A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

CRAVITY released a new Japanese single this week that I’ll touch on in tomorrow’s J-pop round-up (spoiler: it’s… fine). However, I’m more interested in its b-side Blue & White. It’s a far stronger song and performance, which makes me wish the guys had saved it for promotions.

We’re entering music’s summer season, and Blue & White fits perfectly within this theme. It fuses a surging electronic backdrop to big, open-hearted melodies and an exciting build. It’s a very optimistic sound with a great sense of payoff. This starts with the ascending pre-chorus, which feels like a game of ‘how high can you go?’ vocal chicken. The finale is even stronger, as impressive power notes buttress the soaring chorus. We haven’t often heard CRAVITY take this musical approach, and I’m impressed how well they’re able to pull it off.

Grade: B+