It’s been nearly seven years since the release of NU’EST’s first full album. That’s the length of the typical idol group contract, and it’s stunning to consider the journey the …
Read More »[Review] “You Make Me” is almost missing a chorus, but DAY6 give impressive & emotive performance
“You Make Me” isn’t only DAY6’s first comeback in almost a year, it’s also JYP Entertainment’s first release since November 2020. That’s a surprisingly long hiatus for one of K-pop’s …
Read More »[Review] DONGKIZ don’t reinvent the wheel with funky “Universe”, but it’s quite fun nevertheless
After a debut year stuffed with upbeat funk pop comebacks, DONGKIZ explored edgier sounds in 2020. Neither concept has brought them much attention, but I think a youthful, exuberant style …
Read More »[Review] Kang Daniel returns with sluggish “Antidote”
As somebody who didn’t get into Broduce 101, I mainly know of Kang Daniel for being famous (or the ex-boyfriend of TWICE’s Jihyo), and while his solo releases have been …
Read More »[Review] STAYC are capable of more than generic “ASAP”
STAYC were my favorite girl group debut of 2020, and that’s off the strength of a single song. “So Bad” — as many Black Eyed Pilseung tracks tend to be …
Read More »[Review] YUKIKA uses city pop to cure “Insomnia”
YUKIKA made her Korean debut just before the city pop revival took hold. This puts her in an enviable position. She comes across as a cool trendsetter, yet can also …
Read More »[Review] BLACKPINK Rose’s “Gone” is a generally dull affair
When Rosé’s “On The Ground” was released, I noticed that quite a few fans seemed to prefer its b-side “Gone.” So of course, I immediately checked it out. But more …
Read More »[Review] SEVENTEEN Hoshi’s sophisticated “Spider” sets up his solo future well
Given their vast array of members and talents, I’m surprised we haven’t seen many solo projects from SEVENTEEN. The group is approaching its sixth debut anniversary, which seems like the …
Read More »[Review] BTS’s “Film Out” is a sentimental, meandering ballad
Taking BTS’s success out of the equation, it’s fascinating to trace how much their music has changed since their 2013 debut. As happens with many world-conquering pop groups, their sound …
Read More »[Review] WJSN’s key is “Unnatural” but the nu-disco transition shows promise
It feels like ages since WJSN made a comeback. I’ve missed their music, and consider them one of this generation’s most consistently great girl groups. Apart from a few notable …
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