K-Pop reviews and discussion with just a hint of bias...
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Whenever I see that girl group X:IN has a new comeback, I know I’m in for something… interesting. In this case “interesting” does not equate to “good,” as they’re one of the lower-ranked groups on this blog. Somehow, their music almost always manages to self-sabotage, showing promise before doing something bizarre to mess it all … Continue reading →
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading →
Kim Jaejoong has been more active as an agency head than a performer this year, debuting two new boy groups under his iNKODE Entertainment. But every once and awhile, it’s important to return to the spotlight and remind everyone what a great singer he is. His bravura performance is on full display on the anthemic … Continue reading →
Though Oh My Girl remain stubbornly inactive as a group, its members occasionally release material. Mimi is the group’s rapper and has dabbled in OST tracks before, but Bish Bash Bosh is her official solo debut. The song’s retro electro-hip-hop sound offers an interesting playground for her. When K-pop goes hip-hop (which is like… always), … Continue reading →
There are a number of acts who have debuted in the past few decades and have dozens of song ratings on this blog. I thought it would be fun to lay these ratings out in chronological order, line-graph style, and take a macro view of their careers so far. Then, similar to my “Underrated K-pop” … Continue reading →
Kiss Of Life returned earlier this month with the latest in a long line of bare-bones summer tracks, capturing the sweltering nature of the season but refusing to do much as an actual song. However, this group often releases special videos for their b-sides and are already back with a video for the more abrasive, … Continue reading →
When in doubt as a nugu group, it’s never a bad idea to release a song K-pop fans already know. AtHeart’s 3!4! is a cover of the 1996 hit by co-ed group Roo’ra. Come to think of it, AtHeart’s (presumably young) fan base may not have heard this song at all, giving them a chance … Continue reading →
ONEWE are so prolific that, for me, their title tracks tend to blend into one another and can be difficult to write about in any meaningful way. But listening to the highlight medley for their new, mammoth 17-track album, it seems like they’re pushing into a more uptempo, rocking sound. This is what I’ve often … Continue reading →
Thus far, MJ’s solo career has verged on trot music without fully pushing over the line. On new single 1~10 (Ghosting) (1분 전 (9에서 멈췄어)) he takes a more straightforward approach, delivering a burst of upbeat, rock-tinged pop. It’s a great match for his voice and personality, even if the song feels a bit generic. … Continue reading →
If you would have told me I’d be salivating over the prospect of a new Odd Youth comeback, I would have looked at you like you were crazy, but this one comes with a major caveat. Can’t Go Back is the first new Sweetune-produced work in ages and follows an interview in which the production … Continue reading →
OURBIRTHDAY make their official debut today under JYP subsidiary INNIT Entertainment. This follows a truly diabolical pre-release that dampened my hopes for their eventual sound. Thankfully, Squeezy is a small step up. The song largely jettisons the annoying sing-chant approach of Hungry for a funkier, old-school approach. This doesn’t mean that Squeezy is any huge … Continue reading →
