Okay-pop’s title tracks may achieve most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are value equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”
Past this, Okay-pop’s albums ship hundreds of further tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can change 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 hear to 5 randomly-selected Okay-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini overview for every, together with a Bias Checklist ranking, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be a part of a particular Bias Checklist B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d wish to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You possibly can take a look at all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
g.o.d – Say g.o.d (1999)
For those who actually need 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 method. However past the apparent hip-hop traits of that point, the songs themselves have weight and groove that also make them enjoyable to take heed to as we speak. Say g.o.d is a bit throwaway, repeating oft-used hip-hop clichés for its refrain, however the power is upbeat and goofy in a method that’s sure to have you ever smiling and nodding your head.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Pink Velvet – Take It Sluggish (2015)
For me, Pink Velvet’s b-sides didn’t actually hit till their wonderful 2015 album The Pink, however then once more I suppose 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 track, as Take It Sluggish’s hazy melodies go by with out a lot punch. Nonetheless, I admire the monitor’s simplicity and texture. It makes for a pleasant, enjoyable summer season backdrop.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
GOT7 – She’s A Monster (2014)
GOT7’s output was so completely 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. Nevertheless, 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 easy melodies. It’s a enjoyable throwback that casts the fellows in a really theatrical gentle. I in all probability didn’t admire it as a lot as I ought to have in 2014, however time has been very variety to this monitor. The manufacturing is superb, from the searing electrical guitar to the sudden tempo shift on the track’s climax.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
SF9 – Play Arduous (2019)
SF9 have change into recognized for having sturdy b-sides – usually extra thrilling than their title tracks. Play Arduous suits inside this class, chugging ahead with synth-powered power and an enormous brass breakdown. This breakdown takes place of a correct refrain, which is a little bit of a disappointment. Nevertheless, each factor swirling round this centerpiece is sort 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 during.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Dreamcatcher – 4 Reminiscence (2023)
It’s humorous that this track 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 regular rock template to provide them an digital (vaguely “tropical”) fashion. This isn’t my favourite guise for Dreamcatcher, however the monitor has a pleasant mix of relaxed manufacturing and extra sturdy vocal turns. It builds towards a welcome – if temporary – climax.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Fifth: Pink 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? Go away your individual rating within the feedback!
