So the million dollar question is: what is a “De-aeseohsta“? Yes, it’s a Romanization of the Korean title of Honey Popcorn’s new single, but that doesn’t shed much light on …
Read More »[Review] Ailee showcases her versatility on “Room Shaker”
It’s been three long years since the release of Ailee’s last album, and even longer since she’s given us something relentlessly uptempo. My favorite Ailee song will always be the …
Read More »[Review] BTS’s “Lights” continues trend of their Japanese releases feeling superfluous
As popular as BTS are around the world, I’m surprised that their Japanese-language material hasn’t felt more essential. For me, the best thing to come out of their J-pop discography …
Read More »[Review] GFRIEND’s “Fever” provides a summer vibe, but is disappointingly generic
GFRIEND had a stellar 2018 by my estimation (and they almost had my best song of the year) and they built on that to begin 2019 with the outstanding “Sunrise”. …
Read More »[Review] Sulli’s whimsical “Goblin” is an effective foil to K-pop’s polish
One of K-pop’s most coveted holy grails is the long-rumored f(x) comeback. Or, maybe it’s more of an urban legend — often discussed, but never actually coming to fruition. Like many …
Read More »[Review] N.Tic’s “Fiction” a generic follow-up to one of last year’s best
Groups of N.Tic’s stature are often overlooked. Without access to the K-pop industry’s best songs, best producers or best anything, it can be hard to deliver a knockout track. Yet, …
Read More »[Review] Purplebeck’s “Crystal Ball” leaves a solid impression
In a year already flush with debuts, it’s going to be hard for smaller agency acts to stand out. In Purplebeck’s case, at least their name is easy to Google! …
Read More »[Review] (G)I-DLE’s retro hip-hop vibe on “Uh-Oh” is better than the song
(G)I-DLE have quickly jumped to the forefront of this generation’s girl group landscape, but that kind of meteoric rise is not without its growing pains. February’s “Senorita” wasn’t as universally …
Read More »[Review] GOT7’s Japanese release “Love Loop” is pleasant but plodding
JYP Entertainment artists must have the most demanding schedules of any K-pop agency. Between Korea and Japan, it feels like they’re just constantly releasing material (GOT7 and Twice, especially). This …
Read More »[Review] “Who Do U Love?” shows different side of Monsta X, though French Montana proved a distraction
With K-pop becoming more global by the year, it makes sense that we’re seeing more acts specifically target Western audiences. BTS have gone about this the right way, refusing to …
Read More »