Battle of the B-Sides: Solar, D.Bace, NCT 127, Taemin, Rainbow

1 month ago 20

Battle of the B-sides K-pop’s title tracks might gain most of listeners’ attention, but many album tracks are worth equal spotlight. I call these “buried treasures.”

Beyond this, K-pop’s albums deliver thousands of additional tracks that settle for a more limited audience. It’s these songs that will become a part of my “battle of the b-sides” feature.

In this feature, I’ll be putting on my A&R hat and taking a listen to five randomly-selected K-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini review for each, including a Bias List rating, and rank them from least to most favorite. The winner will join a special Bias List B-side playlist. Think of it like my own little agency, hand-selecting songs I’d like to pitch to my nonexistent artists!

You can check out all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides here!

Solar – Easy Peasy (2024)

This song could not be better named. It’s the easiest, breeziest piece of music you could imagine hearing, with Solar’s sweet voice underlined by gentle acoustic guitar. To me, this actually sounds like children’s music – something that could even be used as a lullaby. Because of that, the vibes are quite calming and nostalgic. I don’t think much of the song itself, but if I’m in the need of a chill moment and deep breath, I might actually put this on!

Hooks	7
Production	7
Longevity	8
Bias	7
RATING	7.25

D.Bace – One (2001)

D.Bace were a short-lived group of the early 2000’s whose music picked up where Nsync and Backstreet Boys left off. One is very much of its era, but I’m quite fond of this sound. It’s not particularly hooky, choosing instead to center a rapped chorus supported by a soft vocal melody. This combination works well with the chugging instrumental, but it’s clear why this was a b-side rather than a single (though they did promote it on music shows alongside the title track).

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	8
RATING	8

NCT 127 – Heartbreaker (2017)

It seems like forever since NCT’s debut era. They released some great material during that period, including their b-sides. Heartbreaker isn’t as boisterous as many of their songs, but its fitful arrangement and excellent vocal performance gives it real bite. To me, this sounds like classic SM Entertainment: drawing clear influence from the 90’s but making the music a bit weird and interesting. I’ll always be drawn to their more upbeat moments, but Heartbreaker is very nice.

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	9
Bias	8
RATING	8.25

Taemin – One By One (2016)

I loved Taemin’s Press It album. There’s some huge standouts on that record, but even the slower, more sinewy songs stand out. One By One opens with its searing guitar loop, setting the stage for an atmospheric slow burn buoyed by Taemin’s evocative tone. He really drives the song forward, echoing the intensity of that guitar in his performance. While the track is rhythmic to a fault, the melodies feel more freeform and malleable, giving One By One a nice lived in sound.

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	9
Bias	8
RATING	8.25

Rainbow – Golden Touch (2013)

There was a time when these brassy throwbacks were quite popular in K-pop. I’m not sure what happened, but you rarely hear them anymore. This era of Rainbow may have come after their commercial peak, but it includes some of their best music. I love this style of girl group track – buoyant and bubbly and rooted in dynamic arrangements and catchy melodies. This is so hooky and bright and gives itself time to grow into an exciting climax.