There was a time when SM Entertainment’s Japanese releases were something to really look forward to. The J-pop discographies of Girls’ Generation, SHINee and TVXQ are particularly strong and often pushed the artists in new directions. But, I can’t remember the last time a Japanese single by an SM artist really stood out – maybe … Continue reading
The roll out for Chungha’s first studio album Querencia has stretched across eleven months, showcasing a variety of sounds and styles. This extended run of singles has been quite successful, offering a little something for every taste. The album itself takes advantage of this. It’s divided into four distinct sides, each driven by a specific … Continue reading
Sometimes a song’s title tells you all you need to know. How could something called “Taking Off!!” (with no less than two exclamation points) not have anthemic heft to it? J-pop act Solidemo have been on my radar for years, but I haven’t often connected with their music. They’re a straight-down-the-middle pop group, with a … 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. Treasure have an admirable roster of … Continue reading
After a week devoid of new releases, attention turns to Japan as Monsta X drop their music video for new J-pop single Wanted. Like their Korean career, the group’s Japanese output has been quite prolific. And, their characteristic sound has translated to the new market without many changes. Wanted continues that brand and acts as … Continue reading
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
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
I’ve always felt that there was a thin line between trot and country music. The genres don’t really sound the same, and hail from completely different cultures. But, their emotive, confessional nature feels similar. So, what would a country song sound like if performed by a trot singer? JYP’s Corny Love Song (촌스러운 사랑노래) attempts … Continue reading
Like many 2019 and 2020 debuts, Exile Tribe’s Ballistik Boyz haven’t really had a fair shake of it. Building your fan base is hard in the midst of a socially distanced pandemic, but the guys have continued to release material that paints them as the energetic, rough-and-tumble younger brothers to their Exile senior acts. Though … Continue reading
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
Reboots always scare me a bit, especially when attached to a group or artist that I like. I’m all for musical growth, but a “reboot” connotes something more dramatic – a shedding of an old sound in favor of something completely new. The Rampage’s upcoming album bears this troublesome name, and from the tracks we’ve … Continue reading
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
After his success on Produce X 101, UP10TION’s Kim Wooseok embarked on a solo career. So far, this has resulted in one mini album last May. Given its robust sales, I’m actually surprised that Top Media waited so long to give him a comeback. But better late than never, I suppose. He finally makes his … Continue reading
After their breakout 2018 success, Momoland have pinballed from one novelty to another, trying to find something that might stick. This has been largely unsuccessful, though they remain a competitive force in today’s K-pop landscape. Their pursuit of viral sounds has led them toward a few different collaborations, the latest of which sees them paired … Continue reading
Whether intentional or not, SM Entertainment has established a template for debuting their newer girl groups. Open with a big, colorful dance track and follow up with a cover of a late-90’s/early 00’s Yoo Young-Jin produced song. This combination worked wonders for Red Velvet, but both Happiness and Be Natural were dynamite songs. I liked … Continue reading
With super J-pop group AAA going on indefinite hiatus, there has been renewed opportunity for its members to grow their already-established solo careers. And throughout 2020, most members did just that. However, there was one notable exception. Main vocalist Nissy first debuted as a soloist in 2014, but his output has stalled in recent years. … Continue reading
Infinite’s Kim Myungsoo – better known by his stage name L – is in a nebulous position. He hasn’t officially left Infinite, yet he’s no longer part of their agency Woollim Entertainment. I’m not sure how that works regarding any future reunion, but that point is moot for a while. His special single Memory (기억과 … Continue reading
Though HyunA released I’m Not Cool last week, she was originally scheduled to promote a different track last year. That song is Good Girl, which officially breaks free of its b-side status with a music video today. I liked I’m Not Cool well enough, but this feels more like a single. I’m glad that she’s … Continue reading
Like agency seniors Mamamoo, girl group Purple Kiss are building toward their upcoming debut with a series of pre-releases. This is a great way to showcase the group’s skills without confining them to one box, and the two songs we’ve now heard certainly display versatility. Last year’s My Heart Skips A Beat painted them as … Continue reading
Though they debuted back in 2019, CIX have yet to release a title track or album that has connected with me. Within the idol worship world that is K-pop fandom, this may lead fans to believe that I have something against the group themselves. But, that’s not the case at all. I just haven’t liked … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 