Ok-pop’s title tracks may achieve most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are value equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”

Past this, Ok-pop’s albums ship hundreds of extra tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can change 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 pay attention to 5 randomly-selected Ok-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini assessment for every, together with a Bias Checklist score, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be a part of a particular Bias Checklist B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d wish to pitch to my nonexistent artists!

You possibly can try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!

CSR – Dandelion (2023)

Ah, the brittle Ok-pop piano ballad. We don’t get as many of those on albums as we used to, however they positively serve a function as a resonant album nearer or breather between extra bombastic tracks. This one’s as nice as any, however the melodies really feel relatively generic for this fashion. CSR sound nice, although. The tune may have carried out with an instrumental or power shift throughout its climax.

ITZY – Tennis (0:0) (2021)

Wow, one other slower observe from a bunch normally recognized for his or her upbeat bangers. It’s good to listen to ITZY strip issues again and ship a vocal-focused efficiency. Tennis remains to be a bit sprightly even when the manufacturing is subdued in comparison with their traditional work. I believe it may have carried out with a extra attention-grabbing association, however its understated hooks are surprisingly sticky.

CRAVITY – Perhaps Child (2022)

This observe comes from the period the place I first began taking note of CRAVITY’s music in a severe method. It’s a cool, synth-assisted dance observe that shows potential even because it has room to develop. I’m not a fan of the fixed sluggish downs (that second verse…), however the easy refrain could be very satisfying. I wouldn’t given the beat much more oomph to rework this right into a car-rattling summer time spotlight.

Chungha – Loopy Like You (ft. BiBi) (2022)

That is an impressed pairing between artists, however I want it was in service to a extra thrilling tune. I get pleasure from a few of the manufacturing thrives, however the total melody is just too repetitive – particularly when coupled with the repeated English-language hook. Nonetheless, there’s a sinewy, slow-burn funk power to components of this observe that actually works. It’s a very good sound for Chungha.

BoA – Freak In Me (2005)

This battle is humorous. We’ve acquired all these songs from the previous 2-3 years up towards one from… 2005. And, guess what? The senior citizen amongst them has taken the crown! Freak In Me boasts essentially the most addictive manufacturing of the bunch, which buoys its in any other case subdued melodies. BoA drives the observe with confidence and chunk, particularly when she lets her vocals soar. This might have gone even tougher, however I like its regular beat and dynamic power.

Fifth: CSR – Dandelion
Fourth: ITZY – Tennis (0:0)
Third: Chungha – Loopy Like You (ft. BiBi)
Second: CRAVITY – Perhaps Child

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 suppose? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your personal rating within the feedback!