Song Review: Yook Sungjae (BTOB) – Be Somebody

BTOB’s Yook Sungjae has found great success as an actor and variety star, but hasn’t been as active as a solo musician. He made his solo debut in 2020, weeks before his mandatory military enlistment. Four years later, he’s back with a new single album and title track Be Somebody.

Sungjae has a powerful voice and in K-pop this can often shoehorn you as a balladeer. His personality seems more pulled toward youthful, upbeat material and Be Somebody splits the difference between the two. It’s an empowering anthem, but in a very canned way. The leaden beat reminds me of Imagine Dragons (never a compliment) and the melodic structure trudges along in similar fashion. Sungjae sounds fantastic, but I could’ve told you that before even listening to the song.

Rock music feels like a good venue for Sungjae’s charms and he attacks Be Somebody with full gusto. However, the song makes too many predictable moves. The contrast between soft verses and bombastic chorus doesn’t work and the trap-beats-meet-rock-guitar production feels rehashed. It might have been somewhat fresh five years ago. Today, it sounds more like the soundtrack to an advertisement.

Grade: C