For their latest comeback, DKB have utilized two of K-pop’s long-successful promotional tactics — releasing a repackage with double title tracks. Rather than write about both songs (All Yours isn’t very good, tbh), I’m going to focus on the one whose video appears to be edited with more care. Furthering the nostalgia factor, DKB emerge … Continue reading
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. It’s been a long time since … Continue reading
TAN have done a nice job mining the sounds of second-gen K-pop to craft an appealing discography, most notably with debut single Du Du Du. That song (and others) gave me strong Beast flavor, but new single Heartbeat echoes classic SHINee. Or to be more specific, it feels like NCT’s 2019 version of 2013-era SHINee, … Continue reading
Dance troupe turned K-pop group Artbeat v debuted late last year (minus the “v”), and since then the members have shuffled. Now a five-person act, they’re back with the sugary sweet new jack swing of Dubi Dubi. New jack swing happens to be one of my favorite genres, and this is an incredibly straightforward re-creation … Continue reading
Boy group n.SSign finally make their long-awaited debut today, bolstered by a ton of goodwill. Their early-2023 pre-debut album is quite strong, they’re paired with excellent producers, and pre-release Higher only gets better with each listen. This makes title track Wormhole: New Track all the more baffling. It sounds like nothing else the group has … Continue reading
Over the past few weeks, there’s been a ton of K-pop releases embracing bright dance pop sounds. This has been a boon to my playlist, as I tend to flock toward this energy during the summer months. Jo Yuri’s music has shifted style with each release, but Taxi lands her right in the K-pop roller … Continue reading
Lapone Entertaiment’s ‘J-pop that’s basically K-pop’ groups tend to release music that falls into several established archetypes. Of these archetypes, my favorite by far is the propulsive disco-funk-dance hybrid that characterized JO1’s epic Born To Be Wild. DXTEEN’s First Flight can’t touch that instant JO1 classic, but its glossy sound and surging chorus make for … Continue reading
Ahead of a full NCT 2023 project later this month, founding member Jaehyun is the latest to deliver a solo track through the group’s NCT Lab platform. These songs have been a mixed bag so far, with the most left-field choices being the most successful. Songs like Horizon are exceedingly difficult to write about because … Continue reading
Rather than opt for a standard music video, TVXQ’s U-Know is promoting his newest mini album with a thirteen-minute short film, unveiling his cinematic concept via a full storyline. Even so, the album has an official title track in Vuja De, and that’s what I’ll be writing about today. Vuja De embraces elements of big … Continue reading
I can’t believe it’s been two years since I last wrote about a Jeon Somi comeback! I had to look back to verify that, because 2021 seems like a lifetime ago. Thankfully, she’s returned with an upgrade. Producer Teddy is still in tow, but Fast Forward has a fashionable Euro-dance sound that makes for an … Continue reading
The Boyz are releasing their second full album in parts, starting with a collection targeted at bright summer sounds. I’ve been waiting for the group to return to this style for years. 2021’s Thrill Ride had the imagery right, but Lip Gloss nails the sound. I love when K-pop groups don’t take themselves too seriously. … Continue reading
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. I don’t usually listen to Korean … Continue reading
At first, I was planning on simply including Body To Body in this week’s upcoming “New & Noteworthy J-pop” post, but I know not everyone reads those and I didn’t want fans of bombastic 80’s synthwave (like myself!) to miss out on this track. Meik debuted as a soloist in 2017 after leaving group J☆Dee’Z … Continue reading
It’s been a weird week for me. Both my favorite K-pop group (Infinite) and my favorite J-pop group (Kis-My-Ft2) returned with new music, yet I found each of these singles to be among the week’s most underwhelming material. It’s seriously like Bizarro World. To be honest, it’s been a difficult couple of years to be … Continue reading
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. I’m still in a haze over … Continue reading
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. Kwon Eunbi’s new project may only … Continue reading
In the lead-up to XG’s first mini album, the Japanese girl group continue to tease new sounds with their second pre-release TGIF. Prior track GIRL GVNG was a fun — if slight — nod to their hip-hop side. TGIF takes them straight to the dancefloor with a nimble beat that feels like a natural successor … Continue reading
I had to go back to my September 2022 review of Limelight’s pre-debut Starlight to remember what this trio was all about. I guess I never got around to reviewing their most recent single Honestly, though I remember liking it when it came out early this year. But for all extents and purposes, I’m heading … Continue reading
1. Intro: 13 // 2. New Emotions // 3. Time Difference // 4. I Got You // 5. Find Me FIND ME Funny enough, Find Me is my least favorite track on this album but my favorite vocal performance. On the past three songs, I’ve struggled with the restraint of Infinite’s vocals and melodies. After … Continue reading
Rookie boy group BXB impressed earlier this year with the emotive drama of Fly Away. As they set to embark on their first official comeback, one would hope they’d build upon the strengths of that debut to craft something even bigger and better. Unfortunately, Planet cribs from Fly Away‘s most sluggish instincts, resulting a well-performed … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 