Song Review: Joohoney (Monsta X) – Freedom
Review

Song Review: Joohoney (Monsta X) – Freedom

While it might not be fair or realistic, I’ll always compare idol-rappers-turned-soloists to Bigbang’s G-Dragon. That’s a product of my age, but it’s also testament to how compelling and genre-blending GD’s work was. He wrote the template, and you can feel his influence all over songs like Joohoney’s debut solo single Freedom. At the risk … Continue reading

Song Review: IVE – Wave
Review

Song Review: IVE – Wave

IVE’s music has reminded me just how important a good A&R team is. The ability to consistently choose great songs with a clear vision can’t be understated. But often when a K-pop act pursues the Japanese market, their material is determined by outside forces. There are many groups with lopsided discographies Korean/Japanese discographies (looking at … Continue reading

Song Review: IVE – I Am
Review

Song Review: IVE – I Am

In my mind, IVE are the most exciting girl group working in K-pop right now. This bore out across 2022, as they blitzed the market with a succession of addicting (and highly successful) singles. While incorporating popular trends, their music aims for the pop jugular in a way few others do. They’re not afraid of … Continue reading

K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Full8loom
Feature

K-Pop Producer Spotlight: Full8loom

If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of K-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers. FULL8LOOM Years … Continue reading

Buried Treasure: CRAVITY – Fly
Review

Buried Treasure: CRAVITY – Fly

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. As I mentioned when writing about … Continue reading

Song Review: CRAVITY – Groovy
Review

Song Review: CRAVITY – Groovy

K-pop’s boy group landscape has become increasingly baffling to me. Back in 2020/2021, I would have scoffed if you told me CRAVITY would become one of the most reliable purveyors of bright, upbeat pop music. But, the guys have ditched the “skrrt skrrt” energy of their past and opted for a musical makeover. From last … Continue reading