A K-pop group’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.
Back in September, it felt like a missed opportunity for Everglow not to promote b-side Untouchable as the natural follow-up to La Di Da. They really excel at this retro dance pop sound. Thankfully, their new single album includes another track in the same vein. While not quite as successful as Untouchable, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell certainly eclipses their current title track.
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is at its best when it forgoes current trends and leans fully into its breezy nature. The instrumental has a bright bounce to it, fusing perfectly with the song’s light melody. The chorus is a little repetitive for my taste, but it’s definitely an earworm. I prefer the verses, which glide with a satisfying ease. At times, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell falls victim to the omnipresent hi-hat roll, and this undercuts some of its retro cred. But, when the song focuses on its strengths it can be a ton of fun.
Everglow give a pleasant, understated performance, never feeling as if they’re adopting a character (ie: aegyo or girl crush). This straightforward delivery is refreshing, and fits the song’s laidback nature. With some slight tweaking in production, I think this could have made for a very convincing summer single, tiding us over while we all wait for another La Di Da.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Nice, I liked this one too, and even the final ballad track on the album. It sounded like Abba in parts.
But where oh where is Rocket Punch’s “Ride” as a buried treasure?
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Yeah! Where is “Ride” as buried treasure?!
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I’m not as hot on Ride as everyone else seems to be. Not a huge fan of the chorus…
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After a week of waiting, I figured he didn’t like it. A shame because I think Ride is really awesome, but this is his blog and his opinions.
Now, hopefully GWSN gets their Buried Treasure with their best album yet, but who knows?
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I didn’t *not* like it… just not enough for a buried treasure. I’d probably rate it around an 8, personally 🙂
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Off Topic: What do you think about TXT’s new teaser? It sounds pretty awesome to me!
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It sounds good, even if it’s not the sound I was hoping for them. We’ll see!
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What’s up with EU in this song? She pretty much no lines. I always feel like everglow’s songs don’t have enough rap in them to justify having a member who only raps. It’s a little unfair to her in my opinion. I don’t even care about this stuff usually, but they kinda feel like 3+3 ( I could see a case for 4+2) rather than 6
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The song title is interesting.Because DADT is also a law passed by clinton allowing lgbt military service. Everglow saying lgbt rights? Thats cool
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