keeping track of the comebacks i'm listening to

[yestoday]

Hello. Here is simply a disorganized log of my ratings of the new releases I've been listening to, because for some reason, even my Twitter nano-reviews have proved to be too taxing to organize in these hectic times. I've just been putting these in my phone notes as I listened, and I've been waiting for the time to be able to put it up on Dreamwidth and properly format it.

I'm less up to date than ever in K-Pop, which saddens me, despite the fact that this means I'm finally getting a real life outside of Twitter and K-Pop. I really can't just detach myself from a hobby that's carried my life for so many years like this! So, I figured the least I could do is keep up with comebacks of the groups I stan—and even that is proving difficult to fit into my schedule. (I'm even behind on BTOB content! I haven't even started Golden Spoon; can you believe this preposterosity!)

(I missed writing here a lot, but it doesn't seem like I'll be able to post anything new and whole anytime soon.  I would write a comprehensive update on every little detail of the events in my life these past months if I could! There's just too much. A lot more than I could have ever imagined happening to me is happening to me. I sincerely did not think going to college alone could singularly make my life this much more eventful. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, because there are times it's really fun, but there are also an extensive amount of times this fun becomes overwhelming. It makes me think: am I built for this? Maybe I shouldn't be here; maybe I'm not built to have a friend group. I suppose time will tell. If next time I return with a platonically broken heart, you will know the result!)

Okay, anyway; to the song reviews. Let me explain briefly, though: I tried giving myself some freedom with the format, because I usually find myself becoming too much of a slave to order and pattern, that I eventually get way too stressed over that, eventually stripping it of leisure. I tried very hard not to fall into that, so there will be no rhythm and reason to the way I comment on these. There will be some songs with a paragraph of comments, and some songs with a mere number rating—it doesn't mean anything! I'm just trying to not cage myself in rules again. Also, this is just where I left off from my nano-review tweets. Why don't I just continue tweeting; isn't it the same thing? Nah, because the prospect of not being able to edit after I send it makes me overthink it way too much, and I will spend hours trying to think of the precise words, whereas here, I allow myself to just type shit that doesn't make senes since I have guaranteed access to renovate it.

My Scale:
10 - Unbeatable. God Tier. Literally the best thing in my life.
9 - Excellent.
8 - Great.
7 - Okay.
6 - Okay…
5 - I'm going to be honest. There is never going to be anything below 5 because I appreciate all music as music. (But mostly because I'll feel mean.)

MID-SEPTEMBER to OCTOBER 3RD (unordered, because i'm stupid)

KANGTA - Eyes On You. 7.5/10

LOONA - Luminous. The padding percussion acts as a great driving force behind this already-impelling song. The form is satisfying. I love the unique incorporation of unexpected sound effects—is that a swordfight clatter? After all this, though, I still have to say I liked Sick Love better! 9/10

ENHYPEN - One In A Billion. This is honestly fairly similar to what I foresaw for a soundtrack for this WEBTOON. The intro and/or buildup of the song went by too quickly, which is something that I typically dislike. The drop itself was underwhelming, but the “oh, ohh, ohhh” part of the chorus made up for most of it; I liked that. 8/10

Kim Jaejoong - Nobody Like You. Holy shit, I’ve been so used to hearing him sing heavy, dark rock songs, I forgot just how diverse his voice can be. This song hit like a tidal wave: coruscating brightness like an enrapturing snare. The sounds aren’t anything unseen of before, but it’s the genre that just so happens to fit my taste. I like it very much. 9/10

Choi Yoojung - Sunflower (P.E.L). This along with the rest of the album has such a compellingly cute feeling. 8.5/10

DIA - The Blinding Past. 7.5/10

NCT 127 - 2 Baddies. Not even a riveting pre-chorus? The parts that were previously the saving grace in experimental NCT 127 songs—the pre-chorus and bridge—didn’t even reach the excellence of its preceeders! The vocal mixing a bit rusty, as well… sorry, the whole Nokia-recorded effect is just not for me. I will say that how they layered the final ending chorus gave it a half-point bonus. 7.75/10

SORN - Nirvana Girl (ft. YEEUN). 9/10

BLACKPINK - Shut Down. God, I love this more than I expected to. The string sample gives it a superiorly unique aura. Although the melody itself is not very dynamic, it gets pure creativity points. 8.5/10

LAY ZHANG - VEIL. 8/10

RoaD-B - ICARUS. My dear, dear Sweetune—how could I ever thank you enough. 9/10

CNBLUE - Let It Shine. 8.75/10

NMIXX - Dice. I really can't decide if I like this or O.O better because I love them both very much. This is expeditiously going in the "i'm the joker but in a hot way" playlist. 8.75/10

MAKAMAKA - I Am. This is so SISTAR; I'm crying real tears of joy. 9/10

The Rose - Childhood. 8/10

Jun - Limbo. Nothing could have prepared me for how innately VIXX this sounds. 8.5/10

Jay B - Go Up. 8/10

Kep1er - Sugar Rush. 8/10

XIUMIN - Brand New. I like Feedback and Serenity so much more—and How We Do, but the Mark bias may or may not be kicking in. 8/10

CRAVITY - Party Rock. This isn't my sound, but there are some B-sides off the albums that I enjoyed, such as Colorful! 8/10

MIRAE - Drip N' Drop. Sorry, I love them, but it sounds so fucking generic. 7.5/10

EXID - FIRE. Oh, this concept… my bad, didn't mean to moan. Hani… Hani… Jeonghwa… this eyeliner. You can tell Hyojin has been producing for TRI.BE because this sounds exactly like a TRI.BE song. Maybe my emotion towards these girls is clouding my judgment more than I'm letting on, but I love this. 8.5/10

OCTOBER 4TH

ONEWE - Still Here. You all know how much I adore ONEWE’s sound, but this feels a bit repeated. 8/10

TREASURE - HELLO. The BLACKPINK-ass opening threw me so off-guard… I love it though, holy shit. This infinitismally close to the type of 2010s escapism EDM I was just begging to return after David Guetta and Bebe Rexha’s I’m Good dropped. 10/10

AB6IX - Sugarcoat. Okay, this was better than I anticipated from the teasers. I was getting a strong ASTRO Candy Sugar Pop vibe from it, so I was expecting something that sounded closer to that. This is a lot sleeker, though, and I fucking love it, actually. While the hooks are fairly mediocre, I’m really into this instrumental. 8.75/10

SEULGI - 28 Reasons. I was crazy excited for the music video for obvious reasons, and while I was a bit let down for it not being as cinematic as I had in mind, I’m always appreciative of the performance aspect of any song. These dark, clean-cut solos recently have been really doing it for me, if I’m honest. I can see there being a limit to how much I’ll be able to take though. The rest of the album also goes insane… is Los Angles even real? 8.75/10

Rocket Punch - Doki Doki Love. 8.25/10

OCTOBER 5TH

ITZY - Blah Blah Blah. These are some of the rare, less forced-sounding rap verses I’ve heard in a while among recent releases in K-Pop. The music video is so cool. 8.5/10

KINGDOM - Long Live The King. I do admit that the bulk of KINGDOM’s title tracks have the same gist—this one included—this somehow still stands out to me in particular. This is an easy favorite title track. This chorus is stronger than usual! Also Mujin looks absolutely insane with that purple hair. The new members also seem very promising! I knew good things were coming when I noted that the teasers looked like every ONEUS concept combined. 9/10

JAMIE - 3D Woman. This is like a 180 for her. This is so different for her, but I'm really into it. 9/10

OCTOBER 6TH

DKZ - Uh-Heung. Oh, that classic fingerstyle guitar sample that I have been whoring out for since the beginning of time has returned, this time at the hands of DKZ. The drop was pretty bold ramp up; I don’t dislike that, though—it’s the sudden hip-hop switch immediately after it. I’m a bit tired of post-chorus raps being so unnaturally inserted. I’d say this started out promising, but I began to lose interest as the song went on and the format lost individuality. 8.25/10

OCTOBER 7TH

The Rose - Sour. One of my favorites in the album, along with Cure and Time. I must say: I have some mixed feelings about Woosung’s perm. 8.5/10

Stray Kids - CASE 143. Aww, this doesn’t sound as outstanding as their past few titles. It’s like a discounted rip-off of Maniac. I don’t dislike this track inherently, but it’s just the subconscious comparison to Maniac that makes it feel not as spectacular as it probably is. (You hear it too, right? The format and the drop especially was drawn off of Maniac, like they were trying to recreate its fraternal twin. I love the music video, though, and it does sound Halloween-y! 8/10

OCTOBER 11TH

DREAMCATCHER - VISION. I'm so serious; why didn't they done a spy concept sooner… they look so hot. I will say that the CGI this time around seems a tad more shoddy than past projects, so maybe the production team was getting a bit ahead of themselves with this one. Although not immediately riveting, I like the chorus. The chord progressions are really smooth on the ears. 8.5/10

TAN - Beautiful Lie. Pink hair Changsun is too powerful. I feel like I'm focusing more on visuals than music at this point, and you know what? I don't give a fuck! Are you seeing Hyunyeop? Sunghyuk? This song has such an uplifting beat and enticing bass line. I love how full it is at all times, like every nook and crevice is filled with one riff or another. Anyway… more lore? 8.75/10

MAMAMOO - ILLELLA. There sincerely isn't a single title of theirs that isn't irresistibly catchy from the get-go, whether you despite to admit it or not. They have such a talent for making a the most unique-sounding compositions, both on main vocal melodies and backing productions. It's been a bit since I've heard a reggae beat in K-Pop as noteworthy, personally, as this (the last one of this altitude being Sukhumvit Swimming, of course—my one and only). The dance break was undeniably pretty disconnected from the rest of the arrangement, but I'll excuse it because it didn't downtune or hinder any of the ass-shakeibility momentum going on beforehand. 9/10

OCTOBER 12TH

Kwon Eunbi - Underwater. She is so pretty. I love how much stellar energy the chorus excavates, but the rest of the song just doesn't quite match up to that strength. The palette of the music video are a lot blander than what the song is giving—or at least, from the colorful splashes I'm hearing from it. 9

Lee Chaeyeon - Hush Rush. This is the most generic beat I’ve ever heard. It’s listenable but so boring… why did they do Chaeyeon like this; I’m so sorry, queen. The bridge gave it a desperate, minor boost in character, so at least it has some semblence of identity. I want to like this because the music video is cute, but I just cannot feel anything at all from it as of now. But whatever—it has a solid and noteworthy choreography, thankfully. Her strong suit is at least able to be showcased through this debut. My mutuals were right about the B-sides being prominently better. I loved all three immensely—with Danny claiming number one spot! It's just another case of the title track alone residing in mediocracy limbo, I suppose. 7/10

BAEKHO - No Rules. I started getting more into it when the beat dropped and the guitar came in, but overall, the song was pretty mild in terms of arrangement. Nothing really stood out, but it’s not bad—just mid in all aspects. On the album: the first two tracks both hit so hard. Festival in my car is like the lovechild of NU'EST's Fine and—as a pleasant realization—PENTAGON's Off-Road. I love it so much. 8/10

JO1 - SuperCali. Stirring up the spooky spirit! 9/10

UP10TION - What If Love. College has made it impossible for my excitement for even my ult’s excessively-rare-and-hence-so-long-awaited comeback to ferment… I’m impractically late on listening to this, but dear god, it sparked things through my veins. The 10s are in their era equivalent to PENTAGON’s Feelin’ Like! Sorry, I know I’m a bad music reviewer because the moment it comes to my ults, nearly everything is automatically nigh delectable to my brain. The eccentricity of the song is good at a dismissable level, but the things the pure existence of it makes me feel are not dismissable! Are we seeing this center Yein… ARE WE SEEING THIS CENTER YEIN? As for everything else they prepared: why is the rest of the album so fucking good? Even the token closing ballad (Rewind) is good… this is the best UP10TION album ever; are we being for real, holy shit. God, I'm sorry for being so late on listening to this. I'm sorry to the boys; I'm sorry to fellow Honeys; most importantly, I'm sorry to myself—how could I deprive myself the experience of listening to Angel for four whole days? On another deranged and psychotic note, half of these songs are giving me major disbandment vibes—namely Bloom and Starlight—but I didn't say that; you didn't hear me say that at all, right? 9/10

Park Jihoon - NITRO. Everything I said about UP10tion applies here. Except—this is genuinely awakening something inside me. I won’t speak further for now. Post-album-listen thoughts will be recorded, though: I am happy to announce that Jihoon has officially overcame his mid music era. Look at Midnight! I'm so proud of him. Now, I can rightfully confess that I seldom remember what Gallery sounds like, save the hook, and the B-sides of HOT&COLD got boring after the first week. 9/10

OCTOBER 13TH

Kep1er - We Fresh. It's a bit messy, but aren't we all nowadays. Most of the B-sides on the album didn't prove to be any more noteworthy, but if I had to choose one that was decidedly better than the rest, I would pick Dreams. 7.75/10.

OCTOBER 14TH

RAVI - 유행 지난 춤. Hip-hop is not my field of expertise, but I like the beat. Wonshik always has great energy. 8/10

Wonho - Don’t Regret. It’s pretty! The rhythmic guitar builds a veautiful atmosphere. The aesthetic of music video is right down my alley, as well, even if I feel like it doesn’t particularly match with my perception of the song’s aura for the most part. 8.5/10

OCTOBER 17TH

LE SSERAFIM - ANTIFRAGILE. Alright, this song didn't live up to the hype I saw for it, but I can definitely sense it being a grower. The camerawork for this music video is fascinating, however… the themes remind me of LOONA—Why Not? in particular. But god, Chaewon has me swooning so hard. 8.25/10

N.Flying - I Like You. This is so fucking cute; it reminds me of Yaho B-sides. It's practically the most N.Flying-like sound you can think of. My loves… I want to spare so much affection for this, since this is their last album before 두 얼간's enlistment, but they simply cannot resist choosing one of the lamest tracks on the album as title, can they? This is also meant as a compliment, by the way, because these B-sides are even better than this sweet little tune of a title track that I already love. 8.75/10

(G)I-DLE - Nxde. Their message is clear and bold. The concept is honestly really respectable, and I love how they executed it. The chorus is catchy and flamboyant enough to stick but not feel overdone in brass. It's another I-DLE smash hit. Even more Soyeon's raps were better fitting this time… Unfortunately, I still need to state the obvious: it's an opinion exploited for hate, but I will have to agree that she is overdoing it with the English lines. I don't agree with the part that it's ruining the song, though. Anyway, Shuhua is serving this choreography like a three-course buffet. Yuqi's voice is seriously driving me to borderline madness, and I can only imagine Soojin being here for this concept. 9/10

Lee Chanhyuk - Panorama. Let's go 80s synthwave—again! The song was in a format we've seen recycled many times by now, but I feel a hyper strong connection to it in an explicable way. The music video and the lyrics were way too resonant, and I definitely shouldn't be getting into all of this in a music review, but shit. Out of all the songs with depressing meanings behind them, I don't think I have ever seen one that expressed my own thoughts better. This is exactly what it feels like when I can't comprehend realities apart and existence seems unworldly. I'm in between space and time, and the crush of both of them is maddening. 8.75/10

OCTOBER 19TH

WEi - Spray. Okay. They knew they ate with these outfits, but it's another typical noise song with the exact same format as approximately three hundred other 4th Gen. boy group songs. It's not their best. 7.75/10

OCTOBER 21ST

ITZY - Boys Like You. I am genuinely confused as to where all this sudden ITZY hate is coming from because I love this. I want to call it outdated in the most endearing way. It's nostalgic and sweet—something picked right out of the Carly Rae Jepsen pop rock era. 8.75/10

OCTOBER 24TH

Pink Fantasy - Bizarre Story : Get Out. I’m so glad to see them back on this concept right on time for Halloween! The vocals are sufficiently mixed for the ghostly choir feeling. Harin's cuter timbre surprisingly especially brings out the haunts; I wish she had more lines, but then again, they all sounded good on this. The choreography is astounding as always. It just brims with nugu glory. The one objective complaint I have is the one note that flies during the chorus. Twice. I honestly didn't like that choice, and I can hear the exact progression of notes that would be in its place if they didn't go with that, and I like it a lot better. 8.5/10

KIHYUN - Youth. I loved his debut single an astronomical amount, so I'm understandably expectant for this, right? Did this live up to Voyager? No! This song is so, so lovely, and unfortunately just barely misses the threshold that our wondrous Voyager set high. No shame in sounding basic, though, especially if it's still a sound I like. The lyrcism is treacly wonderful. Kim Ina my beloved. Assuming the rest of the mini album promotes the same theme, this is inspiring me to find time to look into the lyrics of the tracks Hyungwon helped write for him, as well… it's so pure. I've been missing adequate pureness in my life. 9/10

Jo Yuri - Loveable. It's evidently not as well-developed as her other title tracks, but the drop that you can sense creeping up on you from the first note is gratifying enough. I think it's pretty well executed. Those echoey tambourines carry treasured innocent joy. I also think it's cool how this single album is titled in reference to her previous comeback but "in Minor", and even song is "in minor." 8.5/10

OCTOBER 26TH

CLASS:Y - ZEALOUS. The hook is disproportionately catchier than what the flat buildup set it up to be—in a way I want to say I literally do not find the rest of the song worth caring about besides the "zela-zela-zela-zelous" section. 8.25/10

CLASS:Y - Tick Tick Boom. God, maybe MBC really are onto something with these double title tracks. Both of these slap, and this method seems to be faring well, just going off of the views and the likes count. I wasn't expecting them to take a smooth Latin-inspired turn, but they were fantastic with this! It's on a balanced line between calm and lively that's incrediblly easy to listen to. On another note, the music video for this is hitting… maybe I've simply been extra emotional lately, but damn. 8.75/10

EPEX - 사랑歌. Hmm. It's a cool concept, and it clearly has zest. Though, it feels empty—like it only has seasoning but no base food. Anyway, nothing from them has reached anything close to Do 4 Me, and at this point, I'm losing hope in expecting to. 7.75/10

TEN - Birthday. Something about the vibe in its entirety just feels unaligned to me, but then again, it’s clearly modeled to spotlight a breathtaking choreography (and I mean very breathtaking), rather than showing off its own dazzle. Nevertheless, it incorporates a lot of sounds I like—even if it’s in the lamest ways possible. New Heroes and Dream in a Dream continue to reign superior—in composition and lyricism. Don’t get me wrong, I love it’s cuntiness, still. 8/10

Rie (OnlyOneOf) - because. This lovely OnlyOneOf solo series is officially past the half-way point! This song follows the precious trend of being light and touching, but in every series, one is bound to be the least favorite. I think, as of now, it may be this one. Also, that Call Me By Your Name reference was just… slightly… cringe. Ignoring that, though, it still objectively sounds less bejeweled as the previous tracks. 8/10

OCTOBER 27TH

ALICE - DANCE ON. They bring a dash of color into this monochrome reels of moments of my life right now. The slope of the melody has a touch of citrusy nostalgia laced in it, I swear. 8.75/10

TFN - AMAZON. It's going to take me a while to get used to that name change… even with how much we made fun of "T1419," it as least had some distinguishable feature to it, as laughable as it is. Now, it's just laughable, with no unique trait. Sorry, back to the song: it sounds no different from the majority of what they've been releasing. I will have to go with the "I have nothing against it, but it's just tiringly formulated and uncaptivating" response again. 7.75/10

Acid Angel from Asia (SSS) - Generation. Okay, I don't even stan them yet, but I just wanted to say that I really vibe with those "lalalalala"s. I need to stan them, though. My Chaeyeon is here… My BUSTERS baby… I'll come back to you soon. 8.75/10

VIVIZ - Rum Pum Pum. 8.5/10

OCTOBER 28TH

Jin - The Astronaut. This feels like a special occasion… I love the buoyant drive, abiding updraft. The Coldplay energy is definitely eminent. 8.5/10

OCTOBER 30TH

This is not related to K-Pop, but on this day, I listened to this new Rina Sawayama album that my friend recommended me, and it wholly saved my soul. It easily beats Rina and Sawayama for me… but I don't know how controversial of a take this is. It's so original; it has such a fresh flavor of different familiar sounds that are mashed together in just the right blend of stew to give it a scintillating magnificence. Holy (Til You Let Me Go), especially, is the one for me. I gasped, for real. Every song on here is definitely going to be up there on my Apple Music Replay for this year.

NOVEMBER 5TH

Park Bom - Remembered. 8.5/10

NOVEMBER 5TH

YooA - Lay Low. I love the vocal distortions; holy shit, this is so catchy. The rhythm is ingenious, and the synth layers are such a lovely fleece coat on my ears. 9.25/10

NOVEMBER 6TH

NATURE - LIMBO. Oh, the synth caught my attention from the start. They look glamorous! The arrangement of this is honestly speaking to me… it’s just the right amount of messy and layered to tickle my brain. The energy is fortified furthermore by the rapid, boiling bass line and the descending horns sound effect (is there a name for it?), both of which are surpising when they first hit your ears, but you realize that initial shock is what pulls you further and further into the song as it continues. 9/10

NOVEMBER 7TH

HIGHLIGHT - Alone. I have heard so many good things about this prior to listening; I was so hyped to get to it. Deep house typically takes a hot minute to entirely immerse me, since its prominent, groovy bass line either hits or misses at first. I love how all the pieces fit together on this track: their smooth vocals vocals over slick beats is objectively nice to listen to. The melody itself is a bit basic, in my opinion, but again, these all grow on me in due time. Dark HIGHLIGHT is definitely a sight to behold, though. On that note, ‘Yoseob looks ridiculously hot’ is something I never expected myself to say in this day and age, but that hairstyle takes it for me. 8.5/10

YooA - Melody. The song itself feels breezy and weightless; it’s cute! I’m not sure how I feel about the way she’s taking on the IU drift in her voice, but this song gives sweet feelings. 8.5/10

NOVEMBER 8TH

KIM JONGHYEON - Lights. He’s luring me in with this space concept… he knows… Okay, but anyway, it’s a spry and cheery song packed with everything bright and good. The vibes are undoubtedly immaculate. I just wish this was my type of sound. (The key shift into a really random hip-hop bridge caught me off guard, but I suppose it wasn’t really unpleasant. I bet TheBiasList hated that, though. How has he been lately? I haven’t had the time to read up on his website in ages.)8.25/10

SEVENTEEN - DREAM. Okay, I sincerely hate to be that person, but their inspirational UNICEF-promotion style is getting old already. 8/10

NOVEMBER 9TH

CRAXY - Poison Rose. The visuals in this music video are so cool, namely the piano playing; that was nice. This song has lots of enticing elements, like the heavy, resonating bass throughout the chorus creating outstanding contrast. I quite like the style, and the vocals were solid! 8.75/10

NOVEMBER 10TH

Xdinary Heroes - Hair Cut. It's unique, yet not exactly down my alley. I personally still wish for more of an actual "band" sound from them, but of course, that's all subjective. 7.75/10

ICHILLIN’ - Draw (MY TIME). I think the pre-chorus was creative, but overall, nothing shone at all. It lacked a gleam that makes it interesting to hear. I suppose I could see myself potentially listening to this in certain moods. Those moods would come very rarely, though. 7.75/10

NOVEMBER 11TH

AleXa - Back In Vogue. The hook goes hard. She captures the showtime opulence so well. 9/10

Jeong Eunji - 나에게로 떠나는 여행. Oh my god, she devours this light pop rock genre. It reminds me of Younha. 9/10

NOVEMBER 12TH

TRENDZ - VAGABOND. It’s not bad. I think this may be my favorite title track from them. Although their sound variation has pretty much been a solid beeline since their debut, this one just leaves a slightly better taste in my mouth. 8/10

NOVEMBER 13TH

Kim Sunggyu - Like a dream. 8/10

NOVEMBER 14TH

Chen - Last Scene. I don’t think the chorus was built to what it was meant to be. The instrumental is minimalistic throughout most of it, which is great, as it places more emphasize on his vocals alone. It also makes the ending stand out more when the orchestrals pull through in a long brewed forte. I would simply ask for more dynamics. 8.25/10

VERIVERY - Tap Tap. The off-beat verses are really throwing me off. This is one of the cases where I… dislike how disjointed the sections of this song is. Man, this is hard to rank because I love the chorus on its own, but I can’t stand the key change in between. It’s a shame; this has all of the material—even the concept and dance are so charming—it’s just unfortunately organized. 8.5/10

YooA - Selfish. Finally, the big boy title track. The previous two have been wonderful, so I had held up the same standards for this! Maybe I shouldn’t have, though, because while I admit it’d be undoubtedly catchy on its own, compared to the pre-releases, it can only sound generic. I love the choreography, though—I love the snappiness. This comeback is making me see her in a new light. Her voice has such a broad range of timbre… I feel like every song sounded like a different person. I suppose that’s a skill on its own! 8.25/10

FIFTY FIFTY - Lovin’ Me. I know nothing about these girls, but I think this song is just swell and right down my taste alley. My only complaint is the vocal mixing, as I am usually not one to enjoy a muffled or staticky vocal track when it lasts the whole song, whether it was intentional or not. 8.75/10

NOVEMBER 15TH

DRIPPIN - The One. Okay, this is nice. This is the superhero race-pace done well. I was expecting a metallic, noisy drop for the chorus, but this is nice! Even when the noise drop did inevitably arrive at the bridge, it was honestly pretty tolerable and well-fitting. I love how consistent the rhythm is nearly the entire way through. The rest of the album, however, is fucking scrumptious. Silence would be one of the newborn songs that occasionally comes along and reaffirms me that I like 4th Gen. boy group music. 4th Gen. boy group music is my friend.8.75/10

VICTON - Virus. I liked it the very first few seconds because we all know how I love ethereal synths. Then, I didn’t like it because it immediately interjected the wonky bass line that never goes anywhere. Then, I liked it again when it brought back pretty rain drop synths throughout the chorus. This song was a rollercoaster, to say the least. It feels pretty unorganized, but I can’t dislike because there are so many elements I like. Also, Subin. Hey… if Chan leaving means Subin gets distributed this much more screen time, then maybe he should sit in that corner and think about what he’s done a little longer; I don’t know, man. The second track on the album, Time Chaser, may be one of my new favorite songs by them, though… 8.5/10

NOVEMBER 16TH

JUST B - ME= (나는). Damn, they knew exactly how to get to me by starting off with that pretty rhythm guitar. The video’s visuals are aiding this song’s affect immensely… this lighting is exactly how this song feels: sanguine and assured, the sunset that promises to lead to the next day. I genuinely love this sound so much, and I think it’s the type to even grow on me more and more. 9/10

woo!ah - Rollercoaster. My camp girl ambassadors are back, bringing the disco bass and Y2K pop synths with them. This is so, so pretty—so, so lovingly saccharine. I feel like this reminds me more of the stars than Catch The Stars. 9/10

SECRET NUMBER - TAP. Hello? Is the return of tropical-house-R&B-influenced K-Pop in the middle of this globally-warmed-winter? I’m fucking elated. 9/10

STAYC - POPPY. Okay, this is adorable. You can’t hate this. I love the beat drop so much; the rest of the song simply dulls next to it. 8.75/10

ARTBEAT - MAGIC. 8.25/10

NOVEMBER 15TH

CSR - ♡TiCON. I feel like I lack critical thinking right now because all I can think to say is “I love this,” but I’ve basically been saying that for every song at this point. I don’t know! I love the 8-bit sound effects! I love how much fun is laced in these rhythms! 8.75/10

NOVEMBER 18TH

B.I - Keep me up. God, the release of this album is probably, like, the most anticipated release on my agenda ever since BTBT dropped. And would you look at that! Hanbin secured the renown circle building that every K-Pop group with lore has filmed a music video at! Okay, time to comment on the actual song. It took a minute for it to get good good, but when the vocal distortions came in at the pre-chorus, that was when shit started going down. I can’t not comment on the choreography. Hanbin is seriously the most talented motherfucker ever; I seriously cannot wrap my head around how he does… all of this—how he writes, produces, directs, and dances this will on top of all that he already does. He’s the definition of an artist and performer at heart. (On side note, I will say, though, I'm a bit disappointed he didn't put the version of BTBT without Soulja Boy on this album; for some reason, I completely convinced myself he would. However, with the way this album saga is seemed to be set up, I'm assuming after part two there'll be a "special" or "compilation" version of these albums, and maybe then, he'll have the non-Soulja Boy version of BTBT attached as a bonus track. Damn… I just want to listen to a cohesive, fluid version of BTBT without losing the immersion to Soulja Boy's verse. I think I should clarify that I don't despise his feature; I would just prefer the version with Hanbin and DeVita alone over it any time.) 9/10

CORBYN - BURN. New Corbyn music… GUYS! NEW CORBYN MUSIC! This guy always fucking hits. He does the melodic edgelord hip-hop beats right. 8.75/10

FIFTY FIFTY - Higher. New Corbyn music… GUYS! NEW CORBYN MUSIC! This guy always fucking hits. He does the melodic edgelord hip-hop beats right. 8.25/10

NOVEMBER 19TH

Ryu Sujeong - PINK MOON. City pop Sujeong? Sign me the fuck up… you don’t understand how much I missed her singing. Her styling is literally so cute in this. 8.5/10

NOVEMBER 21ST

EVERGLOW - Ghost Light. BITCH! No one told me EVERGLOW collaborated with TheFatRat… I literally love this dude’s music. And he did not disappoint here; this is so fucking good. I feel like it legitimately perfectly merges his style over EVERGLOW’s signature power. This is crazy. I can’t believe they did something together, and I wasn’t aware until hours after its release. Sheesh! 9/10

&TEAM - Under the Skin. I haven’t been keeping up with whatever HYBE has been up to recently in the slightest. I’m gathering with every context clue that this is the resultant song for a new (another) survival show boy group. This has made no noise on my Twitter timeline, but I’m guessing that may have something to do with either it being a Japanese group or me barely being on Twitter nowadays. Anyway, I do like the song. I tend to always have a thing for survival show-tinged songs—the spiritedness, the sentimentality, the hope intertwined. Honestly, this also sounds like it could be something straight out of the title track rejects file for TXT’s emo era. 9/10

NOVEMBER 22TH

BoA - Forgive Me. First, I want to say she looks glorious with this gritty, fierce concept. She’s a slayer anytime, but no matter how much slay she puts in it, it doesen’t make this song that much more enticing to me. It’s a fine song, but there’s nothing particularly remarkable about it. I like the rowdy rock elements and her belting on it, though. 8/10

TEMPEST - Dragon (飛上). I’m so sorry… this is their most mid title track. What happened? They were on a great route, being an oasis of freshness in the modern day 4th Gen. boy group generic noise pool. They fell down the hole too soon… Hopefully they’ll be able to pull themselvees back out and return to what they had before in their next album. 7.75/10

NMIXX - Funky Glitter Christmas. They just really had to beat everyone else to the Christmas releases. Good for them! This is like a cute medley mixed with a twist. It would likely never cross my mind to listen to this again though! (JYP’s best Christmas song remains Christmas EveL… that was unique and innovative and every bit brilliant.) 8/10

ONEUS - Dopamine. Only the ending-bridge really stood out to me, sorry. That part alone gave it the extra 0.25 point boost. 8.25/10

NOVEMBER 23TH

TO1 - 얼음 땡. It has the same tone of funkiness as 1TEAM’s Ullaeli Kkollaeli… and we all know the emotions I have clinging onto that. 8.75/10

NOVEMBER 24TH

Kang Daniel - Nirvana (Feat. pH-1, WDBZ). Like album, like repackage: delectable. Man, I love this guy. 8.75/10

NOVEMBER 28TH

Red Velvet - Birthday. The hook was just as underwhelming as the unexciting build-up. At least the RV charm is still there and distinguishable, though. In a way, they can never really go wrong with the signature choral harmony. 8.25/10

Mill (OnlyOneOf) - beat. This is an interesting divergence from the previous songs… I kinda love it. Like, it threw me off at first, but it’s so not bad. Ending at the damn phonebooth again… the lore, the drama! 8.5/10

NOVEMBER 29TH

KARA - When I Move. Alright, setting all emotions aside, setting all sobs and tears during their MAMA stage aside, I will, on oath, produce an objective review of this song. This might me my favorite 2nd Gen. group revival comeback of this year. They haven’t lost a single ounce of their glamour and skill; it’s genuinely insane. While it doesn’t really feel as on character for their original sound as, say, Girls’ Generation’s group comeback, I must admit this undoubtedly suits them just as well. Like, they eat this up so much; I’m so sorry, they just do! Now, adding back in my Kamilia feels: fuck the quality of this is ineffable. I shiver every time the beat drops… the power in their vocals is still unparalleled even after all this time. I love everyone. I love everything. I’m so emotional. I missed all of them. I miss all of them so much. Youngji being alongside Nicole and Jiyoung… my heart, my fucking heart is so full. They’re so gorgeous, my god, they are stunning and haven’t aged a day in any aspect whatsoever. I watched their Killing Voice recently, as well, and I could not fucking believe how they were able to reproduce the exact tones, timbres, harmonies as those CDs a decade later. It genuinely baffled me and awakened way too many feelings. The moment Seungyeon sang that first note I felt the world spinning. I had no idea how badly I needed them back until now. How much is it to pray this won’t just be a mere one-time thing? (Please don’t answer that.) 9.5/10

ASTRO - 가장 좋아하는 사람에게 이별을 말하자. Damn! I had no idea they were having a Japan comeback at all, so imagine my shock to see Eunwoo’s face in my recommended with the letters “M/V” attached below him. Anyway, I’ve actually been quite into piano-heavy soft tunes lately (for studying reasons… ugh), so this really came at just the right time for a good opinion of it. Fantagio you sly bitch! Sanha sounds extra nice in this, by the way. His voice fits this song like a puzzle piece. 8.5/10

NOVEMBER 30TH

ATEEZ - Paradigm. Hmm, this is one of their worse title tracks. Still, it’s decent. The chorus just was in no way as cohesive and drilling as their others. 8.5/10

P1Harmony - Back Down. Cute. Quirky ass video. I don’t have much to say about the song, though. It’s nothing differential from their other title tracks. 8.25/10

ITZY - Cheshire. THIS IS MY FAVORITE FROM THEM. EASY. She is a splendid, pristine specimen for my “i’m the joker but in a hot way” playlist. This is also absolutely their best bridge. I love Yuna. 8.75/10

DECEMBER 1ST

RM - Wild Flower. Namjoon’s reformed style of solos have been right down my alley. It’s cinematic, grandiose, and has a touch of gleam. Youjeen has a magnificent voice that powers the effect. I’m actually highly excited to listen to the rest of this album. (Also, “flowerwork,” I hear?) 8.75/10

XEED - Dream Land. I don’t know who these kids are but there’s so much good material in this song. The random trap breakdown verse was annoying, but I’ve gotten used to it enough nowadays. Other than that, though, I like how bright the rest of it sounds—and it’s not in an overbearing superhero kind of way. It’s just energetic! 8.5/10

DECEMBER 2ND

Yein - Bus. Why is this the best indie ballad I’ve heard in a while. I love the subtle lilts in her voice. It blankets the song with a delicate and dulcet ttenderness. This is so precious to me. The just right, precise dose of gentle longing in the chorus is too wonderful to my ears. 9.5/10

CORBYN - Cold. It’s impossible for this man to miss. The muffled percussion build atmosphere. There’s some really well-placed cut-offs. As always, I love those orchestral instruments—and those vocals… man! 8.75/10

DECEMBER 6TH

Seo Inguk - Fallen. 8.25/10

THE BOYZ - All About You. 8.25/10

MINHO - CHASE. The SHINee solo saga being officially complete holds extreme satisfaction to me. While I quite enjoy the chorus of this—it’s light and agile, skims across the ears—the “running, running, running” part felt a little lazy and generic. The beat is also a bit too repetitive for my liking, but all in all, it’s not badly composed. 8.5/10

[NOW ENTERING: INTENSIVE HOLIDAY SEASON]

DECEMBER 7TH

C9 - Merry Merry Christmas. I love Younha. This honestly has such a heartwarming chorus. I’ll have to giveit extra points for that. Maybe I’m just soft. 8.25/10

DECEMBER 9TH

Weeekly - Happy Christmas. This is a more traditional style of Christmas special, yet somehow also one of the more enjoyable ones I’ve heard so far this year! 8.5/10

DECEMBER 13TH

WEi - Gift For You. Christmas songs in minor keys are the best, but this one honestly felt like it had no essence. The producer was probably rushed and that’s underestandable. 8/10

DECEMBER 14TH

Red Velvet X aespa - Beautiful Christmas. I’ll be honest, this is not my type Christmas song—too reliant on the power of friendship and not enough on the actual holiday magic. 7.75/10

DECEMBER 15TH

Super Junior - Celebrate. Okay, I’m vibing with the sparkliness, but the refrain is arguably a bit boring. I have to say, the gradual and consistent build to the end saved it a bit. 8.25/10

DECEMBER 16TH

NCT DREAM - Candy. There’s nothing to say; I love this song, and this remake gave me such an intense rush of euphoria. The Dreamies have to do Happiness next… I’m imagining Jaemin doing scrinkly Woohyuk’s rap. I love this Candy one too much, I’m telling you I need more already. Also, I cannot explain it but Renjun is too perfect in this. I can feel my heart ripping apart. 9/10

CHUNJI (TEEN TOP) - 이별이 늦어져서 미안해. My babe Chunji finally gets the opportunity to debut solo and TOP MEDIA gives him the lamest ballad ever… it’s alright, I suppose I just have to accept it at this point. 7/10

DECEMBER 19TH

NewJeans - Ditto. Although certainly dreamy and atmospheric, the sectionality of the overall form is a bit too blurred for my personal taste. However, I can’t deny it’s well-made with an engaging flow and tempo! I do like it as a song, but I just don’t see myself listening to it extremely often. 8.5/10

Ha Hyunsang - When Winter Comes. 8.25/10

Apink CHOBOM - You are the inspiration (I will give you all reply). 8.25/10

DECEMBER 21ST

Stray Kids - FAM. Okay, I've already heard the Japanese version ages back, but I didn't know the lyrics then so this is hitting way different—especially with the music video. God, I love these guys so much. I love when groups make a song about themselves: not about fans, love, fame… just them appreciating each other. Also, "Every day, every night, you can always see the stars; freckles like constellations" has to be the loveliest line of lyrics of ever. 9/10

DECEMBER 22ND

Moonbyul - PRESENT. 8.5/10

DECEMBER 23RD

Vernon - Black Eye. 9/10

[INTENSIVE HOLIDAY SEASON CONCLUDED]

DECEMBER 28TH

WayV - Phantom. The is actually pretty interesting. I’m enjoying the spooky continuance; they grabbed onto the essence and made it chillingly powerful. They all look hot, too—emphasis on Ten and Xiaojun… and Winwin, whew. 8.75/10

DECEMBER 30TH

ATEEZ - HALAZIA. The visuals and choreography are insane as usual. I automatically like it, for the genre is right down my lane, but I have to say it dosen’t seem to possess the ability to immediately hit like so many of their previous songs. Perhaps it’s in a structure that I’ve grown way too accustomed to? They’ve fallen victim to the lame anti-drop trend. That being said, the hardstep bridge breakdown was redeeming; at least there was something that sounds distinguishable! 8.75/10

I will continue updating this as I go, until whenever I feel confident enough to either return to tweeting or begin a new post. Also, no, as much as I want to, I will not put myself through tagging every single artist I'm putting on here—at least for now.