Battle of the B-Sides: ONF, NCT 127, G.Soul, Cho Yong-Pil, Lovelyz

K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.”

Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature.

In this feature, I’ll be putting on my A&R hat and taking a listen to five randomly-selected K-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini review for each, including a Bias List rating, and rank them from least to most favorite. The winner will join a special Bias List B-side playlist. Think of it like my own little agency, hand-selecting songs I’d like to pitch to my nonexistent artists!

You can check out all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides here!

Battle of the B-sides: Round Two

ONF – Moscow Moscow (2019)

Though I’m not usually a fan of slower, moodier boy group fare, ONF knows how to make the style work. Moscow Moscow is an album standout, grooving on jazzy undertones but always putting the guys’ vocals front and center. The chorus harnesses a brilliant melody that injects a real sense of emotion. As with much of their material, Moscow feels worlds apart from what most groups are doing. I especially love the haunting bridge, which dials back on the instrumental before hitting us with a layered, chant-like refrain that adds great texture to an already-tactile track.

Hooks 9 Production 8 Longevity 9 Bias 8 RATING 8.5

NCT 127 – Dreams Come True (2020)

SM boy groups love their 90’s throwbacks, and there are touches of that decade’s sound within Dreams Come True. I like the instrumental’s scratchy, lo-fi sound, especially when paired with the piano arpeggios that run through the track. The chorus is more robustly produced, as brass supports the effusive refrain. The group’s vocals sound fantastic when layered together, giving Dreams Come True the memorable centerpiece it needs. The second verse is also a standout, as the arrangement becomes more loose and jazzy.

Hooks 8 Production 8 Longevity 8 Bias 8 RATING 8

G.Soul – Till I Die (2015)

This track throws off great atmosphere right from the start, with those wind tunnel effects and moody synths. The first verse unfolds in constant build, with the muted percussion hiding just under the hood. This climaxes in a simple, straightforward hook. But in this case, I think the simplicity works. Although slight, the melody is quite euphoric – made even more so by G.Soul’s strong performance. I wish the song would built to an even greater climax during its finale, but it casts a great vibe either way. The percolating, tropical synths are a nice touch that adds to the song’s sense of optimism.

Hooks 8 Production 9 Longevity 9 Bias 8 RATING 8.5

Cho Yong-Pil – When I Am With You (2013)

K-pop royalty Cho Yong-Pil made a super successful comeback in 2013, melding his timeless sound with trendier elements. When I Am With You encapsulates this style well. It’s a straightforward rocker, driven by his gravelly voice and a punchy power pop hook. I love the scuzzy distortion in the verses, and the pre-chorus makes a few satisfying melodic turns. The chorus itself surges forward with a satisfying heft, paying off with a higher-toned refrain that adds a great sense of movement to the track. As expected from this artist, there’s a real classic appeal to When I Am With You.

Hooks 8 Production 8 Longevity 8 Bias 8 RATING 8

Lovelyz – Fallin’ (2017)

Lovelyz never get enough credit for their strong vocals, and mid-tempos like Fallin’ are a good showcase for this skill. The song unveils a luxurious sound, fueled by twinkling keys and an early-00’s pop/r&b beat. The melody is more subtle than most of the tracks in this feature, but that works to the song’s advantage. Fallin’s chorus gently peaks with gorgeous crests, and I love how they’re echoed by a male backing vocal. The song’s ornate bridge adds a spike of drama, bringing in a wonderful waterfall of synth.

Hooks 8 Production 8 Longevity 8 Bias 8 RATING 8 My Verdict:

Fifth: NCT 127 – Dreams Come True
Fourth: Cho Yong-Pil – When I Am With You
Third: Lovelyz – Fallin’
Second: G.Soul – Till I Die

First: ONF – Moscow Moscow

Congratulations to ONF’s Moscow Moscow – the second winner of my Battle of the B-sides!

Readers, what do you think? Did you discover any hidden gems? Leave your own ranking in the comments!

Original Article