K-pop history is stuffed with great albums, and there’s only so many Buried Treasures and Battle of the B-sides features available to cover all these noteworthy tracks.

The album format has always been special to me. Whether it’s a full-length or mini, albums have the opportunity to tell stories and develop an act’s personal style. Occasionally, I dive in and offer in-depth track by track reviews, but sometimes a bite-sized overview is just as fun.

That’s what this feature is all about: sharing notable albums and offering some quick thoughts about what makes them tick.

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Golden Child – Miracle

Released January 29, 2018

(You knew Golden Child would pop up in this feature eventually! Why not start with my favorite album — the one that cemented my love for their music?)

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1. Miracle (奇跡(기적))

As an intro to Golden Child’s poppiest, most synth-driven album, Miracle is expectedly bright and buoyant. The filtered vocal chants preview title track It’s U, while gentle electronics paint a soft texture.

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2. It’s U (너라고)

It’s funny to look back at my initial review of this track. I wasn’t completely sold on it that first day. Of course, I’ve come around to the song big time and now consider it one of my favorite comebacks of the past few years. I love how it sounds like the younger brother to Infinite’s Man In Love. This bright synth sound fits Golden Child like a glove, and the track’s bounding energy is so addictive. The chorus is a total earworm – bubbly and infectious and sugary sweet. But, it’s never cute for cute’s sake. There’s a real melody here. You can thank Sweetune for that. Why, oh why is Miracle the only Golcha album with Sweetune-produced songs? What a missed opportunity!

Hooks	10
Production	10
Longevity	10
Bias	10
RATING	10

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3. Lady

Talk about a one-two punch! Lady slows the energy from It’s U but finds an even stronger melody. This is my kind of melancholic pop track. The songwriting is so perfect, with each segment distinct and memorable. Though Lady stakes its claim on a retro synth sound, it never comes off as a trend-chasing pastiche. Everything here feels distinguished and timeless. The vocals are gorgeous, the production is immaculate, and the hooks are outstanding. It’s the perfect marriage of Sweetune’s craft and the group’s talent.

Hooks	10
Production	10
Longevity	10
Bias	10
RATING	10

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4. Crush

Early in their career, Golden Child often veered down this punchy pop rock route. It’s a stellar fit for them, and Crush is one of the finest examples in their discography. This song is impossibly catchy, driven by youthful energy and an endless supply of finely tuned hooks supported by crunchy guitar and stomping percussion. My favorite Golden Child tracks find a way to naturally harness their colorful personalities. In my mind, a song like Crush most closely captures their charm. It just crackles with energy.

Hooks	10
Production	9
Longevity	9
Bias	10
RATING	9.5

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5. All Day (모든 날)

I’m not much of a ballad person, but this style of song is a big exception. I grew up in the age of teen pop bands like Backstreet Boys and Nsync, so glossy, sentimental balladry feels very nostalgic. When it comes to the slower side of Golden Child’s discography, All Day is still the track to beat. I adore its melody – especially the chorus. But, the segment that elevates the song to a whole new level is that beautiful bridge. The vocal arrangement here is blissful, filtering out distractions to focus on some well-placed harmonies and a killer power note courtesy of main vocal Joochan.

Hooks	10
Production	9
Longevity	9
Bias	9
RATING	9.25

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6. I’m Falling

There are elements of I’m Falling that threaten to come off as generic (that familiar EDM drop), but the whole package is remarkable. The gentle verses pulse with an almost folk-inspired energy, supporting a brilliant melody. I know, I know: melody, melody, melody! I can’t seem to stop writing that word. But, this is the reason I love Miracle so much. The melodies are nothing short of fantastic on each and every song. The swell of the pre-chorus hits all the right spots. It’s also brilliantly performed, pulling the best from the group’s vocalists. That climactic bridge? Absolutely gorgeous. That last swoop of electric guitar? Pop nirvana. What a fantastic bow to tie on this gem of an album.

Hooks	10
Production	10
Longevity	10
Bias	10
RATING	10

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Album Rating: 9.8

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