release radar '26: july

July is my birthday month, and this year, it was excellent! I saw Ninajirachi at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney and it was truly the gig of the year for me! The energy in the room was insane, whole pit was jumping and such a huge improvement from the lacklustre crowd of zombies that went to her previous tour. I was hoping all of the buzz and new fans post-Coachella would bring about a fun crowd and I'm glad that was the case. I wonder if this will be the last time I ever see Ninajirachi in one of Australia's smaller venues, aside from a DJ set at a club. That's so crazy to think about!

I also did a brief side-quest on a work trip to catch NCT JNJM at their fanmeeting because I figured...why not! I've never attended a fanmeeting before, so this was a fun first-time experience for me because I felt like the embodiment of 'when you're into k-pop but realise there's levels to this'. The y/n (self-insert girlfriend) segments really sent me into the stratosphere like I was a member of Team Rocket and for once I was glad language barriers existed so I clocked out of reading the translation on my phone for a while during them because they were...something. I'm thankful for my LOOP earplugs from sparing my ears from the sheer amount of pterodactyls and dolphins squealing in the crowd. Aside from that, it was a really fun show, and the onesies for their little hyperpop number sexier was honestly both super funny and cute! I'm glad I went to it because I really had no clue how these things worked.

Anyway, July was a huge month in terms with a lot of heavy-hitters releasing new albums, so buckle-up!

In this issue: Madonna, Kelela, Tinashe, Steve Lacy, Loathe, Nia Archives, Charli XCX, Orville Peck, fromis_9, ARTMS, solo releases from WayV (Xiaojun, Hendery, Kun) and NCT 127 (Yuta, Jaehyun) and many more!

Confessions II - Madonna

I'll be honest, I wasn't looking forward to this album and I'm sure I'm not the only person who was a little hesitant about it. I can't really say I've ever wanted a sequel to Confessions On A Dance Floor, and announcing a follow-up with Stuart Price back at the helm 20 odd years later is a bold move. But that's also something Madonna was always known for, pushing the boundaries of pop music with bold innovation.

During the chaotic year of my life that was 2015, I would listen to Madonna's albums on the bus during my commute, so I do still have a bit of a soft spot for her. I really dragged my feet all month because I was worried I wouldn't like this album, but then I realised there was nothing to actually be worried about. Madonna doesn't need to prove herself anymore, she's far beyond that now, and I didn't expect Confessions II to match the triumphant heights of Confessions On A Dance Floor did.

Instead, Confessions II was a pleasant surprise that doesn't lean too heavily on its pre-decessor and instead establishes its own identity, combining elements of disco, dance-pop, trip-hop and house music. The production is absolutely superb, and the album actually becomes super infectuious the further along you are because the continious mix really adds a cinematic quality to the album. Confessions II is a true Madonna club album and a musical journey that wants you on board from start to finish, which I really appreciate that the most about this project.

You'll want to listen to late-night or in the early hours of the morning because it truly makes you feel like you're having the best night out. I can't believe I almost snubbed this one.

Favourites: Bring Your Love, Danceteria, Love Sensation, School, My Sins Are My Savior, Betrayal

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/539234099

new avatar - Kelela

new avatar was of my most anticipated albums of the year and I loved every minute of it. Kelela is one of my all-time favourite artists, and a true contemporary r&b legend in her own right, always pushing the boundaries of one of the most beautifully expansive genres of music there is. She also has one of the prettiest and most distinctive voices in the entire world (to me, anyway) and she sounds utterly sublime on this record.

new avatar is a deeply cathartic record that mixes subdued beats with distorted guitars, fusing r&b with 90s alternative/indie, UK future/garage, grunge, and shoegaze. Upon first listen, the album might sound a little metallic and prickly around the edges, especially if you're used to Kelela's impeccably produced electronic r&b sound, but there's plenty of moments on new avatar that draw inspiration from both Take Me Apart and Raven whilst keeping things fresh and exciting.

idea 1 is such a crazy album opener. It starts off with a rather slow build-up and that made it hard to predict the sonic trajectory of the song, but the moment those fuzzy guitars kicked in, I sat up bolt-upright in my seat. idea 1 is atmospheric and surreal, like those classic UK-electronic acts like by Portishead, Massive Attack, or I Monster. I never would've thought I'd someday find myself dreaming of another fever dream collaboration, this time between Chelsea Wolfe and kelela, but honestly, I want this to happen for the humble audience of one (me) who would enjoy it.

don't piss me off is another stand out song that walks a fine line between Kelela at her most fragile, but with a steelier edge that balls into sheer frustration. It's one of the moodiest garage tracks I've heard all year with a heavy Burial influence on on the beat. It's carefully restrained yet nasty in a great way, and that slick little sample of a blade unsheathing was so masterfully mixed!

Unsurprisingly, the bridge (feat. pinkpantheress) was an instant classic for me. 2026 has been a strong year for album features between my favourite artists and this was no exception. What a full circle moment this collaboration is! Listen, I love an upbeat Pinkpantheress track just like everyone else, but there's something about the way her soft, angelic vocals slice through a moodier track, turning up the warmth whilst the instrumentals remain icy.

Honestly? I love the stripped-back sound here. I really love how textured this album feels, especially with how the distorted guitars compliment Kelela's silky vocals. Maybe I'm just a sucker down-tempo, darker UK-electronic soundscapes as well, but I really can't describe just how much new avatar is right up my alley. This is without a doubt going on my best of 2026 list and one of my biggest recommendations from this month!

Favourites: idea 1, goin' down, don't piss me off, the bridge (feat. pinkpantheress), if we meet again

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1152584280/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=333333/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

I forget which one of my orbit mutuals said this but the bridge feels like the closest thing to a LOONA Girl Of The Month release and I couldn't agree more! This is girls talk's edgier, heartbroken little sister and I always admire the way you guys make everything about LOONA.

Crash Out - Tinashe

Hell yeah, now this is what I'm talking about! I really enjoyed this beat, it's thick and punchy, so quintessentially Tinashe and reminds me a lot of Needs and Hopscotch, but with a little more grit to it. I'm really keen for this new album so I'm pretending like I don't care about it, that way it will come out sooner!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/w24EE2ns2UM?rel=0

Oh yeah? - Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy, holy wow. This may be the best ode to messy bisexuals of all time.

oh yeah? is 40 minutes of insanely catchy, psychedelic r&b/soul. There's something about the way Lacy portrays himself as an artist and through his songwriting which makes him feel so intimately familiar, so easy to connect with through his witty and self-deprecating lyricism.

The blunt casualness of Lacy's lewd imagery might come off as disjointed to some, but to me I found it refreshing and entertaining. We're living in a time where queer people are aggressively punished for expressing themselves, especially when it comes to erotic queer art and self-expression. There's a lot that can be said here about a biracial bisexual man writing about his experiences so earnestly and I really commend him for that.

Lacy's previous album, Gemini Rights, still has the edge for me as I think I enjoy warmer production for his style of music, but oh yeah? is a pretty solid, well-rounded album. I can see myself listening to this one a lot, it may even become a grower.

Nothing but respect for a fellow Filipino goat!

Favorites: Is It Cool? (feat. SZA), Doom, The Feeling, Nice Shoes

https://embed.tidal.com/tracks/542734713

A Stranger To You - Loathe

I've been absolutely buzzing ever since I saw Loathe on their headline Australia tour back in May because I absolutely get it now. This album just as weird and experimental as I was hoping it would be based on the pre-release singles. Loathe have proven many times they are far from a conventional band and I'm glad the final result lived up to my expectations.

Loathe have made it blatantly clear they're not interested in boxing themselves into that hazy, atmospheric sound they established on I Let It In And It Took Everything, but instead opted to evolve, knowing they're taking a huge creative risk that has undoubtedly alienated a lot of people who were expecting 'more of the same'.

This time, the band have shifted towards calmer, melodic songs, though the breakdowns are just as oppressive and chunky as you'd expect. A Stranger To You doesn't exactly pack the same emotional punch as ILIIAITE does, but it's such an addictive record because it is riddled with moments that feel jarring, almost abrasive.

What I love the most about Loathe is how satisfying the pacing of their albums are as someone who loves listening to records from start to finish. A Stranger To You is an album you'll want to take your time with, as it allows you moments to breathe and drift off into space before picking up the pace once more.

I've probably listened to the album back to front a dozen times by now and it's still so hard to wrap my head around everything going on. I do wish the vocals weren't so drowned out by the instruments, but then again, you don't really need to know the lyrics to vibe to the songs.

A Stranger To You is one of the most unapologetically unique albums you'll listen to all year!

Favourites: Block Of Flats, Harder To Pretend, Gemini, Gifted Every Strength, No Stranger To You...

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/532184682

Yearning: The unbeautiful after - Boundaries

Yeah, people weren't kidding. This is album heavy.

There has been absolutely no end to the Drew Fulk's production is ruining metalcore discourse and I'm here to say I'm honestly not interested in any of that. The bass and snare are definitely lacking and it was noticeable after listening in multiple scenarios of differing audio quality: lossless on my walkman, in my car, through my shitty laptop speakers.

But none of that really ruined my experience with it? I mean, I can't really talk about flawed mixes when I just waxed poetic about Loathe's new album which is also under fire for those dreaded 'too muddy and poorly mixed' allegations.

Yes, the breakdowns aren't innovative and Boundaries are heavy on the chug, but so are literally dozens of other metalcore bands. I wanted something to nod along to and to drown out some everyday mediocrity, and this really hits the sweet spot for it.

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/543652451

Easy Street - Queens of The Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age are in their easy listening Gerry Rafferty era and the only thing missing is that iconic saxophone.

I enjoy my fair share of easy listening/folky dad rock like Steely Dan and early Bowie but Easy Street doesn't really hit for me yet. Still, I'm looking forward to the album because I'm very curious what a mellowed out era for a band like QoTSA would sound like.

I think I need more time with this one!

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/535663436

Emotional Junglist - Nia Archives

Jungle and breakbeat, two of the best genres in my opinion! Nia Archives is quickly rising to the top of her game and Emotional Junglist is easily one of the most fun albums I've listened to all year.

This is definitely a big shift in Nia Archives artistic direction, but that's definitely not a bad thing at all. She still takes heavy inspiration from her traditional jungle roots and it's so clear in everything she does just how much appreciation and knowledge she has for the genre. Nia Archives is probably the most ideal person to bring jungle towards the mainstream pop market, and is doing so an exciting and approachable way by injecting a bit of melodic/dreamy-pop flair to her music.

If you've never listened to a Nia Archives DJ set, she really knows her stuff. There are countless boiler room sets floating around on youtube, take your pick and kick back to one of them late at night, they're stellar.

Favourites: Danger, Vertical, Dance With Me 2nite, Get Me Down, Superlust, There Goes Ma Head, The Darkest Hour, Lovers Grief

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/541782743

Nia Archives is one of my bucket list DJs that I haven't had the opportunity to see yet and I really hope she does some club side shows when she visits Australia at the end of the year because I'm not going to a three-day long music festival in rural Victoria just for that.

Frozen Charlotte - Jack White

It's been a hot minute since I kept up with Jack White, probably not since his album Lazaretto which he released in 2014. White has always been a prolific songwriter and at least back then, it felt overwhelming keeping in the loop with whatever Third Man Records was doing.

Love him or hate him though, one thing is for certain: he's a bloody good guitarist. I'm honestly more interested in the way he makes a guitar sound, rather than his singing and songwriting.

Frozen Charlotte is all about bringing that classic 60s-70s bluesy rock sound to a modern audience. That said, I'm quite tired of the White sthick and was hoping that a 12 year long break would be enough to revitalise things for me a little. I personally prefer it when White is creating music that is a little weirder, more eclectic.

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/521508233

Foreign Tongues - The Rolling Stones

The Stones are one of my all-time favourite classic rock bands. I saw them play at a vineyard in NSW's Hunter Valley under a starry sky in 2014 and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen in my life, and an incredibly cherished memory of mine but even back then I thought, "how the bloody hell are these guys still going?".

Their glory days are long over and this is pretty much your run-of-the-mill late career release I can't really mock it. They're in the nursing home for goodness sake.

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/540168117

Loveland - Suki Waterhouse

Sure, why not? I don't think Suki Waterhouse sounds remotely as 'bad' as people say she does, and coming to that conclusion based on a handful of unflattering live performances recorded on a mobile phone isn't fair in my eyes. I always try give them the benefit of the doubt.

This isn't too shabby, but it's overproduced to the point it lacks personality or anything that would give her an edge in the modern pop landscape. Loveland is somewhere between Sabrina Carpenter and Lana Del Rey, so this album might work for you if that's your target audience.

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/539668657

swallowtail - she's green

Exactly what you want from a shoegaze/dreampop album. Close your eyes and listen to it. Mettle is the highlight on this album for me, I actually wish it was longer.

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=717193294/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=333333/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

Too Little, Too Late - Orville Peck

Oh wow, we're due for another Orville Peck album already? I feel like his music in the last few years has become very hit or miss for me. I'm not one of those fans who forever want him to be defined as a dark, broody cowboy and remain trapped in the sound from his debut album, Pony, even though it is my favourite album he's released so far though I do worry that I'm losing my interest in the direction his music has taken.

Peck's theatrical vocals are absolutely stellar on this upbeat rockabilly track, but that's all I can really bring myself to say about it. It's not the most memorable lead single for me even if I enjoy this happier sound (and lifestyle) for him, though I suppose this works perfectly for the mainstream country pop music market.

It's not the worst song I've heard all year and I'm still holding out for hope there's at least one or two songs from the new album that I'll enjoy. Otherwise he might be growing a little too WeHo for my personal taste.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/sPn7iWVtCg4?rel=0

Wannacry - Ninajirach & Porter Robinson

I'm going to lose so much EDM credibility here and say that I've never cared about Porter Robinson and his boyfriend Madeon, and I'm not about to start. There are places I will not go and that is one of them. I'm so sorry but I have limits!

I'm here for Ninajirachi and that's about it. Really fun song though, I wouldn't mind hearing more from them. I wonder if they have more in the vault!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ob_EDY9Eiis?rel=0

Music, Fashion, Film - Charli XCX

This album artwork is such a cheeky brag that it made me laugh as soon as it was revealed because you just know this photo will go down in history books. It's has the energy of those photos you would stumble across on 2010s, taking entirely out of its original context, which is so extremely Charli XCX.

I was initially worried when Rock Music dropped that she might finally lose me here. I put off listening to the album for a week, and I'm really glad I game back to it with an open mindset. I listened to this one sitting on my back-porch at sunset listening to the near-defeaning, apocalyptic screeching of a flock of rosellas circling the gumtrees in my backyard, which helped set the tone for the sheer amount of existentialism I wasn't prepared to be hit with. I've been thinking about this album ever since.

I've always been so a Charli XCX truther (and I still think Crash is better than Brat) and it's crazy to think how about how long I've been watching her grow as an artist, from a niche tumblr darling to one of the biggest pop stars there is right now. I don't think anyone, let alone Charli herself, could have anticipated the widespread cultural impact of Brat Summer. It was equal parts genius marketing and a combination of perfect timing and a hint of luck.

Honestly, there couldn't be a more fitting follow-up to Brat in the sense that Charli has made it clear she's only ever making the music she wants to make and not remotely interested in becoming a one-trick pony chasing the latest trends. Music, Fashion, Film might be disappointing to those who wanted another album filled with Club Classics only to realise they were handed a much-delayed hangover remedy.

But guess what? Brat Summer may be long over, but you can still dance to these songs!

This album would've been certified gold on in my teenage bedroom, but Charli XCX isn't interested in chasing nostalgia, nor is there a single song I could've possibly related to as a sixteen year old girl listening to angsty music in my bedroom. Instead, this album feels painfully relatable to the adult-me, laying on my bed writing a blogpost on a Sunday evenin, constantly thinking about my future and all my insecurities.

Music, Fashion, Film is one of Charli's most vulnerable albums to date. It's playful, ironic, existential and presented in such a bare-bones way. The world may see her as a fun, irresponsible, party-loving pop-star, but instead focusing on questioning who she is as a person in those mundane little moments away as she ruminates on the aptly named track, I'm Afraid: "happiness came in a box, never meant that much before / til' I met someone who knew how to balance who I am".

One of the most amusing things about the average consumer of pop music is when someone releases an album that doesn't fit into the current trend cycle. If it isn't another big budget, super-polished production, there's suddenly a barrage of: 'this sounds like a throwaway album full of demos to capitalise on Brat's success'. If leaflet had a soundboard feature, I'd cue up a sound clip of Niles Crane here, for extra emphasis.

In so many ways, I see Music, Fashion, Film as the long-lost sister to Sky Ferreira's Night Time, My Time: boldly going against the grain, introspective and emotionally vulnerable.

Favourites: SS26, Camera, Wink Wink, Yeah, 2007, Magic Metal Montana

https://embed.tidal.com/albums/545220107

Everything Asian Pop

Holy moly, we have a lot of ground to cover here!

Michishirube - Kim Jaejoong

Jaejoong doing Japanese rock ballads again? My goat has still got it! He may be washed on all other levels, but he's still got it!

I knew he was gearing up for something when the blonde hair demon started possessing him again and he started dropping hundreds of broody-looking thirst-traps with black eyeliner and black nail polish.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Ly6vkqhGYU?rel=0

Born Stunner - ARTMS

It's not for everyone but it's for me and that's what matters here. I actually think it's fun! It's different to what you'd normally expect from ARTMS, but it's not like the members haven't ever dabbled in loud and abrasive music before because LOONA released Paint The Town, So What? and Why Not?

Born Stunner is really bold, catchy and fun. I thought ARTMS covering f(x)'s Red Light really proved to me they're capable of concepts like this and that's a good thing! Let me have my weird and experimental art-house girl groups, please!

Look, I definitely see why so many people are divided about this track. A lot of people think it's the worst song ARTMS have ever released, or have even called it the worst song in k-pop this year which is honestly a bit of a stretch for me considering there have been some absolute choices this year, plus we are three weeks shy of an NCT 127 comeback, so please keep that in mind before you burn ARTMS at the stake in the town square for this one...

But like I said, to each their own. Burn is still their weakest single for me and I was a little bit annoyed that got tacked onto the end of Club Icarus because I would've loved any other song in its place. I wouldn't want the entire album to sound like Born Stunner, but for a pre-release track, it's an interesting one to pick and so unexpected.

I loved <DALL> and Club Icarus, and I'm hoping Hyper-Ego is at least a solid 5/6 enjoyable tracks for me whilst also bringing something fresh to the table for ARTMS! If there's any song I'm mildly worried about hearing, it's definitely Icarus Gang because I wasn't a fan of that demo at all. They're going to need to work a miracle on that one for me.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/TZ_yEXvJcYA?rel=0

Also, a fun little discovery for the fellow Orbitzens that follow me, Born Stunner uses the same catchy sample hook as Taeyong's gay club song, I'm A Dancing Cactus.

Pop Girl (feat. Yves) - Lexie Liu

Girls and gays like Yves.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/e_njstiXD40?rel=0

Forever July - Sunmi

I wasn't expecting to hear future garage from Sunmi and was a little worried initially because this is a really trendy sound right now, but I was really impressed by how much her voice suits this sound! The chorus isn't my favourite but it's still an enjoyable, melancholic rainy day bop!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/M6EyUZ3ANuM?rel=0

Glow Me - fromis_9

Always lovely to see one of my ult girl groups still thriving!

Glow Me is a bright and summery pop album! It doesn't really match the high of their first album Unlock My World but honestly that's okay because it doesn't feel right to compare such drastically different concepts.

My main criticism about it is that the songs towards the end seem to lose their summery vibe, instead venturing into pop ballad territory, which feels a little overdone. Despite that, it's a really fun no-skips listen for me and I'd still put my favourite tracks like Blue Heart and Teacher up there along with some of those all-time classic summer hits like Alcohol Free by Twice and Red Velvet's catalogue!

Favourites: Eternal, Pocket Treat, Blue Treat, Teacher, Vitamin ME

https://www.youtube.com/embed/sLk8zWUuYTA?rel=0

Love Got Me Ooh - A2O May

I didn't know this c-pop group existed until I saw everyone talking about a sapphic bop they released, so I knew I had to check this out! This sounds exactly like how I'd envision the type of music LOONA 1/3 would be making right now if they were still active, like a modernised re-invention of the laid-back r&b sound a lot of 90s/00s girl groups were known for such as S.E.S, As One, and Isak N Jiyeon.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/P5zUkubgW1I?rel=0

Meanwhile, in Neo City...

We're finally back with a constant stream of mandopop and j-pop to balance the neo chakras to the point it warranted their own quarantine zone. Most of this is just WayV, to be honest.

Feel & Talk - KUN (WayV)

I will always stand by the fact KUN is the coolest NCT member by a mile (sorry Yuta!). He's one of those idols who has seemingly lived a thousand lives in their 20s and probably one of the few with a decent amount of employable skills on his non-idol resume. If he isn't training to become a videographer, skydiver, pilot, or scuba diver (amongst many other side quests), he's also writing and producing his own songs, as well as composing for WayV!

Feel & Talk is his first self-produced solo EP, and even with just three songs, KUN has demonstrated his eagerness to experiment with new genres. NCT has a lot of powerhouse vocalists, and KUN is not only one of their strongest, but also one of the most versatile. I've already covered the opening ballad, The Moment, in last month's issue, and it was pretty good!

Feel Love and Talk is a groovy, contemporary r&b disco earworm that's so easy to put on repeat. KUN's solo music so far has been incredibly romantic and sappy, but this is his first foray into something more sensual, and this style of mandopop works so well for him. Huge shout out to that magical drunken night with a mysterious woman with the coconut lip balm who inspired this song!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/lhbaRdx0Hbo?rel=0

You can find links to KUN's EP on all global platforms below!

FEEL&TALK

XIAOJUN (WayV)

Wow, Xiaojun wasn't kidding when he said he had a lot of schedules planned for us in July! I feel like this man has been absolutely everywhere from music shows in China to an onslaught of variety shows in Korea. Here are some of the highlights.

《最初的记忆》 (First Memory)

This is honestly a really beautiful cover and was released as a gift to fans celebrating the 8th anniversary of Xiaojun's debut. I could never grow tired of listening to a piano ballad if it's Xiaojun singing them. He's a real yearner.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/qxc4dccYhvw?rel=0

(EDIT: 2/08/26): This cover is available on Chinese and major global streaming platforms!

For:Rest Live

What's better than 9 minutes of Xiaojun singing whilst being carted around in a wheelbarrow?

To me? Nothing.

This is one of the most soul-cleansing videos I've watched in a long time. Xiaojun performs WayV's No One But You (one of their most romantic and breezy songs!) and a cover of Taeyeon's I, both excellent choices for him.

All that leafy greenery is extremely relaxing to look at, paired with the warm vocal production that almost makes me wish I listen to this with the static fuzz of a record player.

There's also a really cute moment between songs of a little girl excitedly walking up to Xiaojun and staring in awe because she met an idol, and it was a really precious little moment!

Weishenville is a delightful place to be right now!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/e3RjEx5SgUE?rel=0

Xiaojun mentioned on his bubble that there was a third song that was cut from the final release due to streaming issues...so if that Girls Generation Catch Me If You Can OT9 leaker is still out there, I really need you to do me a favour right now.

XIAOJUN & HWISEO's Epic Lullaby

This was so sweet! If you're having trouble falling asleep, Xiaojun and Hwiseo (H1-Key) have you sorted with a soothing playlist of covers:

My Everything - NCT U

Last Goodbye - AKMU

Stay - Blackpink

Love Me Like That - Sam Kim

Something's Wrong - Kwon Jin Ah

Quando, Quando, Quando - Michael Bublé

Never knew the first time in my life I ever hear a Michael Bublé song would be through idol variety content, but here we are. Last Goodbye was the highlight for me though!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/vcuKwpvPSgA?rel=0

《天天想你 (매일 널 생각해)》Every Day I Think Of You - HENDERY (WayV)

What do you mean the Gao Junchen and Hendery collaborated on a cover of 天天想你, one of the all-time mandopop classics?! This collaboration was part of a tribute project celebrating Taiwanese singer Zhang Yu Sheng’s legacy.

Hendery has a surprisingly deep voice, one that can really catch you off guard if you're only used to seeing him in a comedic light through clips on social media, but he also sounds incredibly sweet when he sings. I really wish they'd let him sing more on WayV songs and I'm really looking forward to his upcoming solo releases!

I can't find a more accessible link for global listeners to this one at the moment, but I'll be sure to update this when I can.

《天天想你（매일 널 생각해）》@汽水音乐

If You Don't Mean It - TEN (WayV)

I wasn't sure what I was expecting from Ten's first solo single since starting his own music label, and it's his first ever original song in Thai!

If You Don't Mean It is a pretty cute love song tinged with melancholic lyrics but otherwise sounds bright and optimistic. It's not my personal taste but it's great to see him releasing Thai pop music!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/D_B1rfUufY0?rel=0

YO-I-DON (Boy Meets Girl) - NCT Wish

I don't listen to NCT Wish regularly but I like to tune into them whenever something new comes out! YO-I-DON is much closer to what I'd originally envisioned NCT's Japanese subunit would sound like, which is the type of j-pop that makes you feel like you've drank an iced coffee at midnight and you're about to have a heart attack.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1d8dVSs0Bg?rel=0

Dreams Never Sleep - Yuta (NCT 127)

Yuta pouts and vogues across Japan on a motorcycle he doesn't know how to ride. Or at least that's what I imagine his brief cameo in this movie will be.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9nOX0zxrLfw?rel=0

Yuta also dropped this beautiful angsty piano version of Play Back on his youtube channel. Not sure why he chose to sing this version at a higher pitch than the original, but it still sounds pretty good! It's also wonderful to see how much the tokusatsu fans are loving Yuta's music.

I really need to lock in and catch up on Zetz! I will talk about how much I miss watching Kamen Rider and then proceed to do anything but that. One of these days for sure.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/AtDSdev6AXc?rel=0

Also, a super special shout out to Yuta for re-signing at SM and essentially killing all my hopes and dreams for Japanese rock ballad collaboration with Jaejoong for the foreseeable future :) All I have is their mutual instagram follow, regularly liked posts, and a dream.

99 Degrees - Jaehyun (NCT 127)

Well, I have no idea what possessed NCT's Jaehyun, also known as Jamal, to dip into Christina Perri's A Thousand Years nachos and release a demo whilst he was serving in the military, but I can only assume he watched Twilight and was utterly compelled by how much he relates to Edward Cullen's loserism.

Anyway, I'm so glad 99 Degrees got an official release because I really enjoy the comforting warmth in Jaehyun's voice. This man is a true yearner, a cheesy lyrics connoisseur, and mathematics extraordinaire: "girl, this love is 99 degrees / leave the one, we still got all we need". I mean, wow, Shakespeare hasn't dared compose a single love sonnet ever since '99 Degrees' dropped.

You just can't compete with that!

99 Degrees is a solid r&b ballad, and even if the instrumentation is a little underwhelming at times, the song still works for what it is. The newly added verses and bridge are cute, very cute! I want to give a huge shout-out to the girl from California who Jaehyun is down bad for. Thanks once again for inspiring another yearning in the rain (or rather, the furnace) track to join the ranks of Unconditional and Completely.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/wuF8Q_iq7Bo?rel=0

Jaehyun is my 127 bias alongside Yuta. He's such an interesting case to me because his solo material pushes into three of the most oversaturated markets in k-pop: jazz, r&b, and ballads though he's obviously so content with where he is and it suits him so well.

I've always wondered if a lot of idols are clearly designated these genres because they're popular and easier for companies to churn out middling releases in with little financial risk involved. But Jaehyun's vocal style, along with his romantic Valentine Boy image really does make him an ideal r&b boyband darling.

Based on what Jaehyun has said about the music which inspires him and curated on radio shows, he's definitely done some homework: Chet Baker, Frank Ocean, Boyz II Men (like I said, he is a real yearner!), Sade, Quincy Jones, The Originals, The Carpenters and D'Angelo. His feature on r&b/pop duo Emotional Oranges' Call It Off was a strong collaboration for him as well, so I'd love for him to work with more artists outside the krnb sphere again.

Sometimes I feel as though Jaehyun is manufactured almost too perfectly for the idol industry. I mean, born on Valentine's Day? The storyline writes itself.