
We’re back! I’m still unsure if this will be a monthly guarantee, but as long as I’m in the mood for it, and it fits schedule wise, then why not? February will be a bit of a lighter month, I think. I know there are a few groups that have confirmed March comebacks. March is usually a busy month. So I’m looking forward to that. So I’m thinking I’ll have to get a bit creative content wise with what’s posted on ATK. Follow me on Twitter for updates on the site.
January was such a long month. Site wise, we had a great month. I was really pleased with the daily and monthly views, and we got three issues of our newsletter out. You can sign up for that here if you aren’t a part of that already. It goes out every Friday around 3pm EST. That has been fun to put together. I intend to do more with it as the year continues.
Let’s get into the music!
KickFlip – Knock Knock
JYPE’s new boy group is off to a pretty good start. “Knock Knock” is my favorite song off their debut album, Flip It, Kick It!. Their song “Like A Monster” is my second favorite song of theirs so far. It’s a grower for me.
I’ll be keeping an eye on them to see what their comeback album sounds like. But so far, I’m impressed. I had low expectations, not because I thought they wouldn’t be any good, but because I didn’t think there would be anything here for me.
Kwon Eunbi – Snowfall (feat. Coogie)
A cozy track. All I put in my notes was, “I like this one :)” so … there’s that, lol. I didn’t realize she released a video for this song. I love the set design. I love Coogie’s fuzzy hat and his entire outfit. Eunbi’s outfit is super cute as well. I love the oversized sweater. I love these jazzy, café like songs for the winter. It’s a tune for sure 🎶.
BSS – Love Song
BooSeokSoon does it again. “Love Song” is my favorite song from TELEPARTY. I love the chill vibes going on here as well. Vocally, we know they’re gonna kill it. “Happy Alone” was the other song I really enjoyed from this album. I wasn’t crazy about the title track, but it’s not awful. Nothing I see myself going back for anytime soon. I enjoyed the music video for it and the message behind it, though.
VVUP – 4 Life
I didn’t know who this was, but I felt the call to put them on my list for new music releases in January. I’m so glad I did because this is a BANGER. Another retro pop track. I’ll never be tired of that sound. I’ll be keeping an eye on them and checking out more of their music. Now I’m curious 🧐.
ONEUS – Rupert’s Drop
My favorite of the new songs on this special album. I couldn’t tell much of a difference in the Penta ver songs. But I rock with “Rupert’s Drop”. Lots of midtempo to downtempo songs on this list, lol.
WEi – 143 ILY
The way OUI Ent & JYPE’s graphic design departments are on the same wavelength, lol. I don’t remember whose cover I saw first, but I remember pulling up the other groups’ album art and starting back and forth between the two. Holding my phone up to my desktop for about a minute before deciding it’s just a coincidence. They’re just similar enough to make you do a double take.
Anyway, I didn’t love The Feelings, and it’s been awhile since I’ve really had a WEi album I was crazy about. Let alone, two or more songs on the same album I enjoy. So this was a bit of a surprise for me. I’m here for it.
&TEAM – Deer Hunter
Ohhh I’m OBSESSED with her. The sumo squat leg dance thing is such a serve. This is easily my favorite choreography of theirs. The styling is great as well. I’m loving the two-tone hair look coming back. Here’s the Korean version they performed on MBC.
I think this will be one of my favorite songs of the year. The rest of the album, Yukiakari was alright. Nothing hit me like “Deer Hunter”. But I’m still at a place where I’ll continue checking for &TEAM’s releases for the foreseeable future. They’re so good 🥰.
Jennie – Love Hangerover (feat.Dominic Fike)
This music video took me out. “Zen” is good. A bit on the nose, but it needed to be done. I like rap Jennie, hot take, I supposed. But I’m really feeling more of this poppy catchy vibe too. Jennie has always been super versatile, which is why I think she’s always been a fave and a standout in BLACKPINK. The closer we get to Ruby, the more excited I’m getting. I went from feeling apathetic about it, to a complete 180 about it.
I love when artists do the “Oops I Did It Again” thing. And that’s undoubtedly what we get with “Love Hangover”. I love her voice on the track, Dominic Fike’s verse is good. It doesn’t over stay its welcome and makes sense with what’s going on. We will be buying and streaming this album 💁🏾♀️.
GFRIEND – Season of Memories Special Album
I’ve talked about both “Season of Memories” and “Always” in their respective articles on ATK. So match sure you click the links ⬆️ above for more details. I’ve also made a fave GFRIEND songs article as well in preparation for Season of Memories.
I still feel the same about both songs. I love them so much, and I love the girls being together again. I wish I could have gone with TXT (well hyungline at least, which I do consider Beomgyu a member of) when they went to go see GFRIEND’s Seoul concert. It looked like so much fun 😭.
GOT7 – WINTER HEPTAGON
Perhaps song of the year? And album of the year? I mean, King Kai is coming back soon, so if we’re not getting the full group EXO comeback, then we’re guaranteed a Kai solo, right? Right SM?? RIGHT?? Lmao, anyway, I’ve also talked about my love for this album and title track in my QT article. I also wrote a fave GOT7 songs and a fave GOT7 subunit/solo version as well. So make sure to check those out as well if you haven’t already.
“Python” and WINTER HEPTAGON just keep getting better with every listen. I’m also so happy the boys are back together promoting their music, spending time with ahgases and having fun together. You love to see it 🥰.
Alright, not a bad list. I think 10 (or so) artists is a considerable amount. There was so much new music released last month. What were your favorites? Let me know in the comments. I realized I missed a #10YearsAgo for Crush and Zion.T so that’ll be the next article. I was going to cover “Crazy” by 4Minute, but after the Hyuna stuff, idk if it’s worth it. So “Just” it is. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, & BlueSky.
I’ll see ya next article!
Ash💫