Song Review: BOYNEXTDOOR – Dangerous

No K-pop group has grown on me more in 2024 than BOYNEXTDOOR. How’s that for a triple-rhyming statement? Seriously, though… when they debuted last year I wasn’t sure what to make of them, but with each comeback my interest and appreciation grew until I retroactively loved their entire discography. That’s a testament to the importance developing and sticking with a signature sound. The more fully an artist can explore something, the more compelling it becomes. With that said, pre-release Dangerous (부모님 관람불가) marks a slight side-step into a more hip-hop focused style.

I’m at the point where I’m going to enjoy anything this group releases, but there are parts of Dangerous that give me pause. Its chorus feels intentionally obnoxious and veers much too close to the shouty centerpieces favored by many of their peers. Coupled with its skit-like humor, the song unfolds more as an idea than an enjoyable piece of music on its own. The members boast the personality to pull this off, but I can definitely see why this was chosen as a pre-release and not the title track.

Surrounding Dangerous‘s so-so chorus are a few highlights. The melodic pre-choruses recall the playful nature of their debut EP, while the second verse delivers an exciting rap. And though the instrumental feels a bit generic, I appreciate its consistent energy and groove. I have a feeling Dangerous will work better as an album intro than a standalone. Taken in isolation, the song doesn’t do too much for me beyond a few chuckles.

Grade: B-