Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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.
Though OST releases frequently play it safe when it comes to the actual music, they can offer an interesting new lens to see an idol group through. Often, they pair the artist with a different set of producers than normal. And in the case of TXT, new song Your Light frees them from the shackles of Big Hit’s aggressive vocal processing. The song isn’t particularly revelatory, but it offers a chance to hear their voices – mostly unencumbered.
I’m not sure I’ll ever love a TXT song as much as Crown. But thankfully, Your Light hearkens back to the same light pop era. It’s a driving synth dance track with a great chorus. That might sound like faint praise, but this description isn’t exactly easy to find in K-pop nowadays. Rather than TXT, Your Light reminds me of 2016-17 Astro, when they were at the peak of their bubblegum pop phase. It’s generic enough to befit a K-drama, but sparks with buoyant energy that feels utterly refreshing.
Your Light’s bright synth riff quickly gives way to a percolating groove. The verses aren’t particularly memorable, but the track does a nice job building to an ultra-satisfying hook. The melody here isn’t transcendent either, yet the exciting instrumental gives it momentum that continues through the rest of the song. It’s amazing what a clear, uncluttered instrumental can do for a track! I’d be pretty thrilled if TXT used this general sound as a template for their next comeback.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Thanks for the review Nick! Its a nice track. I do hope though that they go for a sound like Ghosting for their next single (PLZ make Ghosting a single Big Hit, it has only gotten better with age).
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I really hope they do , Bighit has “Ghosting” , “Wishlist” and that boring song which I forgot the name to make the single.
I swear If they go for the boring song which I forgot the name , I will flip a table.
Also , If they choose “Ghosting” as a single , it would not only be my favorite TXT single but my favorite single of 2020.
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The Boring Song’s name is “Way Home”
A Message for “Way Home”:
Just so you know , I have no problem with you , I think you are likable as a B-side but if you become the single that was chosen for Bighit’s follow up.
Keep in Mind , I will come for you , I will hunt you down until I finally meet you and then attract my hands around your neck and violently shake you until I throw you down.
So In short.
Your’e Good if your’e the B-side
You Suck if your’e the Single
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LMAO this made me snort (cause it’s true)
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I’d be lying if I did not smile reading that 🙂
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What a perfect encapsulation of a feeling we’ve all had more than once this year 🙂
Unfortunately, I don’t get the sense that TXT are promoting any more songs from this album. I’d be happy to be wrong, though!
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Exactly!!Ghosting is such a beautiful,upbeat but also melancholic song.It not being the title track is frustrating,a lost opportunity.And also this might be my favorite kpop song of the year too.😊
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This is so cute, I like it, wouldn’t have guessed it’s an OST! Cheers to no vocal deep frying.
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Wow! I don’t want to exaggerate, but hearing their voices like this really does feel like when there has been water in your ear and it finally clears- I can hear their different voices and tones!
I can definitely see the comparison with Astro, and that’s a good thing in my opinion (although the fan in me nags that it’s not nearly as good as Astro’s older title tracks).
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GHOST9 IS RETURNING , THEY ARE RETURNING!
AND I AM REALLY EXCITED FOR WHAT THEY HAVE TO BRING
https://www.soompi.com/article/1440166wpp/ghost9-announces-details-for-1st-comeback-in-december
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This is a fine song, but not 8.75 of a fine song. More like high 7’s for me.
It doesn’t sound like an OST to me. OST these days are either slow and long and super melodramatic , or a strange poppy upbeat, for example
Gaho “Time” for the former ‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiDVfnHrbhY
or Gaho “Start” for the latter ‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0StKlRHVeE
This one isn’t cheesy enough to be an OST. Although it is, so, there is that.
And yes, hurrah, Ghost9 is already having a comeback. “Reborn” just might be in or just outside my top 10 for all year. They are like baby ACE to me.
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Yeah… a day later and I think I was a bit aggressive with the rating. It’ll probably end up as an 8.25/8.5 for me when all is said and done. But, you know how I like this style of bright, upbeat pop!
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Hey Nick, SuJu D&E have a song out today that doesn’t suck. “Wings”, in Japanese
Its like the long lost follow on single to Growing Pains. No badness was harmed in the making of “Wings”. … You don’t need to review it, just informing the world.
Signed, this ELF
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Not sure if I’ll do a review on this one or not. I think it’s pleasant, but not a patch on Growing Pains (which imo is still their best single by some margin).
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Growing pains has been on my playlist for many years now. I agree, it’s their best song (for me)
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what I see so special from this song is how shining, shimmering, and bright this song is. such a perfect song to describe or introduce txt. again, txt come out with another bop song after bop. I don’t understand them, they always sound nice to me, always. even I have 13 txt’s songs in my playlist.
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