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 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
Since the start of The Bias List in January 2016, I’ve always looked back at my three favorite title tracks by K-pop artists each month. Now, it’s time to look even further into the past, one month at a time. And, yes, the top three rankings count toward The Bias List’s personal artist scorecard! January … 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
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Jet (from Electric Shock – 2012) Right from the start, Jet pulls no punches. We get a brilliant ascending introduction that quickly segues into a hard hitting verse. I love the electro beat during this segment. The melody is all over the … Continue reading
Industry veterans Super Junior will be returning in December with their tenth (!) studio album, but before that they’ve pre-released the nostalgic fan song The Melody (우리에게). It arrives on the fifteenth anniversary of the group’s debut, alongside a scrapbook-like music video that traces their illustrious career. So, rather than being a notable song on … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! …Is It Ok? (from Hot Summer – 2011) I’ve always loved Is It Ok’s introductory instrumental. It primes the listener for a big, grandiose show that materializes gradually as the rest of the song unfolds. The ornate production is perfectly paired with … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Ice Cream (from Nu Abo – 2010) Ice Cream utilizes plenty of 8-bit synth textures as part of its retro arrangement, and that’s probably the biggest contributor to its appeal. The melody itself is a little sing-song for my taste, but there … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! I Love You, I Love You (from More Charming By The Day OST – 2010) Another of f(x)’s many soundtrack offerings, I Love You, I Love You is a sprightlier affair than the ballads already covered in this segment. The song is … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Hot Summer (from Hot Summer – 2011) Originally a single by German pop group Monrose, I’ve always considered Hot Summer to be f(x)’s most approachable title track. That may be because the entire song is set up to support its catchy, angular … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Hard But Easy (Luna + Krystal) (from Invincible Lee Pyung Kang OST – 2009) Taken from the Invincible Lee Pyung Kang soundtrack, Hard But Easy is much more straightforward than most of the material found on f(x)’s own albums. As a vocal … 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. October 2020 Overall Thoughts After a fantastic September, October was another strong month. And, it was … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Goodbye Summer (ft. D.O.) (from Pink Tape – 2013) Certain summer songs succeed on a sense of wistfulness, and Goodbye Summer nails that sentiment. The track is little more than strumming guitar and airy harmonies, but its simplicity works. This is a … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Glitter (from 4 Walls – 2015) Glitter is an exuberant track, bursting with a sense of positivity right from the start. Its bright synths have an energy similar to the theme song of a children’s tv show, but this is countered by … Continue reading
Since reinventing herself as a DJ/dance vocalist, SNSD’s Hyoyeon has become pretty prolific. Her singles often see her collaborating with a diverse roster of artists and producers, but the music has all tied together by harnessing a similar vibe. For Think About Me, she’s paired with hip-hop artist Coogie and DJ/producer Raiden, who also featured … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Gangsta Boy (from Pinocchio / Hot Summer – 2011) Taking an old-school hip-hop approach, Gangsta Boy unveils a quirky sing-talk style for most of its verses. As expected from its era, the chorus opts for a generous dose of stylistic autotune. I … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Ending Page (from Pink Tape – 2013) Opening with rock guitar and a catchy chant, Ending Page initially seems as if it’s going to more bombastic than it is. Instead, the verses dial back to focus on acoustic guitar and a satisfying … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Electric Shock (from Electric Shock – 2012) While not quite my favorite f(x) title track, Electric Shock is emblematic of many of the charms found in their music. It’s a taut, relentless pop song, simultaneously inviting and aloof. The instrumental thrives on … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Dracula (from Red Light – 2014) Maybe it was because I grew up with Thriller, but I’ve always loved a cheesy Halloween-themed pop track. And, as gimmicky as Dracula could have been, f(x) turn it into one of their highlights. The theatrical … Continue reading
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here! Diamond (from 4 Walls – 2015) 4 Walls is an incredible album start to finish, but Diamond feels like one of its lesser moments. That’s certainly not due to a lack of trying. The song’s vocal arrangement is incredibly interesting, layering the … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 