[Album Review] HOW? (2nd Mini Album) – BOYNEXTDOOR

1 month ago 24

Still in April, we have BOYNEXTDOOR’s 2nd mini-album, HOW?, next up for an album review. It features the title track Earth, Wind & Fire, five additional side tracks, and the English version of the title track. The mini-album finishes the trilogy of releases the group debuted and returned with in 2023 – WHO? and WHY…. It is a strong mini-album release for the group and a great listen, overall.

Since their April comeback, BOYNEXTDOOR made another comeback with the new mini-album 19.99, the pre-release Dangerous and the title track Nice Guy. It is so recent the group is still promoting it.

1. OUR – BOYNEXTDOOR starts the mini-album with a hip-hop track (no surprises here). OUR is mid-tempo paced, which I am on the fence about. I would have loved for OUR to pick itself up as it progressed. I felt the track was missing BOYNEXTDOOR’s excitement that they have managed to infuse into their releases, and the more serious and subdued nature just didn’t feel representative of the group. But on the flip side, I recognise that had OUR picked itself up as desired, it would have lost the incredible flow, melodies, and execution that the members pulled off in OUR. (8/10)

2. Amnesia – While Amnesia does have a similar mid-tempo pace as the previous song, I felt a slight presence of the members’ personalities in the track. And this made the song more appealing to me. I really liked the softer, whispery tones they use in the choruses, which reflect well with their perspective of their relationship (i.e., they find themselves regretting fights in a toxic relationship but find themselves having ‘amnesia’ after things ease and returning to the relationship as if nothing happens). The sing-song rapping in the chorus had a nice rhythm to it. (9/10)

3. So Let’s Go See The Stars – BOYNEXTDOOR brings a touch of retro to the mini-album through the synths used in So Let’s Go See The Stars. In addition, some rock also makes a welcomed presence, bringing some excitement to the song. The melodies, rhythm and the members’ tone were delightful, fueling a nice and sweet song. I genuinely get the good vibes of a late-night drive with your crush to watch the stars and enjoy the peacefulness of each other’s company. (8.5/10)

4. Earth, Wind & Fire (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Earth, Wind & Fire. (7.5/10)

5. l i f e i s c o o l – As mentioned previously, there is a playfulness to BOYNEXTDOOR’s songs that I associate with them. And we really delve into that in l i f e i s c o o l. It is a very chill and easy-to-follow track for the most part. Everything just feels very carefree, and I love that for them. However, right at the end of l i f e i s c o o l, just when you think the song has wrapped up, LEEHAN changes up the song to bring in a jazzy motif through his solo moment. It is definitely a big change in contrast to the rest of the song, but it is a memorable one. (10/10)

6. Dear. My Darling – Whilst the shortest track on the mini-album, Dear. My Darling is a recommended listen. The track is a rock ballad with blissful vocals from all members and swaying melodies I seek out in all ballads. My only complaint about Dear. My Darling is that it is too short! (9/10)