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 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” characteristic.
On this characteristic, I’ll be placing on my A&R hat and taking a hear to 5 randomly-selected Ok-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini assessment for every, together with a Bias Checklist ranking, 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 wish to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You may try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
Billlie – My B = The Beginning Of Emotion (2022)
Billlie are well-known for his or her inventive b-sides. I don’t suppose I’ve ever featured one as a buried treasure earlier than, however that doesn’t imply I haven’t been listening. My B is an offbeat funk observe, pushed by rugged, ever-changing synths and pictures of vocal layering. The manufacturing is cooler than the music itself, however over all I actually like this.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
NCT 127 – Love Tune (2020)
NCT have a ton of b-sides that really feel indebted to 90’s R&B. It’s venue to showcase their vocals, and Love Tune spotlights each concord and nimble vocal runs. If nothing else, it’s a really satisfying vibe – positively nowhere close to title observe materials, however good late-album materials that’s carried out properly.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
IZ – Superstition (2020)
Generally I neglect there was a quick, Sweetune-penned Ok-rock idol group. Possibly that’s as a result of songs like Superstition don’t sound very like the Sweetune I do know and love. You may hear their affect in items of the melody, however largely this jogs my memory of 90’s Britpop. IZ promote the vibe properly, although a beefier instrumental might need elevated this observe.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
JUS2 – Take (2019)
It’s not typically we get an OST observe as a part of this characteristic! OSTs are sometimes straight-up ballads, however Take has a surging vitality that’s fairly satisfying. I really like the synths and percussion within the refrain. The entire observe has a sentimental feeling that registers properly by JUS2’s efficiency. It’s not the sound I’d anticipate from the duo, however that’s a part of the appeal.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Everglow – Moon (2019)
Everglow typically have nice b-sides, even after I’m not as enthusiastic about their title tracks. Moon’s atmospheric electronics remind me of one thing we would hear from WJSN, although they’re toned down greater than I’d like. The observe wafts alongside on vibe moderately than immediately memorable melodies, however its vitality is satisfying and it builds to a pleasant climax.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Fifth: NCT 127 – Love Tune
Fourth: Everglow – Moon
Third: IZ – Superstition
Second: JUS2 – Take
First: Billlie – My B = The Beginning Of Emotion
Congratulations to Billlie’s My B = The Beginning Of Emotion – the fifty-eighth 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!
