Ok-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, Ok-pop’s albums ship 1000’s of further tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that may turn into part of my “battle of the b-sides” characteristic.
On this characteristic, I’ll be placing on my A&R hat and taking a hear to 5 randomly-selected Ok-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini evaluate for every, together with a Bias Listing ranking, 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’ll be able to try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
Photo voltaic – Simple 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 mild acoustic guitar. To me, this really feels like kids’s music – one thing that might even be used as a lullaby. Due to that, the vibes are fairly calming and nostalgic. I don’t assume a lot of the music itself, but when I’m within the want of a chill second and deep breath, I would really 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 may be very a lot of its period, however I’m fairly keen on this sound. It’s not significantly hooky, selecting as a substitute to middle a rapped refrain supported by a gentle vocal melody. This mixture works effectively with the chugging instrumental, nevertheless it’s clear why this was a b-side reasonably than a single (although they did put it up for sale 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 lots of their songs, however its fitful association and glorious vocal efficiency offers it actual chew. 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 all the time be drawn to their extra upbeat moments, however Heartbreaker may 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 large standouts on that file, however even the slower, extra sinewy songs stand out. One By One opens with its searing guitar loop, setting the stage for an atmospheric sluggish 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 well-liked in Ok-pop. I’m undecided what occurred, however you not often hear them anymore. This period of Rainbow might have come after their industrial peak, nevertheless it contains a few of their finest music. I really like this fashion of woman group monitor – buoyant and bubbly and rooted in dynamic preparations and catchy melodies. That is so hooky and shiny and provides itself time to develop into an thrilling climax.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Fifth: Photo voltaic – Simple 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 assume? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your personal rating within the feedback!
