[Album Review] 19.99 (3rd Mini Album) – BOYNEXTDOOR

Last September saw BOYNEXTDOOR make a comeback with their 3rd mini-album, 19.99, and the lead single Nice Guy. Today, I am finally getting around to reviewing the mini-album, which sees the members explore all sides of almost reaching their 20s. Upon realising this theme, it is a bit confronting to figure out how much older I am in comparison to the group. 19.99 also features the pre-release single Dangerous, the English version of Nice Guy, a skit and 3 additional side tracks.

More recently, the group returned with their fourth mini-album No Genre, led by the single I Feel Good. The group have also released their first original Japanese single, Count To Love, in the last week or so. More on the newer releases in the near future. For now, my thoughts on 19.99.

1. Dangerous (부모님 관람불가 – Pre-release Track) – Click here for Dangerous’s full review. (8/10)

2. Gonna Be A Rock (돌멩이) – Gonna Be A Rock falls into melodic pop-rock territory. It explores a more delicate yet resolute side of the group. I liked the touch of strings in the instrumental and how the rappers delivered their raps melodically to fit into Gonna Be A Rock. I also liked how the pop-rock instrumental really comes in during the chorus and gives some angsty energy to the song. (9/10)

3. Skit – The third track on the mini-album is a radio skit. It is a short audio piece, but it shows off their chaotic energy and playful vibes, which fit in nicely with their image and in this mini-album. No rating has been assigned to this track, but it was a fun interlude to introduce the second part of the mini-album.

4. Nice Guy (Title Track) – I can confirm Nice Guy did grow on me slightly since I reviewed it last year. As such, I have decided to bump up my original rating by a whole point. The key part of the original review I would change is that the Nice Guy’s hook did become memorable. Alongside the funky and groovy instrumental, it helped me warm up to Nice Guy. Click here for my original thoughts on Nice Guy in its full review. (7.5/10)

5. 20 (스물) – The guitar-centric instrumental for 20 delves into mid-tempo pop territory. At the same time, the group shows vulnerability whilst reflecting on their journey that sees them reach the young age of 20. I have to say I am consistently drawn to WOONHAK’s smooth vocals in 20 each time I listen to the song. A nice song, overall. (8/10)

6. Call Me – Call Me takes us further into soft mid-tempo pop territory. The chorus for this track was catchy, thanks to the melodies. These same melodies bring a flowy and swayable motif, which makes Call Me pleasant. The vocals and raps balance each other out, and their tone bring a certain youthful and comforting energy to the song. (8/10)