Despite really enjoying BOYNEXTDOOR, their past few comebacks haven’t done much for me. Then, I thought it might all be over with the blustering hip-hop pre-release ddok ddok ddok. However, that song ended up growing on me in a way a track like Hollywood Action never did, and I’m not quite sure why. Regardless, this primed expectations for the group’s first full album and title track Viral.
With a title like “Viral,” my initial expectations completely cratered. The desire to “go viral” has done serious damage to the K-pop song machine and I imagined some lame catchphrasey track designed for TikTok. Instead, we get a more serious affair that sounds like a natural follow-up to last year’s mega hit If I Say, I Love You. As Viral’s first verse begins to unfurl, I briefly thought I was listening to an old Bigbang song. The somber melodies carry a different energy than we’re used to from BOYNEXTDOOR (or at least from their titles). The track goes on to evolve from here and is at its best when it melds its angst with robust percussion.
I like how the instrumental utilizes Afrobeats in a sneaky way, pulling them into the mix when needed but not basing the entire track around one trend. This gives Viral its own musical space. It’s not as instantly catchy as past BOYNEXTDOOR songs, but it boasts a drama and atmosphere that takes you on a journey. Rather than one idea meant to be played in isolation, this is a full experience designed to listen to for three and a half minutes. That approach is quite refreshing and shows a newfound maturity that fits the group well. Consider this a lesson for all HYBE artists: longer songs offer the opportunity for more dynamic experiences.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s pretty good! Has a sense of drama that is pretty much missing in most kpop songs nowadays. Idk how it’ll age for me though
8.5 (8, 9, 8, 9) for me
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One of the only few HYBE groups carrying their own company in terms of good music. I like it a lot but the songwriting is throwing me off 😅🤣🤣🤣
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Ugh… It didn’t work for me. It’s like seeing BoyNextDoor in his Charlie Puth form. For God’s sake, I don’t need choruses weaker than his verses, some parts more rock than others, Idk… A very strange, too contemporary function
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the flip is wrong with you dumbass! They’re kids! Let them live their lives! And the chorus is completely different from charlie puths and perfect! Idiot!
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I believe this comments section is for people to share their opinions on the music. It’s totally uncalled for to call names and be rude to someone who was expressing their opinion.
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Are you ok? It’s curious how I criticized a song and you immediately started defending the lives of the band members. The two issues have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Did you write the song so that you could offend me so much?
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They didn’t even say anything rude….
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“They’re kids” so are you, it seems.
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I was excited for this after hearing the teaser, but the songwriting here just doesn’t work for me. great production though. and the album is mostly 3 minute songs so I appreciate that.
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yeah honestly agree!! for me it felt a bit tonally confused (subdued vs happy) which completely took me out of it 😭
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I think its a fine song but not high 8 fine more like 8 8.25. I feel like the song underplays its hand. The production doesn’t sound like it knows what it wants the song to be when it grows up – is it a slow burn, a hi and low, a moody mid-tempo, something yet again else (Charlie Puth lolz) – it sounds like it is trying to be all of these and succeeding at none.
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BND is one of the few boygroups that had not fallen to ‘noise music’ hell these days so I was looking forward to the new album.
I did not get the song in the first listen, but it really get better with more replays. The song opened with a somewhat dark intro that promises greatness followed by energetic guitar riff. The melodic verse flows naturally and the vocals were great. The first half might feels a bit boring, but the second half greatness covers the languid start.
My favourite B-sides are ADIOS! (appreciate the song rock elements) and Forever You (the production style reminds me of Big Bang’s Still Life)
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Fantastic! I wonder if the guys were given more creative freedom in this album compared to past ones, because they went from every song being under 2 and a half minutes to 5 out of 8 over 3 minutes. The whole project feels very cohesive and authentic as well, not like a corporate money grab (which is a HUGE sigh of relief considering recent Hybe releases).
This song specifically is really strong. Endearing guitar in the chorus and dynamic melodies stand out the most to me after the first couple listens. Probably 8.5 (9, 8, 8, 9) at this point!
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Thankfuly, all my fears were disproven. I loved the track and I am sure it will only be growing on me with time. Although I miss Jaehyun’s funky rap verses of their erstwhile era.
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At first listen, I think it’s great! They sound like them, not changing their style but evolving/maturing a bit. I love the length, and it gave me a sense of satisfaction that I barely get anymore with the current 2:30 minute songs trend. I’ll get to the album later, but for now, this is an 8.25
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Honestly, ddok ddok ddok grew on me a lot over the past few weeks, but this song was an instant hit for me.
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I’ve heard it a few times today and it doesn’t do anything for me. That ending is super awkward too. ddok ddok ddok remains the only song I like from them 😆
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the bitch better have my money interpolation at the end made me giggle fehjd it was cute. the album has some gems imo 06070 and dive are so good… i’m so glad they made the songs longer.
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Personally 8.25 , It’s a great song far better than The Action EP and dokdokdok I do feel there is space for it to grow but overall it is more likely what I expect from BONEDO they are doing amazing I dont mind some hit and misses as they wish to explore and experiment different genres or styles, Nevertheless a very BONEDO sound
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adore the instrumental and vibes, this song was love at first listen for me. glad to see you giving it a high rating too, one of the few times we agree on something!
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Interesting release. I’ll have to listen to the TT a few times to really see how I feel about it. “if I say I love you” was an instant hit with me, so I guess that’s a bit of a downgrade.
“ddok ddok ddok” piques my interest more at first listen. I understand what you disliked about it but also why it grew on you. It has a “god’s menu” stickiness to it. Of course, “god’s menu” is now 6 years old, so it’s been done to death and it is derivative at this point, but BND pull this style off very well. It’s an engaging high-energy listen.
“Adios” strikes me as the closer counterpart to “if I say I love you.” It also reminds me of “123-78” from their last full album (a song I could have sworn was called Georgia and I really don’t understand why it isn’t. Anyway, a great song)…
“Upside Down” is a really fun musical theatre type song for the most part and then it all collapses for the most irritating hook I have heard in quite a while. Not sure what is going on there.
For the rest of the album I don’t really find anything worth remarking upon although it’s not objectionable.
Side note. When I hear mid-tempos and ballads that’s what really makes me wish I could understand Korean so I could really enjoy them, because I think those are the songs that really benefit from understanding, but I am studying the language so maybe someday….
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I’d give it an 8.25 its a nice song but the lyrics are pretty bad
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