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!
Saturday – Super Bad (2019)
I once got a super (like… unbelievably) nasty comment about a review I wrote for one of Saturday’s title tracks. Rather than be as horrified I should have been, I was honestly impressed that someone had enough passion to write such a thing defending this group! Anyway, it looks like Saturday are still together but haven’t released anything since 2023. This is a perfectly cute b-side – fluffy and poppy and catchy in a predictable way. I don’t remember it at all and will likely forget it soon after writing this, but I’ve always got a soft spot for this aegyo sound.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7.5
AKMU – Little Star (2014)
Even though I was years deep in K-pop by then, AKMU’s debut album is among the first handful of physical albums I bought. Its slower pace isn’t usually my thing, but the duo’s voices and songwriting really appealed to me and I was an early fan from K-pop Star. The singles from this album still resonate most for me, but this is a gorgeous mid-tempo with lovely harmonies. It compels attention by keeping things simple, shining full focus on a series of delicate melodies. It’s a very cozy sound.
Hooks
9
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.25
Rocket Punch – Love More (2022)
Pour one out for Rocket Punch. They never really had a chance, debuting just as Woollim Entertainment was starting to wind down. They’ve got a few brilliant singles and some nice b-sides to their name. However, Love More doesn’t stick out to me. It’s practically the definition of album filler. The energy is quite subdued even as the percussion attempts to inject some bounce. The melodies are more sprightly than expected but never supported by enough instrumental juice to get them off the ground. The girls sound nice singing in their comfortable range, though.
Hooks
7
Production
7
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7
Orange Caramel – Bubble Bath (2012)
We don’t see many sub-units anymore, do we? Especially ones as prolific and quirky as Orange Caramel. In fact, they almost outlasted the group that spawned them, releasing singles well into 2014. Bubble Bath comes from their first (and only) full Korean album and dials down their usual animated energy to a dull electronic thump. It’s a catchy tune, though I’ve always felt it needs an extra kick to bring it up to the level of their many incredible title tracks. Still, listening to this in 2026 is pretty refreshing.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8
BTOB – Shake It (2015)
Based on its ballad belter title track, you might expect BTOB’s 2015 album to be full of slower-paced material. And while it has its share of more sentimental fare, it’s also home to a few dance bangers. I’m partial to the more new jack swing influenced songs, but this early-2010s pastiche also goes down easy. The second half of the chorus is completely stupid (“Let’s shake it your booty yup!”), but the melodic highlight that precedes it is sleek and exciting. And let’s face it, BTOB’s music has often been knowingly silly and if this were released in today’s climate I’d probably be raving about it.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.25
Fifth: Rocket Punch – Love More
Fourth: Saturday – Super Bad
Third: Orange Caramel – Bubble Bath
Second: BTOB – Shake It
First: AKMU – Little Star
Congratulations to AKMU’s Little Star – the seventieth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!
Readers, what do you think? Did you discover any hidden gems? Leave your own ranking in the comments!