K-pop is littered with acts who – for one reason or another – didn’t get the full spotlight they deserved. I’ve spent plenty of time ranking and reviewed the industry’s biggest artists, but these underrated acts should never be forgotten.
This feature will take a look at disbanded groups and rank/rate their entire singles run, placing them in the pantheon of K-pop history.
Next up is C-Clown!
Career timeline: 2012-2015
Overall sound: Started as melodic yearning, ended as party hip-hop.
5. Solo (2012)
This has nothing to do with the song itself, but I think you all need to see the hilarious description on YouTube:
“Summer of 2012, the arrival of new idols like a comet. The shining CROWN dreamed of by six young CLOWNS!!”
Ah… 2012! This has all the musical hallmarks you’d expect from the era, but it’s a bit forgettable.
Rating: 7.75
4. Far Away… Young Love (2012)
I won’t paste it again, but the YouTube description for this track is also hilarious. The song itself is slightly more reserved than the group’s debut. It sounds like it would be right at home on a Beast album.
Rating: 8.25
3. Shaking Heart (2013)
This is where I really started to notice the group. Produced by Rado (one half of Black Eyed Pilseung), the track has a satisfying swing and an elevated vocal spotlight that’s stood the test of time.
Rating: 8.25
2. Let’s Love (2014)
The group’s final title track is also one of their strongest singles. In fact, they’re the rare group who just got better and better with each song they released. This has such a classic K-pop sound and the production’s quite crazy in places.
Rating: 8.5
1. Justice (2014)
The official upload of this mv seems to have been taken down, which is a shame because it’s my favorite release from the guys. They’re borrowing from B.A.P’s heavy rock stomp to great success. I love the sense of accelerating drama – especially in the pre-chorus. And, this is the rare case where a beat drop chorus actually works because it’s FUN.
Rating: 8.75
OVERALL RATING: 8.3
(Check out the full “Underrated K-Pop” rankings list here!)