BOYNEXTDOOR released their 4th mini album "No Genre" on May 13.
BOYNEXTDOOR (Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, Woonhak) are ready to be reborn as a ‘5th generation top boy group’ with their new album. They previously swept the US Billboard and Japan Oricon charts with their 3rd mini album "19.99" and emerged as a music powerhouse by staying at the top spot on Korea’s Apple Music ‘Today’s Top 100’ chart for over a month with their digital single ‘Only Today I LOVE YOU’. The six members who are continuing their upward trend are taking a new leap forward with their new album "No Genre."
The word ‘Genre’ used in the album title defines the format of art fields such as music and film, but sometimes it itself becomes a frame and limits possibilities. BOYNEXTDOOR says that they will not confine themselves to the frame of genre and will do the music they want to do. "No Genre" represents an album of limitless possibilities
Through ‘No Genre’, BOYNEXTDOOR sings that their unique individuality does not change in any situation. This inner strength leads to the confidence that they can do anything. When they break free from the frame that binds them, youth becomes free. Thanks to this, their free-spirited charm is highlighted even more in this album. The members wrote the melodies and lyrics that best express the team’s emotions without being restricted by format. Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak are listed on the album credits. ‘No Genre’ is the result of adding the team’s individuality to the ‘life-related lyrics’ and easy-to-listen melodies that the members experience.
The title song ‘I Feel Good’ expresses a free-spirited and confident attitude. It combines a heavy bass, solid guitar riff, intuitive lyrics, and vocals that go back and forth between rap and singing. The chorus that gives a thrilling pleasure is also impressive. It shows Boynextdoor's confident attitude that is not restricted by a specific music genre or style. Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak participated in the song's production.
Aside from the title track and the English version of 'I Feel Good,' there are 6 more tracks; '123-78' is about missing a past lover and weaving it into the time of counting. It borrows the sound of 1960s pop soul to add a romantic atmosphere. The lyrics stand out as they count the time hoping that the lover will come back, but they are so impatient that they can’t even count 10 seconds properly and jump from one, two, three to seven, eight.
'Step By Step' expresses the desire to hold on to the seasons that flow endlessly with a city pop vibe. The members' cool vocals are added to the softly flowing synthesizer melody and sophisticated rhythm that seem to express the change of seasons, leaving a lingering feeling as if they want to stop the passing moment forever.
'Are you kidding me?' is song depicts the cute jealousy felt when seeing an ex-lover with someone else. The funky rhythm is added to the cheerful melody to complete the bouncy sound. The lyrics, which are complex yet subtle, are attractive.
'Next Mistake' deals with the feelings of love that feel like the right answer when it's hottest, but feel like a mistake when it cools down. The sad lyrics such as “If we start again, let it go” and “Our relationship has become rough” leave a sense of sadness. The members’ vocals deeply convey the sense of loss felt at the end of love.
'Today Only I LOVE YOU'
This is a dance song that depicts the realistic aftermath of a breakup. The contrasting feeling of the self-deprecating lyrics and the cheerful band sound melody is the point of this song. Although it is a breakup song, it is not completely vague or sad. BOYNEXTDOOR wit is revealed as it cheerfully depicts the days after a breakup when you can’t muster up the courage and can’t hold on to anything.
Listen to "No Genre"
