Okay, we’re going to have to start an intervention here. We’ve truly reached a breaking point with this tropical house/tropical pop trend. I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s gotten to the point where every other new comeback (especially boy groups) has become a cut-and-paste job with the same beats and the … Continue reading
Though not often mentioned alongside k-pop’s most prominent breakout acts, UP10TION have quietly sold an impressive amount of albums, positioning them as one of the most successful rookie groups of the moment. That success looks to be replicated as they make their debut in Japan. J-pop efforts from Korean groups can be very hit and … Continue reading
I love the stage set-up MBC uses. I can’t remember if this is the same staging as last year, but it’s definitely the same as it was in 2014. It strikes a nice balance between intimate and expansive, and places the audience super close to both indoor stages, which results in a more “live” feel. … Continue reading
Wrapping up the end of year countdowns, it’s time to delve deeper into the albums 2016 gave us. Among hundreds and hundreds of tracks released this year (and last December!), here are forty of the absolute best. PART ONE HERE + Make sure to check out the rest of the year-end countdowns here! 20. UP10TION – STUCK … Continue reading
As we move through the year’s best k-pop moments, it’s important not to forget 2016’s most memorable choreography, which is one of the genre’s most valuable hallmarks. Dance routines are such a huge part of most k-pop comebacks, highlighted by a catchy “point dance” that aims to be easily repeated by viewers. As groups’ rosters begin … Continue reading
Now that we’ve taken a look at this year’s best debuts, it’s time to count down the ten artists who really defined 2016. This list’s criteria is about 75% musical quality/personal taste and 25% influence on the k-pop industry. Since rookies have their own list, they’re ineligible for this particular countdown. + Make sure to check … Continue reading
An idol group is nothing without their actual music, and that music doesn’t come to life on its own. K-pop producers and composers shape a year’s sound more than anybody else, and in 2016 there were five that stood out as being particularly energizing. + Make sure to check out the rest of the year-end … Continue reading
