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The Bias List | K-Pop Reviews & Discussion - Music
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BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: S#arp – Tell Me, Tell Me | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
K-Pop Risers & Fallers: November 2024 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Rather than contain my “Risers and Fallers” feature to a single post in June, I’m going to share a bite-sized version at the end of each month. This will let me account for more songs and make a nice lead-in to the monthly round-up post. I anticipate most of these ratings adjustments will be negligible:…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Me Gustas Tu | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! Me Gustas Tu (from Flower Bud - 2015) Sometimes it’s so weird what makes a song popular. I have to remind myself that most people aren’t like me: voracious seekers of new music. Casual listeners need great songs pushed in their face,…
BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: Click-B – Gate Of Honor | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – MAGO | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! MAGO (from Walpurgis Night - 2020) Previous Thoughts: "And, like many of K-pop’s recent retro offerings, MAGO has a great chorus. It’s a two-parter, kicking off with an effervescent refrain that feels like a big centerpiece without going overboard. This is followed…
Song Review: Jay Chang – LaSalle Ave | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Jay Chang has had quite a varied idol career so far. First appearing on Boys Planet, he later debuted with boy group One Pact. Then, he participated in another survival series (Build Up) and debuted with its winning project group B.D.U. That contract took him away from One Pact's recent comeback. All the while, he's…
Song Review: ICHILLIN’ – Official | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
ICHILLIN’ released a couple great tracks early this year, but both ended up falling off my playlist much quicker than expected. They each felt more like production showcases than enduring melodies -- an approach that often struggles in the long run once the excitement of that production wears off. I predict a similar future for…
Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2024: WOOLLIM ENTERTAINMENT | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Before I take a brief look at many of K-pop's smaller agencies, there are a few that I have more to say about. Consider these "bonus" write-ups -- shorter than the "big four" but longer than a paragraph or two could cover. As usual, the thoughts below are my own and aren’t privy to any…
Song Review: Wonho – What Would You Do | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Hey, it's been two years without a new Wonho single! He's been serving his mandatory enlistment and now seems ready to start a new era. For awhile there, he was dropping banger after banger, but pop has moved into different territory since then. The English-language What Would You Do fits into the more downbeat, subdued…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Luv Star | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! Luv Star (from Snowflake - 2016) For awhile, GFriend and Lovelyz’ sounds intersected. To me, Luv Star feels much more like a Lovelyz track, down to the shimmering synths and light vocal approach. This isn’t a bad thing at all, since GFriend…
Song Review: Nowadays – Let’s Get It | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Rather than release longer albums, Nowadays have blitzed their debut year with a steady stream of single tracks. This isn't an awful approach if you keep the music coming and that music catches on with the public. Unfortunately, the group has found difficulty breaking through and competing with the year's buzzier rookies. I haven't yet…
BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: Moon Child – Delete | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
Song Review: Rosé (BLACKPINK) – Number One Girl | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Rosé's first full album is just around the corner, and it's already buoyed by a global megahit in the form of APT. with Bruno Mars. That single's addictive sound has proven to appeal to a vast array of tastes. You know a song has broken through with the general public when they start using it…
Song Review: G-Dragon – Home Sweet Home (ft. Taeyang & Daesung) | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
I was a bit overzealous when writing about G-Dragon's Power because I was simply so excited to have him back in music after seven long years. That zealousness continues with a review for Home Sweet Home, even if the song has no accompanying music video, and grows even more intense with fellow Bigbang members Taeyang…
Buried Treasure: ATEEZ – Selfish Waltz | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve. Though it won’t be topping any…
BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: Shinhwa – Perfect Man | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
Song Review: A.C.E – Pinata | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
For a group of their stature, A.C.E have developed an outsized fanbase internationally, touring extensively to cultivate fans all over the world. Their music has occasionally catered to this market, though the past few years have been quite inconsistent when it comes to sound. In my heart, I'll always hold A.C.E as those daring upstarts…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Love Whisper | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! Love Whisper (from Parallel / Rainbow - 2017) Previous Thoughts: "In some ways, Love Whisper is as GFriend as GFriend gets, but mostly it sounds like a generic post-Luv Apink track. On first listen, the song’s lack of ambition feels like a…
Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2024: STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Before I take a brief look at many of K-pop’s smaller agencies, there are a few that I have more to say about. Consider these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “big four” but longer than a paragraph or two could cover. As usual, the thoughts below are my own and aren’t privy to any…
BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: Kim Hyun Jung – Bruise | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
Song Review: WayV – High Five | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
After years of being relatively quiet compared to other NCT units, WayV had a busy 2024. They've already released albums in Korea and Japan and now they're back to close out the year with a new project. High Five is the upcoming album's pre-release and continues the funky, upbeat sound of June's Give Me That.…
Song Review: BADVILLAIN – Zoom | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
BADVILLAIN released several tracks immediately following their late-spring debut, quickly establishing themselves as a charismatic, hip-hop influenced group. None of their material has hit with me yet, but I remain open-minded toward where they may go in the future. Unfortunately, new single Zoom (숨) doubles down on many of the more generic elements of their…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Love Spell | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! Love Spell (from Walpurgis Night - 2020) Walpurgis Night is GFriend’s most genre-shifting album, which is kind of frustrating since it also served as their swan song. Love Spell’s rootsy guitar and clap-along percussion give off a totally different vibe from most…
Song Review: NEXZ – Nallina | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
New JYP Entertainment boy group NEXZ have split their attention between Korea and Japan. They're technically a J-pop act (at least... I think?) but have been promoting actively in Korea with Korean-language music. New single Nallina certainly takes cues from the K-pop side of things, offering a dance-heavy showcase that skimps on the hooks and…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Love Oh Love | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! Love Oh Love (from Time For Us - 2019) This song directly references GFriend’s debut era, almost to the point where it feels like a re-creation of songs like Me Gustas Tu and Glass Bead. I’m not complaining, since this “powerful innocence”…
Song Review: tripleS ∞! – Untitled | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
I'm losing track of how many tripleS sub-units we have now, but I guess the sprawling nature of the project is kind of the point. Less than a month after the debut of Visionary Vision, we have a Japanese single by the newly-unveiled "∞!". This unit takes a moodier approach, utilizing now-ubiquitous musical elements from…
Song Review: MEOVV – Toxic | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Girl group MEOVV made their debut on Teddy's The Black Label back in September with the disjointed Meow. That song seemed to come and go without much fanfare, but the girls have made a quick follow-up with new single Toxic. Co-written by YG Entertainment mainstays Teddy, Kush and 24, the song fits neatly within a…
BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: Bros – Win Win | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
Song Review: Taeyeon – Letter To Myself | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
SNSD's Taeyeon can always be counted on for a long-lasting chart hit, but this summer's Heaven didn't seem to have the stranglehold on the public the way most of her singles do despite hinging on similar elements as Sabrina Carpenter's world-conquering Espresso. New single Letter To Myself is a more comfortable fit for Taeyeon, drawing…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Love In The Air | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! Love In The Air (from Sunny Summer - 2018) Previous Thoughts: "Its robust instrumental features a dramatic strings riff and explosive electric guitar, all in service to one of the most uplifting pop beats we’ve heard in some time. The girls are…
BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: NRG – Face | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
New & Noteworthy J-pop of the Week (November 17, 2024) | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
In connection with my desire to fully keep up with the J-pop industry, I'm planning to do a weekly round-up of any new releases that have caught my ear. Some of these may have been covered on the blog already, but my hope is that this will become a one-stop shop for anyone interested in…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Love Bug | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! Love Bug (from Time For The Moon Night - 2018) We’ve entered the segment of this feature that will cover songs starting with the word “love.” There are five of them in GFriend’s discography (seven if you count “luv” and L.U.V” as…
Global Pop Round-Up: November 2024 Edition | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I'd start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings -- just highlights! February 2022…
BACK TO K-POP’S FIRST GENERATION: Shin Hae-chul – To You | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
K-Pop’s first generation is often referenced as the foundation for the industry we enjoy now, but there aren’t enough good English-language sources that give its music the focus it deserves. I’m hoping to change that with a continuing flashback series, spotlighting personal highlights from the era – both iconic and obscure. The era in question…
Grading the K-Pop Agencies 2024: HYBE CORPORATION | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
It’s that time of year again! While December is filled with year-end countdowns, I like to take a look back at some of K-pop’s biggest agencies during November. Before reading (especially if you’re new to the blog), it’s helpful to know that my grading focuses most heavily on music releases and how comebacks are managed…
K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – LOL | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
One song. Every day. Alphabetical order. Keep up with GFriend's A-Z reviews here! LOL (from LOL - 2016) Ah, the literal title track of GFriend’s first album. I always thought it would be funny if this had been a ballad given its title, but true to form LOL is a burst of K-pop joy. The…
Song Review: CLASS:y – Psycho & Beautiful | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
It's been a good long while since CLASS:y last released music in Korea, and although they have a decent-sized singles run, I couldn't tell you how a single song sounds off the top of my head. Such is the rapid pace and oversaturation of the K-pop market, I guess. New single Psycho & Beautiful sees…
Song Review: Primrose – Steal Heart | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
When last we heard from Primrose, they teased us with a Nordic title and imagery only to deliver the same cacophonous stomp favored by many of their peers. Freyja was a letdown, for sure. However, they're back with yet another new sound. Steal Heart is a far funkier effort that puts great focus on their…
Song Review: ATEEZ – Ice On My Teeth | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
ATEEZ's career has been divided neatly into series: Treasure, Fever, The World, and now Golden Hour. I'm sure hardcore fans will be able to identify sounds and storylines that make each series unique, but to the casual listener the group has retained many of its musical hallmarks across all these eras, favoring sonic bombast and…