Though many think of D.O. as an R&B singer or coffeehouse troubadour, his most recent work has actually been more upbeat and even dancey at times. He splits the difference with new single Guitarist, which takes the titular instrument in a funky direction. This is as light and buoyant as funk can be, sanitized of … Continue reading
Tag Archives: review
Song Review: &TEAM – Mark On Me
Now that &TEAM have made their debut in Korea, the group straddles two countries — each with their own preferences. Sadly, the melodic rock of their earlier years seems to have fallen by the wayside during this expansion as their agency is moving them into a more downbeat, moody sound. For whatever reason, “moody” seems … Continue reading
Song Review: Soyeon (i-dle) – I’m Gonna TOESA
Last month, i-dle’s Soyeon pre-released her track Star off her upcoming full length solo album. Today, that album finally materializes alongside title track I’m Gonna TOESA (퇴사할게여). For those curious, “toesa” is a romanization of the Korean slang for “quitting a job.” In my line of word it sounds like “TOSA,” a acronym for “teacher … Continue reading
Song Review: VERIVERY – Don’t Panic!
VERIVERY have enjoyed a second life after members appeared on Boys II Planet, though they haven’t been particularly busy since that time. One comeback came and went at the end of 2025 and now, nine months later, they’re finally back with a new album. The bouyant Don’t Panic! takes them back to their bright, poppy … Continue reading
Song Review: Minho (SHINee) – Make It Hot
SHINee released one of the best albums (and songs!) of the year back in June and seemed to snatch all of K-pop’s momentum going into an underwhelming summer of releases. Now, Minho is back with his own track and album, playing to his strengths on the catchy Make It Hot. As teasers for this song … Continue reading
Song Review: Evan – Death Of Me
When Evan first left ENHYPEN to go solo, I was quite skeptical. Apparently, he had music he just had to get out as a soloist, but his initial releases felt rather perfunctory and similar to something his former band could have recorded. However, it’s always best to keep an open mind and he’s rewarded us … Continue reading
Song Review: ASC2NT – If I Die Tomorrow
It’s so funny when you watch a music video from an act you know has a shoestring budget and it’s this big, cinematic spectacle (ie: obviously AI). I’m not sure who they think they’re fooling, but I’d much rather see a small budget piece with an engaging and creative concept than pure slop. Music video … Continue reading
Song Review: Ten (WayV) – Outwest
Ten’s music is no longer promoted solely to K-pop audiences, aiming for global reach instead. Like his recent singles, Outwest is performed in English and adopts a sound palatable to the widest audience possible. This is not a unique approach, but it’s one that almost always results in music far less idiosyncratic than it could … Continue reading
Song Review: Monsta X – Magic
Monsta X have been moving between Korean and English-language releases, shoring up both fanbases as they enter a new stage of their career. New single Magic is co-produced by the prolific Dem Jointz, whose “iiiiincooomminnng!” producer tag has begun to wear on me. It’s gotten to the point where I expect the worst the moment … Continue reading
Song Review: Jisoo (BLACKPINK) – Click
Of all the BLACKPINK solo releases, Jisoo’s music has felt the most localized. Obviously, it’s been popular worldwide, but last year’s mini album still felt very much in the K-pop mold. New single Click comes ahead of a promised album, and sees her branching into a more obvious global direction with fully English lyrics and … Continue reading
Song Review: Lisa (BLACKPINK) – SaWaDiKa
BLACKPINK members are very busy with their solo releases at the moment. Jennie just dropped a digital EP last week, Jisoo’s back later tonight and Lisa has returned with new single SaWaDiKa. This title is a stylized version of the Thai greeting “sawasdee ka”, but in Lisa’s hands it becomes another opportunity to regale us … Continue reading
Song Review: ChRocktikal – Requiem
ChRocktikal made their debut early this year as the new band project of Dreamcatcher’s Siyeon. Their album garnered passionate support from fans, especially those who loved Dreamcatcher’s rock sound. Now, the group is back with their first mini album and title track Requiem. This is one of those end-of-summer songs that feels like it should … Continue reading
Song Review: Kwon Eunbi – Dejavu
In the seventeen months since we last heard from Kwon Eunbi on this blog, she’s switched agencies, leaving poor Woollim Entertainment home to Drippin and Golden Child’s Jangjun and… no one else. She’s now signed with RBW, an agency that can be very prolific but tends to flatten their artists’ sounds in generic ways. New … Continue reading
Song Review: izna – Dumb Hot!
As is often the case with Japanese tracks, izna’s Dumb Hot! was released a few weeks before its music video. Sometimes, that offers the chance for a song to ingratiate itself without visuals setting any concrete expectations, but there’s not enough song within Dumb Hot to succeed on its own. To put it bluntly, there … Continue reading
Song Review: TUNEXX – Blue Mode
TUNEXX made their debut earlier this year… or so I’m told. Gun to head, I couldn’t tell you a thing about that song or the group in general, but that’s why having this blog is such a useful record. It looks like I did not enjoy their debut single I’m Alive at all, but also … Continue reading
Song Review: 82MAJOR – Like Fire
82MAJOR have made their name on a quirky, often confrontational, hip-hop sound. As teasers were starting to roll out for new single Like Fire, I noticed some fans online expressing disappointment that the song seemed to be trending in a more mainstream direction. However, I don’t hold much stock in the 82MAJOR discography so I’m … Continue reading
Song Review: Chungha – México
Chungha hasn’t actively promoted a new single since early 2025. Those hoping for a new album after this long hiatus will have to wait because she’s back with a digital single instead. Chungha famously spent eight years living in Texas, and México takes us on a trip to the country just south of that. You … Continue reading
K-Pop A-Z: Infinite – I Still Remember
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with Infinite’s A-Z reviews here! I Still Remember (from I Still Remember – 2026) As one of The Bias List‘s “A-Z” artists, Infinite automatically have every new song reviewed — even if it’s not part of an album or strong enough to be considered a “buried treasure.” To … Continue reading
Song Review: Taemin – Float
Earlier this year, Taemin debuted a suite of new songs during his Coachella set, teasing fans’ expectations for a new era. We had to wait a few months for that era to materialize, but he’s back today with a full album. Two title tracks are promised from Soft Violence, with Float leading the pack. When … Continue reading
Song Review: Girls’ Generation-HRS – Skibidi
Apart from solo tracks, the members of Girls’ Generation haven’t released new material together since 2022. They’ve worked in sub-units in the past, but not nearly as often as agency peers Super Junior. It’s refreshing, then, to see them debut a new unit nineteen years into their career. HRS consists of members Hyoyeon, Yuri and … Continue reading