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 develop 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 prefer to pitch to my nonexistent artists!

You may try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!

Photo voltaic – Straightforward Peasy (2024)

This music couldn’t be higher named. It’s the simplest, breeziest piece of music you may think about listening to, with Photo voltaic’s candy voice underlined by mild acoustic guitar. To me, this truly feels like youngsters’s music – one thing that might even be used as a lullaby. Due to that, the vibes are fairly calming and nostalgic. I don’t suppose a lot of the music itself, but when I’m within the want of a chill second and deep breath, I would truly put this on!

D.Bace – One (2001)

D.Bace had been a short-lived group of the early 2000’s whose music picked up the place Nsync and Backstreet Boys left off. One may be very a lot of its period, however I’m fairly keen on this sound. It’s not notably hooky, selecting as an alternative to middle a rapped refrain supported by a delicate vocal melody. This mix works nicely with the chugging instrumental, but it surely’s clear why this was a b-side moderately than a single (although they did put it on the market on music exhibits alongside the title monitor).

NCT 127 – Heartbreaker (2017)

It looks as if eternally since NCT’s debut period. They launched some nice materials throughout that interval, together with their b-sides. Heartbreaker isn’t as boisterous as a lot of their songs, however its fitful association and glorious vocal efficiency offers it actual chew. To me, this feels like basic SM Leisure: drawing clear affect from the 90’s however making the music a bit bizarre and attention-grabbing. I’ll all the time be drawn to their extra upbeat moments, however Heartbreaker may be very good.

Taemin – One By One (2016)

I cherished Taemin’s Press It album. There’s some big standouts on that report, however even the slower, extra sinewy songs stand out. One By One opens with its searing guitar loop, setting the stage for an atmospheric sluggish burn buoyed by Taemin’s evocative tone. He actually drives the music ahead, echoing the depth of that guitar in his efficiency. Whereas the monitor is rhythmic to a fault, the melodies really feel extra freeform and malleable, giving One By One a pleasant lived in sound.

Rainbow – Golden Contact (2013)

There was a time when these brassy throwbacks had been fairly fashionable in Ok-pop. I’m unsure what occurred, however you not often hear them anymore. This period of Rainbow could have come after their industrial peak, but it surely contains a few of their finest music. I really like this type of woman group monitor – buoyant and bubbly and rooted in dynamic preparations and catchy melodies. That is so hooky and shiny and offers itself time to develop into an thrilling climax.

Fifth: Photo voltaic – Straightforward Peasy
Fourth: D.Bace – One
Third: Taemin – One By One
Second: NCT 127 – Heartbreaker

First: Rainbow – Golden Contact

Congratulations to Rainbow’s Golden Contact – the sixty-sixth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!

Readers, what do you suppose? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your personal rating within the feedback!