Pop Review: BOYNEXTDOOR Reflects on Pre-Twenties with New Album, 19.99

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BOYNEXTDOOR presents a seven-track discography in their new album, 19.99, providing youthful feelings.

Fifth-generation boy group BOYNEXTDOOR under KOZ Entertainment released their third mini-album, 19.99.

BOYNEXTDOOR’s important aspect of success may be attributed to the members’ active involvement in creating their own music and choreography. Most of their tracks, including their recently released EP 19.99, have been credited to Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak.

19.99 album

Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak—all six members—have a youthful, rebellious, and sophisticated aura that captivates fans’ interest in 19.99.

It conveys the flawed number 19.99 that exists just before reaching the hottest age of twenty. The group’s new album explores the anxieties and uncertainties of young adults transitioning from their teens to their twenties. The members’ own experiences inspire the lyrics in their twenties. The group aims to encourage empathy among their peers, offering a relatable perspective on the challenges and joys of this life.

Also Read: Pop Review: BOYNEXTDOOR Returns with New EP, HOW?

BOYNEXTDOOR shares Zico’s guidance and their thoughts on their newest album.

According to Rolling Stone, Woonhak, the maknae, explains how the idea for 19.99 formed. Saying, “It came quite literally as a number between 19 and 20 to express feelings of uncertainty that can come before becoming an adult. I think it can become an album for those in that uncertain moment before turning 20, or on the other hand, for those who have already experienced these feelings. Or even for those about to enter this stage in life.”

Jaehyun stated that Zico guided the album’s ideas, themes, and branding. “He talked to us a lot about how he’d like us to portray ourselves, what stories to tell, things like that. Because he experienced what we’re going through in the K-pop industry and is one of the many artists who helped make K-pop so loved as it is now, he knows so well what concerns or hardships we may have or in which moments we may feel discouraged. He tells me, “As a leader, you have to do X, Y, and Z for your members.” It makes me think, “Wow, without me having to tell him, he already knows how I’m feeling.”

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BOYNEXTDOOR 19.99 Tracklist

Dangerous

“Dangerous,” a hip-hop song with a powerful beat, was released on September 2nd. The song portrays a secret midnight adventure you wouldn’t want your parents to know about. The members will radiate the ‘MZ power’ of 19.99 years while showcasing their lively charm.

Gonna Be A Rock

This song is a total banger. It evokes so many feelings that it makes you want to weep and shout out loud. It’s definitely a song to listen to when you’re heartbroken. What relatable lyrics; their wittiness never disappoints when it comes to their songs.

SKIT

It’s an actual skit, and the way they’re doing it is very imaginative and brilliant. Aside from “20,” this is where Woonhak’s iconic line “My Youth is Free” started.

Nice Guy

BOYNEXTDOOR fits this song’s concept; when you listen to it, you can’t help but want to dance. Selecting “Nice Guy” as the album’s title track was wise because it has a funky, fresh sound and serves as the album’s centerpiece. Members Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak participated in writing this song.

20

Another masterpiece by BOYNEXTDOOR, this song is so beautifully written. “When I was younger, I was foolish.” It seems like this song narrates your story as a 19-year-old fighting to go forward, understanding that we thought it was so easy to spend our lives in the past. Little did we know that we were all not ready to enter our twenties.

Call Me

Taesan shares that the message of this song is to give people hope. It appears like I’m getting better this month, but after a few days, I went through the worst time of my life. But still hoping good days will come. Another comfort song to add to your playlist. A song that feels like a big, warm hug. 

Nice Guy (English Version)

BOYNEXTDOOR songs have always been full of sincerity. They share their thoughts about being a 19-year-old who is about to turn 20, including the struggles, encouragement, and thoughts about how we should live our lives to the fullest. Since most ONEDOORs are in their early 20s, thank you, BOYNEXTDOOR, for creating an album that connects strongly with us.

Also Read: BOYNEXTDOOR Teases Comeback with Pre-Release Hip-Hop Track

BOYNEXTDOOR 19.99 Concept Photos: Nice, Dangerous and Twenty

In total, they released 68 photos across these 3 concepts, including both individual and group shots.

The Nice version showcased the group’s first part-time job experiences at the age of twenty. BOYNEXTDOOR documented the daily lives of young people who were either employed or spending their time discreetly in various establishments. These establishments included cafes, clothing stores, and warehouses. In the group shot, they have cool looks as they look straight at the camera.

Twenty-year-olds who believe they can accomplish anything are passionate and full of confidence. This image’s retro color, seemingly captured with a film camera, makes it particularly striking. The members’ haphazardly arranged attire and original decorations create a carefree and trendy vibe.

The second version is Dangerous; the six members who have gathered in a hideout are shown enjoying their getaway. The group’s friendly demeanor and party props stand out in the photo. Floating flower pollen adds a carefree vibe. The individual shots showcase the unique facial features of each member. Their stylish eyes and looks hint at their potential for wild adventures.

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Lastly, the Twenty version captures the anxieties and aspirations of a teenager turning 20. Nevertheless, despite being twenty years old, the members still feel a bit lost as adults. The group photo’s swaying production in a dark room skillfully captures the uneasiness of youth at that specific time.

19.99 Achievement So Far

As of September 16, Hanteo Chart revealed that BOYNEXTDOOR 19.99 has sold 759,156 copies in its first week of sales (September 9 to September 15). This represents a 43% increase over the record set by their previous album, HOW? April of this year.

Moreover, 19.99 debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 40, making it the first and only fifth-generation KPop boy group to enter the Top 50. Currently, the music video has received over 31 million views on YouTube and 3.2 million plays on Spotify.



Meanwhile, the title track, “Nice Guy,” won two music show awards at Inkigayo and Music Bank. This made the group emotional, especially after winning in Inkigayo, where Woonhak has always expressed his desire to win and personally handled the trophy to his hyungs. 

Congratulations BOYNEXTDOOR to your comeback!

Also Read: BOYNEXTDOOR Announces September Comeback


Source: BOYNEXTDOOR Official Accounts, Rolling Stone

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