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 »Indie Focus: Susan showcases versatility on standout ‘Eros’ album
Susan’s 2021 EP, ‘EROS‘, explores five different kinds of love, one in each track — and, perhaps intentionally, she manages to traverse and incorporate nearly as many genres’ elements in …
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 …
Read More »[Review] WINNER Seungyoon’s “IYAH” has a timeless sound that lacks a bit of bite
Even before the formation of WINNER, I longed for a Seungyoon album. His early solo songs — “Wild & Young,” “Stealer,” “It Rains” — hinted at a gutsy rocker, and …
Read More »[Review] Sexy Zone registers another standout with “Let’s Music”
For a brief, shining moment last fall, Sexy Zone were five again. However, they’ve been knocked back to four as member Marius takes a break from the industry to focus …
Read More »[Review] IU’s “Coin” an effective second in the one-two punch of title tracks
IU is supporting her new album with a good old-fashioned double title track strategy. We don’t see double promotions in K-pop nearly enough anymore. I’ve always thought it was a …
Read More »[Review] IU goes city pop and delivers a deserving chart overlord with “LILAC”
IU doesn’t need any introduction, as her reputation within the Korean entertainment industry speaks for itself. So what I found interesting is her expressing a desire recently to effectively make …
Read More »[Review] B.I makes his return with vulnerable, authentic “Midnight Blue”
Since leaving iKON and YG Entertainment in 2019, B.I has worked more as a producer than a solo artist. He’s also uploaded music to the online platform Soundcloud, a long-standing …
Read More »[Review] Utada Hikaru conveys deeper meaning within springy pop on superb “One Last Kiss”
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post written by Patrick St. Michel (@mbmelodies). I’ve whined for years now about how hard it is to find quality writing that give honest …
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