Ok-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, Ok-pop’s albums ship hundreds of extra 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” 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 assessment for every, together with a Bias Checklist score, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be part of a particular Bias Checklist B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d prefer 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 tune appears topical in the intervening time, 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 just a few good melodic turns and the subdued, jazzy vibe of the instrumental units a comfortable temper. Nevertheless, this fashion of tune 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 just a few music reveals when it got here out. I’m very keen on AOA’s discography they usually have just a few mid-tempo tracks on this vein which are 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 significantly 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 inserting Kep1er of their woman group period. LVLY has good vitality however meanders a bit a lot for my style. The verses cowl numerous 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, but it surely seems like a waste of an in any other case partaking instrumental.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Twice – Candy Summer time 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 time Day melds that style with Twice’s candy melodies and cheerful vibe. Muted keys add to the feel, giving the tune 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 tip.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
miss A – Love Is U (2013)
Nicely, this battle is completely fabricated from woman group songs! This one comes from a very totally different technology than its rivals and you’ll 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 greatest tune by a protracted shot, however I take pleasure in its give attention to 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 time Day
Congratulations to Twice’s Candy Summer time Day – the sixty-third 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!
