Following a tradition first established in 2020, I’m celebrating the holidays today with the opening of gifts. These packages come in the form of seasonal K-pop tracks not yet reviewed on the blog.
Like last year, I’m either keeping the gifts or planning to return them. Unfortunately, there was a lot of coal in the stocking this time!
I’ll see you later today for a write-up on the SBS Gayo Daejun. Happy Holidays!
BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON – Christmas With You
It’s definitely sleepy, but this is the one time of year I have room for this jazzy style. Unfortunately, there’s just not enough going on with the melodies for me.
Verdict: Return
Brand New Music Artists – Make It New
It’s refreshing to get a New Year’s song amidst all the Christmas fare, but otherwise this is a skip.
Verdict: Return
Chungha – There Goes Santa Claus!
This is really fun and jaunty.
Verdict: Keep
Dreamcatcher – My Christmas Sweet Love
This is not the group I’d expect to do a Christmas track! This works quite well, though.
Verdict: Keep
FAVE1 – Christmas Kiss
A bit toothless, even for a Christmas song.
Verdict: Return
Hyojung (Oh My Girl) – Hot December
It’s just a bit boring, unfortunately.
Verdict: Return
Jooan (TAN) – Because It’s Christmas
Repetitive as hell, but I like the energy.
Verdict: Keep
Kei (Lovelyz) – Winter Garden
We need her official solo debut because this is not tiding me over.
Verdict: Return
Moonbyul – Make It Christmas
The sleigh bells are here to save the day, but otherwise this is too sleepy for me.
Verdict: Return
NCHIVE – NChristmAs!
No thank you.
Verdict: Return
ONEWE – We X Mas
This feels like it could be played all year wrong but unfortunately I find it a little dull.
Verdict: Return
Super Junior-D&E – Jingle Jingle
That chorus is a definite chop.
Verdict: Return
Twice – Magical
This is quite pleasant. I’ll always love a chugging synth beat.
Verdict: Keep
TWS – Highlight (Holiday Version)
I much prefer the original mix, but I’m not about to return any gift TWS delivers.
Verdict: Keep
Young Posse – Street Carol… (with John Park)
I did not expect this to be so… serious?