BTOB – ‘New Men’ Album Review

The BTOB boys are back as new men in their latest mini-album, New Men. After the success of their previous ballad-centric albums, the boys shake things up with a powerful dance title track, I’ll Be Your Man, to set the tone for their fresh take on music. Get ready to discover a brand new side of BTOB with New Men.

Track 1 – New Men

The first track quickly gives a taste of what the album will be like. With appropriate lyrics – “I can make you feel brand new” – accompanied by electric guitar riffs, you can definitely feel the intensity of this album. Coming from a group known for quirky songs and heart-melting ballads, New Men turned out to be a good way to step out of their comfort zone.

Track 2 – 기도 (I’ll Be Your Man)

The title track, I’ll Be Your Man, starts off with gloomy piano and violin sounds that gradually build up as Ilhoon commences his rap. I expected a powerful beat-drop when the chorus kicked in, but it stayed in line with the verse besides a bit of tempo adjustment. Nonetheless, the powerful raps filled in for the lack of intensity in the chorus, making the song a perfect balance of ballad and dance pop.

Track 3 – 취해 (Love Drunk)

Something more laid back comes next. Love Drunk has a combination of light instruments in the background such as piano and acoustic guitar. This mid-tempo soft ballad track is as relaxing and mellow as it gets. The emotional raps blend harmoniously with the sweet vocals like hot chocolate on a cold evening.

Track 4 – 무료해 (Boring)

Still with the relaxing vibe like the previous track, Boring sounds a bit more jazzy due to the horns. There are a number of unusual moments, like kicking off the song with a yawn, and the use of whistle sounds before the chorus. Though I do like how these unexpected elements are added to make the song interesting, the overall composition just didn’t leave any impression.

Track 5 – Yes I Am

The acoustic guitar playing at the start of Yes I Am gives off a country music vibe, but is followed by anthem-like chanting and clapping. I love how the song exudes a youthful, free-spirited energy, which is a wonderful break from all of the mellow songs prior to it.

Track 6 – 놀러와 (Come To Play)

Another marching track follows suit, but the chants in Come To Play are combined with jazzy horns and guitar for a more party-like hype. What makes this song extra special is that you can feel BTOB thoroughly enjoying themselves as they record the song. This is definitely a song you’d jump, clap, and sing along to in a concert.

Track 7 – 예지앞사 (I Love You Forever)

New Men ends with another ballad featuring acoustic guitar paired with light beat. But I don’t really understand what emotion they’re trying to pull off in I Love You Forever as the vocals are so sweet while the rap sounds a bit too powerful, creating a jarring experience.

What Do You Think?

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