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 AlphaBAT!
Career timeline: 2012-2020
Overall sound: Mostly hip-hop based, though there are a few poppier moments here and there.
9. Fly (2019)
The requisite pre-hiatus ballad. It sounds about the same as most of them, though the vocals are quite nice.
Rating: 7.25
8. Oh My Gosh! (2014)
This is quite a swerve for a group known for their harder-edged hip-hop tracks. The song blends saccharine hooks with piano-led verses. It doesn’t really come together for me.
Rating: 7.25
7. Always (2020)
The actual hiatus (disbandment?) ballad. This one has a bit more heft to it.
Rating: 7.5
6. Surprise Party (2013)
Well… it’s a Christmas song. It’s got a fun bounce to it, though.
Rating: 7.5
5. #A-Ya (2014)
This has some nice vocal moments, for sure. The R&B beat swings with a satisfying groove, but ultimately the song is a bit forgettable.
Rating: 7.5
4. Get Your Luv (2017)
Ah, the required 2017-era tropical track. Everyone had one of these, and at the time I became quite sick of them. The sound has since become a fun bit of nostalgia and this song definitely has its enjoyable highlights even if most of it is completely generic.
Rating: 7.75
3. AB City (2013)
You can tell this was recorded in 2013 because it’s got those squiggly GD Crayon synths all over it. The verses are weirdly chill but the chorus works for me. (Not so much the “ABC” post-chorus, though.) The best way I can describe this is that the song sounds as if it’s drunk.
Rating: 7.75
2. Tantara (2014)
I enjoy this kind of hip-hop banger. Its swagginess is a bit cringey, but the beat hits with force and the chorus is quite catchy. I appreciate the guitar distortion as well.
Rating: 8
1. New World (2018)
Now we’re talking! The group reached their peak late in their career with this underrated banger. I love its sprightly energy but the melodic chorus is the song’s undisputed highlight. Hearing such a fully-developed hook is so satisfying.