Ok-pop’s title tracks would possibly acquire 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 extra tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that may 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 evaluation 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 may take a look at all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
PSY – I Bear in mind You (ft. Zion.T) (2015)
I’m going to do my greatest to not repeat songs this week! I needed to comb the weblog for I Bear in mind You as a result of I may’ve sworn I’d written about it earlier than. Both approach, I like this b-side. PSY and Zion.T are an excellent, surprising match. However, it’s the power of the melody that basically seals the deal. I recognize songs that take one nice chorus and spend three minutes circling round it. This method doesn’t at all times work, but it surely completely kills right here.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Elris – Farewell (ft. A-Tom) (2017)
The place has Elris gone? They by no means fairly broke into the mainstream, however have a couple of nice tracks to their title. Farewell is extra filler than standout, however in the event you like this slow-burn sound you’ll discover loads to admire. I like the final vibe and the women sound nice (significantly after they all come collectively for the refrain). Nonetheless, a stronger melody would have elevated Farewell’s attraction. The addition of a visitor rapper is a pleasant contact.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
LOUD OST – Behind You (너의 뒤에서) (2021)
In one other “the place have they gone?” point out, what on earth is going on with the supposed-to-debut teams that received final yr’s LOUD collection? Momentum could also be dwindling, however the music that spawned from the present was really fairly good. Behind You is the sentimental finale soundtrack, with lyrics by collection mentor JYP. The observe has a really old-school method. It’s nothing particular, however very, very nice. Now, let’s get an official debut from its performers!
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Dreamcatcher – Crimson Solar (2020)
That is the second observe from Dreamcatcher’s 2020 album that has develop into a part of this function. Sadly, it’s not certainly one of my favorites from an in any other case robust album. The group performs it properly, however I discover this kind of minimalist, percussion-driven model fairly uninteresting. They get bonus factors for that dramatic pre-chorus, however the hook that follows is a bit of empty. If it had come from a much less memorable group, I’d in all probability dismiss it fully.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Xia Junsu – ..Is You (2016)
Hey, Junsu’s acquired a brand new observe out this week! I’m excited for that, however I’m not all that enthusiastic about ..Is You. For me, Junsu’s albums are typically fairly hit or miss. He information a variety of completely beautiful music, however often falls into this sort of toothless, jazzy fare that does nothing for me. Listening to a voice like his, you may simply shut your eyes and luxuriate within the grace of his efficiency. That issue elevates ..Is You a bit.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Fifth: Xia Junsu – ..Is You
Fourth: Dreamcatcher – Crimson Solar
Third: Elris – Farewell
Second: LOUD OST – Behind You
First: PSY – I Bear in mind You
Congratulations to PSY’s I Bear in mind You – the forty-third 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!
