Song Review: ONF – The Stranger

There’s this meme going around lately about pop artists “reheating their nachos,” which is basically an obnoxious way of saying “returning to the sounds they popularized and do best.” I get the sense that, although this is said in a loving nature, there’s a bit of reluctance threaded into the metaphor. But for better or worse I’ve always considered pop artists their own musical brand. That’s what I’m referring to when I write about an act’s “signature sound.” There’s no shame in returning to a template an artist excels at. With new single The Stranger, ONF have revisited the big funk pop sound of 2021’s Beautiful Beautiful. If these are the nachos we’re reheating, I’ll take a steaming hot plate (and I don’t even like nachos!).

As usual, The Stranger sees ONF working with longtime producer Hwang Hyun, who gives them another meaty arrangement that lets them showcase their vocal firepower. Right from the start, I’mdelighted to hear the guys belting out the opening verse. Idols are rarely allowed to sing with this level of passion any more and it’s been a huge missing piece in the industry. This continues into The Stranger‘s standout chorus, which features a rapid melodic ascent and layered vocal blend that hits with such panache. So many current acts peddle this style of funk pop but none bolster it with this level of firepower.

While I firmly believe The Stranger is 2025’s first great K-pop song, there are a few things holding it back from perfection. I’m not sold on the clunky phrasing in the rap during the verses. It stalls momentum just when the song is building. And though the bridge features dynamic stabs of brass, I wish the track went even bigger (and longer) during its final moments. However, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. ONF remain one of the most exciting acts in the business and we needed their steady hand to officially kick off this year of hits.

Grade: A-