It’s been nearly seven years since the release of Nu’est’s first full album. That’s the length of the typical idol group contract, and it’s stunning to consider the journey the guys have been on during that time. For the record, I think 2014’s Re:Birth is one of their strongest works, but listening to it now is like diving into a different group entirely. Since 2016, the guys have taken greater control of their sound, teaming with in-house producer Bumzu to craft a consistent style befitting their new stature in the idol industry.
Consistency can be positive and negative. You all know how much I love a “signature sound,” but it’s also gratifying to hear a group stretch themselves. There’s a fine line between cohesion and monotony. For me, new single Inside Out falls closer to the latter. I feel like I’ve heard this exact song from Nu’est before, from its slinky melody to the muted synths underpinning it. Despite bringing in talent from the Monotree production team, Inside Out never finds its own sonic identity.
At this stage in their career, Nu’est are incredibly polished. Their performance is as smooth as butter, and maybe that’s the problem. Inside Out lacks peaks and valleys, instead pulsing along a muzzled groove that never quite kicks into gear. The chorus is catchy, and the producers were smart to open with it. But even this lacks bite. My head is nodding, but I find it hard to engage with the track on any meaningful level. Nine years (!) into their career, I’d rather see Nu’est tackle something fresh and exciting. Inside Out feels like a victory lap, long after victory has already been declared.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I have very similar thoughts. There is nothing wrong with this song. This song is good, but it slides past so light and slinky that it doesn’t stand out among lots of kpop.
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Same here. I would really like them to try out something new. The album is good, though.
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I really like it. I understand that’s it’s a concept and execution of a song that’s been done before… but it’s already a song I’ve kept on repeat for a bit. Maybe I just haven’t heard enough songs like this to get sick of it just yet.
Part of me wonders why I like it, but I think it’s just a good song with the added benefit that all the elements are incredibly appealing to me. I love the melody, the production, the slickness, the brightness, the hook, the variety of the vocals and the overall groove. Like I don’t find anything substantial about this to complain about, which is rare. It’s not groundbreaking, but I can’t even be mad that it isn’t because I enjoy listening to this song very much.
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So we not going to talk about ren’s solo (rocket rocket)? It’s one of the best solos on this album for sure
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Nu’est’s version of Good Guy
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I hope this is meant as a compliment because good guy was awesome
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Yes, it is although I still prefer Good Guy 😀
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I still prefer good guy as well but I like this song a lot too! I think it’ll stay on my playlist for a while.
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Like the song is good. Yet…simple? Like “ah this type of song.” Nothing really unexpected. Which isn’t always a bad thing, but it doesn’t really draw me in that much.
Very pleasing to the ears though! Vocals are absolutely amazing 😍
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