Pop Music

Battle of the B-Sides: Sonamoo, Lee Hongki, LE SSERAFIM, U-KISS, Kang Daniel


Battle of the B-sidesOk-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 1000’s of further tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can turn 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 Listing score, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be 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’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 vastly affect how I really feel a couple of tune. 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 lady group sounds, Sense Man feels very refreshing. The instrumental presents a pleasant mix of barreling percussion and tropical synth and the refrain is sort of candy and addictive. It has retro components that hearken again to earlier Ok-pop generations, however the slick efficiency helps this stand the take a look at of time.

 Hooks 8
 Manufacturing 8
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.25

Lee Hongki – Let’s Seize The Day (2015)

It’s laborious to imagine 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 competition 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 tune had a bit extra meat on its bones, however in the event you’re in search of 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 couple of LE SSERAFIM album. Their debut simply stays my favourite track-for-track venture 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 offers Blue Flame a way of fullness that retains the tune attention-grabbing even because it cycles via its sequence 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 have been huge of their time, I really feel like too many Ok-pop followers overlook 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 stable 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 after I think about a Kang Daniel tune, however he pulls off the sound fairly properly. There’s a resonance to the manufacturing that has loads of potential. I want they might have opted for one thing much less stylish than lure beats, although. The tune already feels a bit dated on this means. The choral components are by far Save You’s most intriguing component and I might have beloved to listen to them developed in a extra sturdy means.

 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 assume? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Go away your personal rating within the feedback!

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