Song Review: Hwasa (Mamamoo) – NA
Review

Song Review: Hwasa (Mamamoo) – NA

It’s been about a year since we heard from Hwasa with the gimmicky (but somehow enduring?) I Love My Body. On new single NA, she’s traded that song’s retro trappings for a more modern house beat. It’s a welcome jolt of energy within her discography, even if the track spends too much time talking when … Continue reading

Battle of the Title Tracks: Hyolyn’s “Lonely” vs. PSY’s “It’s Art” vs. Super Junior’s “Don’t Don”
Feature

Battle of the Title Tracks: Hyolyn’s “Lonely” vs. PSY’s “It’s Art” vs. Super Junior’s “Don’t Don”

As a spin-off to my Battle of the B-sides feature, I’m pleased to announce the arrive of “Battle of the Title Tracks!” In this feature, I’ll be pitting three K-pop title tracks/singles against each other and choosing a winner. These songs will mostly be from pre-2016 since I’ll try to focus on music I haven’t … Continue reading

Song Review: A.C.E – Anymore
Review

Song Review: A.C.E – Anymore

We rarely hear K-pop groups promote ballads anymore, usually making them a pre-release (if they’re released at all). A.C.E have a history of this approach with their excellent 2020 track Stand By You. They definitely have the vocal firepower to pull it off, and special single Anymore takes advantage of this skill. Rather than Stand … Continue reading

Song Review: MEOVV – MEOW
Review

Song Review: MEOVV – MEOW

Though it has obvious commercial firepower behind it, Teddy and Kush’s The Black Label has also developed a reputation for infrequent comebacks and — at times — dated production choices. With all the talent involved, it’s a bit surprising how little the agency actually does. That work schedule will be tested with the debut of … Continue reading

Song Review: xikers – Witch
Review

Song Review: xikers – Witch

I’ve been hot and cold on xikers’ music so far, usually finding at least one b-side I enjoy but often wishing their title tracks went a different direction. Making matters worse, I found the preview of new single Witch (위치) the least compelling clip on their album’s highlight medley, forgoing their freewheeling rock energy for … Continue reading