I know that 99% of my readers are K-pop fans and likely have little interest in the goings on of Johnny’s & Associates, but I’m a big fan of the agency and there’s so much to write about them – particularly in 2022. My thoughts on Johnny’s are a little muddled this year, so rather … Continue reading
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. August 2022 Overall Thoughts Too often this year, my monthly round-ups have been… kind of a … Continue reading
Late last week, Johnny’s groups SixTONES and Snow Man both surprise-released new music videos on YouTube, fueling rumors they may reunite for another duel-group single. It turns out that Snow Man’s Juicy heralds the release of a new studio album. We’ll need to wait to see where SixTONES’ Party People ends up. Both of these … Continue reading
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. March 2022 Overall Thoughts I’m eager to write a super effusive, super excited monthly round-up. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
Just a few weeks since the release of their second album, SixTONES are back with new single Kyomei (Resonance). Upon hearing the jarringly cut YouTube version, I wasn’t a fan. But, the full song is much more cohesive and satisfying. Even so, I’m finding myself return to the poppier Fashion more often. This song isn’t … Continue reading
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 2022 Overall Thoughts It’s a new K-pop year! I always feel optimistic in January because … Continue reading
When SixTONES and Snow Man debuted in January 2020, I was pretty convinced SixTONES would be my group of choice. After all, Imitation Rain was a downright legendary debut. Two years later and I’m a Snow Man mega-fan, while SixTONES’ output feels much more hit and miss. It’s a personal taste thing, but I’m also … Continue reading
I’m sure many Bias List readers are like, “Johnny what?!?”, but I’ve decided to branch out this year and offer my thoughts on one of J-pop’s biggest agencies. I mostly want to do this because I think they’ve had a great year worth writing about. As usual, the thoughts are my own and aren’t privy … Continue reading
The arc of SixTONES’ 2021 discography has played out differently than I would have expected. Accurately or not, I associate them with a certain rock-influenced style that comes across as big and edgy. Apart from their January album, most of their recent work has leaned closer to alternative pop and/or hip-hop. This isn’t necessarily a … Continue reading
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. February 2021 Overall Thoughts 2021 is off to a roaring start, and February really kicked into … Continue reading
Since debuting last year, SixTONES have blitzed the J-pop market with music, and their consistency in both quantity and quality has been admirable. The group is not a one-trick pony, and new single Boku ga Bokujyanai Mitaida makes that quite evident. As the theme to the live action adaptation of manga Liar X Liar, the … Continue reading
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 2021 Overall Thoughts It’s the start of a new year, and new possibilities when it … Continue reading
I’m back with more J-pop b-sides and singles that never received a full Bias List review. This round-up covers material from October 2020 to January 2021, and I hope you find some treasures to add to your playlist! SixTONES – S.I.X / Special Order SixTONES released their first full-length album earlier this month, and it’s … Continue reading
SixTONES have been taking advantage of their popularity with a veritable marathon of releases. A single in November, a full album in January and another single coming up next month. Johnny’s Entertainment does this occasionally with its acts, and it’s always a nice way to build momentum. New single ST arrives on the heels of … Continue reading
I’ve compiled a “Best of J-pop” list every year since The Bias List started, but it always came from a very narrow point of view. In 2020, one of my personal resolutions was to follow the J-pop industry more broadly and (hopefully) expand my palette in the process. So while those past lists definitely included some epic … Continue reading
I’ve compiled a “Best of J-pop” list every year since The Bias List started, but it always came from a very narrow point of view. In 2020, one of my personal resolutions was to follow the J-pop industry more broadly and (hopefully) expand my palette in the process. So while those past lists definitely included … Continue reading
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. November 2020 Overall Thoughts November was absolutely packed with releases, and though only one title track … 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
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. July 2020 Overall Thoughts For the first time in months, I feel pretty good about where … Continue reading
After a blockbuster debut in January, SixTONES are back with their follow-up single Navigator. Originally scheduled for release at the beginning of June, Navigator takes a hard turn from the stadium balladry of Imitation Rain, in line with the detective anime series it soundtracks. This sound is closer to what I had expected from the … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 