Song Review: ENHYPEN – No Doubt

Album repackages are common in K-pop, but it’s been four months since the original release of ENHYPEN’s latest album, making this revisit feel more like a brand new comeback. No Doubt continues the laidback vibe of its predecessor XO (Only If You Say Yes), upping the tempo a bit but refusing to break free of its light, early-2000’s influenced beat.

As with many HYBE efforts this year, No Doubt feels in line with the general vibe the agency is pursuing. It’s smooth and airy. The melodies are relatively flat and uneventful and the production has a sheen that glides over your ear without offering much texture. The best part of the track comes after each chorus when the instrumental takes a moment to shine. This segment strongly reminds me of Y2K-era R&B-pop, albeit the more reserved side of that era’s glossy sound. For the life of me, I can’t understand why no modern K-pop group wants to touch the slamming Cheiron Studios sound of Backstreet Boys and Nsync. Everyone’s pulling the most boring elements from 2000-2001 instead!

No Doubt isn’t boring, but it feels like a missed opportunity. The verses remind me of K-R&B in the vein of artists like Jay Park. I wish the producers hadn’t been so heavy-handed with vocal effects, as a song like this rises and falls on a sense of humanity. ENHYPEN’s performance is smoothed of all edges and often warped into an anonymous tone. The chorus has a satisfying bounce, with a melody that sounds like a very tame version of Ginuwine’s 90’s hit Pony. If only No Doubt harnessed synths as crunchy and addictive as that classic!

Grade: B-