Ok-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, Ok-pop’s albums ship hundreds of extra 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 pay attention to 5 randomly-selected Ok-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini evaluate for every, together with a Bias Record ranking, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be a part of a particular Bias Record B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d wish to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You’ll be able to take a look at all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
Sonamoo – Sense Man (2016)
Time and place can enormously affect how I really feel a few music. When this was first launched, I’m fairly certain I dismissed it (I barely bear in mind it now), however given our present backdrop of woman 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 Ok-pop generations, however the slick efficiency helps this stand the check of time.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Lee Hongki – Let’s Seize The Day (2015)
It’s exhausting to consider FTIsland’s frontman ever put his identify to one thing this EDM-influenced, however Let’s Seize The Day is an actual deal with. Its manufacturing adheres to the pageant 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 usually warped to go with the manufacturing. I want the music had a bit extra meat on its bones, however in the event you’re on the lookout 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 seems 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 women’ trendy 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 music attention-grabbing even because it cycles via 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. Though they had been large of their time, I really feel like too many Ok-pop followers neglect 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 strong 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’ll be able to hear the western affect on this one. Its dramatic refrain isn’t what I instantly consider once I think about a Kang Daniel music, however he pulls off the sound fairly nicely. There’s a resonance to the manufacturing that has loads of potential. I want they might have opted for one thing much less fashionable than entice beats, although. The music already feels a bit dated on this method. The choral parts are by far Save You’s most intriguing factor and I’d have liked 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 suppose? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Go away your personal rating within the feedback!