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.

I love highlight medleys, and I often listen to them first thing after I wake up (often when I’m still in bed — yes, I’m strange like that…). My sleep-addled impressions often lead me to make wild proclamations in my head (“This will be the best album of all time!” or “This will be utter garbage!”) based on small snippets. When I first heard the sampler for CRAVITY’s Evershine, I was convinced it was going to be their strongest work yet. That didn’t quite pan out. I still think New Wave and Master:Piece are stronger on the whole. However, the album is another solid continuation of their strong, post-2021 run.

My favorite b-side is the dance-flavored hip-hop banger Mr. I’ll always be drawn to upbeat energy and love a good, driving club beat. Mr. is the biggest jolt of intensity on the entire album, its boisterous hooks bolstered by a bounding instrumental that keeps the feel-good vibes going. It reminds me of the big, brash Brave Brothers sound of 2013. The beat is very Teen Top Rocking.

If I have an overarching criticism of CRAVITY as a group, it’s that I tend to find their style/performance a bit generic. Mr. imbues their music with a welcome dose of personality, painting their sound with bright, dramatic color. It’s a good step in an exciting direction.

Grade: B+