When it comes to music I love, there tends to be two categories of songs. There are instant hits that capture my attention on first listen. Then, there are ‘stealth bombers’ that reveal their charms more gradually. Every single BOYNEXTDOOR song has fallen into the second category. In the long run, it doesn’t mean they’re any better or worse than an instant smash, but this tends to color the group’s overall rating on this blog. Pre-release single Dangerous has already followed suit, growing more addictive with each listen. I’m curious if this precedent will continue with new comeback Nice Guy.
On first listen, Nice Guy seems to lack the insidious hooks and/or emotional urgency that has characterized BOYNEXTDOOR’s strong singles run thus far. It’s a pleasant toe tapper with a fun, brassy beat. The chorus is catchy but underdeveloped — or maybe I’ve just become used to Earth, Wind & Fire‘s madcap energy. It’s probably unfair to compare the two, but Nice Guy definitely feels emptier than all of the group’s title tracks so far. It’s one idea repeated often, tied to an easy-listening vibe that dulls the guys’ edges.
On the plus side, this may pull in fans who weren’t convinced by BOYNEXTDOOR’s weirder side. Nice Guy‘s retro synth and warm production will fit on almost any playlist and the members’ distinct vocals offer just enough character to set the song apart from similar efforts by other artists. Still, this is easily BND’s slightest single yet — at least after a few listens. If the usual trend persists, I might be more excited about it in a week.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Eh, it’s fine. Dangerous is lowkey growing on me, but idk about this one. It feels like it’s missing something. The production could use more bite (like, pump up the sax or something)
Rating’s the same.
LikeLike
this is their Feel the POP (derogatory). easily their weakest single yet
LikeLike
Ouch.
LikeLike
Whaaattt, I really like that song😅
LikeLike
I don’t hate it! I just think it’s the lowest point in their very solid discography.
LikeLike
I think it’s adorable. I’ll probably never listen to it again, but still adorable.
LikeLike
Okay, they missed so hard especially concept wise because they could have done something so retro and quirky both concept and song wise and instead they settled for a song where the chrous just sounds like an extended verse that mixes in with the rest of the song, the album isn’t much better either🙂
5/10🙁
LikeLiked by 3 people
Same, like I waited a few days to give it another chance but I have to agree…their lowest point unfortunately🙁
LikeLike
The teaser sounded better than the finished product. Thought they’d lean more into their sweet side like Serenade but this didn’t go hard enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a New Jeans song
LikeLike
lyrically a huge let down but production wise I enjoyed it. i think they balanced the whole hybe easy listening agenda well with their musical identity.
LikeLike
The music video is so much fun, but the song itself is a nonevent.
LikeLike