There’s this meme going around lately about pop artists “reheating their nachos,” which is basically an obnoxious way of saying “returning to the sounds they popularized and do best.” I get the sense that, although this is said in a loving nature, there’s a bit of reluctance threaded into the metaphor. But for better or worse I’ve always considered pop artists their own musical brand. That’s what I’m referring to when I write about an act’s “signature sound.” There’s no shame in returning to a template an artist excels at. With new single The Stranger, ONF have revisited the big funk pop sound of 2021’s Beautiful Beautiful. If these are the nachos we’re reheating, I’ll take a steaming hot plate (and I don’t even like nachos!).
As usual, The Stranger sees ONF working with longtime producer Hwang Hyun, who gives them another meaty arrangement that lets them showcase their vocal firepower. Right from the start, I’mdelighted to hear the guys belting out the opening verse. Idols are rarely allowed to sing with this level of passion any more and it’s been a huge missing piece in the industry. This continues into The Stranger‘s standout chorus, which features a rapid melodic ascent and layered vocal blend that hits with such panache. So many current acts peddle this style of funk pop but none bolster it with this level of firepower.
While I firmly believe The Stranger is 2025’s first great K-pop song, there are a few things holding it back from perfection. I’m not sold on the clunky phrasing in the rap during the verses. It stalls momentum just when the song is building. And though the bridge features dynamic stabs of brass, I wish the track went even bigger (and longer) during its final moments. However, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. ONF remain one of the most exciting acts in the business and we needed their steady hand to officially kick off this year of hits.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Damn, this is GREAT. The chorus soars and soars while the scat singing at the post-chorus is a cute, funky add-on (tbh, they respectively remind me of Songbird’s and Boom Boom Bass’ hooks). I also feel a bit iffy with the rap, cause it’s so oddly-phrased and doesn’t blend well with the rest of the song. But apart from it, I love it, and the song sounds perfectly complete the way it is.
9.25 (9, 10, 9, 9)
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It’s been a while since a chorus melody gave me chills.
I mean this is just modern day Dream Girl……….and I love it.
9.5/10. Thank you, ONF.
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This song is just a triumph. I hear a combination of Beautiful Beautiful and SHINee’s Married To the Music. Instantly added to my playlist!
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Honey we have a hot one!
I am hearing peak EXO in this, “Love Me Right” era, which is a good era to mimic, with a flair of SHINee “Married to the Music”. Not quite the full SM production polish but close enough.
Also, is that an actual key change I hear, a shift from minor verses to major chorus?
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Just curious if you think this is the first great kpop song of the year so far why it just matches the rating as CIX Thunder? (the previous benchmark)
Wouldn’t it be higher?
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CIX fell to an 8.75 for me. It’ll be on this weekend’s “risers and fallers.”
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I see what they were trying to do with the disjointed rap… Create a new musical moment a bit scaled back before coming back with that dynamite chorus, but I have to agree it didn’t quite execute. Doesn’t really take much away from the song at least. I would give it an 8.75 (9,9,9,8)
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I like the verse raps, they don’t ruin the momentum at all. My least favorite part of the song is when they mimic the bass part with their vocals after the chorus. That said, I’m very elated that onf hit it out of the part again. They’re such a consistently good and reliable group. I can’t wait to listen to the album
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okay, I saw mention of nachos elsewhere on the Internet and was very confused, because I was missing the meme context. Even though I’m learning of this now, I already don’t like it. I imagine these nachos are reheated in a microwave and are soggy, not as good versions of when we once got them. While some artists do regurgitate similar sounding material that can sound derivative, it often can be a much needed return to form. The former happens because music is a business and when an artist tries something new, they don’t get the same numbers so it’s just the smart business move to do what’s working. Some of the very people who don’t support are the same ones complaining. I love nachos and, again, I just learned of this, but my initial instinct is to hate this meme
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ONF has remained not only my favorite kpop group but just one of my favorite artist across all genres. The continue to show what makes a group great, vocals, personality, and there’s nothing wrong with a signature sound. On first listen this reminded me of a more fleshed out Love Effect with the power of Beautiful Beautiful.
The album is also great and Night Tale is definitely my favorite so far. I’m hoping they continue with their success, they’re a group that deserves it.
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Absolutely AMAZING, I LOVE it and I kind of want to cry happy tears for them because how can they do this every time?
This is what Kpop is about for me, it’s perfect! Well almost, because I actually would’ve loved more from the rapper. He was underused and that’s a waste. His voice neutralizes the other members tones in a very satisfying way (in my opinion).
Until I get over it, I’ll say 9.75
I really really hope ONF can keep bringing these unapologetic fun sounds.🥰
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Well, ONF are no “strangers” to good songs! (I’ll see myself out)
Really lovely and really lively! I will never say no to infectious energy and there is plenty here (and I do have a personal bias towards the groove bass scat thing). I don’t mind the “rap” because to me it’s more of a singing part than a rap, especially since it comes back in the bridge so that iffy timing is already smoothed out. Overall the song is strong and developed.
Definitely will be joining my soty list (after I stop playing ‘Thunder’ and start playing this on loop instead)
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Kinda reminds me of SHINee in the way it was sung.
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Now that you mention it, the surging melody reminds of Atlantis ~ Gipeojin your ocean
Jiteojin emotion ~
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The end of the chorus “Plant a flag, go, I’m a stranger” reminds me of the melody and vocal stacking of Stellar’s Vibrato, the “Ottoke, ottoke, ottoke!” part. I loved that song and this one is a knockout too.
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so many shinee comparisons… i might need to listen to this
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NGL, their songs are always hit or miss for everyone—they have a unique style that not every idol can pull off. I mean, ONF has four vocalists, which is rare in other groups. I still prefer ‘Bye My Monster,’ but getting an ‘ON’ concept once in a while is nice too. Also, I recommend their song ‘Anti Hero’ from the album—that one’s my favorite.
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I was so nervous about this comeback because listening to the teaser set some high expectations. And they delivered! Even if it is ‘reheated nachos’ or whatever, I will devour it all. That chorus makes my heart leap even if I keep hearing “Ready Action….!!!! I’ve got Depression…..!!!!”
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“I’ve got depressionnnnnNNNNN!”
Lol it’s said so TRIUMPHANTLY
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I keep hearing that, too! Especially on the first chorus 😭
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I can’t stop laughing😂
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Good, but not quiiite up there with their other songs.
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This is truly 2025’s first great Kpop song!!!
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