It’s been a long road to TXT’s first comeback. Originally scheduled for August, “Run Away” arrives after two postponements, increasing anticipation for where the group’s music would go next. TXT has …
Read More »[Review] BTOB’s Hyunsik elevates “Dear Love” above standard ballad fare with unique edge
I think I may have been underrating this Lim Hyunsik guy. I never covered his 2017 solo track “Swimming,” and I kind of want to time travel and give past …
Read More »[Review] AB6IX’s “Blind For Love” is effortlessly enjoyable
Of all the K-pop songs that have grown on me this year, AB6IX’s Breathe has had one of the most impressive climbs. I was dismissive of the track upon release, …
Read More »[Review] ATEEZ’s theatrical “Wonderland” is a standout success
ATEEZ have taken 2019 by storm, releasing a steady stream of music that has now culminated with their first full album. The fact that all of this has been accomplished …
Read More »[Review] Super Junior hit highs and lows on “I Think I”
Over the course of the past eight years, Super Junior have offered a template for how to deal with Korea’s mandatory military enlistment. Though they’ve promoted almost every year, the …
Read More »[Review] “Firework” is ironically LABOUM at their least explosive
Girl group Laboum were at their commercial and musical peak from 2015-2017, book-ended by the pop brilliance of singles Aalow Aalow and Hwi Hwi. There must be something lucky about …
Read More »[Review] TWICE continue to refine their sound on “Feel Special”
TWICE have had a transformative 2019 so far, embracing a more refined sound while maintaining their immense popularity. Fancy has slowly become my most-played title track from the group, eclipsing …
Read More »[Review] KARD’s “Dumb Litty” is certainly hype, though to an uncertain end
With a title like “Dumb Litty,” the only feeling I could muster around the lead-up to KARD’s new single was morbid curiosity. How bad would it actually be? Yeah, I …
Read More »[Review] ANS’s “BOOM BOOM” more mindless repetition than song
When 2019 is over, I have a feeling that the year will have set a record for debut groups. Though my opinion on 2019’s K-pop slate has soured over the …
Read More »[Review] SEVENTEEN help elevate the moody trope of “Fear”
I’ve made peace with the fact that Seventeen’s funky days are (largely) behind them. International audiences seem to prefer “dark” concepts, and worldwide fame is too tempting to ignore. The …
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