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.
MADEIN’s title track Uno is among the weakest songs on their new album. The group sound so much better on adventurous material like Dopamine and, especially, Dadarida. This track goes full on Afrobeats — a trendy move and something we must acknowledge up front. I believe two things can be true at the same time: The song can be blatantly appropriative and also very strong as a piece of music. It’s the same way I feel about Young Posse’s recent Ate That.
Do I wish Dadarida came from an actual African artist? Yes! (And if you know any artists who favor this sound, leave them in the comments) But, this terrific song found its way to MADEIN instead, which seems like an awkward fit at first. I can’t find any credits on a specific sample, but Dadarida clearly opens with a borrowed exclamation. It goes on to deliver typical K-pop verses, albeit over a stunning bed of percussion that keeps momentum high. Then, we move into a breathtaking chorus. I love the way the melodies and production coexist here. It feels so cinematic and satisfying. Dadarida becomes even more rhythmic as it goes on, climaxing in a percussive showcase that sends the track out on a high.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Their team clearly invested alot into their music production.. their songs are actually really intresting ! especially in the current landscape. but why… why didnt they invest in the music video
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This is the first time on a while that I am genuinely taken aback by the production. That bridge had no right to fit in so well with everything else. Damn, really makes you wish 143 didn’t stain this group’s image with the poor AI job.
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*in a while, damn typos. But yeah, maybe I will see the rest of the EP out if the title track was the weakest in there.
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Oh my this song has no business being this addictive…im conflicted to like it cos of the cultural appropriation….i was recently listening to this gem released by Leigh-Anne a while back with the kind of afrobeats i rly love…pls do give it a listen if u havent already https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=x260pnw33MA&si=_-iIeC5TeMOmAFMD
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This is in no way cultural appropriation…?
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afrobeats u say……..by any chance have u checked out fountain baby (album) by amaarae?? hands down some of the best pop songs of last year on that album like angels in tibet is CRAZYYY
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OMG I LOVE THAT ALBUM ITS SO GOOD, ESPECIALLY CO-STAR, ANGELS IN TIBET AND DIGITAL PRINCESS😍
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Thanks, I’ll have to check it out!
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The intro made me think this was a totally different artist but color me surprised
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Definitely my favorite off the debut!
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