Album review incoming! But before I post my thoughts on HAPPY BURSTDAY next week, there is another song from the album that got the music video treatment alongside the title track, THUNDER, which means it is eligible for its own song review. I have always meant to review Bad Influence, but my poor time management has gotten in the way. Better late than never, I guess.

Produced by Pharrell Williams, Bad Influence showcased SEVENTEEN in a mature, moody and edgy light. It is quite the departure from their usual sounds and tones we get from SEVENTEEN. Not just that, but there is also whole heap of expletives in the lyrics that aren’t usually what SEVENTEEN sings in other songs! Anyhow, Bad Influence brings forth an early-2000s R&B influence mixed in with the instrumental’s sparse, funky trap elements. It is a nice blend of styles, and I enjoyed that SEVENTEEN is still stepping out of their comfort zone with this different sound. However, over time, I came to realise that the song was restrained, holding itself back and lacking oomph. This unfortunately meant Bad Influence dried up its appeal. Occasionally, when it comes up through random shuffle, I would listen to it. But I am not one to seek out Bad Influence on my own.

Interestingly, the song only features 9 of the 13 members (S.COUPS, HOSHI, WONWOO, WOOZI, THE8, DK, SEUNGKWAN, VERNON, and DINO). The music video does feature the remaining 3 members (JOSHUA, JUN and MINGYU), while WONWOO and JEONGHAN aren’t seen (most likely filmed after the pair enlisted in the military). The entire music video is a very moody yet alluring display of visuals from the members. I don’t remember seeing any member singing along to the song in the video, with their stoic and charisma being employed to bring forth the mature and edginess from the song to the music video.

Song – 7.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.1/10