April is now over so it is time to give my quick takes on all of the debuts and comebacks we got from K-Pop!
I’m only sharing the debuts and comebacks I actually paid attention to and not every single one that happened in the month. So if a favorite artist of yours isn’t in here, tell me about them in a comment and I’ll check them out!
Debuts
Love In Bloom by ILY:1
It’s a nice and bright song. I don’t think it is the most memorable debut ever and the choreography seems really simple, even the dance break. So it is nice, but it’s a little obvious all of the budget for this went to special effects instead of what, in my opinion, needs to be showcased in a debut like the choreography and music.
1 of 9 by YOUNITE
I always lean towards darker concepts, so I don’t personally love the bright concept. But it fits the song perfectly. Music wise, it is a nice, bubbly track. Not my taste necessarily, but it isn’t a bad song.
Drive by Miyeon (from (G)I-DLE)
The song highlights Miyeon’s vocals really well, especially since I’ve found that sometimes her vocals don’t fully fit some of (G)I-DLE’s music. But now with her solo debut, it’s her chance to really show off how beautiful her vocals are. And the song is lovely and not what I initially expected, but I’m pleased with it.
Nonstop by RoaD-B
RoaD-B was formerly known as BXK and is now re-debuting under a new name. It doesn’t seem like much changed concept-wise between the name changes so why they did it I’m not sure. Now focusing on this comeback/debut, I do enjoy the song itself. The video I was not really engaged or invested in. It’s not going to be very memorable for me honestly.
Comebacks
Glitch by Kwon Eun Bi
I really like the vibe she creates with her music. It’s not solely a specific sound, but a whole aesthetic and feeling. Glitch is really in that sweet spot for me and what I enjoy so I like it a lot.
Still Life by BigBang
This isn’t what I expected from a BigBang comeback at all, but it’s also so fitting for them as a group with everything the group has gone through as a unit as well as individuals. So while I’m not a VIP, I can imagine how meaningful this track and comeback must be for their fans.
Love Dive by IVE
It’s nice to see that IVE’s debut wasn’t a fluke, not that I thought it was. But I think Love Dive really solidifies that they are a strong group with good music.
X-Ray by Ghost9
The chorus is where this song really stands out and gets special. I was anticipating it to have the same energy we see in these badass concepts, but it twisted that and it’s really cool. This was an easy add to my main playlist, and after watching the video I immediately wanted to listen to it again.
Anthem of Teen Spirit by EPEX
This is in my sweet spot of what I enjoy musically in K-Pop, so it was easy for me to enjoy. And I do think that this is a strong comeback for EPEX, who has been a little on the ‘meh’ side for me since their debut.
Maison by Dreamcatcher
I like how it was a good combination of the rock we’re used to from them but also had some more EDM/Pop influence. I understand how this is the song that finally got their first music show win, since it sounds more mainstream. But I do think that previous Dreamcatcher songs are much stronger. Maison is still good, but I like their previous music better personally.
RE=LOAD by Just B
Like with Epex’s comeback, this is what I gravitate towards in K-Pop, so of course, I enjoyed it. Is it super unique? No. The song is more so than the concept. Honestly, the little teaser bit at the end of the video was more special, and we’ve seen that before as well.
Darl+ing by Seventeen
When I’m looking for a chill and pleasant song, a song like Darl+ing is what I’m looking for. I really didn’t pay much attention to the music video because I don’t think it really added anything, and I’d rather just chill and listen to the song itself.
Undercover by Verivery
This is more like what I expect to hear from VERIVERY and I do like it more than their previous comeback. It still stands out from their discography but still fits overall. The song also has some interesting musical concepts and choices which I appreciate.
Love by Monsta X
I have to admit, it is hard for me to enjoy the latest Monsta X because Shownu’s absence just feels very evident to me. He’s a missing piece of the puzzle.
Now onto the actual comeback. I think it’s interesting musically. They chose a specific sound and I think they executed that well. I’m just not a big fan of that sound. It’s an instance where I enjoy their previous music more honestly.
Play Hide & Seek by Ichillin’
It’s okay. It has pieces that I enjoyed and some I didn’t. Vocally it went a bit high-pitched for me and when that happens in girl groups, it comes off too cutesy for me. So I probably won’t add this to my playlist, but I won’t judge someone who does.
Creature by E’LAST
I’m pretty sure this is my first time really listening to E’LAST and I really just clicked on the video when it popped up as recommended. And at least this comeback is up my alley taste wise. It was an interesting mix of dark and soft visually, and even a little bit musically. I may have to check out their other music now.
Sober by DKB
The video felt like two different concepts put together, where we start with the party guys’ vibe, and then it’s suddenly a technological dystopia. They had no connection so I wasn’t really a fan of the video. The song itself is fine and they perform it well, just the concept was too split.
That That by Psy ft. SUGA
I haven’t listened to PSY since the Gangnam Style days, or maybe Gentleman. Still, it has been a while. And really the only reason I’m listening to this is because it was produced by and features BTS’ Suga. And I have to say it is quite a fun song that I really enjoyed. And the video has that classic Psy humor without distracting from the song so it was a fun watch as well. The only thing I didn’t like was referencing the pandemic just because it then dates the song, but that is really minor.
What new music have you been enjoying this month, K-pop or not? Tell me about it with a comment!