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 Fifty-Seven

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NCT 127 – White Night (2020)

SM ballads tend to have a nice sense of heft, and NCT’s vocalists are capable of injecting drama and gravitas to songs like White Night. I’m not a huge ballad fan, but when it comes to slower fare this is my style. The chorus is very nice. I like how it grows into more of a mid-tempo r&b track as it goes on. There are some great instrumental flourishes, too.

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	8
RATING	8

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Teen Top – First Kiss (2011)

It’s amazing how dated this sounds right from the opening synths! “Dated” isn’t automatically a bad thing, and there’s more than a little nostalgia powering this tune. Though First Kiss is on the slower side, a generous dose of electric guitar keeps it interesting. The rap-driven verses have an entertaining, 2011-era flow and there are some fun jolts of vocal interplay that add a sense of lively spontaneity.

Hooks	7
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	8
RATING	7.75

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Monsta X – Gasoline (2020)

Monsta X go tropical with the percolating Gasoline. There’s not much to set this track apart from similar efforts, but the groove is good and the performance is super smooth. I appreciate the consistency of the instrumental. Even when the melodies swerve, there’s an insistent pulse keeping the song on track. And while the hook is simple, it worms its way into your memory with ease.

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	8
RATING	8

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Dreamcatcher – Wake Up (2017)

Wake Up is the sound of Dreamcatcher doing what they do best: pummeling rock guitar, big anime-style chorus and a sprightly tempo. I don’t think this is one of their more memorable b-sides, but its lean simplicity makes for a refreshing listen. The song has great energy and its hooks are doled out with precision. It feels like a rallying cry.

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	9
Bias	8
RATING	8.25

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Cherry Bullet – Broken (2022)

Though I don’t often write about them, Cherry Bullet’s b-sides are usually quite strong. Broken has a breezy pop energy that suits the group well. Its verses are stronger than its chorus, but the entire track is performed with exuberance. If it wasn’t for that dang slowed-down second verse, I’d be willing to rate this a little higher. Overall, it’s a fine addition to their album but not a huge standout.

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	7
RATING	7.75

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My Verdict:

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Fifth: Cherry Bullet – Broken
Fourth: Teen Top – First Kiss
Third: NCT 127 – White Night
Second: Monsta X – Gasoline

First: Dreamcatcher – Wake Up

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Congratulations to Dreamcatcher’s Wake Up – the fifty-seventh 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!