SM’s Station platform has made an unexpected return with the release of Changmin’s surprise digital single All That Love. This breakup song follows Changmin’s recent marriage, which is kind of an odd contrast of sentiments. 2020 has been a relatively quiet year for TVXQ, both in Korea and Japan, so any new music is appreciated. … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Love Hate (from Electric Shock – 2012) Love Hate wastes no time getting started. The verses are delightfully playful, and feel as if they’re constantly struggling to keep up with themselves. The pre-chorus is even better, as the melody takes a perfect … Continue reading
When last we checked in with Lucy, I was bemoaning how little they were utilizing their violinist. Jogging was a perfectly serviceable track, but felt too generic for a group with a leader who also happens to play the violin. Thankfully, new single Snooze (선잠) rights this wrong and finds great use for strings within … Continue reading
As usual, TXT are bolstering their latest album campaign with multiple promotional releases. And also as usual, they’re not choosing the follow-up singles I wish they would. Songs like Blue Orangeade, New Rules and Drama all missed the chance to become excellent singles in Korea, and now I’m afraid that Ghosting and Wishlist will suffer … Continue reading
Natty made her solo debut earlier this year, and reminded me of a young BoA. Her skill as both a dancer and vocalist positions her well for upbeat pop music, and I’m glad to hear she’s continuing that approach with new single Teddy Bear. From the title alone, you’d expect the track to be pretty … Continue reading
STAYC aren’t just a run-of-the-mill debut group. They arrive bolstered by producers Black Eyed Pilseung, and are the first act signed to their new agency High-Up Entertainment. Black Eyed Pilseung have been responsible for quite a few major K-pop hits, including songs from Twice, Chungha and Apink. So, have they saved their best material for … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Love (from Pinocchio / Hot Summer – 2011) As far as I know, Love is the only instance where production team Sweetune has worked with SM Entertainment. That’s kind of surprising when you think about it, but just shows how much of … Continue reading
SixTONES have taken the J-pop world by storm this year, and much of that is due to their ability to subvert expectations. Yes, they still brandish the elaborate costuming that’s become a hallmark of Johnny’s Entertainment acts, but their music has pushed toward a more international direction. I’m of two minds about this. I love … Continue reading
Arashi are putting a bow on their twenty-one year recording career, with what is assumed to be their final studio album This Is Arashi. It’s an odd hodgepodge of songs, including some of the group’s recent English work and even a Christmas track. So rather than feel like a cohesive project, the album plays more … Continue reading
Just two-and-a-half weeks since their comeback in Korea, Twice have delivered their next Japanese single. This is truly the K-pop group who doesn’t sleep. Rather than draw from the retro style of October’s I Can’t Stop Me, Better feels more like a sequel to last year’s Fake & True and Feel Special. It continues Twice’s … Continue reading
Boy group E’Last debuted this spring with a theatrical sound that hearkened back to older generations of K-pop. I really enjoyed their single Swear, but didn’t return to it nearly as much as I would have thought. Still, I’m excited to see the group maintain their dramatic flair with new track Tears Of Chaos (눈물자국). … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Lollipop (from Pinocchio / Hot Summer – 2011) Given this incredible combination of talents, you’d think that Lollipop would be one of the crown jewels within f(x)’s discography. I mean, what better act to duet with them than SHINee? Yet, the track … Continue reading
Kim Junsu has always been one of those indispensable K-pop vocalists. There’s no one else quite like him, and just hearing his voice hearkens back to earlier eras. His last album was released all the way back in the spring of 2016, promoted by the excellent, underrated Rock The World. Now, after four years and … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Let’s Try (from Electric Shock – 2012) I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with Let’s Try. It’s such a gawky pop track, hinging on a sing-song hook that’s either addictive and cloying depending on your mood. The track’s sheer spunk gets it … Continue reading
Less than a year after debut, Japan’s Produce 101-spawned JO1 is releasing their first full album. Of course, the Japanese market works differently than K-pop, usually cobbling together a run of already-released singles and b-sides into an album. But, this still seems like a quick accomplishment for the rookie group. After the generic Infinity, August’s … Continue reading
Of all the Wanna One members, Ha Sungwoon never really caught my attention. Yet, his solo career has gone from strength to strength. He’s proving himself a great pop songwriter with surprising versatility. And, I love the funky route his title tracks have taken. Forbidden Island (그 섬) continues this arc, thriving on a hearty … Continue reading
For me, Taemin’s Never Gonna Dance Again project has been an experience of contrasts. And when it comes to its title tracks, that’s been especially true. Criminal drew out everything I love most about Taemin’s music, and has quickly become my favorite solo single in his discography. In contrast, new release Idea (IDEA:理想) embraces the … Continue reading
One of the biggest benefits to GFriend upon joining Big Hit Labels has been the ability to expand their field of collaborators. While their sound hasn’t shifted drastically, bringing in producer Frants has been a goldmine for the group. This partnership kicked off with February’s extraordinary Labyrinth (which still should have been a single!). It … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! La Cha Ta (from La Cha Ta – 2009) Given their penchant for off-kilter, experimental material, what could an f(x) debut possibly sound like? Well, flash back to 2009 and you’ll find La Cha Ta. There are certainly touches of what would … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Kick (from Pink Tape – 2013) The Pink Tape album is full of interesting textures, and Kick unveils its aggressive electronic assault immediately. It’s an abrasive track, melding hard-hitting rap with all manner of synth samples. The pre-chorus slows things down for … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 