Okay-pop’s title tracks would possibly achieve most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are value equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”
Past this, Okay-pop’s albums ship hundreds of further tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can turn into part of my “battle of the b-sides” function.
On this function, I’ll be placing on my A&R hat and taking a hear to 5 randomly-selected Okay-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini overview for every, together with a Bias Checklist ranking, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be a part of a particular Bias Checklist B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d prefer to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You possibly can try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
Sonamoo – Sense Man (2016)
Time and place can tremendously affect how I really feel a few tune. When this was first launched, I’m fairly certain I dismissed it (I barely keep in mind it now), however given our present backdrop of lady group sounds, Sense Man feels very refreshing. The instrumental affords a pleasant mix of barreling percussion and tropical synth and the refrain is kind of candy and addictive. It has retro parts that hearken again to earlier Okay-pop generations, however the slick efficiency helps this stand the take a look at of time.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Lee Hongki – Let’s Seize The Day (2015)
It’s arduous to imagine FTIsland’s frontman ever put his title to one thing this EDM-influenced, however Let’s Seize The Day is an actual deal with. Its manufacturing adheres to the competition sound popularized within the early-to-mid 2010’s, leaving melody a secondary concern. Hongki additionally performs second fiddle to the digital soundscape, his voice typically warped to go with the manufacturing. I want the tune had a bit extra meat on its bones, however if you happen to’re searching for some enjoyable EDM this hits the spot.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
LE SSERAFIM – Blue Flame (2022)
It appears like so way back that I used to be genuinely excited a few LE SSERAFIM album. Their debut simply stays my favourite track-for-track mission they’ve delivered and Blue Flame is a standout. The groove is funky and brisk, suiting the ladies’ modern efficiency. I’m a giant fan of the percussion. Its mix of tones and textures provides Blue Flame a way of fullness that retains the tune fascinating even because it cycles by way of its collection of repetitive hooks.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
U-KISS – As a result of I Love You (2013)
U-KISS are such an underrated group. Regardless that they have been huge of their time, I really feel like too many Okay-pop followers overlook they exist. They delivered surging electro dance in addition to any of their friends and As a result of I Love You is a brilliant stable instance of this sound. What it lacks in originality it makes up in sheer aptitude. The instrumental kilos. The melodies construct and payoff. The vocals burst out of the gate with confidence. What extra may you need?
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Kang Daniel – Save You (ft. Wonstein) (2021)
You possibly can hear the western affect on this one. Its dramatic refrain isn’t what I instantly consider after I think about a Kang Daniel tune, however he pulls off the sound fairly properly. There’s a resonance to the manufacturing that has loads of potential. I want they’d have opted for one thing much less fashionable than entice beats, although. The tune already feels a bit dated on this method. The choral parts are by far Save You’s most intriguing factor and I’d have cherished to listen to them developed in a extra strong method.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Fifth: Kang Daniel – Save You (ft. Wonstein)
Fourth: Lee Hongki – Let’s Seize The Day
Third: Sonamoo – Sense Man
Second: LE SSERAFIM – Blue Flame
First: U-KISS – As a result of I Love You
Congratulations to U-KISS’s As a result of I Love You – the sixty-fifth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!
Readers, what do you assume? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Go away your individual rating within the feedback!