K-Pop Releases: Feb. 2025

Hello everyone! Welcome to, or welcome back to K-Pop Releases, where I check out a select number of k-pop songs released within the month. I'm your host, Grace, A.K.A. Lil' Miss Different, and today we'll be looking at songs that came out in February! While January was filled with mostly boy bands, this month seems to be a lot girlier. Not quite 'girl group-heavy', but more on that later.

I will be giving each song a score out of 6, based entirely on my opinion:

• 0/6 - Crap Tier (hate the song)

• 1/6 - Bad Tier (still don't like, but could be worse)

• 2/6 - Mid Tier (boring or just mediocre)

• 3/6 - Decent Tier (just okay, only check out once in a while)

• 4/6 - Good Tier (perfectly serviceable)

• 5/6 - Great Tier (really enjoy)

• 6/6 - Amazing Tier (completely in love)

Different opinions are fine, but please be respectful about my thoughts as you read along. With that out of the way, are we ready?

'ATTITUDE' by IVE

Release: Feb. 3

Label: Starship Entertainment

Ranking: 5/6

Well, we saw this one coming. If you didn't check out my previous blog, I talked about IVE's 'REBEL HEART', the pre-release track for their newest mini album IVE Empathy. I thought it was a great track, and I hoping 'ATTITUDE' would be the same for me. And thank God it is, because I don't know about you, but I can't stop listening to this one!

Let's start with the obvious: this song samples 'Tom's Diner' by Suzanne Vega, a track that's been interpolated and remixed many times. 'Centuries' by Fall Out Boy is a great example of this. Sampling older songs isn't new to IVE either - remember 'After LIKE'? - but this song's sample is used very well, blending in nicely with that chugging bass. What really draws me in here are the lyrics, which conveys the message that while we can't change difficult situations, we can change our attitude, have a positive mindset. I really like that, as it's something I try to accomplish everyday, even if it doesn't always pan out. The girls execute this track with such confidence as well, though I do wish the chanting bridge with Gaeul and Leeseo had more umph to it. Overall, it's another bop from one of my favorite girl groups!

'Dash' by PLAVE

Release: Feb. 3

Label: Vlast

Ranking: 5/6

This should be interesting. This is PLAVE, a five-member virtual boy band that debuted in 2023. They're from Vlast, an IP startup; in other words, calling it a label is misleading. They've had a decently successful 2024, with their previous single 'Pump Up the Volume!' reaching #1 on the Circle Digital Chart. This song, 'Dash', is really solid. The opening notes sound like the song's going to be a ballad, but then the guitar amps up at the end of the pre-chorus. I love how the bass sounds in the chorus - it sounds incredibly badass! The members sound really good with this instrumentation, a nice blend of grit and emotion. Though I wish the outro could've been more interesting than just repeating "Immortal" eight times, but whatever. I may need to look into more of this group's music, because this song is incredible!

'GIMME GIMME' by ALL(H)OURS

Release: Feb. 4

Label: EDEN Entertainment

Ranking: 4/6

Alright! ALL(H)OURS' new album is out, so what do I think of this song? It's slowly growing on me. This is a weird one for me. While 'Graffiti' was a light dance track, this one's a lot grittier. It's a fast-paced noise track, and the members ride this beat pretty well. I love the echoey guitar(?) effect that opens the track; it sounds really cool. I do have a couple guesses on why this isn't clicking like it should. On one hand, the chorus is really repetitive. While that's not automatically a bad thing, I feel like it could've done more. My other issue is that this song doesn't feel very memorable to me. There aren't that many individuals moments that stand out to me - aside from the "1 2 3 4 5 to 6" chant near the end. That's what makes groups like Stray Kids and ATEEZ click with me (and their members are more interesting). I want to like this group, and they have the pieces to make a good song... I may need to sit on this one.

'Glow Up' by RESCENE

Release: Feb. 5

Label: THE MUZE Entertainment

Ranking: 3/6

And here we have RESCENE, a five-member girl group, who debuted last year under THE MUZE Ent.. I couldn't find enough information about that company, just that it was founded in 2020, which doesn't give me a lot to work with.

RESCENE, musically, are a nice mix of easy-listening and grandness. The members all sound nice, but could be more interesting. Though Woni's voice kinda reminds me of Ahyeon from BABYMONSTER, just way less over-the-top. So what are my thoughts on this song? It's fine, but a complete downgrade from 'UhUh' and 'LOVE ATTACK'. While this instrumental sounds pretty, and I like the chorus, the song doesn't do too much to stick out - aside from that pitched-up vocal effect in the post-chorus, which I imagine can be annoying depending on one's taste. I may end up forgetting about this track as the year goes by, just saying.

'BORN AGAIN' by LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE

Release: Feb. 7

Label: LLOUD

Ranking: 6/6

Looks like we have a treat with this one! Last month, the BLACKPINK member we talked about was Jennie, and spoilers, we're reviewing another song of hers soon! But for right now, let's focus on Lisa, who's actually my bias in the group. I mean, what can I really say about her? I love her rap skills, and she brings so much energy as an artist.

I can't say the same about her solo music, as I find it really hit or miss. Although this might be my favorite song of hers so far! Here, she teams up with Doja Cat and Raye for a badass female empowerment anthem, with each of them detailing about how better they after moving on from their ex-lovers. Let's start with Lisa: I usually find her singing pretty subpar (not awful, just competent at best), but she sounds really good here! Actually, she doesn't rap at all in this song, as that's left to Doja Cat. Speaking of Doja, I really enjoy her verse; she adds a lot of bite to it. And then there's Raye - I really like how she and Lisa share the chorus; they sound really nice together. She also has the bridge, and I really like her part there. Overall, this is just a fantastic song! Plus, we're seeing Lisa again really soon!

'STRESS' by CHUNG HA

Release: Feb. 12

Label: More Vision

Ranking: 4/6

Ah, Chungha... What can I say about her? Here's a rundown of her up until this point: she started off as a member of the girl group I.O.I, and after they disbanded, she debuted as a soloist under MNH Ent. in 2017. However, in 2023, her contract under that label expired, and she ended up switching to rapper Jay Park's label, More Vision. I checked out her singles last year, and I'm still not sure how I feel about her music. I mean, she has a gorgeous voice, and she conveys sexy very well (at least as much as she can get away with in k-pop). What I'm saying is, I get her appeal, but I'm not fully grasped yet.

So how do I think about 'STRESS'? Um... It sounds like 'yes, and?' by Ariana Grande. I mean, I like that song, but Grande has plenty of other songs I'd rather be listening to. 'STRESS' is actually a really nice-sounding track, as it's about overcoming pressure. Chungha sounds really good with this danceable production, even if it does sound really safe. Just really solid overall.

'Strategy' by Olivia Marsh

Release: Feb. 13

Label: MPLIFY

Ranking: 4/6

This wasn't on my radar. For those unaware, Olivia Marsh is the older sister of NJZ (formerly called 'NewJeans') member Danielle. She debuted in October of last year under MPLIFY, the new subsidiary label under Warner Music Korea. This song, 'Strategy', marks as the title track to her first EP, Meanwhile.

And I have to say, this song's really good. It has a downbeat Y2K R&B production, and Olivia has a lovely voice, if a bit breathy. The lyrics seem to be about getting mixed signals from an ex who broke up with her. Olivia sings really well, and I even like the rap bridge, which includes the guy going "It's been a while since you felt like this", and I like the little record scratches (I think that's what you call that effect) added to it. This also seems to be another k-pop song that's fully in English, which, in her case, makes sense, since she's from Australia. This is a nice listen. I hope Olivia does well this year.

(So apparently, there's another title track from her EP, which got under fire for plagiarism. So...oops.)

'earthquake' by JISOO

Release: Feb. 14

Label: BLISSOO

Ranking: 5/6

Well...nice to see Jisoo again! Admittedly, out of all the BLACKPINK members, she's the one I tend to think about the least. Don't get me wrong - I still like her, I really like her voice, but I have never liked her debut single 'FLOWER'. That's for another time, though, as we have her comeback 'earthquake'.

Before I discuss my thoughts on that song, I feel like I should bring up how the other members have been singing their songs post-YG. All of their singles so far have been in English (key word: singles; I may need to relisten to rosie, and I haven't listened to the entirety of Jisoo's EP yet). Aside from that opening spoken Korean bit in 'APT.' and Rosalía's contribution in 'New Woman', those songs are arguably "pop".

This is an exception. Most of the track is still in English, but I can see why Jisoo went this route. She seems to be the least fluent of BP in that language from what I'm aware of. But enough about that, because this song is a massive improvement from what she did two years ago! First of all, the beat is sick as hell! I love that heavy EDM bass chugging along the chorus. Jisoo sounds fantastic here as well, as she describes a mix of excitement and intense feelings towards another person very well. The only takeaway I have for this track is that the post-chorus feels pretty underwhelming, which is why I don't have it in Amazing Tier right now. Overall, this is an awesome song, and I hope any future solo comebacks are more like this!

'ExtraL' by JENNIE & Doechii

Release: Feb. 21

Label: Odd Atelier

Ranking: 6/6

Told you we'll be seeing Jennie here! Last month, we talked about 'Love Hangover', an okay song that was bogged down by its featured artist, Dominic Fike. She's back, this time with rapper Doechii, and they made an absolute banger!

Sometimes all a song needs is two women making a girl power anthem under an incredibly hot beat, and I'm hooked. While Jennie's verse is fine enough, Doechii easily stole the show for me. She has a commanding presence, and her rap skills are excellent! If this song taught me anything, it's that I should really check out more of Doechii's music; I hear it's really good. I love the third verse (yes, that's what Genius calls it) where she and Jennie pop off and trade lines. Seriously, those two have such great chemistry! The phrases "Do my ladies run this?" And "ain't scared of the dirt" are bound to get stuck in your head. I'm really looking forward to Ruby.

Now that we waved through five consecutive soloists, let's take a break and talk about groups again, shall we?

'The Chase' by Hearts2Hearts

Release: Feb. 24

Label: SM Entertainment

Ranking: 4/6

Okay! Here we have Hearts2Hearts, the newest girl group under SM Ent., one of the biggest labels in South Korea. They're composed of eight members, all of which are teenagers, which is really scary considering SM is one of the more strict labels. Minors debuting in k-pop isn't uncommon; it's actually one of the more uncomfortable aspects of the genre. Sure, groups like IVE and NJZ have/had very young members when they debuted, but that was pretty easy for me to ignore since their music is really good (though the ladder group was treated like dirt when they were under ADOR...). Hearts2Hearts are very new, so for right now, let's focus on their debut single 'The Chase'.

It's alright. The song has a lovely twinkling production, which, fun fact: was written and composed by the R&B girl group FLO. I remember really getting into their music two years ago - I forgot how good they are! I'm losing track; I feel like that heavy bass in the beat is a little out of place, especially when these girls have such delicate voices. If there's anything SM is known for, it's for bringing us some of the most vocally gifted idols in the industry. Think Taeyeon of SNSD (or Girls' Generation, technically), Seulgi and Wendy of Red Velvet (heck, that whole group, really), Doyoung of NCT, among others. In Hearts2Hearts, the members who stand out to me in terms of vocals are Carmen and Stella. I wouldn't call them the best singers yet - they still have a long way to go - but they're really good for what they are. I'm looking forward to what this group does next.

'BLUE' by ZEROBASEONE

Release: Feb. 24

Label: WAKEONE

Ranking: 5/6

Back to ZEROBASEONE, I see. 'Doctor! Doctor!' didn't click with me, and I was hoping this song, 'BLUE', would help the group redeem themselves a bit. And thank God, they did, because this is a wonderful track! It's a found family story, about how the guys first found each other and wish to run toward a "bright blue world" (their words, not mine). The instrumentation sounds so happy; I love the light strings in the chorus. The members all give emotional vocal performances as well, and I especially love Taerae's high note at the end of the bridge. I do wish some of the other members had stand-out moments, but I guess that can be hard to do with nine members. Overall, this is just a fantastic track!

'TOO BAD' by G-DRAGON (ft. Anderson .Paak)

Release: Feb. 25

Label: Galaxy Corporation

Ranking: 4/6

Ladies, gentlemen and everyone in between...our first 2nd Gen idol in this series! And what better idol from that era to start off with than G-Dragon, the leader and main rapper of the legendary BIGBANG. Something that caught my eye when doing research is that these guys are no longer under YG Ent. (left the company in '23), which is strange, considering they were the biggest act under that label until BLACKPINK came along. G-Dragon is now under Galaxy Corp., and has released Übermensch, his first album since 2017.

The album already had two singles in 'POWER' and 'HOME SWEET HOME' (you can technically call the ladder a BIGBANG song since it features the remaining members), and this song, 'TOO BAD', is the third one off it. And let me just say, this one's a bop! GD has a really unique voice, kinda like a light growl in a way, and it works surprisingly well against this funky groove. He has such natural charisma in his flow, and he plays the flirtatious role in this song exquisitely. Then there's Anderson .Paak, who raps the hook. It may be repetitive, but that's not an issue here; he sounds really nice on this. I do wish the instrumentation felt more impactful, but I can see this song growing on me overtime. Good stuff!

'FXCK UP THE WORLD (Vixi Solo Version)' by LISA

Release: Feb. 28

Ranking: 4/6

(Yeah, I'm not listing the same label from the same artist within the same blog. That just seems unnecessary.)

Well, Lisa's album is out, and this seems to be the next single off of it! Before I talk about my thoughts on this song, I want to give some background on it. This is the "Vixi Solo" version, meaning that this is just Lisa on her own, playing the role of her alter ego (ah, like her album), Vixi. The original version of the song features rapper Future, an artist I'm not a big fan of; though I think his music ended up getting better - I just don't care enough to check it out. I only found a fan lyric video of that version, and it's alright for what it is.

However, we're focusing on the version that got the music video, so let's dive in, shall we? 'FUTW' is a lot to take in. Like I said in the 'BORN AGAIN' segment, I prefer Lisa when she's rapping, and she's really good here! She channels her inner confidence, and she sounds kinda hot here? I know she's just flexing about how cool she is, but still! I think the production might be the song weakest point. Yes, it's dark and edgy, but it feels repetitive; like, it doesn't change or do much to make it stand out. Plus, I really don't like the pitched-down vocal effect next to Lisa's voice in the bridge; I find that really annoying. Right now, I can see this song either growing on me or shrinking on me, depending on my mood. Still a solid track, just not a personal favorite.

And that's K-Pop in February for you! When the weakest song I talked about was in the Decent Tier, you know this was a damn good month! I'll be back for March, and I'll just say, it looks stacked! Don't want to get my hopes up too high with certain releases, but it's a "Big 4" heavy month next time! I also have another k-pop related project I want to work on, but that's gonna take a while for me to complete, so patience on that one.

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