Battle of the B-Sides: JYJ, Nu'est, 2PM, J.Y. Park, BoA

By Nick on July 23, 2024

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!

Battle of the B-sides: Round Sixty-Two

JYJ – Mission (2011)

When you look at it as a whole, JYJ had a bonkers discography. It was also short-lived but quite explosive at first. Mission comes from their first Korean album and is a Kim Junsu production. I've always enjoyed his more upbeat tracks and Mission slots right alongside those. The synth-heavy instrumental is very 2011 but feels quite charming thirteen years later. It compliments the song's driving, militant energy well.

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	9
RATING	8.25

Nu'est – Pretty (ft. Hello Venus' Yoo Ara) (2013)

This laidback funk jam doesn't draw a ton of attention to itself, but the rubbery groove and catchy hook have withstood the test of time. Yoo Ara makes a welcome debut partner, even if her airy tone is underused. My favorite aspect of the track is the gurgling synth during the chorus, which gives the track a ton of texture. This sounds especially great blasting from a car speaker.

Hooks	8
Production	9
Longevity	9
Bias	8
RATING	8.5

2PM – Coming Down (2013)

We've got another understated groove with Coming Down, but this one's slower and slinkier. 2PM's 2013 Grown album is packed with two of their very best title tracks, making the b-sides pale in comparison. This is a satisfying slow jam (I especially love the old school second verse rap), but is more about tone and vibe than memorable melodies. It works well in context of the album even if I wouldn't consider it a standout.

Hooks	7
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	7
RATING	7.5

J.Y. Park - I Like a Women Like This (ft. Dynamic Duo & Jeon Jeduk) (2007)

It's weird how my shuffle button sometimes comes up with unexpected patterns. I Like a Women Like This is yet another groovy track and comes from 2PM's mentor J.Y. Park. Unlike many JYP tracks, this is almost all rap. Over a smooth, strings-assisted instrumental, JYP trades verses with Dynamic Duo as a hearty vocal hook marks the song's chorus. The overall sound is very warm and classic. We've even got a bit of harmonica thrown in at the end!

Hooks	8
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	8
RATING	8

BoA – Heroine (2005)

This battle is filled with K-pop legends. BoA throws her hat in the ring with a track from her fifth album Girls On Top. Like many albums of the era, the title tracks far exceed most of the b-sides, though there are definitely some bangers to be found. Heroine doesn't do a ton for me. Its vaguely-Latin production and stuttering beatbox R&B percussion are emblematic of the era, but the melodies don't hit as hard as I'd like them to and the song is too slow for its own good. BoA delivers some great power notes during the bridge, though.

Hooks	7
Production	8
Longevity	8
Bias	7
RATING	7.5

My Verdict:

Fifth: 2PM – Coming Down
Fourth: BoA – Heroine
Third: J.Y. Park - I Like a Women Like This (ft. Dynamic Duo & Jeon Jeduk)
Second: JYJ – Mission