Category: KPOP

[Review] BOTTOMS UP – AB6IX

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Leave a comment

AB6IX made their comeback last week with the new single BOTTOMS UP and their 3rd studio album, SEVEN: CRIMSON HORIZON. It is their first since their 2025 STUPID comeback, which I apparently never reviewed (yes, somehow I managed to surprise myself with that realisation). Keep an eye out, as I will definitely return to review their last comeback. But for now, here are my thoughts on BOTTOMS UP.

BOTTOMS UP is a pleasant pop track. I enjoyed the mid-tempo, upbeat feel of BOTTOMS UP. And I enjoyed the extra bit of rock that comes through in the final chorus (I appreciate the funky affair it brings). Though I wouldn’t mind it if the rock dial was just turned up a nudge. The members’ vocals and rapping round out the song well, with the vocals in the pre-chorus being a particular favourite of mine in BOTTOMS UP. But while I liked the song, the pleasantness admittedly makes it feel forgettable. And as such, BOTTOMS UP just hasn’t been sticking with me as much. I worry that if I don’t write the review now, I might forget about the song’s existence entirely. It would have been nice if AB6IX had done a bit more with BOTTOMS UP by giving it more substance.

The song conveys a simple message: not to worry when life doesn’t work out and to enjoy the present. In the music video, we see AB6IX experience some inconveniences in life – when you run out of that treat in the fridge, you cook something inedible, you make a bigger mess when cleaning the original mess, the clothes shrink in the wash, you can’t find the right outfit, etc. But no matter the situation, AB6IX comes together to celebrate the present and forget those unfortunate inconveniences and mistakes. After all, as PARK WOO JIN raps in the song “Yesterday’s gone, and tomorrow hasn’t come. Just look ahead and live in the moment, I guess“.

Undoubtedly, BOTTOMS UP is a bright comeback. And this comes off strongly in the performance. From the stages I have watched for this comeback, the members look like they are having fun. And this grows exponentially as the performance progresses. I liked WOONG’s little ad-lib towards the end that the members have to follow – such techniques keep the performance engaging and fresh, even if the energy and vibes from the rest of the performance are already doing so.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 7.6/10

[Review] SWIM – BTS

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Leave a comment

ICYMI – BTS made their grand, long-awaited return at the end of last week with the single SWIM and their 5th studio album, ARIRANG. Their last official release as a group, before going on hiatus due to mandatory military enlistments, was the single Take Two, released in 2023. Rest assured that, while it has taken me a couple of days to review the new track (I was out of town), I didn’t forget about it and checked it out upon its release. It is pretty hard to miss BTS’ comeback, especially since it was so highly anticipated by many (myself included).

While SWIM features the familiar vocals and rapping of BTS (more on this later on), I would best describe the alternative pop song as a fairly pleasant release. While ‘pleasant’ is commonly a positive descriptor, I have previously used it in a manner that isn’t as positive, and I think SWIM falls into this grouping – ‘pleasant’ in the context of SWIM is neutral and beige. The synth work in the instrumental was pretty lacklustre and didn’t do much to help make the song memorable. I think its intent was to be atmospheric, and at times it definitely achieved that. But as a whole piece, it just doesn’t hit the mark. Nor was there much of a strong hook. The repetition of the song’s title does a bit of work, but it is best described as beige. However, there are some good things out of SWIM. I did enjoy the song’s more melodic touch, with the flow mimicking the sound of peaceful crashing waves. And I enjoyed the raspy, husky vocals throughout the song. Altogether, it was nice to hear BTS again after a long time, but SWIM was neither the track nor the style I was expecting for their grand return.

Most of the action in the music video was by the female lead, who I believe was holding herself back and unable to get past life’s obstacles (i.e., being stuck on a boat, the waves). But with the help of BTS (through some captaining and sailoring), she navigates through the waves and takes command of her journey forward. My take on the video is based on SOOMPI’s interpretation of SWIM‘s lyrics, which was reported in this article. I honestly wished we saw more of the BTS members throughout the video, given its is their big comeback. But it was still a nice video nonetheless.

The performance accentuates the song’s smoothness. There isn’t much else to say about the choreography, given that SWIM isn’t a performance-based song.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 7.6/10

[Review] Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.N (Stray Kids)

Posted in KPOPTagged , , Leave a comment

It has been a year since Stray Kids released their single album, Mixtape: dominATE. But despite being a big fan of Stray Kids (I acknowledge I give them a lot more attention than any other group), I have yet to review any tracks from their Mixtape: dominATE. As the one-year anniversary is tomorrow, now would be a timely moment to begin reviewing the tracks on the mixtape. The lead single is the Korean version of their 2024 Japanese single GIANT (which I have yet to review, but will do later this month). Alongside GIANT are unit tracks, with this post focusing on CHANGBIN and I.N’s Burnin’ Tires. Links to the reviews of the other unit tracks (as they are released) are below the music video.

Burnin’ Tires earned a nomination and emerged as the winner for Best Electronic Song in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. And I am here to tell you why. Burnin’ Tires blends punk rock, synths, and rap into a super dynamic, fast-paced track. The resultant mix definitely drives (ha!) the song forward and heightens the excitement as the song progresses. That electric guitar that comes through at the end was undoubtedly super cool and just feels perfect at the end of the song that gets your adrenaline pumping. Both CHANGBIN’s and I.N’s delivery of Burnin’ Tires gives the song some grittiness and texture as the instrumental literally zooms ahead. Their delivery is also lively and energetic, which adds to the dynamic and excitement already mentioned. Their chemistry also gives Burnin’ Tires a fun edge, as well. I must also commend CHANGBIN’s rapping throughout the song, super dynamic and intense – earning him a nomination for Best Rap Performance in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. To me, Burnin’ Tires was the standout track from the mixtape and has remained so even after a year.

Keeping to the fast-paced nature, the pair compete against each other (and a bunch of other people) after discovering a competition for 10 quintillion won. The pair race to the goal, but this is reimagined as a virtual road race, a fight scene, and then a dance battle. They eventually win (as shown in the post-ending scene), with the pair earning a speeding ticket along the way. I also liked the inclusion of parkour scenes and the teasing scenes between the pair.

With such an upbeat and dynamic track, it makes sense for this unit track to have some choreography. While the stage does involve both CHANGBIN and I.N running around (makes perfect sense), they do get into a motorcycle formation with the dancers and pull off some dance moves alongside the electric guitar at the end. I also enjoyed the little skit they have at the end of their performance – it adds to the fun and playful energy.

Song – 10/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.5/10

Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.N | Truman – HAN & FELIX
ESCAPE– BANGCHAN & HYUNJIN | Cinema – LEE KNOW & SEUNGMIN

[Review] UNIQUE – P1Harmony

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged 1 Comment

To avoid another year-long delay in reviewing P1Harmony’s new comeback, I have decided to review it as soon as possible. Last week, the group returned with their 9th mini-album, UNIQUE, and the title track of the same name.

Right off the bat, P1Harmony does not hold back in UNIQUE. I enjoyed the boldness and power behind the track. As the initial song off their mini-album, UNIQUE definitely commands attention and is full of intensity. The approach suits the Brazilian phonk/EDM combination quite well (at least based on my exposure to it) and showcases a more serious side of P1Harmony that we are not just used to. I can totally understand why UNIQUE might be a little overwhelming to some. But in my opinion, UNIQUE holds up well. However, by being bold and through the approach undertaken, some aspects were lost in the shuffle. UNIQUE doesn’t have much of a melody or hook to remember it by. It may be bombastic, but there isn’t really anything aside from the instrumental that gives UNIQUE, well, its uniqueness. There is a chorus, and it definitely has substance thanks to the instrumentation. But when you really dig into it, you realise it is very much empty and just heavy. It is an odd predicament.

The whole music video paints a very vivid picture of why P1Harmony is unique. The video’s darker aesthetic was quite cool and edgy, and the visual effects were awesome. That whole montage of the members’ solo shots from the 2:40 mark was jaw-dropping, while the transitions between JIUNG, SOUL and JONGSEOB just after the first chorus were so smooth. It is a short song and thus video, but there was a fair bit going on, based on what I have mentioned, that it doesn’t feel short.

The performance is amazing. The members looked super cool on stage, and their serious demeanour as they perform oozes so much charisma. Their execution of the chorus routine is my favourite part, with the centre member doing a slightly different set of moves from the other members. The contrast is subtle, but very impactful.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8/10

[Album Review] Beautiful Mind (6th Mini Album) – Xdinary Heroes

Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Leave a comment

Xdinary Heroes’ 6th mini-album, Beautiful Mind, is the next up for review. Released over a year ago, the mini-album consists of 7 songs in total – one of which is the title track Beautiful Life. This follows on from their last mini-album, LIVE and FALL, which is led by the track Night Before The End.

Xdinary Heroes’ self-produced albums have emerged as thorough, high-quality releases that showcase their musical talents. Beautiful Mind is another example of just this, with some songs on this album confirming their place in the industry. Some of their side tracks have become staples on my personal playlists, and this mini-album definitely has a few of them. While it didn’t leave the same impression as their 1st studio album, Beautiful Mind is definitely up there. Continue on reading to find out my thoughts on this mini-album.

Beautiful Mind Album Cover

1. FIGHT ME – Xdinary Heroes begins the mini album with an awesomely intense alternative metal rock track. I really liked the highlights of electric guitar in the background and was blown away by how it intensifies in the final moments of the track. The drumming in this track serves as a powerful foundation, keeping everything tight. Powerful vocals make their mark in the track as well, with this being the reason why the atmospheric bridge was the highlight of FIGHT ME. JOOYEON’s powerful high note in the final chorus was spectacular. (9/10)

2. Beautiful Life (Title Track) – Click here for my review of Beautiful Life. (9/10)

3. more than i like – more than i like is ‘relatively’ more mellow compared to the other tracks on the mini album, with the band expressing the message of thanks to someone they love. But this does not mean Xdinary Heroes hold back their rock sound. Instead, it is another intense rock number, with cool synths, interesting effects on the ends of some lines, and hard-hitting drum beats that intensify the track. (8/10)

4. Diamond – Despite the unsuspecting title, this track is probably not for the faint of heart. As you get further and further into Diamond, there is no doubt that the members really put in a lot for this track. All-English lyrics, explosive instrumentals (thanks to the fast tempo drumming), cool synths, peak intensity, solid vocals and an impressive ender from JOOYEON. I won’t tell you what that ending is, as it is something you need to discover for yourself. (10/10)

5. Supernatural – After Diamond, the ballad Supernatural brings much-appreciated relief by slowing the tempo and intensity. You can hear the emotions behind the members’ vocals and their instrument playing. I do like the atmospheric approach of the background, which goes well with the song’s lyrics about the recognition and acceptance of love. (8/10)   

6. George the Lobster – George the Lobster, as random as the title may seem, is actually inspired by a lobster named George, who was estimated to be 140 years old when he was caught in the late 00s in NYC (he was released back into the wild shortly after capture). The song also returns to the mini album back to upbeat territory with a straight forward rock number, with a super awesome electric guitar solo at the end. There is also a hint of funkiness to the background. The pre-chorus is rather unexpected, going in a completely different direction to the rest of the song. It stands out and I quite enjoyed the sudden switch. The softer approach to begin the second chorus was also a cool choice. (8.5/10)

7. BBB (Bitter But Better) – I really enjoyed the anthem chorus in this one. It’s catchy and super memorable. BBB also aims high and scores with its really pure and bright rock instrumentation. There is also another guitar solo from JUHAN at the end, which I really enjoyed. It ends the track and mini album on such a cool and electrifying note. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10

Xdinary Heroes’ teaser image for Beautiful Mind.

ICYMI – Congratulations to Xdinary Heroes, who were announced as the winners for Best Band Performance with Beautiful Life in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. They were also nominated in some other categories. Click here to find out who else won in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards.

[Review] Twenty – KickFlip

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged 1 Comment

KickFlip will be making a comeback early next month with the release of their next mini-album, My First Kick (with one member, AMARU, on hiatus for health reasons). Ahead of that release, the group returned earlier this week with the pre-release track, Twenty. It is the group’s first album release since their 3rd mini-album, My First Flip, led by the single My First Love Song in September last year. KickFlip also released a digital single album, From KickFlip, To WeFlip, to coincide with their 1st anniversary earlier this year.

Twenty kicks right into gear, bursting with energy from the very first second, with its rock energy. I really enjoyed the propulsion and blastfulness that the rock instrumental brings to the song. The guitar work was definitely admirable and gratifyingly intense, while the percussion added great textures and moments to the song. Altogether, Twenty‘s instrumental creates a very powerful atmosphere. And it alone makes Twenty quite memorable and fulfils a constant craving I have for rock music. Both KickFlip’s vocals and rapping in Twenty sound good, and I appreciate that they can be heard over the powerful rock instrumentation (some songs don’t do this as well, creating an unbalanced song). The wavy melodies, particularly in the chorus, also felt very memorable. Similarly, the way everything intensified in the final chorus, with the instrumentation and vocals, ends the track on such a strong, positive note. The letdown in Twenty was its bridge. It was nice and pleasant, but it felt a little generic amid everything else going on in the song. But that was honestly a brief moment, and so it is a minor critique of an otherwise bold and great song.

The music video reminded me of TWS’ hey! hey! from 2024, with the biggest difference being the unfortunate rejection that DONGHWA receives at the start. This sparks a road trip amongst the members, who do face some problems along the way, like the breakdown of their van (leading them to sleep directly on the road – maybe they shouldn’t have taken such an empty road). They end up hitchhiking successfully, even though the driver almost left most of the members behind in the beginning. From then on, the members have a successful rest of the trip, stumbling across the beach and finding their way onto a boat, where a humpback whale crashes into one of their group shots. In a post-credit scene, we see one of the members find a post-it note with the message “Whale, I miss you” on it. This message links back to the song, which is about getting a second chance to confess one’s love next time around, with the post-it note giving hope that that second chance can come again.

I highly recommend you check out the stage performances for this track. Their stable vocals are one aspect I was amazed by, especially given such upbeat choreography. As for the routine, I really enjoyed it. Nothing necessarily stood out on its own, but I liked how the routine complemented the track’s energy and melodies.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10

[Review] Home Sweet Home – JIWOO (KARD)

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Leave a comment

KARD is at a point in their careers where the members are exploring solo activities, alongside group activities. Their last group comeback was last year’s Touch. Since then, BM has continued solo activities with Freak (ft. B.I) — he made his solo debut in 2021 with Broken Me. And as of last month, JIWOO made her solo debut with Home Sweet Home and her debut mini-album, (EX)IST.

For JIWOO, I personally associate her with R&B, and hearing that Home Sweet Home taps into that genre makes perfect sense. Her husky vocals and rapping are on full display, while the song’s moody atmosphere becomes quite stilling. The hefty, pulsing yet sparse beat that dominates the background creates an alluring tension that builds into a promising crescendo. But the anti-drop chorus robs us of what could have been an awesome chorus. The same hefty, pulsing yet sparse beat returns, and, combined with the song’s lacklustre repetition of the title, Home Sweet Home slips into neutral drive. And with the sparse beat being a constant feature of the song, the track becomes quite forgettable and, over time, repetitive. The saving grace of the chorus is JIWOO’s charisma in the second half of the centrepiece. And the saving grace of Home Sweet Home overall is the instrumental break – it continues the alluring tension mentioned before, but does so in a slightly different manner than the rest of Home Sweet Home (which is much appreciated).

If you haven’t looked into Home Sweet Home‘s lyrics yet, you will find they are about inviting someone over for some sensual activities. And the music video definitely delivers on mature shots of JIWOO. Nothing explicit, but the imagery of JIWOO definitely embodies some of the descriptors I have used for the song – charismatic, alluring. She looks damn good throughout the video. The music video is also quite minimalist, drawing on the song’s spareness. The best part of the video coincides with the instrumental break, when we are given more and treated to the sexual chemistry between JIWOO and the dancer. It was brief, but definitely memorable.

There has been little promotion for JIWOO’s solo debut, but she did perform the track at the Taipei stop of their Drift tour (some fancams are available). There isn’t much of a routine until the end, beginning with the dance break, when JIWOO bring forth a sensual vibe to her performance. Between this and the dance break in the music video, I think there is enough to give a performance rating.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 7/10

[Review] DUH! – P1Harmony

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged 1 Comment

P1Harmony is due to make their comeback later this week with Unique (the title of both the lead single and the group’s 9th mini album). But before that, I think it is time I get around to reviewing their May 2025 comeback track, DUH!, which was featured on their 8th mini album of the same name (yet to be reviewed, but this song review will make way for that post). Before that was SAD SONG (title of both lead single and their 7th mini-album).

While it has taken me 10 months to review the track, DUH! was quite a grower for me. The vintage hip-hop foundation was quite appealing, backed by some unexpectedly catchy squirrelly sirens. I feel like these play such a substantial role in DUH! that they would have given me the impression they could become annoying over time. But interestingly, my fondness for them, alongside the rest of DUH!, just grew. On the members’ front, there was some really nice vocal work in the song, particularly in the pre-choruses. I appreciated the smoothness that they bring to a rather beat-heavy song. As for the rapping, P1Harmony have already established themselves as quite a strong group on this front and DUH! consolidates that further. DUH! also boasts catchy, playful hooks and melodies, making the track even more appealing. What I also enjoyed about the track was its straightforwardness and no-nonsense approach. The trendy take on vintage hip-hop was throughout the song, with nothing to distract us from that vision (or the auditory version of that phrase, whatever it is). Thus, DUH!‘s consistency is a major asset of the song.

Continuing from the beginnings of becoming a HERO from their SAD SONG music video, DUH!‘s music video and song sees the members flip the script and become a HERO who ‘refuses to be taken for granted’ and ‘asserts an undeniable presence with lines like “Where I sit, and the path I walk is the answer.”‘ Throughout the video, we see P1Harmony embody confidence and boldness, showcasing their cool, casual, and laid-back vibes and serving as a trend-setter in the middle of the video. Like the song, the music video was playful and did a much better job of complementing the song.

MVP for the performance is, without a doubt, SOUL. While all the members do a great job of showcasing a playful, flirty performance, SOUL’s full-body wave in the first verse and his swinging launch into the final chorus and freestyle section were bold moments in the routine. I also like how the other members contributed to the latter, which helps make SOUL’s part feel right at home and builds on that hip-hop concept nicely.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10

[Album Review] S (5th Single Album) – STAYC

Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Leave a comment

STAYC made their comeback a year ago with S, their 5th single album. If you could not tell from the title of the post, this is its album review. The single album features 3 tracks, including the title track BEBE and follows the release of …L (a digital single), led by the single GPT. Overall, S is another strong showing from STAYC, even though it is a more bite-sized release.

S Album Cover

1. BEBE (Title Track) – Click here for my review of BEBE. (9/10)

2. Diamond – Diamond brings out a very pleasant upbeat tone with its afrobeat and tropical vibes. However, Diamond also feels stuck in neutral gear and stagnant, unable to go anywhere and sounding the same from the moment it began to the very end. Despite that, I really liked how the members made it feel STAYC-esque with their vocals. Because of this, Diamond will comfortably slot into their discography, and I appreciate this. (8/10)

3. Pipe Down – The parts of Pipe Down that I enjoyed the most are the track’s pre-choruses and choruses. I really liked the oomph ISA and YOON’s vocals give during the pre-choruses, and I love the hypnotic pitting synth in the background of the choruses. STAYC’s vocals continue to shine throughout the rest of the song, and I also enjoyed the brass elements at the start and during the instrumental. (9/10)     

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

STAYC’s teaser image for S.

[Album Review] UNEXPECTED (3rd Studio Album) – THE BOYZ

Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged Leave a comment

It is almost a year to the day since THE BOYZ dropped their amazing VVV title track and their 3rd studio album, UNEXPECTED, which was released alongside it. And it is finally time to review the album. The album features 9 songs (including the already mentioned title track), serves as the final album to feature JU HAKYEON (who was removed from the group a couple of months after the album’s release) and follows on from their late-2024 Trigger comeback.

As already mentioned, the title track was an instant hit for me and was nominated for Best Pop Song at the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. VVV was also nominated for Best Dance Performance (Male Group) of 2025. It also ended up serving as a strong indicator of what was to come from the rest of UNEXPECTED (I have rated one song 10/10, while 2 earned 9.5/10 ratings – the rest are ranked between 8 and 9). I won’t spoil which songs got which rating at this stage of the review, so continue reading to find out.

Since the release of UNEXPECTED, the group has gone on to release their 10th mini-album, a;effect, and the title track, Stylish, in July 2025. An album review for a;effect is on the cards for later this year.

UNEXPECTED Album Cover

1. Feel The Bass – Performed by JACOB, JUYEON, KEVIN, SUNWOO and ERIC, Feel The Bass kicks off the album with a hip-hop track that features a really cool beat during the chorus (and pretty much the rest of the song) and sleek lower register vocals from all 5 members of the unit. But it is the rapping that really grabs my attention. Both SUNWOO and ERIC do an amazing job on their rap parts in the second verse, with awesome flow and energy that make the track easy to remember. (9/10)

2. VVV (Title Track) – Click here for my review for VVV. (9.5/10)

3. Starry Night – THE BOYZ turns to R&B for Starry Night. While it’s pretty much your standard track, I enjoyed the sway Starry Night’s melodies have. I also enjoyed the smooth vocals in the track. I wonder if the producers considered some brass alongside the guitar work in the background. This would have given Starry Night a more romantic feel. (8/10)

4. Ain’t Salty – The orchestral soundscape for Ain’t Salty is epic and dramatic. It felt like an instrumental piece fitting for a battle scene in a movie. It also made for an amazing backdrop to the members’ equally amazing vocals and rapping. It does feel a little funny when you consider the fact that it was paired with the English line “This love ain’t salty”, but the epic and dramatic nature does fit well with the Korean lyrics. (9.5/10)  

5. Rose – The album returns to the R&B genre for this romantic track. It features a dreamy background that pairs well with the melodies from the members’ vocals and rapping. SANGYEON at the start of the bridge was quite impactful, while the vocal layering and harmonies that followed throughout the bridge and final chorus were beautiful. I quite liked this track. (8.5/10)

6. Rock and Roll – Unlike what the title suggests, Rock and Roll continue the venture into the R&B genre. In Rock and Roll, the group goes down a groovy, sensual path that they pull off quite well. I really liked the heavy, emphasised guitar riff in the chorus, which gives the track some nice punch and heftiness, as well as the soft ping-pong synth that sneaks through. (9/10)

7. Nothing – It’s the vocals that make Nothing appealing to me. THE BOYZ use a lot of their lower register and raspy textures, allowing them to sound more serious and bring forth an emotional tone as they sing about a breakup. These elements just allow Nothing to hit a little harder. I am not sure if we needed the writing sound effect at the end – it catches me off guard very now and then, particularly when I find myself immersed in the song. (9/10)

8. Miss Demeanor – We come back to the groovy and sensual atmosphere first heard through Rock and Roll. But in Miss Demeanor, the instrumental and their vocals play into more of a disco retro groove, which is honestly quite unique. This makes Miss Demeanor quite appealing, and with THE BOYZ sounding so good throughout the track, this just pulls me into the track even more. (10/10)

9. Cross Over (Love! 우린 이미 선을 넘었어) – Last up on the album is Cross Over, a song dedicated towards their fans. The synth work in the background keeps the track upbeat, whilst the members are reflectively singing about crossing the line from tough times to happier moments, with thanks to their fans’ never-ending love. It is a cute song, and I am sure fans are touched by it. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10

THE BOYZ’s teaser image for UNEXPECTED

[Review] CODE – EVERGLOW

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Leave a comment

EVERGLOW was last active in 2024, during promotions for the single ZOMBIE. Since then, all 6 members have left YUEHUA Entertainment (now known as YH Entertainment), and only 4 members (E:U, SIHYEON, ONDA, and AISHA) have signed with CHXXTA Company to continue promotions under the EVERGLOW brand. This week, they released their first quartet song, CODE.

Their new song opens by drawing more on current trends than on their retro dance hits. While EVERGLOW’s intention with this new release is to reinvent themselves. But at certain points of CODE (i.e., the chorus), I speculate that there was acknowledgement that the older releases of their hits did work, but in an attempt to better themselves, existing trends were explored instead (probably to speak to today’s listeners). And to that I say, “Why are we reinventing the wheel?”. For CODE‘s chorus, I felt the song got really punchy and impactful in this moment, reminding me of their PIRATE single. I honestly felt a lot of potential behind this centrepiece. The rush of energy was bold and definitely a selling point of CODE. The major problem with CODE is that you have to get through the persistent use of unexciting trap before you can get to its selling point. And its dated feel and CODE‘s lacklustre build-up made it difficult for me to stick around (alas, I did for the purposes of this review). Another strong asset of EVERGLOW that seems to be missing is their usual strong delivery, particularly their appealing character, which gave their past hits an added punch. But in CODE, EVERGLOW felt held back and weighed down from reaching that height.

The transition, where it looks like the coding is breaking down their environment to create a void, was very cool. And there were a few other transitions elsewhere in the video that were smooth and looked really good. Apart from that, the music video has little else. It features an industrial-esque background, and the members look nice.

CODE‘s dance routine was good, but it would have been better with sharper movements and overall delivery. This would have reflected well with the music and made the routine look and feel bolder and more intense. This would have done wonders for the outro and finished the performance on a strong note.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 7.5/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 7.2/10

[Review] CALL ME BACK – TNX

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Leave a comment

Towards the end of January, TNX made their return with their second digital single, CALL ME BACK. It is their first release since last year’s For Real? comeback (which I never got around to reviewing). The last time I reviewed them was for their FUEGO release in 2024. Since that comeback, the group participated in 2024’s Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace and officially reformed into a 5-member group following KYUNGJUN’s departure from TNX.

CALL ME BACK starts off strong with its energetic and dynamic pop punk sound and maintains all of it throughout the track. This translates well to the members’ delivery, with them showcasing some awesome textures that work extremely well with the pop-punk sound through their vocals, rapping, and spoken lines. I particularly like the “So trust me“, “Don’t try me“, “Just call me” lines in the chorus. There is something catchy about them, even though the team’s effort was pretty minimal at that moment. My biggest concern about CALL ME BACK is that it is relatively neutral and consistent. If you are a long-time reader, you would know that, by saying that, I mean a song that sounds the same throughout can quickly become boring after multiple replays. I don’t think CALL ME BACK is there yet, but the thought did cross my mind during my first couple of listens.

The music video sees TNX hanging out, waiting for a phone call back from the person they are interested in. I liked the urban and casual side of the video – simple and straightforward. Aside from that, the video also incorporates choreography shots, which help the music video feel dynamic to match the song.

I actually liked the intensity and energy that the members put behind the performance. It definitely looks cool and matches the song’s dynamic nature. The performances I watched saw the members put in their all, and this translated into a stage worth watching.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10

[Review] Big Girls Don’t Cry – ENHYPEN

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Leave a comment

Promoted alongside their latest title track, KNIFE, ENHYPEN also performed the side track Big Girls Don’t Cry on stage from their 7th mini album, The Sin: Vanish. While I don’t usually review side tracks separately, ENHYPEN did reveal 3 additional music videos, including one for Big Girls Don’t Cry, making it eligible for a full review.

It is quite astonishing to see how short some songs can get. Big Girls Don’t Cry might be setting a record, dropping below the 2-minute mark! Had it been longer, the track could have been so much more. But we don’t get that opportunity, as a result. Big Girls Don’t Cry has ENHYPEN leaning into a blended R&B and pop sound, offering a message of support, comfort and protection from heartbreak. I enjoyed the song’s mid-tempo pace, which allows Big Girls Don’t Cry to develop and create that comforting atmosphere the lyrics seek to portray. This is also aided by the members’ warm vocal tones. There was also an interesting flair to their vocals that I just cannot seem to pinpoint exactly what it is, but it definitely gave Big Girls Don’t Cry its unique charm and profile. It also felt like each member got a chance to shine in Big Girls Don’t Cry despite its short length, but the reality is that some members had a bit more time than others. It would have been nice to have that intro and outro performed by one of the members who did not get as much airtime, like SUNGHOON and/or SUNOO. Big Girls Don’t Cry definitely has potential based on what is there, but it is hindered by its short length.

With regards to the flair I mentioned before, I wanted to describe it as ‘country western’. I am convinced there is a tinge of that in the song. But I think that was put into my head by the music video, which shows the members travelling through the desert to protect the female character after they go on the run with her from the events in the No Way Back music video. Everyone assimilates into society by donning cowboy/girl-inspired outfits, thus relating the previously random cowboy concept photos to the comeback. They make their way to a diner, after JAKE uses his power to find a safe place. Here, they hang out with the local bikers and truck drivers, subtly showing off the rest of their powers. However, after spotting their wanted photos, the group leaves and goes back onto the road, before using JAKE’s powers again to locate a mansion they can hide at.

Whoever is styling ENHYPEN on stage is doing an amazing job. Hats off to them. As for the performance, I like how the routine highlights such cool vibes and charisma. There is also a laidback side to the routine that matches well with the music.

Song – 7.5/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.8/10

[Album Review] Fe3O4: FORWARD (4th Mini Album) – NMIXX

Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged 2 Comments

Next up for an album review is NMIXX, who returned in March 2025 with their 4th mini-album, Fe3O4: FORWARD. Led by the single KNOW ABOUT YOU, it features a total of 6 songs. This comeback followed two other comebacks that formed part of their Fe3O4 series: Fe3O4: BREAK (led by the single DASH) and Fe3O4: STICK OUT (led by the single See That?, both of which were released in 2024.

This mini-album sees NMIXX explore the hip-hop genre in their own way, either by blending it with other genres in a very artistic way or by focusing on hip-hop-centric tracks. The pre-release track High Horse stands out as the strongest and most captivating on the entire mini-album, while the R&B and hip-hop blend title track KNOW ABOUT U was highly supported by you (the audience) in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards, taking out the Best R&B Song of 2025 award.

NMIXX followed up this mini-album with their first studio album and title track of the same name: Blue Valentine. I will definitely be reviewing that when the times come. With this studio album and title track, NMIXX also took out Best Pop Song and Best Album in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. They also clinched the Rising Star of 2025 award. Read the rest of the album review below first, and then click here to find out who else came out on top in the other categories of the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED AWARDS.

Fe3O4: Forward Album Cover

1. High Horse (Pre-Release Track) – For those who missed it, High Horse was nominated for Best Rap or Hip-Hop Song in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards (I also considered High Horse for Best Pop Song, but their more recent Blue Valentine was already going to be nominated in that category). High Horse ended up as the Honourable Mention for Best Rap or Hip-Hop Song of 2025 (my code for second place). I was really blown away by how captivating the track was, especially as NMIXX’s vocals flourished. But it is the instrumental that captures my attention. It gives such a unique, different vibe compared to the abundance of music released around the same time. From the jazz-leaning piano to the bursts of breakbeat drumming that give off the hip-hop vibes that made it eligible for the Best Rap or Hip-Hop song, I have always enjoyed the track and will probably never get tired of it. (10/10)

2. KNOW ABOUT ME (Title Track) – Click here for my review of KNOW ABOUT ME. (8/10)

3. Slingshot (<★) – Edgy NMIXX is back with Slingshot. I liked how this vibe is very much felt through the really textured synth instrumental and their members’ delivery of the song. But there were also some really playful moments throughout the song, and this mix of vibes made Slingshot quite an appealing track in my books. (9/10)

4. Golden Recipe – In Golden Recipe, we hear the producers cook up a concoction of hip-hop beats and orchestral strings. While the combination has been done before, the result still felt quite unique. Despite that, I felt the balance was a tad off. The aforementioned beats and the members’ delivery (which I commend) make the hip-hop feel quite dominant, but I would have liked the orchestral strings to be a bit more dominant when they appeared in the song. This would have played into the track’s uniqueness a bit more and aligned with the other songs on the mini-album in that regard. (8/10)

5. Papillon – Papillon continues the hip-hop influence on the mini-album. The main difference I noticed from Papillon is that the members sound and feel bolder and more confident in their delivery. That doesn’t mean they weren’t bold or confident on the other tracks on the mini-album, but there is something in this track that makes it feel more upfront with the genre. It is probably the volume of their delivery. I also enjoyed the driving force of the instrumental, which features a great beat and synth choices. (8.5/10)

6. Ocean – NMIXX tones it down to help ease us (the listeners) out as the mini-album comes to its end. Ocean has a few characteristics of a ballad, including a vocal focus and a softer melody that provides a beautiful flow. But the instrumental feels more alternative pop, with added texture and an uptempo feel, which sets it apart from the balladry genre. Anyhow, those vocals, including the layering and harmonies, were amazing, and that melody feels very calming and soothing. The samples of ocean waves also enhance that calming, soothing effect. (8.5/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10

LILY’s teaser image for Fe3O4: Forward.
HAEWON’s teaser image for Fe3O4: Forward.
SULLYOON’s teaser image for Fe3O4: Forward.
BAE’s teaser image for Fe3O4: Forward.
JIWOO’s teaser image for Fe3O4: Forward.
KYUJIN’s teaser image for Fe3O4: Forward.

[Review] GO – BLACKPINK

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Leave a comment

One of the most anticipated comebacks of the year has to be BLACKPINK’s album release, their first full-group album since 2022’s BORN PINK. Today, they dropped their 3rd mini-album, DEADLINE, and their new title track, GO. Also featured on the mini-album is last year’s JUMP.

To me, GO feels a lot more abstract than their past releases. The first thing that jumped right out at me was the classier and more elegant vibes that GO exuded, which isn’t something I have felt in a BLACKPINK song before. The vocals in the opening verse, courtesy of all the members, felt euphoric. The pre-chorus does lean into shouty territory, but it didn’t bother me. The synths in the background suspensefully built up to the chorus. This results in the drop in the first chorus is quite punchy and powerful, and I quite enjoyed the grittiness of the EDM here. From there, we get an awesome rap verse from LISA and JENNIE (loving the piano in the background). But then GO does something boring – it repeats the same pre-chorus and chorus from earlier. While I did praise it at its first pass, it just doesn’t have the same impact and effect mentioned earlier. Luckily, the bridge doesn’t repeat earlier material, opting instead for vocals that feel reminiscent of ROSE’s solo work. Though the bridge does repeat the unnecessary “BLACKPINK’ll make ya” for some reason. For the final chorus, the same chorus returns, but with an additional “BLACKPINK” chant by the members. I didn’t mind the additional inclusion. The only other thing to point out is that throughout the song, GO lacks a strong melody or hook to remember it by, which does dampen its appeal.

Leave it to BLACKPINK and YG Entertainment to come together to create an amazing and stunning music video. The whole 3:21-minute video was a whole visual experience, with really aesthetic visual effects and transitions. The members look beautiful throughout. I presume the futuristic rowing concept is to reflect the idea that unity and courage keep BLACKPINK constantly moving.

I am unsure if we will get a performance for GO. The music video offers no hints of choreography, and I have yet to see anything that appears to feature choreography (e.g., shorts, performance videos, etc.). For the time being, I will not consider the performance aspect in the overall rating, but will return if something does pop up.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 10/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10

[Review] Bloom Hour – WJSN

Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged 1 Comment

While there have been some solo works from SEOLA and DAYOUNG since the group’s last comeback with Last Sequence, we haven’t heard much from the other members or the group in general. But finally, after four years, the group has been allowed to emerge from the dungeons to release the single, Bloom Hour, for their 10th anniversary. Unfortunately, this long-awaited comeback is without DAWON and LUDA (the members who did not re-sign with Starship Entertainment) and was poorly promoted by their company.

Given the 10-year anniversary, it is unsurprising that Bloom Hour is a pleasant, sentimental pop song for fans. One thing I liked about Bloom Hour is how it doesn’t take the form of a ballad (which is typical for fan songs). Instead, the upbeat instrumental of Bloom Hour gives it momentum and bite that I am extremely appreciative of. The impact of the first chorus hits me each time I listen to Bloom Hour, and I quite like this effect. The upbeat nature also makes Bloom Hour a satisfying enough release to somewhat plug the hole left by the group’s absence after all these years (though I am still manifesting a proper comeback from WJSN – Starship, please make this happen!). However, Bloom Hour‘s instrumental also feels sparse, and the song ends before you know it. I wish there were more to the instrumental to ground the song and make it more memorable. The members sound really great throughout the track, though more material (thus a longer song) would have been more appreciated. After all, it has been four years since we last heard the group, and a 3-minute song feels a bit short-changed. But nonetheless, I am happy to hear from the group and that they are still active.

I like how pretty the music video was. While there wasn’t much going on in the video, it was a nice way to pay homage to the group’s amazing visuals. The use of green screen could have been a bit better, but it still helps make for a beautiful video. For the most part, we get to see the members in a more ‘down-to-earth’ way, behind the scenes at a photoshoot/video or celebrating their 10th anniversary. During the bridge of the song, the music video features a cake with 10 lit candles, which could be a reference to their milestone or to their 10-member lineup. As a fan and a sucker for inclusivity, I prefer the latter.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10