In many ways, Enhypen have been the group most emblematic of both the extreme highs and lows of the HYBE business model. From the incredibly high concept music videos and dynamic hooks to the bafflingly short runtimes and compressed production, they've had an inconsistent discography to say the least. Regardless, the group have experienced immense … Continue reading Song Review: Enhypen – Bad Desire (With Or Without You)
For the longest time, TXT were the group to beat. Each comeback came with a sense of weight—a promise of quality regardless of genre or concept. And from their debut in 2019 with the buoyant pop of Crown all the way up until 2023's Chasing That Feeling, the group maintained that high watermark, climaxing in … Continue reading Song Review: TXT – Beautiful Strangers
With the unbalanced Sugar Rush Ride and cloying pop jingle of Do it like that, 2023 has seen me feel more disconnected than ever with TXT's musical output. I've been a pretty staunch admirer of all of the groups work since their debut but with shifting trends and my general disinterest in the Korean musical … Continue reading Song Review: TXT – Back for More (with Anitta)
Despite their music essentially being the equivalent to "vibes", NewJeans have managed to grow into one of, if not the single most influential K-pop group currently. And like many, I'm not immune to their charms. Sure the tracks are basically designed for internet virality through their short run times and wonderfully catchy melodies but I'm … Continue reading Song Review: NewJeans – Cool With You
Since the success of Ditto late last year, NewJeans have been heavily leaning into the more atmospheric and vibe focused soundscape that framed the best aspects of that release. Because of this, while undoubtedly catchy and immaculately produced, the songs have largely lacked the kind of impact of their one two punch of Attention and … Continue reading Song Review: NewJeans – ETA
With Jungkook's Seven harbouring almost instant success upon release both commercially and critically, it surprises me that I never ended up doing a writeup for neither Jimin or Suga's releases from earlier this year. Well, that changes now because it feels a little wrong to have my two cents out for one of the members … Continue reading Song Review: Agust D (BTS Suga) – Haguem
With South Korean military protocols leading BTS to enter an elongated group hiatus, they've inevitably landed into that segment of the group lifecycle where each member goes off on their own solo ventures. With RM, Suga and Jimin all releasing solo projects in the past few months, Jungkook's release comes as a much anticipated and … Continue reading Song Review: Jungkook (BTS) – Seven (ft. Latto)
If anything, NewJeans have been on the ball in terms of promotion. Ever since December's gorgeous Ditto, it seems as though we've gotten something new from the girls every other month. A tactic that thought could get quite exhausting, does bode very well for the groups overall relevance and popularity. New single Super Shy arrives … Continue reading Song Review: NewJeans – Super Shy
While title track Unforgiven's less than stellar initial impressions have since blossomed into something much more appealing, the accompanying album was much more instant. B-sides like the bouncy pop brilliance of No-Return and especially the carnivalesque bounce of Fire in the belly were instant standouts, hinging themselves on arresting arrangements and instantly captivating hooks. But … Continue reading Song Review: LE SSERAFIM – Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s wife’
ENHYPEN are one of those groups that I always feel like I underestimate. I wouldn't necessarily call myself a fan but they've yet to release a title track that I've disliked, instead stringing together a rather strong singles run that has only gotten better with time. Sure they're heavily reliant on many of the qualms … Continue reading Song Review: ENHYPEN – Bite Me
KBopped 