K-pop is littered with acts who – for one reason or another – didn’t get the full spotlight they deserved. I’ve spent plenty of time ranking and reviewed the industry’s biggest artists, but these underrated acts should never be forgotten.
This feature will take a look at disbanded groups and rank/rate their entire singles run, placing them in the pantheon of K-pop history.
Next up is BEATWIN!
Career timeline: 2014-2017
Overall sound: Followed the whims of popular K-pop trends, but with very strong vocals.
6. Don’t Leave (2017)
Ah, the sad disbandment ballad. This is better than most, though.
Rating: 7.5
5. Stalker (2015)
The group returned with a harder-edged sound that matched K-pop’s increasing hip-hop influences at the time. The militant chorus is tons of fun, though.
Rating: 8
4. Rising Sun (2016)
This doesn’t feel like a huge musical statement, but the melodies and vocal performance are gorgeous and that comes across as very refreshing eight years later. (full review)
Rating: 8.5
3. Illusion (2014)
This packs a nice wallop with a big effusive chorus countered by a catchy “da da da” hook. The instrumental’s quite funky, too.
Rating: 8.5
2. She’s My Girl (2014)
I miss the days when random debuts from small agencies packed this much punch. She’s My Girl peaks with some nice vocal climaxes over its chugging beat.
Rating: 8.75
1. Your Girl (2016)
Oh, I love this song. The combination of that ultra-catchy synthline and falsetto-kissed chorus is pure perfection. I was always surprised this wasn’t produced by Sweetune because it sounds exactly like one of their songs. (full review)