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] 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 »[Review] Chungha elevates the straightforward “Snapping”
Chungha has enjoyed sustained success since her post-IOI solo debut in 2017. With each and every single, I’m surprised by just how long her music stays on the charts. But, …
Read More »[Review] Stray Kids’ baffling, thrilling “Side Effects” seems more fit for dancing than listening
Stray Kids are a difficult group to decipher, and I’m starting to think they like it that way. March’s “Miroh” was a watershed moment for them, and remains one of …
Read More »[Review] “Pink Magic” is a welcome change-up from Super Junior’s Yesung
Super Junior’s Yesung first debuted as a soloist in 2016, and pretty much all of his Korean work has gone down the same emotional ballad route. He’s an excellent vocalist, …
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