The Top Three K-Pop Songs of January 2023
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The Top Three K-Pop Songs of January 2023

At the end of each month, I look back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists. I take my own ratings into account, but there’s a bit of wiggle room as certain songs tend to grow or fade. January 2023 Overall Thoughts For the second month in a row, I couldn’t really find any … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: SHINee, SF9, MBLAQ, Baekhyun, (G)I-DLE
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Battle of the B-Sides: SHINee, SF9, MBLAQ, Baekhyun, (G)I-DLE

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

Song Review: SF9 – Puzzle
Review

Song Review: SF9 – Puzzle

Coming off the heels of an incredibly slow December, 2023 in K-pop is off to a similarly stagnant start. I’m waiting to hear the first track of the year that’ll knock me off my feet, and Puzzle‘s propulsive teasers seemed to point in the right direction. SF9’s music has grown more consistently slick over the … Continue reading

Buried Treasure: SF9 – Driver
Review

Buried Treasure: SF9 – Driver

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 have a strong bias toward … Continue reading

Song Review: SF9 – Scream
Review

Song Review: SF9 – Scream

After eight months without a comeback, SF9 have returned as SF6. Such is the reality for K-pop’s boy groups, who must juggle military enlistments as their career matures. But, that’s beside the point because the guys have finally stepped out of their moody, sensual style and embraced sunny summertime pop! They’ve delivered an entire album … Continue reading

Song Review: SF9 – Trauma
Review

Song Review: SF9 – Trauma

I went into this year’s Kingdom: Legendary War familiar with SF9’s music but not attached to the group itself. I’m not sure the competition changed that much, but their interpretation of Taemin’s Move offered a potential inroad that caught my attention. Its sleek, dancefloor-ready sound and stylish image informed parts of their summer comeback Tear … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: SHINee, Miss A, Girls’ Generation, BTOB, SF9
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Battle of the B-Sides: SHINee, Miss A, Girls’ Generation, BTOB, SF9

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

Battle of the B-Sides: SF9, Wonderboyz, DAY6, Girls’ Generation, Bigbang
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Battle of the B-Sides: SF9, Wonderboyz, DAY6, Girls’ Generation, Bigbang

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

Battle of the B-Sides: Twice, DAY6, Super Junior-D&E, SF9, Son Dam Bi
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Battle of the B-Sides: Twice, DAY6, Super Junior-D&E, SF9, Son Dam Bi

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

Song Review: SF9 – Tear Drop
Review

Song Review: SF9 – Tear Drop

Fresh off their participation in MNET’s Kingdom, SF9 are the first group to make their post-show comeback. Though they didn’t win the competition, the guys showcased their versatility as performers. I was a big fan of their Move stage, and hoped their future music would embrace that fashionable, forward-thinking concept. New single Tear Drop flirts … Continue reading