Song Review: Twice – Hare Hare
Review

Song Review: Twice – Hare Hare

Twice’s Hare Hare has been kicking around digital spaces for a few weeks, but I’ve held off writing about it in a J-pop round-up because I knew the music video was just around the corner. Today, we have the visuals to accompany this bouncy dance track. Hare Hare is modern Twice, through and through. It … Continue reading

Song Review: Twice – Set Me Free
Review

Song Review: Twice – Set Me Free

Twice’s graceful metamorphosis into their current pop sound marks one of K-pop’s most satisfying evolutions. The group has always created great music, but they’ve managed to mature in a way that feels fresh, fun and natural. When it comes to pop groups, the goal is really quite simple: consistently release strong music and promote it … Continue reading

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2022: JYP ENTERTAINMENT
Feature

Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2022: JYP ENTERTAINMENT

This feature has gradually shifted from a December to a November tradition, leaving more space for next month’s sprawling end-of-year countdowns. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at many of K-pop’s biggest agencies and offering my thoughts about how their 2022 went. Following SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment‘s evaluations, it’s time to dive … Continue reading

Song Review: Twice – Talk That Talk
Review

Song Review: Twice – Talk That Talk

With their recent contract renewal, Twice have beaten K-pop’s “seven-year curse” and established themselves as one of the longer-running girl groups within the industry. Fans have plenty to celebrate, and the group is ready to provide the soundtrack without much delay. The aptly-titled Between 1&2 acts as a bridge between stages in Twice’s career, and … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: Seventeen, CNBlue, (G)I-DLE, Twice, STAYC
Feature

Battle of the B-Sides: Seventeen, CNBlue, (G)I-DLE, Twice, STAYC

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: Twice – Celebrate
Review

Song Review: Twice – Celebrate

It’s been quite a week for Twice’s fandom. A full group contract renewal, news of an upcoming Korean comeback and now a new Japanese single! Twice has long spoiled their fans, releasing song after song after song, but this latest blitz feels especially concentrated. The aptly-titled Celebrate precedes their fourth Japanese album and continues the … Continue reading

Song Review: Nayeon (Twice) – Pop!
Review

Song Review: Nayeon (Twice) – Pop!

Seven years into Twice’s career and the usual solo/sub-unit promotions are almost nowhere to be found. JYP Entertainment tends to be more group-focused with its idol acts, but even Twice’s albums didn’t bear unit tracks until very recently. Because of this, Nayeon’s solo debut almost feels belated. With any luck, it’ll be the first of … Continue reading

Battle of the B-Sides: April, Twice, Super Junior, U-KISS, Younha
Feature

Battle of the B-Sides: April, Twice, Super Junior, U-KISS, Younha

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