Best B-Sides of January 2023

The first month of 2023 is now over, but it has left us with some really great K-Pop (and global pop) releases to listen to and start our year with from both boy groups and girl groups. So, here is a look at just some of my favorite B-side releases from January 2023. 

"Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)" - Tomorrow x Together 

I think it's fair to say that TXT (Tomorrow x Together) surprised everyone with this B-side from their latest mini-album The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION, not only because of its unique title but also because of its incredible afrobeat instrumentation that instantly takes over your body, making you dance along. Despite its fun title, the lyrics of “Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)” carry a much deeper and darker meaning, with the members singing about the lows and loneliness of fame.

"LEFT RIGHT" - XG

As I mentioned in my new release write-up, it’s only the beginning of 2023 and global pop group XG’s “LEFT RIGHT” is already on top for being one of my favorite releases this year. Taken from their two-track single release SHOOTING STAR, “LEFT RIGHT” is a great R&B track with huge nostalgic influences that anyone who grew up on ‘90s and ‘00s R&B will enjoy listening to. 

"Deny" - MONSTA X

MONSTA X’s latest mini-album REASON really made Hyungwon my bias wrecker. I wasn’t prepared to be blown away by his presence in this album, but it happened and I’m not complaining at all. His vocal delivery in the chorus of “Deny” truly makes me feel happy for reasons I can’t explain, while the song itself carries a nice, calming R&B feel, making it perfect for listening to when you want to just relax and unwind after a long day. 

“Love or Die” - VIVIZ

As someone who hasn’t listened to many of VIVIZ’s tracks, B-side “Love or Die” from their third mini album VarioUS is a pleasant and quite unexpected surprise. “Love or Die” showcases VIVIZ’s vocal maturity over a tropical, R&B beat that is worlds different from the cute, girly pop songs VIVIZ have released in the past. The members have a soft tone to their voices that, when combined with the tropical R&B backdrop, make this song a really enjoyable track to listen to. It definitely makes me want to check out more of their work too! 

Edited by Vivian N.