During this lull in new K-pop releases, I decided to go back and watch 2012’s MBC Gayo Daejun – the end-of-year extravaganza that ushered in 2013. Not only was it a euphoric time capsule of excellent music and stunning performances, but it brought to mind many thoughts after twelve years of K-pop fandom. Here were … Continue reading
After returning from the military, Baekhyun (mostly) parted ways with SM Entertainment and set up his own label INB100. He’s not the first SM artist to do so, and likely won’t be the last. With this newfound freedom, he’s made his long awaited comeback with the synth grooves of Pineapple Slice. Looking at this song … Continue reading
EXO’s Chanyeol made his comeback last week, but he’s already back again with follow-up single… Back Again. While Black Out took a subdued rock approach, Back Again dives into a more boisterous 90’s sound. It’s a much more interesting song, pulling together several distinct segments. Back Again almost feels like a mash-up. The rapped verses … Continue reading
Originally debuting as a main rapper in EXO, Chanyeol has gone on to release several solo singles in a variety of genres. He may not be a powerhouse vocalist within the group, but his tone has an easily identifiable charm suited to rock and indie music. Black Out comes from his first official solo album … Continue reading
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible: … 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. May 2024 Overall Thoughts There were a number of big-name releases in May, yet somehow the … Continue reading
On the heels of fellow EXO members D.O. and Chen, Suho has just released his newest solo album. This was preceded by Cheese, featuring fellow SM artist Wendy. That track, and new single 1 to 3 (점선면), borrow heavily from 70’s rock influences. While Cheese‘s influences felt more interesting that the song itself, 1 to … Continue reading
EXO’s soloists each have their own distinct sound, and Chen has become the group’s reliable balladeer. He has the voice to match, and his music scratches a certain sentimental itch that has made it a fan favorite. However, it takes a whole lot for a ballad to stand out on my playlist. When I love … Continue reading
The members of EXO are busy this month, as leader Suho follows D.O. with his own solo release. As has become common lately, he’s kicking off promotions with a pre-release track. Cheese keeps things in the SM family, enlisting Red Velvet’s Wendy for guest vocals. This frothy pop-rock track feels as if it would be … Continue reading
A week ago, EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo (D.O.) pre-released the fluffy pop track Popcorn, hinting that his new album might have a more upbeat twist to it. Title track Mars fulfills that promise, transferring the gentle, coffeehouse appeal of his music to a sprightlier sound palette. Mars is still very much within the “easy listening” … Continue reading
After leaving SM Entertainment, EXO’s D.O. has reverted to his given name for his new album, set for release next month. Before that, we have pre-release Popcorn — an uncharacteristically cutesy bit of pop fluff. I tend to tie Kyung Soo’s solo music to the coffeehouse, and Popcorn still fits comfortably into that setting. However, … Continue reading
Before the end-of-year countdowns next month, I like to take a look at many of K-pop’s biggest agencies and see how their year went. Obviously, 2023 is not over yet so any upcoming changes to an agency’s grade will be reflected next year. We’ve got a lot to pick apart over the coming weeks, so … Continue reading
Over the years, it’s become clear that the members of EXO have different musical taste than I do. For a group who has released so many K-pop classics, I haven’t connected to hardly any of their solo work. So often, the music takes a subdued, coffeehouse vibe — whether that be in the form of … Continue reading
Years ago, I used to refer to the impending autumn as K-pop’s “ballad season.” That’s changed recently, with many ballads replaced by more upbeat idol tracks on the charts. But with BTS’s V and EXO’s D.O. releasing solo music this month, we’re seeing a resurgence of slower material. Somebody is not a ballad, but its … Continue reading
In the lead up to his second mini album, EXO’s D.O. has pre-released the gentle I Do (별 떨어진다). If past songs are any indication, “gentle” is likely to be an apt descriptor for this album. Like many idols-turned-solo, D.O. seems to prefer this light, coffeehouse sound. But unlike some idols, D.O. has the vocal … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I’m planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in … Continue reading
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible: … Continue reading
EXO are one of my “K-pop A-Z” artists, and that means I’ve committed to write about anything they release in perpetuity. So, here are my thoughts about every track from their new Exist album! 1. Cream Soda // 2. Regret It // 3. Hear Me Out // 4. Private Party // 5. Cinderella // 6. … Continue reading
EXO are one of my “K-pop A-Z” artists, and that means I’ve committed to write about anything they release in perpetuity. So, here are my thoughts about every track from their new Exist album! 1. Cream Soda // 2. Regret It // 3. Hear Me Out // 4. Private Party // 5. Cinderella // 6. … Continue reading
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 