Monsta X have made a quick turnaround from last October’s ‘Are You There‘ releasing another full album instead of a simple repackage. Back-to-back releases like this are exceedingly rare in K-pop, putting …
Read More »[Review] AAA’s Nissy gives charismatic performance on the nimble “Addicted”
AAA’s Nissy is celebrating five years since the launch of his solo career with a greatest hits compilation. Never mind the fact that all of his solo work can be …
Read More »[Review] TST deliver pure pop enjoyment with “Wake Up”
Songs like “Wake Up” are easy to dismiss. They’re too hook-y. They’re not self-serious enough. They have no redeeming artistic value. These are the kinds of criticisms that define what are …
Read More »[Review] “Cold” collab between Key & Hanhae for Station is mellow & moody for better or worse
SHINee’s Key is slated for his mandatory military enlistment soon, but before going on hiatus he’s teased a repackage of his excellent debut album. “Cold” is a prelude to that, …
Read More »[Review] INFINITE’s “Clock” is a solid debut as 5 members, hope for better to come
It feels like an INFINITE comeback has been imminent for months now, especially when the group first performed “Clock” on the new year. Fans like me were hoping for an …
Read More »[Review] Hwasa’s “Twit” solo debut keeps it simple, feels limiting
A solo debut from Mamamoo’s Hwasa almost felt overdue. Though each of the girls possess the necessary charisma to drive a solo career, Hwasa’s always struck me as the member …
Read More »[Review] Dreamcatcher continue to evolve beautifully with dynamic “Piri”
Dreamcatcher have seemingly been talking about ending their nightmare chapter for years now, but they thankfully haven’t actually done it, because for my money this era hasn’t produced a title …
Read More »[Review] “Want” doesn’t stray far from foundation, but Taemin makes the most of it
Nowadays, K-pop song descriptions often lead with genre classification. Track A is a “cheerful song of the tropical house genre,” or Track B is a “dance song based on elements …
Read More »[Review] ITZY’s “Dalla Dalla” debut is all over the place but does grab attention
In a year already flush with debuts, JYP Entertainment’s ITZY are easily the highest profile yet. Not only do they hail from one of the Big 3 agencies, but several of …
Read More »[Review] ONF’s “We Must Love” provides quality follow-up to one of last year’s best
ONF’s “Complete“ was as close to perfect as 2018 got, and wound up as my favorite K-pop title track of the year. This puts the group in a difficult position. …
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