Ok-pop’s title tracks would possibly achieve most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are price equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”
Past this, Ok-pop’s albums ship hundreds of extra tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can develop into part of my “battle of the b-sides” characteristic.
On this characteristic, I’ll be placing on my A&R hat and taking a pay attention to 5 randomly-selected Ok-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini evaluate 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 wish to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You possibly can try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
fromis_9 – Promise (2021)
This track appears topical for the time being, given the truth that fromis_9 carried out their final stage as a Pledis Leisure group this week at MBC’s year-end gayo. The group has many nice b-sides to their identify, however sadly my shuffle button picked a considerably boring providing. Promise has a number of good melodic turns and the subdued, jazzy vibe of the instrumental units a comfy temper. Nevertheless, this fashion of track won’t ever be my factor.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
AOA – Tremendous Duper (2018)
This wasn’t a title observe however was promoted on a number of music exhibits when it got here out. I’m very keen on AOA’s discography and so they have a number of mid-tempo tracks on this vein which might be fairly good. Nevertheless, these songs had Courageous Brothers’ deft manufacturing hand working behind the scene. Tremendous Duper lacks the killer hooks to make it a spotlight. The “tremendous duper du” phrase feels awkward and unintentionally humorous. It’s catchy however not notably thrilling.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Kep1er – LVLY (2023)
The rhythms on this observe are so gen 4 / gen 5 coded, immediately putting Kep1er of their lady group period. LVLY has good power however meanders a bit a lot for my style. The verses cowl a variety of floor however the refrain spends an excessive amount of time actually spelling out its hook in a sing-talk fashion that fails to land for me. I don’t know why I’m averse to this fashion of songwriting, however it looks like a waste of an in any other case participating instrumental.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Twice – Candy Summer season Day (2020)
Stick round lengthy sufficient as a Ok-pop group and also you’ll ultimately get to your requisite new jack swing observe. Candy Summer season Day melds that style with Twice’s candy melodies and cheerful vibe. Muted keys add to the feel, giving the track a little bit of distinction. So far as Twice songs go, this lacks the punch of a killer title observe, however its heat refrain and enjoyable, chant-along bridge make for a really strong album nearer. It builds to fairly a fervor towards the top.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
miss A – Love Is U (2013)
Effectively, this battle is solely made from lady group songs! This one comes from a very totally different era than its rivals and you may hear that in the best way it’s produced. There’s a timeless high quality to the instrumental, preferring drums, guitar and strings to trendier synth fare. I wouldn’t name this miss A’s finest track by an extended shot, however I get pleasure from its deal with vocals and the ascending melodies throughout the verses. And though the refrain is a bit too repetitive for its personal good, the stay band really feel of the association compensates.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Fifth: Kep1er – LVLY
Fourth: fromis_9 – Promise
Third: AOA – Tremendous Duper
Second: miss A – Love Is U
First: Twice – Candy Summer season Day
Congratulations to Twice’s Candy Summer season Day – the sixty-third winner of my Battle of the B-sides!
Readers, what do you suppose? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your individual rating within the feedback!