K-Pop Releases: Nov. 2025

Initial Release: Dec. 4

Hello, everyone! Welcome or welcome back to Monthly Reviews; where I take a select number of k-pop songs and review them based on my opinion. I'm Grace, A.K.A, Lil' Miss Different, and today, we're looking at the songs that came out in November! This was an... interesting month to say the least. We have a couple of duds, along with most others that were just alright. You're not getting any Amazing Tier songs this time around. And speaking of tiers, here's the Tier List down below!

Tier Ranking:

• 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)

Simple enough, right? I also want to bring up the fact that these songs are my opinion. If you disagree with my thoughts, that's fine, but please be respectful of my takes if you want me to respect yours. With all that out of the way, let's do this review session!

Are we ready?

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'Say My Name' by MIYEON

Release: Nov. 3

Label: CUBE Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

We're starting simple. Here, we have Miyeon, the main vocalist of i-dle. She initially made her solo debut in 2022 with 'Drive', which I thought was pretty good. She's back with a new album, and 'Say My Name' is alright!

It doesn't quite reach the iconicness of the Destiny's Child song or the highs of the ATEEZ song of the same name, but I think the song works for what it accomplishes. A soft piano-driven track, with an acoustic guitar that kicks in during the chorus, and Miyeon's vocals sounding very soothing. It's not something I personally see myself seeking, but since I'm experiencing murky weather where I live, I don't mind its existence.

The pre-release, 'Reno', is better. Check it out if you're curious.

'Eeny meeny miny moe' by FIFTY FIFTY

Release: Nov. 4

Label: ATTRAKT

Tier: 4/6

Well, FIFTY FIFTY are back. I reviewed them back in April, and even though I only found 'Pookie' to be okay, I feel like I was too harsh on it and the members themselves, and I'm really sorry about that. I'm sure the new members are sweet, and they do have some talent, and I want to try again with this comeback.

Thankfully, this song is much better! It's a lovestruck song, with a cute, yet enticing beat, giving off this sense of wonder. I also like how the girls sound here; they're all adorable! I especially like Chanelle's rap in the bridge. Not much else I can say; it's just a really good song.

'Stretch' by U-KNOW

Release: Nov. 5

Label: SM Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

Well, I sort of promised myself I would review this after I reviewed 'Body Language' last month, so why not?

I didn't like 'Body Language'. I thought the beat was ugly and overstuffed, and I feel like it didn't suit U-Know's voice very well. As for 'Stretch', it's quite an improvement! It has a heavy house-esque beat that, sure, is also busy, but I think that's the point here. It's more of a "vibe" song, and I'm all for it! U-Know's voice is quite sexy against this production; it kind of reminds me of Super Junior's 'Express Mode' from a few months ago. I especially love how he sounds in the chorus, making it super catchy, along with the anonymous female voice going, "Ooh, what you waitin' for?".

I'm not if I'll seek this out much, but it's a fun listen regardless!

'CYNICAL' by SUNMI

Release: Nov. 5

Label: ABYSS Company

Tier: 5/6

Hey, we're out of the Good Tier! The last time I reviewed Sunmi was back in August, and I didn't have a full grasp on her music quite yet. I listened to all her singles not too long ago, and safe to say, I really like her work! I especially like when she taps into horror, and that's no different here!

'CYNICAL' was a weird track at first, but it quickly grew on me during the next couple listens. I love the synthpop production, and Sunmi sounds really good on this. I really like the eery vocal filters in the chorus as well! It's a chaotic blast of a song that I hope you check out!

'Rizz' by XLOV

Release: Nov. 5

Label: 257 Entertainment

Tier: 0/6

Man...I'm not looking forward to this...

I first reviewed XLOV in June, and I enjoyed their track, '1&Only'. It was laid-back and sexy - perfect for summer. But man, what do I even make of 'Rizz'? Before I say my thoughts on this song, let's talk about XLOV. They have an intriguing gender-fluid concept, and the guys are great dancers, charismatic enough. And yet, they dropped the ball with this crap, because this song is awful!

'Rizz' just sounds hideous, with a trap beat with a bloopy synth that doesn't mesh well at all, and the members sounding incredibly obnoxious. Most of these guys have high voices, and this production doesn't do them any favors. Not to mention the repetition of the word 'rizz' in the chorus, which gets grating almost immediately! And the flexing the guys do comes off more as creepy than enticing. I feel like I'm put on edge, and like I'm dark corner. I guess I should be lucky this song is pretty short, because it just ends super abruptly.

If you like this song and XLOV, that's perfect fine. But I'm starting to think '1&Only' was a fluke.

'Talk to You' by YEONJUN

Release: Nov. 7

Label: HYBE - Big Hit Music

Tier: 4/6

Younjun from TXT has put out his first album not too long ago, and he's probably my bias in that group as well. Why he's the stand-out for me? I think it's mainly his vocals and stage presence; I just find him really engaging to listen to or watch. With that said, his debut, 'GGUM', is one of the worst k-pop songs ever. That song came out last year, and I swear it's one of the most obnoxious things you'll ever hear, with a harsh piano riff and irritating chipmunk vocals in the hook! I was really nervous, yet curious, on how the album would turn out.

The song we're looking at today is 'Talk to You', and it's actually really good! The psychedelic grunge (?) rock style suits Younjun's rowdier vocals perfectly well, and he sounds great! The song is going for a sensual vibe, and I really like Younjun's vocal delivery. I also love how the guitar chugs in during the chorus; it sounds really cool! Though, I think the one part of this track I don't like is that hiccup-like sound after the chorus (sometimes in the chorus, too). I can't make out exactly what it is, but it's really off-putting. Other than that, I really like this track!

'TUNNEL VISION' by ITZY

Release: Nov. 10

Label: JYP Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

I needed to sit with this one for a couple days. I like ITZY, but the quality of their title tracks tend to fluctuate for me. When they're good, they make some of the best k-pop songs ever! But when they're bad, they become easy targets. In an earlier blog, I claimed that last year was when ITZY really redeemed themselves. 'UNTOUCHABLE' was a bop, and 'Imaginary Friend' is still one of my favorite tracks from them. I also really enjoyed 'Girls Will Be Girls' back in June!

I was ready to call 'TUNNEL VISION' "mid" upon first listen, but when I listened to it on my own, I found myself liking it! The production is pretty busy, but it has a dark atmosphere that I'm intrigued by. Though I'm not sure what that ear-grating horn(?) is in the beginning of the song; it sounds like nails on a chalkboard. As for ITZY themselves, I quite enjoy them. The shouty chorus is definitely a lot, but I think I'm used to it with repeated listens. The girls sound so confident!

However, my favorite part of the song would have to be the second pre-chorus. Ryujin already has a great rap verse, but Yeji? The way her lower register sounds as she opens said pre-chorus is just satisfying! I love my deep-voiced idol moments, and this is no exception! She has my attention! I don't know what else to add - it's a cool song, and I hope you give it a chance!

'Lemonade Fever' by CRAVITY

Release: Nov. 10

Label: STARSHIP Entertainment

Tier: 5/6

Well, CRAVITY are back with a new album! And man, I love this title track! I don't know who at STARSHIP thought a summer-y song would be good for a November release, but I don't mind. 'Lemonade Fever' is a fun track, with a disco-like groove and a glitzy guitar, with sounds really cool! I enjoy the boys' presence here, and the melodies are so fun! Not much else I can add; this song has fun vibes, and CRAVITY are a criminally underrated group! Hope you check it out!

'Put It Back' by ONF

Release: Nov. 10

Label: WM Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

Now here's a group we're looking at for the first time in this series! This is ONF, a six-member boy band who debuted in 2017, and they're...okay. I checked out their songs earlier this year (especially since they had a comeback in February), and while they have songs I like, I can't really say I love them. I guess that makes sense when you're under the same company as OH MY GIRL, another group I just find okay and nothing else.

'Put It Back' is thankfully one of their better title tracks I heard. This song is about moving on, and while the theme is a bit dower, it's contrasted by a slick guitar instrumental. The atmosphere ends up feeling groovier, and the guys' vocal deliveries benefit very well! Wyatt has a good second verse, and I like his rap flow, mainly due to his cool, low voice. I also enjoy the vocals from the other members, especially Minkyun and Hyojin - they're both great! This is a nice song from ONF, and I hope you check it out.

'Beat It Up' by NCT DREAM

Release: Nov. 17

Label: SM Entertainment

Tier: 2/6

NCT DREAM are back with a new mini-album, and I may have implied this when I reviewed them in July, but they're my favorite of the NCT units. Their output just sounds the most consistent to me. Still not one of my favorite groups, but I like a good number of songs from them.

And yet, 'Beat It Up' might be their weakest title track since 'Glitch Mode'. Yeah... I don't really care for this one. It's not completely awful, as there's still some good elements. The beat is decent, the vocalists have nice moments to shine, and I like the rap verses. If this song has strong points, why is this in Mid Tier? It's the "beat it up" vocal sample (I think that's what it is). It's really annoying, and it's repeated in the background throughout the whole track! I also don't like the ASMR delivery from Jaemin, Jisung and Mark respectively, as they open up their choruses; they just sound really off-putting, and it doesn't fit the song's vibe. So yes, Jeno is the only rapper here that comes out least scathed. Good for him!

Sorry, but I think I beat this song up enough. Time to move on.

'ONE MORE TIME' by ALLDAY PROJECT

Release: Nov. 17

Label: THEBLACKLABEL

Tier: 3/6

So ALLDAY PROJECT are releasing their first mini-album next month, and while I'm mildly curious about what that's like, we have a pre-release single at the moment (or one of two title tracks according to Genius)! I'll give them this - it's much different than 'FAMOUS' and 'WICKED'. And by that, it's just okay.

'ONE MORE TIME' is about living in the moment, and I really like the members here. Woochan and Youngseo sound really nice opening the song, but a part of me feels like the other members are still putting on this "too cool to care" act, most notably, Annie (though I do like her "You sure you could keep up?" line). Not that they don't know the song's vibe; I like Bailey on the bridge, and the second verse is the most tolerable Tarzzan has ever sounded to me. Yes, he somewhat won me over here. And while the production sounds nice, I feel like it's also a bit dated, like it was plucked out of 2015. I like 2015's pop music, but I feel like we could've been more fresh, you know? I guess that's what happens when Teddy Park has a production credit, even if this is one of the better songs he worked on in recent memory.

This track might be a slow grower, but we'll see.

'I DON'T CARE' by Baby DONT Cry

Release: Nov. 19

Label: P Nation

Tier: 4/6

I reviewed BDC's debut, 'F Girl', back in June, and I really enjoyed that song and the energy the girls brought. Here's their first comeback, and it's also really good!

'I DON'T CARE' has a nostalgic pop rock production, similar to 'Bet You'll Regret It', and it sounds incredible! The song's vibe feels inspiring, but also carefree. I also really like the members here, especially Beni. She's the maknae, and yet, she has the most distinct voice out of everyone here. She might not work for everyone since her voice is still clearly young, but I'm drawn in. Yihyun and Mia have nice vocals as well, and as for Kumi... I feel like she doesn't shine as much as the other three. She kinda got sidelined in the line distribution apartment.

It's still Good Tier since the production can sound a bit bland, but I like the direction Baby DONT Cry are heading into. Nice job!

'Do It' by Stray Kids

Release: Nov. 21

Label: JYP Entertainment

Tier: 5/6

Hey, Stray Kids are back!

I reviewed 'CEREMONY' back in the August blog, and while I liked it, it clearly wasn't one of their better title tracks. Stray Kids have a level of grandness that I really appreciate in their music, and if they're not grand, they at least try to have some fun with their songs.

And that's exactly what 'Do It' does here! I really enjoy this song! Like 'ONE MORE TIME' before, this song is also about living in the moment, this time back by a reggaeton production. The beat feels sensual, and yet, so fun at the same time; and the guys work off of it pretty well! Han and Changbin share the first verse with some good rap flows, but I think the second verse might be my favorite part of this track! Felix and Hyunjin deliver these melodic flows that sound really excellent, and is that Lee Know rapping as well?! Hello, DanceRacha moment! I also like the vocals from Bang Chan, Seungmin and I.N as well, even if that last member doesn't really shine until the bridge.

Already, it's a step up from their previous comeback! And one more thing: that's not the only song from them we're looking at this month!

'DIVINE' by Stray Kids

Tier: 5/6

Something I hadn't mentioned yet is that SKZ's new mixtape, DO IT, has two title tracks. Why have a double title track release when the project has only four unique songs? I don't know, but either way, I'm glad they're pushing this one, because this is incredible!

'DIVINE' could be 'Walkin' on Water' 2.0, with the '80's/'90's-style hip-hop production (Actually, this might be boombap now that I think about it.), but I think I prefer how how that song turned out, mainly for how fresh that sound was for them. 'DIVINE' goes for a more R&B take, what with the looming bass and the swelling horns. And yet, the production is bombastic enough for the members to really shine! The rappers are great as usual, but I think the vocalists in particular really stand out! Seriously, the way Seungmin opens the first verse sounds so heavenly! I also like how Lee Know and I.N join the rappers in parts of the chorus. Speaking of I.N, the way he raps in the second pre-chorus sounds so satisfying! That robotic vocal filter sounds really cool. He and Lee Know also come back in the bridge, actually letting their vocals shine, ending with a solid rap from Han. And did I mention Bang Chan's vocals in the outro?! He sounds awesome! Sure, auto tune is in the way, but I don't see that as a issue.

Both of these songs this comeback are great, but I may prefer 'DIVINE' a bit more! Great pair of songs! What do we have for the next group?

'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' by ILLIT

Release: Nov. 24

Label: HYBE - Belift Lab

Tier: 2/6

Just looking at that song title... Not sure if I believe that, yet.

I reviewed 'Do the Dance' in June, and I thought it was alright. I see the appeal in that song, but there were a few elements that held me back from fully embracing it. Heck, I was more intrigued by 'jellyous', the promoted b-side from bomb. That might be my new favorite song from this group, honestly.

ILLIT are back with a single album, and I'm sorry, but this is underwhelming. I get what they're going for - reggae meets lo-fi - but the beat is too monotonous to grab my attention. The girls sound nice, but none of them are distinguished enough here. They usually are on the other songs I heard, but I just don't get that here. Not only that, but this song is way too short, clocking in at two minutes and 12 seconds. It leaves so much to be desired! Sorry, girls. Maybe next comeback, you might wow me.

'Fame' by RIIZE

Release: Nov. 24

Label: SM Entertainment

Tier: 3/6

RIIZE are back, and while I wouldn't call them one of my favorite groups, I get why someone might. They're a solid group of singers and rappers. Their new song here, 'Fame', is a different approach from their usual upbeat stuff, and... it's alright.

'Fame' is a dark track, with Genius describing it as "rage hip-hop", about the uncertainty of the guys' journey as artists. The distorted instrumentation is a bit messy, but I'm pretty sure that's the idea. I like the vocals from Wonbin, Sohee and Anton, even with the vocal filters. But the rapping? I don't know, but it sounds really off, especially in the second verse. I'm not a fan of the way Shotaro and Sungchan deliver their bars. Eunseok's mainly here as the low-voiced member, as he's fine, I guess.

That's basically this song in a nutshell - fine, but not something I'll return to often.

'Bloom' by RESCENE

Release: Nov. 25

Label: THE MUZE Entertainment

Tier: 4/6

Slowly getting back to quality, RESCENE are back! I reviewed this group twice before, and I like their songs, even if they're not my favorite ever. This comeback, however, is a bit different. Their mini-album, lip bomb, had a pre-release track in 'Heart Drop' a couple weeks back, and I really liked it.

As for the title track... I'll give them this: this is their best one all year! 'Bloom' doesn't reach the same highs 'UhUh' and 'LOVE ATTACK' did, but I really enjoyed this one! It's about being ready to take the next step in a relationship, and the song sounds so uplifting! The production has a lush disco style that complements the girls' vocals really well. I also love the way they sing the chorus; the harmonies sound so enchanting! I don't know if I see this one growing on me anytime soon, but we'll see what happens. Give this one a listen!

'HomeRUN' by NOWZ

Release: Nov. 26

Label: CUBE Entertainment

Tier: 5/6

We made it: the last song in the blog! Before I begin reviewing, does anyone know or remember 'Universe (Let's Play Ball)', that one NCT U track from four years ago? Its production was pretty messy in the verses, but that hook was so infectious! Honestly, I only bring it up because both of these songs have a vague baseball theme.

NOWZ are a fine group, but one I haven't returned to often. They have a new mini-album out, and 'HomeRUN' is an excellent title track! It has an infectious house beat that let's loose; it sounds so fun and badass at the same time! The guys are fine, but I wish they more of an engaging presence. Is this song ranked a bit too high? Maybe, but damn it! This song is cool! I wouldn't mind seeking this out if I had the chance.

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And that's it for the month! I hope you enjoyed this blog, and if so, you can sign up and follow me on my social media pages linked at the top of this site so you can be up-to-date on new content! I do want to say one thing: I'm not sure if a December edition of the monthly blog will happen. I have a comeback list on my phone, and it's still absurdly low. Not only that, but there's a good chance I'm gonna come across some holiday music, and I want to avoid those for this series. I want to stick to songs you can listen to all year round.

What you will get instead is an overview of k-pop this year! That's right - I'm doing a year-end blog to cap off 2025! I'm still trying to imagine what that would look like, and when I finish it, I can't wait to show it to you! After that, I'll come back for January of 2026! Working on these blogs has been a fun experience, and I thank you for reading these blogs as well! I'm Grace, and have a wonderful day!