frustrating. I want to connect with it, but every time their … Continue reading
I often write about the idea of a “signature sound,” and how important it is to rookie groups. Pixy haven’t yet released a song that’s connected with me, but I appreciate how they stick to their concept. When playing one of their tracks, you know you’re going to get something dark, moody and musically combative. … Continue reading
Stray Kids aren’t offering any respite for fans. Their newest album bore music video after music video, blurring the line between title track and b-side. Now, we have a new Japanese single. I’m sure hardcore followers are pleased by this rapid-fire blitz, but the sheer bulk of releases threatens of overwhelm us bloggers! Either way, … Continue reading
Nearly four months after the release of their first full-length album, N.Flying are back with a repackage. June’s Moonshot seemed to be popular on the blog, and grew on me (a bit) as time went on. But, I’m pretty picky about rock music. I prefer my rock infused with other genres (like electro or hip-hop). … Continue reading
Boy group Blitzers burst onto the scene this spring with a promising rap-rock sound. This genre blend is a tried-and-true formula for success, dating all the way back to Run DMC and Aerosmith’s 80’s encounter. It’s a niche that Blitzers would do well to maintain. No other idol group is consistently exploring it. But if … Continue reading
It’s been years since f(x)’s Luna graced us with her dance opus Free Somebody. That mini album represents so much wasted potential. Her music could have been tearing up dance floors these past five years. Instead, we’re lucky to get an occasional ballad. New single Madonna promises to change that, delivering her most upbeat offering … Continue reading
Woodz has quickly become an artist whose work I anticipate. His blending of different genres feels fresh within the idol world, and I love when he moves in a more rock-influenced direction. His last single could have done with a sung chorus, but its blazing guitar continued to develop Woodz’s unique sound. In comparison, new … Continue reading
2021 continues to be the year of GOT7 solos. I’m surprised how quickly they’ve rolled these out, with four of the seven members releasing new music within the last six months. Main vocal Youngjae has released solo work before, but Colors From Ars is his first mini album and represents his official debut as a … Continue reading
As a day-one admirer of aespa’s Next Level, I’ve loved watching the song work its way into public consciousness and become one of 2021’s most iconic K-pop tracks. SM Entertainment is clearly angling for an edgier sound for the group, perhaps in an attempt to replicate BLACKPINK’s global success. But so far, their tracks have … Continue reading
On the heels of their excellent Game Changer album, Golden Child are back with a quick repackage. You’ve gotta love Woollim Entertainment’s slavish devotion to traditional K-pop promotions. You’ll always get a repackage, even as other agencies phase out this old tactic. With new single DDARA, the guys make a big U-turn from August’s Latin-inspired … Continue reading
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
In the latest battle between ATEEZ title tracks, my vote went to Eternal Sunshine. But without hearing the entire song, I wasn’t all that confident about my choice. Then, the album came out and the contrast became even more clear. Eternal Sunshine runs laps around Deja Vu. I hear the skeptical fans already: “NickTheBiasList, you … Continue reading
K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.” Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature. In this … Continue reading
A K-pop group’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. With all my coverage of Key’s … Continue reading
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
At this point, most of my Universe reviews are bleeding into each other. I start by complaining how fans have to download this cumbersome app to view the full music videos, and go on to write about how the music itself feels extraneous to an artist’s discography. So, shall we shake up the format a … Continue reading
In honor of SHINee’s Key taking charge of his sound on new mini album Bad Love, I’ll be taking a look at each track throughout the week. Check back every day, and make sure to explore my other In-Depth Album Reviews if you’re interested! 1. Bad Love // 2. Yellow Tape // 3. Hate That… … Continue reading
Though they’re undoubtedly one of K-pop’s most popular acts, the idea of Twice expanding into the Western market has always felt a little iffy to me. For whatever reason, international fans tend to flock toward darker, edgier concepts. Twice’s music is often bubblegum in execution, which may reinforce negative K-pop stereotypes held by more skeptical … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 