Okay-pop’s title tracks may acquire most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are value equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”
Past this, Okay-pop’s albums ship 1000’s of further tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that may grow to be 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 Okay-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 a 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 possibly can take a look at all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
CSR – Dandelion (2023)
Ah, the brittle Okay-pop piano ballad. We don’t get as many of those on albums as we used to, however they undoubtedly serve a goal as a resonant album nearer or breather between extra bombastic tracks. This one’s as nice as any, however the melodies really feel somewhat generic for this model. CSR sound nice, although. The track may have performed with an instrumental or vitality shift throughout its climax.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
ITZY – Tennis (0:0) (2021)
Wow, one other slower observe from a bunch often recognized for his or her upbeat bangers. It’s good to listen to ITZY strip issues again and ship a vocal-focused efficiency. Tennis continues to be a bit sprightly even when the manufacturing is subdued in comparison with their regular work. I believe it may have performed with a extra fascinating association, however its understated hooks are surprisingly sticky.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
CRAVITY – Perhaps Child (2022)
This observe comes from the period the place I first began listening to CRAVITY’s music in a severe means. It’s a cool, synth-assisted dance observe that shows potential even because it has room to develop. I’m not a fan of the fixed gradual downs (that second verse…), however the clean refrain may be very satisfying. I wouldn’t given the beat much more oomph to remodel this right into a car-rattling summer time spotlight.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Chungha – Loopy Like You (ft. BiBi) (2022)
That is an impressed pairing between artists, however I want it was in service to a extra thrilling track. I take pleasure in among the manufacturing prospers, however the general melody is just too repetitive – particularly when coupled with the repeated English-language hook. Nonetheless, there’s a sinewy, slow-burn funk vitality to elements of this observe that actually works. It’s sound for Chungha.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
BoA – Freak In Me (2005)
This battle is humorous. We’ve obtained all these songs from the previous 2-3 years up towards one from… 2005. And, guess what? The senior citizen amongst them has taken the crown! Freak In Me boasts essentially the most addictive manufacturing of the bunch, which buoys its in any other case subdued melodies. BoA drives the observe with confidence and chunk, particularly when she lets her vocals soar. This might have gone even more durable, however I like its regular beat and dynamic vitality.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Fifth: CSR – Dandelion
Fourth: ITZY – Tennis (0:0)
Third: Chungha – Loopy Like You (ft. BiBi)
Second: CRAVITY – Perhaps Child
First: BoA – Freak In Me
Congratulations to BoA’s Freak In Me – the sixty-first winner of my Battle of the B-sides!
Readers, what do you assume? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your personal rating within the feedback!