Tag: Album Review

  • Take a Breath and Cross the Borderline

    Take a Breath and Cross the Borderline

    Kihyun is back with killer vocals and genres that explore his true self. Photo credits to Kihyun and Starship Entertainment.

    “The K in K-Pop is back!”, Monbebe around the world have been exclaiming since the moment Borderline by Yoo Kihyun was released. The powerhouse Lead Vocalist of third gen boy group, Monsta X, has dropped his third solo endeavor with the sole purpose of challenging those listening to “cross that line.” The line holding them back– the finish line. The line they never thought they could approach but have always wanted to. The line that will lead them to greatness. 

    The seven track album with a run time of twenty two minutes spends its entirety piercing the veil of normality, supported by a live band sound that Kihyun’s solo work is known for. In true Rockstar fashion, Kihyun lets loose and shows the listener that Voyager and youth–his prior two albums, were just him dipping his toes in. 

    Kihyun expressed his desire to break through a boundary he had seemingly placed on himself before his military enlistment. He desired a truth that needed to be expressed with his greatest of gifts–his voice and magnetic live performances. This album needed to be the carrier for this challenge and it was only fitting to lead off the album with the track “Borderline”. The lyrics express all that has been previously mentioned– pushing through the hesitation and reaching your potential but still striving for more. He does this with pure fun pop/rock vibes and well trained vocals.

    “So Good” is the title track that Kihyun stated he took a risk on. He waited until he had one final day left to choose a lead single before finally choosing it. This is not a typical K-Pop single, it is not a Tiktok trending song and it will not add views because of a catchy dance, but it is the song that challenged him and pushed him to a new limit. “So Good” is precisely that. Even his group members promptly posted on “Berriz” that the song is just ….. “So Good”. The emotional ballad is not an easy one to sing and the message will bring tears to your eyes–listener beware. 

    The next track on the album is “Stealin’ Air”. It is a little bit of a departure style for Kihyun. It is reminiscent of his group mate Hyungwon, with an extra serving of sensual and toned down instrumentals. The listener is gifted with Kihyun’s lower registers and tonal changes that come with years of vocal training and the vibe of a dimly lit R&B club.

    Just when you have settled into the realization that you have felt three different emotions in the last twelve minutes, “Domino” reminds you to breathe again. The foot stomping, hand clapping song of the summer takes you for a ride down the coastline and reminds you to enjoy your life–every moment of it. 

    “Lazy Day” is the perfect companion song to Bruno Mars’ classic “The Lazy Song” and brother to WooSung’s, “Lazy”. This track is complete with a tempo to sway your body to and groove in your onesie. Trumpets then come into play and remind you that we are having a party with Mr. Yoo. Now is your reminder to create a “Lazy Playlist” for the days we want to do nothing. 

    One of the most anticipated songs was the Ye-Yo! sound produced track, “Late Night Drive”. Ye-Yo! is known for writing and composing alongside Kihyun’s fellow group mate JooHoney, and their partnership has never failed to produce the exact color that is Honey. The song is a classic “stadium ballad” infused with jazz. Just when you think you are okay, there is piano and saxophone with a happy snare and high hat to remind the pacing of your heartbeat. 

    Taking the closing spot is “Howling”, Kihyun’s previously performed solo stage track. He had already stunned Monbebe with the live performances during the Nexus tour stops and fans could not get enough of the canine calls. Adding the official recording to the album was a brilliant way to gift Monbebe, especially Kikibebe, with pure Yoo Kihyun Rockstar energy. 

    Kihyun dived into many different genres and stories throughout this album, giving Monbebe a little taste of everything. Fans across the globe are anticipating a solo from him during Monsta X’s upcoming fall tour, THE X: NEXUS.

  • Music Without Apology; i-dle

    Music Without Apology; i-dle

    i-dle have returned with a brand new five track EP full of unique sounds for everyone. Photo credits to i-dle and Cube Entertainment.

    With the release of their ninth mini album We made, i-dle has re-entered the ring. Known for their unique themes, glass ceiling breaking lyrics and messages intended to make the listener question the world around them, the five member girl group has come back stronger than ever.

    Neverland, the group’s fandom, have long been awaiting the sister tracks to the previously released digital single “Mono” ft. Skaiwater, with the intriguing alter ego of leader SoYeon; Ice Blue Rabbit, at the helm. 

    “Mono”, in true i-dle form, stood ten toes down on their pro LGBTQIA+ stance and that “Love is Love” no matter what any community may think. With lyrics like “You’re from the right, or from the left. Whether East or West, whether straight or gay” and “You know you’re born to love,” there is no mistaking the groups’ stance on the matter. This track has graced fans with a “get up and move” style dance track that could never be mistaken for any group but i-dle.

    Despite “Mono” only being a pre-release, it was the perfect beginning to their newly released album. On June 6th, the complete album was released and their lead single, “Gimme Dat Love”, did not disappoint. The energy is that of a sensual adult summer, no regrets and no holding back. Ice Blue Rabbit is again credited as the lyricist, letting us know that she does not want this track to be labeled before it is heard, as another “SoYeon” track.  

    “Gimme Dat Love” may bring the audience back to their debut days as it can be related to their core sound and raw talents while also showing how they have grown and are making music for everyone. The members voices are a tad deeper than previous releases which aid in giving the song a sultry and sensual vibe that screams “hot beach days, hot beach nights.”

    The next track on the record is a pop/dance track calling back to “Nxde” days. If you are looking for something to get up and dance to and feel good while doing it, “Morning” is the one. These women never fail to make sure you will have a good time dancing, even in between heavier topics and mood setting melodies. 

    Following “Morning” is another pre release single, “Crow.” This track is unique to the group as the song opens with a sample imitating a crow. As the song continues, it features hip-hop sounds paired with heavy guitar riffs and lyrics that encapsulate the opposite of a crow. Crows are often times painted as a bad omen, but the group reclaims the meaning and flips it to tell a story of a “crow” that regains their crown. The song explains that no matter what, these ladies will keep fighting, keep working and no one can stop that. Not money, not media and not other’s opinions.

    Finally, the album is closed out with “Love is Pain”, which is written by Yuqi and is their second all English track on the album. Each member’s strong vocals are once again featured on this pop ballad. This song is a bit slower and serves as the perfect ending to the album.

    Each member of i-dle were able to show their unique colors throughout this album, showcasing that there are either a track, message, beat or dance for everyone. This is a new direction for i-dle, and Neverland around the world are excited to see what the future holds for the group.

  • ATEEZ Return with Fifth Installment of their Golden Hour Series

    ATEEZ Return with Fifth Installment of their Golden Hour Series

    ATEEZ have returned with GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 5. This five track record follows the theme of toxic and addicting love and utilizes various Latin and Brazilian beats and genres. Photo credits to ATEEZ, KQ Entertainment.

    Just four months after the release of their EP GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 4, ATEEZ is back with another another installment of the series, GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 5. The members – Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung & Jongho – have decided to take on a new approach and musical style with this new album that includes Latin beats, Brazilian funk, R&B and more.

    The album starts off strong with the title track, “BAD”. This song is built around Latin-inspired rhythms and paired with a captivating, addictive beat. The music video features vivid colors, lively choreography and even a wedding, which aid in conveying the theme of the song, which is dangerous love. The group mixes English, Spanish and Korean lyrics within the track to give it a more global appeal.

    The next track, “MAMACITA”, which has been labeled as a crowd favorite by ATINY (their fandom), continues with the Latin beats and Brazilian funk that the boys have experimented with over the years. Similar to “BAD”, this track also conveys a theme of love and finding someone.

    Following “MAMACITA” is the third song, “TOXIN.” “TOXIN” begins the switch up as it is mid-way through the album. The previous songs contained Latin beats, where as this track tones down to mid-tempo almost R&B vibes. This is also where the love story begins to change as this song focuses on someone being similar to a toxin and how they cannot get away.

    “Fallin’”, the next song on the album, is completely different than any other song that the group has done. This one features powerful percussions and synths. The most notable part of this song is member Yeosang’s part as his deep voice carries the entire chrous, creating a sort of eerie vibe. Similar to “TOXIN”, “Fallin’” follows the theme of falling in deep and being intoxicated by someone.

    The last track ,“BODY”, is the perfect ending to the album. With its mid-tempo beats and soft vocals, this song is perfect for listening to on a late night drive. Despite being slower and different than the previous songs on the record, this one encapsulates ATEEZ’s various sides, proving that they are capable of dipping into many different genres within one album.

    GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 5 showcases ATEEZ’s strengths within the finer details of the album as well as their growth as artists. This new Latin direction in which they are heading aids in making them even more unique without overshadowing their previous releases. As their lore grows, fans are excited to see what they have in store next.

  • ONF Comes Back With a New Identity in EP “ONF: MY SELF”

    ONF Comes Back With a New Identity in EP “ONF: MY SELF”

    ONF come back with their new mini album “ONF: MY SELF”, which tell the stories of pain and love. Photo credits to ONF, KI Entertainment.

    ONF, pronounced “on and off”, have been a distinct staple in K-pop since their debut in 2017. With their unique melodies and some of the most distinct and recognizable voices in the industry, their consistent yet unique sound has captured the hearts of their fans. FUSE– their fandom — have stuck by the groups’ side for nearly a decade, and after changing from their debut company to another this year, the boys are on a mission to simultaneously return to form and reinvent themselves in the current scope of K-pop. Having gone viral for various things since their enlistment, ONF return to enchant people with the intricate musicality that their members hold. The 6-member group continues to capture the hearts of fans, new and old alike, with their newest album ONF: MY SELF. 

    Without hesitation, the album begins with the title, “Open the Door”, which is a call to open the door to a shadow and face one’s self. The lyrics describe someone who is in constant pain and goes back to the place the pain began in an effort to resolve it and move on. As they stay there, staring at the door, they remind themselves they have to open the door in order to end the pain and start again. They had almost lost hope, with that light fading more and more every day, not being able to “tell hope from illusion” as they describe their despair. The MV for this track may seem simple, but the framework and effects add to the complexity of one’s own mind and how we can easily fool ourselves. The scenes depict the members facing shadows and various fears they have, but all being pushed to open the door to free themselves from their self-made prisons. The track itself is reminiscent of their previous tracks “Bye my Monster” and “We Must Love”, with orchestral additions and the unique way they build their harmonies with each other. This track inspires the listener to open the door to the next stage in order to move on without fear. 

    Following this grand title track is a track that portrays what it would be like if they didn’t walk through that door to end the pain. “Bad Dream” describes someone who is actively choosing a bad dream rather than letting go of their pain. They don’t want to be without someone and refuse to leave the painful dreamscape, despite knowing it will not end well. The backtrack of the song sounds like dreamy hyper-pop with heavy synths and high harmonies, ricocheting off the vocals with reverb. Opposing “Bad Dream” is the next track, “Escape”, where the lyrics describe breaking free from the things holding the group back. In this narration, the speaker turns a complete 180 from the previous track, wanting to charge ahead and escape the chains of their pain, just like in the title track. This time there is increased emphasis on running forward without thinking. The music hits the ear with intense electronic sounds that call back to ONF’s previous electronica phase in the early 2020s before their enlistment. This accentuates members Minkyun and Wyatt’s voices, both becoming more prominent with the dichotomy of their voices on full display. The relationship of these two tracks clearly shows the choice we all have to either stay in the dark and in our pain, or to run towards the light with no hesitation to better things, no matter how long it takes. 

    As “Escape” is a driving force to move on and focus on the light, “Mirage” describes being left behind in a relationship. The melody and music sound as though they would befit an OST for a K-drama with strong falsettos from various members accompanied by an acoustic guitar and soft drums. This track sounds like one that would play when a couple has broken up at a cafe, and the singer is the one looking out the window as it starts to rain. The longing in the lyrics is one of lost hope and acceptance, with the end of the relationship being inevitable and somewhat expected by the speaker. The lyrics reference their love as being a finite story with a set number of pages in a book, and then describe a densely packed book with erased letters, which fills this melancholy track with sorrow. Minkyun’s ad-libs and high notes add to the slow acceptance and loneliness of the lyrics. 

    “Silver Lining” is a straightforward track that can be interpreted one way: things cannot always be the same and change is inevitable. This track is full of hope and emits a light that is hard to describe. The members all have melodies and lines that are inherently inspiring, but when put together in this way, it makes the listener feel they can do anything. This is the ultimate feel-good track when you need a pick-me-up. You can feel the members uplift you with their voices, launching you into an elevated space. In comparison, their final track, “Once in a Red Moon”, describes the feeling of excitement and companionship as they continue moving forward with their fans. This track has a clear 3rd generation sound, as do most of ONF’s tracks, which make the music and lyrics sound nostalgic. Except for a few ad-libs, the lyrics of this track are entirely in Korean, which follows their usual trend of having more Korean lyrics than English. This track has a driving beat that brings a certain uplifting and encouraging feeling to the listener’s ear, making it a perfect ending to this album of self-discovery and love. 

    ONF have continuously pushed their own limits with their never-ending creativity and integrity, only comparing themselves to their own track record and never to anyone else. Because of this, they have been able to continue to grow as musicians and performers with true self-reflection. Their music continues to light up the ears of Fuse and hopefully bring in new fans to follow them on their journey as idols. All members of ONF have a say in the content they put out and will continue to be a light in this dull world.

  • K-Pop Soloist EVAN Debuts with Mini Album and Title Song, “Ride or Die”

    K-Pop Soloist EVAN Debuts with Mini Album and Title Song, “Ride or Die”

    Evan makes his debut with a two track EP that showcases his new direction. Photo credits to HYBE, EVAN.

    Three months after announcing his departure from Enhypen, Evan (formally known as Heeseung) has officially made his debut with a 2 track EP, featuring “Ride or Die” and “Overflow”.

    Evan was first introduced to the world as a trainee on the CJ ENM boy group survival show, “I LAND”, where he competed alongside other contestants. Evan was voted into the final group, ENHYPEN, where he has spent the last six years.

    “Ride or Die” marks Evan’s official new beginning as a soloist and he surely did not disappoint. Not only does this showcase a new authentic side of him, but it also serves as his “official reintroduction” to fans that have loved him since “I-LAND” and Enhypen.

    “Ride or Die”, the promoted title track, composed by Evan himself, starts off with a powerful synth-like guitar melody that immediately turns heads. The chorus contains lyrics such as, “You are my ride or die, drive ‘till the end of time”, it is definitely something that can resonate within everyone looking to find that someone to stay in their lives forever. As the lyrics carry on, it is clear to see that this song carries the weight of Evan’s journey and preparation for his debut. While watching the music video, viewers are able to feel the emotions and powerfulness of the meaning behind the song. 

    Toning the vibe down with “Overflow”, the promoted B-side on the EP, this track brings more of a ballad tone with comforting and emotional lyrics. Evan participated in the writing once more, and it is evident that this song was meant to be a reassurance to anyone and everyone struggling through a hard place and to never give up hope. With lyrics in the second verse “I write this letter to you, even though I can’t send it, we’ll definitely meet again”, it gives every individual listening a chance to realize that life may be hard right now, but there is always ways to find the light at the end of a dark tunnel. 

    With teasers already beginning of a full mini album coming out in September, Evan is back and better than ever, ready to show the world what he has in store. He will be making his first official solo debut in the US on August 16th at KCON LA, so please be sure to cheer loud and proud, showing that you will always be his “Ride or Die”.

  • RIIZE Releases Hip-Hop Centered Mini Album “II”

    RIIZE Releases Hip-Hop Centered Mini Album “II”

    RIIZE have released their second mini album which focuses on the themes of “rising up” and spreading their wings in order to grow. Photo credits to RIIZE and SM Entertainment.

    Just weeks after celebrating 1,000 days since debut, RIIZE has made a highly anticipated comeback with their second mini album. This six-track album, “II”, is based around hip-hop instrumentals and melodies, which aid in showcasing the style in which RIIZE are heading. Members Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton continue to impress BRIIZE–their fandom– with their powerful dancing and creative concepts. 

    The album opens with “SOAR” expressing their desire to rise higher, wanting to “spread [their] wings and soar.” An upbeat track mixing hip-hop and pop-rock elements, “SOAR” feels like an early 2000s radio hit, making listeners feel optimistic. Directly following it is the title track, “Do your dance.” The track utilizes EDM instrumentals on a hip-hop beat, creating a dance anthem. RIIZE uses the track to show their moves while instructing listeners to follow their lead, “Do your dance like a pro.” The lyrics emphasize how the boys continue doing their own thing despite the judgement or backlash. They continue to rise, even when people try to bring them down.

    “D-D-Done” is the third track on the album, continuing a trend of EDM and hip-hop sounds. The bridge highlights members Sohee and Wonbin’s vocals while backing them with unique sound effects and a slower tempo. The track imbues longing lyrics with a positive instrumental, leaving listeners chanting “you and I will last forever.” The fourth track starts strong with “Overdrive.” The song has a short instrumental intro before jumping into the first verse, with a strong bass sound and low-register raps. As the track continues, the lyrics further show RIIZE’s dreams becoming reality, as they continue “flying high.” 

    “Like a Bomb” is a dance-infused hip-hop song appearing fifth on the album. The song compares their love to a bomb, saying “my fire is on.” Its groovy synth during the chorus mixed with all the members’ vocals creates a bright vibe, making listeners want to dance along. They close the album with “In a Loop,” a dreamy pop song full of hope for a brighter future. The track’s chorus uses quieter instrumentals to further showcase the members’ voices. “In a Loop” is a perfect closing song to the album, its hopeful vibe leaving listeners joyful as the song comes to a quick close.

    Following the success of their first world tour, RIIZE has continued making waves in the industry. They have experienced many setbacks during their first two years but continue to push forward. This mini album has allowed them to express their desires to work towards their dream and how they refuse to stop.

  • New Boy Group AND2BLE Debut with First EP ‘Sequence 01: Curiousity’

    New Boy Group AND2BLE Debut with First EP ‘Sequence 01: Curiousity’

    AND2BLE make their debut with five tracks off their highly anticipated mini album, Sequence 01: Curiousity. Photo credits to AN2BLE and YH Entertainment.

    After months of teasers and anticipation, brand-new boy group AND2BLE have finally hit the scene! This five member group first made headlines back in late March when an article went viral claiming that the group’s company had trademarked various names, one being AND2BLE. Soon after, an Instagram account with the same name dropped a photo of a logo along with the caption, “2026.05.26, coming soon.”

    Though this group may be considered new, the members are no stranger to the idol life-as each one had previously competed on a survival show program (Boys Planet) resulting in them debuting within two different groups. Following the survival show, members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Gyuvin and Yujin debuted in the nine member project boy group ZEROBASEONE, whereas member Seungeon debuted in a seven member group called EVNNE.

    Now, the boys have come together as five and re debuted with their first mini album, Sequence 01: Curiosity. This five track record explores the group’s various talents– from hard-hitting vocals to dreamlike beats–which offers something unique to each listener. The album opens with the group’s powerful title track, “Curious.” The song begns with ominous stripped vocals before quickly transitioning into fast-paced percussion instruments, creating a mysterious vibe. The song centers around the theme of dangerous curiosity and ambition which tie in with the instrumentals. Members Zhango Hao and Ricky helped contribute to those vibes as they are credited with writing some of the lyrics. 

    “Aura”, the second song on the album and the promoting B-side, features dreamy synth sounds that mimic a dream-like state. Paired with the beats are lyrics like, “Let me show you what I’m about, watch me,” the song’s theme explores the members’ aura drawing in someone. Member Ricky participated in the lyrical writing for this track, showcasing his various talents. Following “Aura” is the upbeat and poppy dance song, “Sugar Rush.” Despite the track’s upbeat rhythm, the lyrics contradict as they dive into the subject of dangerous and addictive love, creating a “sugar rush.”

    As the album begins to wrap up, the group diverts from their high tempo track record to a more mellow and slower tempo song. “Bed”, similar to its title, encapsulates a story that begins within a dream. Lyrics such as, “It starts right here on the bed”, aid with the depiction of a relationship coming to life. The perfect closing to the record takes place with the song, “Happy&”, written by members Zhang Hao and Gyuvin. This track serves as a dedication to their fans, stating that they will be together forever and that there will be no end to their happiness.

     AND2BLE may have just debuted, but with their previous experience, they are sure to capture the hearts of many around the world.

  • ZEROBASEONE Make Awaited Comeback with New Mini Album, ‘Ascend’

    ZEROBASEONE Make Awaited Comeback with New Mini Album, ‘Ascend’

    ZEROBASEONE have returned with a new seven track EP full of Dance Pop, House and R&B sounds. Photo credits to ZEROBASEONE and Wake One Entertainment.



    ZEROBASEONE have returned with their latest mini album, Ascend, which feature seven brand new tracks to match their rebrand. This album precedes their special limited album, RE-FLOW that was released in time for the Here and Now tour Encore. Previously, the group operated as nine members as they were hand picked from fans around the world during the MNET survival show, ‘Boys Planet.’ But as most survival shows go, the group was given a temporary contract, and shortly after the Encore concerts concluded, members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Gyuvin and Yujin left the group in order to pursue their careers within a new one. Now as five, ZEROBASEONE have rebranded and are ready to show the world their new musical direction.

    The group recently put out a one hour documentary on their Youtube channel–a “ZBLog”–highlighting the process of hand selecting the songs as well as recording them. Each member was able to voice their opinions regarding song choices and youngest member Park Gunwook even contributed to composing, arranging, and lyricizing one of them.

    Leader Sung Hanbin stated that the album is a new chapter for them, and that with the songs chosen and this new direction, it allows for each member’s skills to shine.

    Paired with the theme of rebranding and new paths comes the first track, “Intro”, which is exactly what it sounds like–an introduction to the album. This two minute track is created purely with instrumentals that pull from specific portions of the other tracks, creating a perfect collaborative beginning to the album. As the track dissipates, it jumps into the group’s highly anticipated title track, “TOP 5”.

    “TOP 5” features a Contemporary R&B beat, reminiscent of the early 2000s. The theme of the song highlights the top five things that the members love about someone. Lyrics such as “your lips, your style, your kiss,” showcase a more mature vibe and the transition of the groups’ sound. Continuing with the R&B vibes comes the third song and promoting B-side, “V for Vision.” Although it has R&B roots, the song could not be more different than “TOP 5.” The beginning instrumentals feature slowed down beats, similar to those of early 2000s artists like Destiny’s Child. The twinged vocals chanting “V for what,” during the chorus help to bring the entire song together.

    Another highly anticipated song, “Customize’, is the next track on the album. Fans actually had the chance to hear this song live as the members’ performed it at KCON Japan before the album was officially released. Despite it being performed, ZEROSE–their fandom–were excited to finally hear the studio version. “Customize” continues with the early 2000s vibe and was even written, produced and arranged by Gunwook. The theme of love and relationships is strong within this song as it is filled with lyrics like, “You can Customize my heart,” symbolizing a relationship in which the members would do anything to keep the love.

    Halfway through the album, the vibes begin to change. Following “Customize”, comes a club oriented Dance Pop song titled, “Exotic.” This track is upbeat and combines both House and Dance Pop to create a dance-worthy song. With lyrics like, “I want to follow this feeling freely with your body left to the flow, without even realizing it “ to match the beat, this song instantly becomes a club staple.

    During track number six, “Changes”, the tone of the album changes as a slow tempo beat comes in paired with raw vocals to create the perfect ballad. This song features the concept of changing love along with the highs and lows. Concluding the album is a modern tempo and typical KPOP sounding song, “Zero to Hundred,” which follows the story of someone hitting the gas on their relationship going from zero to one hundred within a moment. The faster beats and synth sounds help to curate another Dance Pop track, which make the perfect ending to the album.

    Despite what the members of ZEROBASEONE have been through this year, the new direction in which they are heading is promising and is sure to have fans on the edge of their seat as they await the next chapter.

  • BOYNEXTDOOR Returns “HOME”: with First Full-Length Album

    BOYNEXTDOOR Returns “HOME”: with First Full-Length Album

    BOYNEXTDOOR returns with their first full-length album, “HOME.” Photo Credits to HYBE, KOZ, Weverse.

    It has been three years since BOYNEXTDOOR debuted, and they have finally shared their first full length album. This seven member group consists of Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak. BOYNEXTDOOR is under the direction of HYBE and KOZ, allowing for much creative freedom. Their new album, HOME, releases ahead of their upcoming world tour this fall, with stops in Korea, North America, Japan, and more across Asia. The album showcases the member’s various talents as well as their versatility with the title track, “VIRAL’” and pre-release, “ddok ddok ddok.”

    The first track, “06070 “, is a direct reference to the postal code of Gangman, a district within Seoul. Its nostalgic Hip-Hop instrumentals melt together with the member’s voices, creating a relaxing vibe. The lyrics showcase the member’s different life experiences, with the opening and closing verses directly mirroring each other. Leader Jaehyun’s first line, “age twenty, Hyehwa Station, a shabby restaurant”, is used to describe how he nearly gave up on his idol dream, whereas Woonhak’s verse shows his experience being the same age with the line, “age twenty, on stage, in front of thousands of people.”

    “VIRAL”, the title track and second song off the album, describes BOYNEXTDOOR’s goal for global success while simultaneously telling the story of wanting someone back. The song blends Pop and Hip-Hop along with Afrobeats, which help to create an upbeat atmosphere. Despite the vibrant instrumental, the lyrics portray the hardships of relationships and careers. Member Taesan concludes the song with, “I’m on my money, But I’m on my lonely,” while Sungho asks about a girl, leaving listeners feeling somber as the track fades away. Directly following the title track is their pre-release song, “ddok ddok ddok.” This Hip-Hop heavy song shows off BND’s cool charms as they “knock on your door.” The repetitive lyrics and loud instrumentals create a catchy song that gets stuck in your head. The song concludes with the members rapping together in a verse that references all their previous releases, from their debut EP WHO!, to their previous  release,The Action.

    Their b-side “DIVE” is a slower R&B based track with dreamy background vocals and soft instrumentals. The members serenade fans with their smooth vocals and romantic words, wanting to “dive into you.” This continues the theme of loneliness mentioned in “VIRAL,” which showcases a desire to have someone to spend your days with. The album concludes with another R&B pop song titled, “I Wonder”. The song features a fast-paced tempo mixed with softer vocals and lyrics of longing. These combined elements create the perfect closing song, leaving fans wanting more.

    With a total of eight tracks, BOYNEXTDOOR’s first full-length album is full of many different emotions and genres, leaving a song for every mood. Excitement for their upcoming tour has reached an all-time high as ONEDOOR, their fans, hope to see many of these new songs live!

    Check our BOYNEXTDOOR’s newest title track, ‘“VIRAL”.