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 Sixty-One
CSR – Dandelion (2023)
Ah, the brittle K-pop piano ballad. We don’t get as many of these on albums as we used to, but they definitely serve a purpose as a resonant album closer or breather between more bombastic tracks. This one’s as pleasant as any, but the melodies feel rather generic for this style. CSR sound great, though. The song could have done with an instrumental or energy shift during its climax.
Hooks
7
Production
7
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.25
ITZY – Tennis (0:0) (2021)
Wow, another slower track from a group usually known for their upbeat bangers. It’s nice to hear ITZY strip things back and deliver a vocal-focused performance. Tennis is still a bit sprightly even if the production is subdued compared to their usual work. I think it could have done with a more interesting arrangement, but its understated hooks are surprisingly sticky.
Hooks
8
Production
7
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5
CRAVITY – Maybe Baby (2022)
This track comes from the era where I first started paying attention to CRAVITY’s music in a serious way. It’s a funky, synth-assisted dance track that displays potential even as it has room to grow. I’m not a fan of the constant slow downs (that second verse…), but the smooth chorus is very satisfying. I wouldn’t given the beat even more oomph to transform this into a car-rattling summer highlight.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8
Chungha – Crazy Like You (ft. BiBi) (2022)
This is an inspired pairing between artists, but I wish it was in service to a more exciting song. I enjoy some of the production flourishes, but the overall melody is too repetitive – especially when coupled with the repeated English-language hook. Still, there’s a sinewy, slow-burn funk energy to parts of this track that really works. It’s a good sound for Chungha.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75
BoA – Freak In Me (2005)
This battle is funny. We’ve got all these songs from the past 2-3 years up against one from… 2005. And, guess what? The senior citizen among them has taken the crown! Freak In Me boasts the most addictive production of the bunch, which buoys its otherwise subdued melodies. BoA drives the track with confidence and bite, especially when she lets her vocals soar. This could have gone even harder, but I love its steady beat and dynamic energy.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.25
My Verdict:
Fifth: CSR – Dandelion
Fourth: ITZY – Tennis (0:0)
Third: Chungha – Crazy Like You (ft. BiBi)
Second: CRAVITY – Maybe Baby
First: BoA – Freak In Me
Congratulations to BoA’s Freak In Me – the sixty-first 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!