Okay-pop’s title tracks would possibly acquire most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are value equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”

Past this, Okay-pop’s albums ship 1000’s of further tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that may turn out to be 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 evaluate for every, together with a Bias Listing ranking, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be a part of a particular Bias Listing B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d prefer to pitch to my nonexistent artists!

You may take a look at all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!

g.o.d – Say g.o.d (1999)

When you actually wish to step right into a time warp, placed on any of g.o.d’s early albums. They’re so rooted of their period (late-90’s/early 00’s) in a really satisfying means. However past the plain hip-hop tendencies of that point, the songs themselves have weight and groove that also make them enjoyable to hearken to at the moment. Say g.o.d is a bit throwaway, repeating oft-used hip-hop clichés for its refrain, however the vitality is upbeat and goofy in a means that’s sure to have you ever smiling and nodding your head.

Crimson Velvet – Take It Sluggish (2015)

For me, Crimson Velvet’s b-sides didn’t actually hit till their glorious 2015 album The Crimson, however then once more I assume they didn’t even have many b-sides as much as that time! Take It Sluggish is infinitely nice, portray a heat, brassy tone that emphasizes their unbelievable vocal mix. It’s a case of the execution being stronger than the precise tune, as Take It Sluggish’s hazy melodies go by with out a lot punch. Nonetheless, I recognize the observe’s simplicity and texture. It makes for a pleasant, enjoyable summer season backdrop.

GOT7 – She’s A Monster (2014)

GOT7’s output was so totally different again of their debut period. They hadn’t but taken as a lot artistic management as they later would, relying as an alternative on agency-chosen songs. Nonetheless, this period spawned a lot of my favourite GOT7 materials. She’s A Monster hearkens again to mid-2000’s R&B with its mix of instrumental drama and clean melodies. It’s a enjoyable throwback that casts the fellows in a really theatrical gentle. I most likely didn’t recognize it as a lot as I ought to have in 2014, however time has been very form to this observe. The manufacturing is great, from the searing electrical guitar to the sudden tempo shift on the tune’s climax.

SF9 – Play Arduous (2019)

SF9 have turn out to be recognized for having sturdy b-sides – typically extra thrilling than their title tracks. Play Arduous matches inside this class, chugging ahead with synth-powered vitality and a giant brass breakdown. This breakdown takes place of a correct refrain, which is a little bit of a disappointment. Nonetheless, each ingredient swirling round this centerpiece is kind of satisfying. I really like the rugged electro textures of the second verse and the home keys that underline every pre-chorus. Play Arduous maintains a welcome sense of depth throughout.

Dreamcatcher – 4 Reminiscence (2023)

It’s humorous that this tune popped up randomly after Dreamcatcher’s sub-unit UAU made their debut this week with a lesser model of this sound. 4 Reminiscence strikes away from the group’s ordinary rock template to present them an digital (vaguely “tropical”) model. This isn’t my favourite guise for Dreamcatcher, however the observe has a pleasant mix of relaxed manufacturing and extra strong vocal turns. It builds towards a welcome – if temporary – climax.

Fifth: Crimson Velvet – Take It Sluggish
Fourth: g.o.d – Say g.o.d
Third: Dreamcatcher – 4 Reminiscence
Second: SF9 – Play Arduous

First: GOT7 – She’s A Monster

Congratulations to GOT7’s She’s A Monster – the sixty-seventh 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!