So… here’s the thing. This mid-year singles list is usually reserved for songs that are all-but certain to end up in my top ten at the end of the year. If judging by the quality of past years, the songs below would most likely fall in the teens or twenties, meaning we’re either going to … 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. June 2022 Overall Thoughts I’ll be publishing my top songs of the first half of 2022 … Continue reading
Rocket Punch’s Chiquita may not have enjoyed the staying power I’d hoped, but its super-powered synth remains an early-2022 highlight. It’s a sound I’d like to see the group pursue further, and new Japanese single Fiore moves them in a similar direction. It’s not as overtly-80’s in execution, but the song is at its best … Continue reading
It’s been a loooong while since I’ve published a concert recap, but that’s because it’s been a long while since I’ve been to a concert! My last one was SuperM in February 2020 – mere days before Covid upended the world. So… who would be the group to coax me out of this long lull? … Continue reading
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. Back in 2020, I was super … Continue reading
Like most new K-pop groups, DRIPPIN debuted without a signature sound or concept. Their career has been a revolving door of styles as Woollim searches for the one that will stick. The group is now lodged in a multi-part series of albums under the title Villain. Like 99% of their peers, this has painted them … Continue reading
I want to be very clear with you, Woollim Entertainment. When I mentally scream into the void about wanting another Golden Child comeback, this is not what I mean. If you’re going to give us another Rata-Tat-Tat, you might as well just keep it. I do not recognize Golcha in this song. None of their … Continue reading
When Lovelyz went on indefinite hiatus last year, all members except leader Babysoul went their separate ways. She – now going by her given name Lee Sujeong – elected to stay with Woollim Entertainment as a soloist. Never mind the agency’s uneven reputation when it comes to their senior artists. But, just months after splitting … Continue reading
Woollim Entertainment’s sudden embrace of the Japanese market has been awkward to watch. I mean, Infinite used to release J-pop material to great success, but over the past few months the agency seems to be sending all of its talent to Japan. It’s like they’re throwing everything at the wall and hoping something will stick. … Continue reading
One of the quirks of The Bias List is my hesitancy to give 10/10 scores right off the bat. I just don’t know that you can measure perfection on release day, nor do I think a perfect score is attainable without some time and experience. This approach doesn’t exactly jibe with “OMG SOTY” internet culture, … Continue reading
I’ve listed my “top tens” for many artists, but it’s time to rummage through entire discographies and rank every single from worst to best. This feature will primarily tackle groups who have disbanded or gone on indefinite hiatus. It’s a way for me to re-evaluate my initial thoughts on their singles run. Don’t be surprised … Continue reading
Fresh off her release for the Universe app, IZ*ONE leader-turned-soloist Kwon Eunbi is back with her second mini album. Woollim Entertainment has paired her with a host of great songwriters, from the Newtype team (1Take, TAK and others) to Full8loom to Monotree. New single Glitch gives her an interesting sound to work with, taking its … Continue reading
To be honest, I completely forgot Kwon Eunbi’s Universe track was dropping today. You know I like to “celebrate” these releases with some insane funhouse game, but that takes a fair bit of planning. But then, I remembered these Universe reviews are supposed to be as half-assed as the music itself. That’s the joke! So, … Continue reading
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. Rocket Punch’s Yellow Punch album doesn’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. February 2022 Overall Thoughts Oof. I predicted February would be slow, and unfortunately I was right. … Continue reading
For me, February has been a dull, slow month in K-pop. But, Rocket Punch’s Chiquita hung in the distance, promising a retro punch of pop energy to take us into March. My anticipation for the song was unexpected (I’ve never really loved the group’s music), but an ear-catching teaser ignited interest. K-pop acts don’t often … Continue reading
Building off my “Most Epic Days in K-pop” feature, I thought I’d spotlight some of the most epic weeks in K-pop history. K-pop is a Monday through Friday affair (at least in my time zone), with some weeks stuffed to the brim with releases. But, not all include multiple 9+ rated songs. This feature will … 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
Golden Child had a busy 2021, and 2022 kicks off with their official Japanese debut. When this was first announced, I was both surprised and excited. Their charms feel well-matched to the J-pop market, and with fantastic producer Funk Uchino onboard, the possibilities seemed bright. Then, A Woo‘s teaser premiered and my expectations tempered. Would … Continue reading
When we last experienced a DRIPPIN comeback, the boys were cavorting around a camping site spouting some nonsense about a “free pass.” Their debut year hasn’t exactly been consistent, but they’ve released a few excellent tracks. Sometimes you just have to dig a bit to find them. After a lengthy hiatus, the group returns with … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 