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

Past this, Ok-pop’s albums ship 1000’s of further tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can turn into part of my “battle of the b-sides” function.

On this function, 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 evaluate for every, together with a Bias Record score, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be a part of a particular Bias Record B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d prefer to pitch to my nonexistent artists!

You’ll be able to try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!

Billlie – My B = The Start Of Emotion (2022)

Billlie are well-known for his or her inventive b-sides. I don’t suppose I’ve ever featured one as a buried treasure earlier than, however that doesn’t imply I haven’t been listening. My B is an offbeat funk monitor, pushed by rugged, ever-changing synths and photographs of vocal layering. The manufacturing is cooler than the music itself, however over all I actually like this.

NCT 127 – Love Track (2020)

NCT have a ton of b-sides that really feel indebted to 90’s R&B. It’s a very good venue to showcase their vocals, and Love Track spotlights each concord and nimble vocal runs. If nothing else, it’s a really satisfying vibe – undoubtedly nowhere close to title monitor materials, however good late-album materials that’s carried out properly.

IZ – Superstition (2020)

Typically I neglect there was a short, Sweetune-penned Ok-rock idol group. Possibly that’s as a result of songs like Superstition don’t sound very like the Sweetune I do know and love. You’ll be able to hear their affect in items of the melody, however largely this jogs my memory of 90’s Britpop. IZ promote the vibe properly, although a beefier instrumental might need elevated this monitor.

JUS2 – Take (2019)

It’s not typically we get an OST monitor as a part of this function! OSTs are sometimes straight-up ballads, however Take has a surging power that’s fairly satisfying. I really like the synths and percussion within the refrain. The entire monitor has a sentimental feeling that registers properly by way of JUS2’s efficiency. It’s not the sound I’d anticipate from the duo, however that’s a part of the attraction.

Everglow – Moon (2019)

Everglow typically have nice b-sides, even once I’m not as enthusiastic about their title tracks. Moon’s atmospheric electronics remind me of one thing we’d hear from WJSN, although they’re toned down greater than I’d like. The monitor wafts alongside on vibe slightly than immediately memorable melodies, however its power is satisfying and it builds to a pleasant climax.

Fifth: NCT 127 – Love Track
Fourth: Everglow – Moon
Third: IZ – Superstition
Second: JUS2 – Take

First: Billlie – My B = The Start Of Emotion

Congratulations to Billlie’s My B = The Start Of Emotion – the fifty-eighth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!

Readers, what do you suppose? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Go away your personal rating within the feedback!