Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, sometimes b-side tracks deserve recognition, too. In the singles-oriented world of k-pop, I wanted to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

For lovers of the “pop” part of k-pop, Golden Child’s second mini album Miracle is a trove of catchy melodies and punchy production. There’s the classic Sweetune surge of Lady, the rock stomp of Crush (which feels like DamDaDi Pt. 2), and the harmonic, quintessential boy band ballad All Day. Each is worthy of its own write-up, but I wanted to focus on album-closer I’m Falling simply because it ticks so many boxes when it comes to the types of tracks I go crazy for.

I’m beginning to learn that, of the two composers that make up production team Rphabet, Razor is the one for me. He’s responsible for Sea, from Golden Child’s debut album, as well as some of Lovelyz’ best b-sides. And along with partner BLSSD, he created Infinite’s Wind — my favorite track of the year so far. I’m Falling has its shortcomings. I wish that the synths in the chorus sounded less like your stock euro-dance loop. And that weird electronic squiggle that pops up here and there is super distracting. But the song’s bones — particularly its anthemic pop melody — are incredibly strong. Falling’s extended bridge is among the best moments of Golden Child’s discography so far, punctured by drum fills and bolstered by stadium-ready refrains. When that brief exclamation mark of electric guitar comes in during the final chorus, it’s game over. I’m sold.

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