BLACKPINK‘s “DDU-DU DDU-DU” didn’t captivate me immediately upon release, but over time I found the hook and the instrumental addictive enough to put it on the year-end list of 2018’s …
Read More »[Review] IZ*ONE buck ‘Produce’ group trend, develop their sound with “Violeta”
For me, one of the most frustrating things about ‘Produce 101‘-spawned groups is that they don’t attempt to develop a signature sound or concept. Given their temporary status as project …
Read More »[Review] Bolbbalgan4’s “Bom” is pleasantly safe, which continues their brand
Last year, Bolbbalgan4 delivered their version of a summer song, and “Travel” went on to become a huge crossover hit. New single “Bom” takes its cues from spring — a …
Read More »[Review] Park Jimin excels on “Low Voice” off ‘The Last Empress’ OST
Even if Park Jimin never gets the type of mainstream recognition that seemed possible coming off her ‘K-Pop Star‘ win (and 15&), at the very least her vocal ability should …
Read More »[Review] Pentagon’s sound successfully evolves on “Sha La La” by invoking “Energetic”
After last September’s “Naughty Boy“, I feared that Pentagon might end up chasing their own tail on a never-ending quest to replicate the structure and energy of 2018 hit “Shine“. …
Read More »[Review] KARD seem to put themselves back on the right track with “Bomb Bomb”
KARD felt like they had run out of steam last year, and they weren’t given much of a boost by their company DSP Media either. While I seemed to be …
Read More »[Review] Taeyeon’s “Four Seasons” is an amiable mid-tempo, though it feels like one of her album tracks
It’s been a long wait for new material from Taeyeon, and even longer since she’s actively promoted in Korea. With the release of digital single “Four Seasons“, it doesn’t seem …
Read More »[Review] VAV’s “Thrilla Killa” is like a release from 2013 and in the best way
In this day and age, I’m always impressed if I can get through a K-pop title track without a single trendy synth flourish. The tropical squiggles of yesteryear have warped …
Read More »[Review] MOMOLAND’s “I’m So Hot” plays it safe, misses usual standout chorus
MOMOLAND had a stellar 2018, propelled by the surprise smash of their hit “Bboom Bboom” and its copy-and-paste follow-up “BAAM“. Now, the real test begins. Having one breakout single is …
Read More »[Review] The T-Bird make debut with surprisingly simplistic “Rock Star”
I’m in love with the idea behind The T-Bird and The Pink Ladies — two project groups taking on a musical theater concept. K-pop is ready for some new sounds, …
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