I don’t follow YOUNITE closely enough to be familiar with any members or have much stake in the group, but they often surprise me with the strength of their material. No matter what anyone says, last year’s goofy Geekin is a major highlight that’s still a blast to listen to today. However, the new jack swing influence of new title track Rock Steady is much more aligned with my musical wheelhouse. Its old-school sound also recalls YOUNITE’s first great track: 2022’s pre-release Everybody.
Rock Steady has a big, bright energy that recalls many boy group hits of the past. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but this kind of song is always a good time. The production is sturdy and exciting, though I wish it would have leaned more heavily into the funky synths that cap each chorus. There was a chance to get even funkier with this track, but Rock Steady mostly paints within the lines.
The chorus is divided into two distinct segments: the first half blustery chant and the second half melodic vocals. It’ll be no surprise to anyone which part I prefer, though at this point I’m so used to boy groups shouting at us that this approach just kind of blends in with the backdrop. All the while, the instrumental chugs along with verve, easily smoothing over the song’s more trope-heavy moments.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Oh, I really love this one. The chanty 1st half of the chorus actually compliments the fun new jack swing production while the more melodic second half is a sweet touch. Nothing too spectacular, but it’s some good hearty fun rather than the silly fun of Geekin
Rating’s the same
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all the people who were complaining nick is biased because he gave a good tws song a good song should really save all their complaints for when he gives a mid semi ‘funky’ slog like this a high score because it vaguely reminds him of the also mid 2010s shinee songs that fall into his nostalgia video
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Any New Jack Swing beat gets an instant +1 point. His blog, his score. Also Janet is his favorite ever, ever ever ever. That’s Janet, Ms Jackson if you’re nasty. … … Imma gong to listen to that song again, right now.
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Oo I really like this. Reminds me of Eunhyuk’s up & down from earlier this year, which makes sense since that also dabbles in new jack swing and early 90s hip hop. I know some people are getting tired of this sound returning, but I don’t think I ever will.
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I had to look up Younite again as well, and apparently I listened to one of their 2022 releases more than a few times, but still do not remember them.
There is nothing wrong with this song or performance per se, other than it doesn’t have a lot of personality. The song is almost too polished, everything in its place, no edges to grab onto.
When I think back to New Jack Swing, there was something sharp edged and outre about it, even though the hits became mainstream. Bobby Brown was so loose and extemporaneous in his performances. Janet Jackson, so firm and insistent. There was a lot of I’m here, I’m now, we are here, this is IT and this is how it is going to BE.
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Younite is one of my favorite younger/newer boygroups (I stil wish BDC would have merged with them). I only know 2 members names but I enjoy their music and Geekin is one of my favorite songs.
As a 90’s kid, I love me some New Jack swing so I knew I would like this. No its nothing new but its fun and I like when groups sing adn give us an occassional rap. I also consider the chorus more of a chant than a shout which works well with the song. Plus I think they do well within this sound, other than Bad Cupid I think their company has given them pretty decent and consistent music.
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For the kids here, here is the original New Jack Swing song called “Rock Steady” from 1987. The video was not in MTV rotation much, but the song was a regular on the US radio.
It would be fun if Younite did a mashup.
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This is what Younite should’ve been doing since Everybody
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You kidding right? The only good thing in this song is the instrumental.
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I enjoy this song. I think YOUNITE should go back and forth promoting title tracks like this and “Geekin'” going forward.
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