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 feature, I’ll be putting on my A&R hat and taking a listen to five randomly-selected K-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini review for each, including a Bias List rating, and rank them from least to most favorite. The winner will join a special Bias List B-side playlist. Think of it like my own little agency, hand-selecting songs I’d like to pitch to my nonexistent artists!

You can check out all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides here!

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Battle of the B-sides: Round Forty-Eight

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BoA – Butterfly (2019)

It’s funny that this song popped up on shuffle first because I’ve recently been thinking about BoA. Her excellent Girls On Top music video was just remastered by SM, reminding me how much I adore that song. Butterfly falls much closer to coffeeshop sounds and, as a result, isn’t really for me. But, BoA’s always-strong vocals and the jazzy, driving beat give it more bite than most songs of this nature. We need her back for a 2022 comeback (that isn’t Got The Beat…).

Hooks	7
Production	7
Longevity	7
Bias	7
RATING	7

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Luminous – Marionette (2022)

This song was released only a couple weeks ago as part of Luminous’s first full album. There are a few gems (Creature) on this album, but Marionette opens the project on a sour note. The circus-like synths set the scene for a dynamic concept, but the track trudges along on boring percussion and a lackadaisical energy that never shifts into gear. It’s an odd opener because the rest of the album sounds nothing like it.

Hooks	6
Production	7
Longevity	7
Bias	6
RATING	6.5

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Monsta X – Thriller (2020)

It’s always ballsy to name your song “Thriller.” Whether you like it or not, you’re instantly set up against one of the best songs and albums of all time. Monsta X’s take on the title is nowhere near MJ-level greatness, but it still brings some drama. I’m not a huge fan of the stuttering energy that fuels this beat, though it’s enhanced by symphonic samples that bring great texture. Overall, this doesn’t have enough of an engaging centerpiece to really hook me. It feels like the producers are testing out a bunch of ideas but are struggling to find an equally memorable song to frame them around.

Hooks	7
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	7
RATING	7.5

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4minute – Already Gone (2011)

This is very much a product of its time. I mean, just listen to those chintzy synths and insistent autotune! Already Gone could certainly benefit from production that wasn’t so trendy. The songwriting is simple and straightforward, with sing-talky verses segueing into a chorus that barely changes the arrangement or energy. It’s not top-tier 4minute (or top-tier K-pop), but if you’re looking for an instant time capsule this song will definitely take you back. It scores some bonus points for nostalgia, even if it’s quite skippable overall.

Hooks	7
Production	7
Longevity	7
Bias	8
RATING	7.25

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Sechs Kies – Confirmation (확인) (1997)

We’re going all the way back to the 90’s with this one! As with most K-pop of the era, Confirmation is very emblematic of 90’s sounds. But as far as gen-1 idol tracks go, this is a great example. The percussion hits hard, the guitar is expertly deployed to give the arrangement more punch, and the energy is kept at a celebratory high throughout. All Confirmation needs is a stronger series of hooks to stand out among its many peers. Still, in a weak ‘Battle of the B-sides’ round, this is an easy victor.

Hooks	8
Production	9
Longevity	8
Bias	8
RATING	8.25

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My Verdict:

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Fifth: Luminous – Marionette
Fourth: BoA – Butterfly
Third: 4minute – Already Gone
Second: Monsta X – Thriller

First: Sechs Kies – Confirmation

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Congratulations to Sechs Kies’ Confirmation – the forty-eighth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!

Readers, what do you think? Did you discover any hidden gems? Leave your own ranking in the comments!