Okay-pop’s title tracks may acquire most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are price equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”
Past this, Okay-pop’s albums ship 1000’s of extra tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can turn out 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 evaluate 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 wish to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You may try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
Photo voltaic – Straightforward Peasy (2024)
This music couldn’t be higher named. It’s the simplest, breeziest piece of music you could possibly think about listening to, with Photo voltaic’s candy voice underlined by light acoustic guitar. To me, this truly feels like kids’s music – one thing that would even be used as a lullaby. Due to that, the vibes are fairly calming and nostalgic. I don’t suppose a lot of the music itself, but when I’m within the want of a chill second and deep breath, I’d truly put this on!
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
D.Bace – One (2001)
D.Bace have been a short-lived group of the early 2000’s whose music picked up the place Nsync and Backstreet Boys left off. One could be very a lot of its period, however I’m fairly keen on this sound. It’s not notably hooky, selecting as an alternative to middle a rapped refrain supported by a mushy vocal melody. This mixture works effectively with the chugging instrumental, nevertheless it’s clear why this was a b-side moderately than a single (although they did put it on the market on music exhibits alongside the title monitor).
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
NCT 127 – Heartbreaker (2017)
It looks as if ceaselessly since NCT’s debut period. They launched some nice materials throughout that interval, together with their b-sides. Heartbreaker isn’t as boisterous as a lot of their songs, however its fitful association and wonderful vocal efficiency provides it actual chunk. To me, this feels like traditional SM Leisure: drawing clear affect from the 90’s however making the music a bit bizarre and fascinating. I’ll at all times be drawn to their extra upbeat moments, however Heartbreaker could be very good.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Taemin – One By One (2016)
I cherished Taemin’s Press It album. There’s some big standouts on that document, however even the slower, extra sinewy songs stand out. One By One opens with its searing guitar loop, setting the stage for an atmospheric gradual burn buoyed by Taemin’s evocative tone. He actually drives the music ahead, echoing the depth of that guitar in his efficiency. Whereas the monitor is rhythmic to a fault, the melodies really feel extra freeform and malleable, giving One By One a pleasant lived in sound.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Rainbow – Golden Contact (2013)
There was a time when these brassy throwbacks have been fairly fashionable in Okay-pop. I’m undecided what occurred, however you hardly ever hear them anymore. This period of Rainbow could have come after their industrial peak, nevertheless it consists of a few of their finest music. I like this model of woman group monitor – buoyant and bubbly and rooted in dynamic preparations and catchy melodies. That is so hooky and brilliant and provides itself time to develop into an thrilling climax.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Fifth: Photo voltaic – Straightforward Peasy
Fourth: D.Bace – One
Third: Taemin – One By One
Second: NCT 127 – Heartbreaker
First: Rainbow – Golden Contact
Congratulations to Rainbow’s Golden Contact – the sixty-sixth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!
Readers, what do you suppose? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your individual rating within the feedback!
