Ok-pop’s title tracks would possibly achieve most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are price equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”
Past this, Ok-pop’s albums ship 1000’s of extra tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that may grow to be 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 evaluate for every, together with a Bias Listing ranking, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be part of a particular Bias Listing B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d prefer to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You may try all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
Photo voltaic – Straightforward Peasy (2024)
This track couldn’t be higher named. It’s the simplest, breeziest piece of music you possibly can think about listening to, with Photo voltaic’s candy voice underlined by light acoustic guitar. To me, this really appears like kids’s music – one thing that might even be used as a lullaby. Due to that, the vibes are fairly calming and nostalgic. I don’t suppose a lot of the track itself, but when I’m within the want of a chill second and deep breath, I would really put this on!
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
D.Bace – One (2001)
D.Bace had been a short-lived group of the early 2000’s whose music picked up the place Nsync and Backstreet Boys left off. One could be very a lot of its period, however I’m fairly keen on this sound. It’s not significantly hooky, selecting as a substitute to heart a rapped refrain supported by a mushy vocal melody. This mixture works nicely with the chugging instrumental, but it surely’s clear why this was a b-side slightly than a single (although they did put it up for sale on music exhibits alongside the title observe).
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
NCT 127 – Heartbreaker (2017)
It looks as if without end since NCT’s debut period. They launched some nice materials throughout that interval, together with their b-sides. Heartbreaker isn’t as boisterous as a lot of their songs, however its fitful association and glorious vocal efficiency provides it actual chunk. To me, this appears like basic SM Leisure: drawing clear affect from the 90’s however making the music a bit bizarre and fascinating. I’ll all the time be drawn to their extra upbeat moments, however Heartbreaker could be very good.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Taemin – One By One (2016)
I beloved Taemin’s Press It album. There’s some enormous standouts on that document, however even the slower, extra sinewy songs stand out. One By One opens with its searing guitar loop, setting the stage for an atmospheric gradual burn buoyed by Taemin’s evocative tone. He actually drives the track ahead, echoing the depth of that guitar in his efficiency. Whereas the observe is rhythmic to a fault, the melodies really feel extra freeform and malleable, giving One By One a pleasant lived in sound.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Rainbow – Golden Contact (2013)
There was a time when these brassy throwbacks had been fairly well-liked in Ok-pop. I’m undecided what occurred, however you not often hear them anymore. This period of Rainbow might have come after their industrial peak, but it surely contains a few of their finest music. I really like this fashion of lady group observe – buoyant and bubbly and rooted in dynamic preparations and catchy melodies. That is so hooky and shiny and offers itself time to develop into an thrilling climax.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Fifth: Photo voltaic – Straightforward Peasy
Fourth: D.Bace – One
Third: Taemin – One By One
Second: NCT 127 – Heartbreaker
First: Rainbow – Golden Contact
Congratulations to Rainbow’s Golden Contact – the sixty-sixth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!
Readers, what do you suppose? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your individual rating within the feedback!
