Buried Treasure: NEXZ – Want More? One More!

A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

It’s amazing what happens when boy groups tamp down on the shouting and remove irritating, overused samples from their instrumentals. Agencies can still make addictive music when they’re not simply regurgitating the same ideas over and over. JYP Entertainment has been in total regurgitation mode with NEXZ’s singles run so far, but new b-side Want More? One More! paints an exciting way forward. Yes guys, I want more.

Apart from an unnecessary and jarring trap bridge, Want More delights with its rugged electro beat and funky vocal turns. The production leaves enough space to actually hear the members while delivering satisfying synth textures. Guitar joins the fray as the song goes on, crafting an even mightier mix. The chorus is very gimmicky, but not in a cloying way. The song achieves everything singles Simmer and O-RLY? wanted to, yet it’s actually enjoyable to listen to. This isn’t rocket science, JYP. I don’t know why NEXZ can’t be given a sound that paints them with more enticing colors. If the agency wants my advice, use this b-side as a template for the next comeback.

Grade: B