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

Past this, Okay-pop’s albums ship hundreds of extra 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 hear to 5 randomly-selected Okay-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini evaluation for every, together with a Bias Record score, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be part of a particular Bias Record 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!

NCT 127 – White Night time (2020)

SM ballads are likely to have a pleasant sense of heft, and NCT’s vocalists are able to injecting drama and gravitas to songs like White Night time. I’m not an enormous ballad fan, however on the subject of slower fare that is my fashion. The refrain could be very good. I like the way it grows into extra of a mid-tempo r&b monitor because it goes on. There are some nice instrumental thrives, too.

Teen High – First Kiss (2011)

It’s superb how dated this sounds proper from the opening synths! “Dated” isn’t routinely a foul factor, and there’s greater than just a little nostalgia powering this tune. Although First Kiss is on the slower facet, a beneficiant dose of electrical guitar retains it attention-grabbing. The rap-driven verses have an entertaining, 2011-era circulation and there are some enjoyable jolts of vocal interaction that add a way of energetic spontaneity.

Monsta X – Gasoline (2020)

Monsta X go tropical with the percolating Gasoline. There’s not a lot to set this monitor other than related efforts, however the groove is sweet and the efficiency is tremendous easy. I respect the consistency of the instrumental. Even when the melodies swerve, there’s an insistent pulse preserving the tune on monitor. And whereas the hook is straightforward, it worms its means into your reminiscence with ease.

Dreamcatcher – Wake Up (2017)

Wake Up is the sound of Dreamcatcher doing what they do finest: pummeling rock guitar, massive anime-style refrain and a sprightly tempo. I don’t assume that is one in every of their extra memorable b-sides, however its lean simplicity makes for a refreshing hear. The tune has nice power and its hooks are doled out with precision. It looks like a rallying cry.

Cherry Bullet – Damaged (2022)

Although I don’t typically write about them, Cherry Bullet’s b-sides are often fairly robust. Damaged has a breezy pop power that fits the group properly. Its verses are stronger than its refrain, however the whole monitor is carried out with exuberance. If it wasn’t for that dang slowed-down second verse, I’d be keen to price this just a little larger. Total, it’s a wonderful addition to their album however not an enormous standout.

Fifth: Cherry Bullet – Damaged
Fourth: Teen High – First Kiss
Third: NCT 127 – White Night time
Second: Monsta X – Gasoline

First: Dreamcatcher – Wake Up

Congratulations to Dreamcatcher’s Wake Up – the fifty-seventh winner of my Battle of the B-sides!

Readers, what do you assume? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your personal rating within the feedback!