The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But along with most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights!
After a two month break, this feature is back with a vengeance. I really haven’t listened to much K-pop these past two months, so I have a lot of global treasures to share!
February 2022 Edition // March 2022 Edition // April 2022 Edition // May 2022 Edition // June 2022 Edition // July 2022 Edition // August 2022 Edition // September 2022 Edition // October 2022 Edition // November 2022 Edition
Alok & James Arthur – Work With My Love
A straightforward club track, but that “Lola’s Theme” sample is 2000’s nostalgia at its best.
Ava Max – One Of Us
Another month, another great Ava Max track. This album (finally out next week!) is shaping up to be a no-skip affair. Dancing’s Done is another stellar b-side released during the past few weeks.
Benjamin – Hoida Mut
The year is still young, but this is far and away my favorite song of 2023 at the moment. It’s pretty much perfect in my eyes, especially if you like synth-driven pop music. Hoida Mut is one of many tracks from Finland’s UMK23 competition I’ll be sharing this week. The country has quickly become my go-to spot for massive pop bangers.
Darin – What’s The Point
Darin’s best material has often been covers of other artists’ songs. En Apa Som Liknar Dig and Viva La Vida are still in heavy rotation. His propulsive, synth-drenched version of Johnossi’s What’s The Point easily joins this list. It’s absolutely fantastic.
Erika Vikman – Maailmanlopun reunalla (Dance D’Amour)
Speaking of covers, Erika Vikman’s stint on music variety series Vain elämää kausi bore incredible fruit. This is one of ten turbo-charged reinventions. She throws all the bells and whistles on top, as usual.
Generations – PARTY7 (GENEjaNIGHT)
I keep hoping this will get a music video and break Generations’ so-so string of recent singles. This is how I like the group best, powered by a breathless dance beat that bounds with exuberance.
Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha
Another UMK23 entry, Cha Cha Cha seems to have captured the hearts of the public. I love its mix of quirky EDM and shout-along rock. And in a cool evolution, the track actually gets more melodic as it goes.
Kid Phenomenon – C’Mon
Exile Tribe gifts its pre-debut units with original songs, and Kid Phenomenon’s C’Mon is the strongest of the bunch. Their group name is quite silly, but this satisfying retro beat is surprisingly slick.
Official HIGE DANdism – White Noise
I probably should’ve written a full review of this because I think White Noise is my favorite Official HIGE DANdism single in years. The spiraling instrumental during the verses is so cool and I love the driving energy of the arrangement.
Portion Boys – Samaa taivasta katsotaan
Yep, more UMK23 music! This is what you get when you throw the kitchen sink at a bombastic dance pop track. It’s got a bit of everything (including tons of electric guitar) and is shamelessly cheesy. But, if you love this sort of schlock the way I do, it’ll be love at first listen.
Robin Packalen – Girls Like You
The last UMK23 song, I promise! Given my longtime admiration for Robin’s music, this should’ve been my favorite entry. The song ends up being too generic for its own good, but I’m still enjoying that roller-rink ready disco groove.
Shania Twain – Giddy Up!
I’m always ready for some 90’s nostalgia and Shania’s country-pop earworms are still welcome in 2023!
The Last Rockstars – The Last Rockstars (Paris Mix)
This supergroup of J-rock legends needs no introduction, but The Last Rockstars gives them the grandiose sound they deserve. At first I was put off by the obvious rhyming pattern, but further listens have convinced me this is the aural sequel to Imitation Rain I’ve been anticipating for years.
Unite Up! – Storm’s Eye / Break Border
After years away, I’m slowly dipping my feet back into anime (the Trigun update caught my attention). I love series about the idol industry, and Unite Up has been a ton of fun so far. These songs come from different fictional idol groups (JAXX/JAXX and Anela, respectively) and are honestly better than most actual idol music. The vocals in Storm’s Eye are particularly nice.
Yuma Nakayama – Weekend
I haven’t been a fan of any of Yuma Nakayama’s recent comeback singles until Weekend. This one is a definite hit, as long as you’re up for some sprightly, clap-along cheer pop.
