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.
TXT’s new album has exactly two B+ level tracks. One is pre-release single Back For More (the TXT-only version is even better) and the other is album opener Growing Pain. Unfortunately, the rest of Freefall trades in various flavors of beige. Compare this to dynamic albums like The Dream Chapter: Star and Minisode 1: Blue Hour. When can we get that TXT back?
Growing Pain is one of Freefall‘s more developed tracks. At nearly three and a half minutes, it’s also tied for its longest. The song paints the group as angsty 90’s rockers, delivering scuzzy guitars and pummeling energy. It’s an authentic re-creation of a specific sound. And though it shares little connective tissue with Back For More, these two tracks are notable for their spotlight on the group’s vocals — minus incessant processing and filters.
While Growing Pain‘s intensity is welcome, a stronger set of melodies could have pushed it over the top. The arrangement calls for an even more cathartic performance, which makes me wonder what heights TXT could scale if allowed to stretch over an entire album in this style. As much as Freefall flits around between genres, we’ll likely never know. However, this is definitely a route worthy of further exploration.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I really liked Skipping Stones as well but do agree that their rock sensibilities are such a fun version of them that I hope they continue to explore and develop more.
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I loved this album, feels like they did a full makeover with the rock sound and I am here for it! It suits their vocals so well.
That being said, this and Back for More are the strongest tracks for sure.
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I haven’t listened to the entire album yet but this song slaps! TXT never misses with rock music; their voices fit so well with this genre.
I think they should lean into rock music more often; it really is their sweet spot.
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Also off-topic, but what are your thoughts on IVE’s new mini album? I honestly think they could’ve picked better songs as title tracks (though Off The Record is pretty nice).
Nonetheless, imo nothing beats the song quality that I Am (shaping up to be my SOTY) and their previous album had, sadly.
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Not bad!
Might we get a buried treasure from Ives album?
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‘Growing Pain’ is too hardcore for me. Objectively as a song it’s great but I’m not the target audience.
My buried treasure pick would have been ‘Blue Spring’. I love the emotion drawing elements of the song. It’s mellow but I find that to be its charm. Especially listening to it in the dark with the lights off just staring out the window.
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