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 hundreds 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” 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 assessment for every, together with a Bias Checklist score, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be 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 may take a look at all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
g.o.d – Say g.o.d (1999)
In the event you actually need to step right into a time warp, placed on any of g.o.d’s early albums. They’re so rooted of their period (late-90’s/early 00’s) in a really satisfying means. However past the plain hip-hop developments of that point, the songs themselves have weight and groove that also make them enjoyable to hearken to in the present day. Say g.o.d is a bit throwaway, repeating oft-used hip-hop clichés for its refrain, however the power is upbeat and goofy in a means that’s sure to have you ever smiling and nodding your head.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Crimson Velvet – Take It Gradual (2015)
For me, Crimson Velvet’s b-sides didn’t actually hit till their glorious 2015 album The Crimson, however then once more I assume they didn’t even have many b-sides as much as that time! Take It Gradual is infinitely nice, portray a heat, brassy tone that emphasizes their improbable vocal mix. It’s a case of the execution being stronger than the precise track, as Take It Gradual’s hazy melodies go by with out a lot punch. Nonetheless, I respect the observe’s simplicity and texture. It makes for a pleasant, enjoyable summer time backdrop.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
GOT7 – She’s A Monster (2014)
GOT7’s output was so completely different again of their debut period. They hadn’t but taken as a lot artistic management as they later would, relying as an alternative on agency-chosen songs. Nevertheless, this period spawned a lot of my favourite GOT7 materials. She’s A Monster hearkens again to mid-2000’s R&B with its mix of instrumental drama and clean melodies. It’s a enjoyable throwback that casts the fellows in a really theatrical gentle. I most likely didn’t respect it as a lot as I ought to have in 2014, however time has been very form to this observe. The manufacturing is great, from the searing electrical guitar to the sudden tempo shift on the track’s climax.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
SF9 – Play Exhausting (2019)
SF9 have grow to be recognized for having sturdy b-sides – usually extra thrilling than their title tracks. Play Exhausting matches inside this class, chugging ahead with synth-powered power and a giant brass breakdown. This breakdown takes place of a correct refrain, which is a little bit of a disappointment. Nevertheless, each ingredient swirling round this centerpiece is kind of satisfying. I like the rugged electro textures of the second verse and the home keys that underline every pre-chorus. Play Exhausting maintains a welcome sense of depth during.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Dreamcatcher – 4 Reminiscence (2023)
It’s humorous that this track popped up randomly after Dreamcatcher’s sub-unit UAU made their debut this week with a lesser model of this sound. 4 Reminiscence strikes away from the group’s typical rock template to offer them an digital (vaguely “tropical”) model. This isn’t my favourite guise for Dreamcatcher, however the observe has a pleasant mix of relaxed manufacturing and extra sturdy vocal turns. It builds towards a welcome – if transient – climax.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Fifth: Crimson Velvet – Take It Gradual
Fourth: g.o.d – Say g.o.d
Third: Dreamcatcher – 4 Reminiscence
Second: SF9 – Play Exhausting
First: GOT7 – She’s A Monster
Congratulations to GOT7’s She’s A Monster – the sixty-seventh 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!