Song Review: ONF – Put It Back

ONF have been a firm favorite of this blog since their debut, but trouble seemed to be in the air surrounding this new comeback. Not only does it interrupt the promising “My Identity” series the group launched earlier this year, but it completely jettisons their main producer Hwang Hyun in favor of in-house talent from RBW (who acquired WM Entertainment a few years ago). Who or what are ONF without their main collaborator?

Fortunately, the group’s brilliant performance is still intact, even if the music doesn’t hit with the same personality. Sonically, Put It Back is not too dissimilar from past efforts, leaning into bright funk with an old school hip-hop edge. You can tell RBW didn’t want to completely switch sounds and upset fans too much. However, this longtime fan hears a major difference in the melodies. Hwang Hyun has a gift for unique, memorable hooks and Put It Back fails to recapture this. As upbeat as the energy is, the chorus just doesn’t hit in the way I’d hope.

The song is anchored by a copious amount of “put it back” declarations, sung-spoken in a way that fills space but doesn’t elicit awe. This results in a serviceable ode to past glories even if you can tell it’s the Temu version. Thankfully, the group’s always-reliable vocals put their stamp on the song’s generic nature, adding just enough character to make it work.

Grade: B