Seventeen sub-unit BSS conquered 2023 with their megahit Fighting. Across that year, its catchy chorus and memorable choreo became the kind of popular touchstone you see everywhere — from dance challenges to variety shows. That level of success can be difficult to follow, and it was probably smart of BSS to wait nearly two years before releasing another title track. CBZ (Primetime) (청바지) picks up the baton with a similarly upbeat flair, acting as a funky burst of cheer for the start of 2025.
I’m not always the best audience for what BSS offer, as the humorous nature of their music can often feel gimmicky to me. The gimmicks are bolstered by incredible talent and catchy melodies, which certainly helps, but even a song as potent as Fighting can come across more like a gag from a comedy show than an enduring pop track. CBZ skirts the same line, enjoyably funky but always with a hint of novelty that keeps me from completely falling into its charms.
Whatever I may think, the song never lapses in energy. Its percussion is relentlessly perky, unfurling a bounding tempo ornamented with jazzy keys and flourishes of guitar and brass. The chorus flows effortlessly over this mix, taking advantage of the guys’ robust vocals. It’s not as anthemic as Fighting, but it has a fun, festival-like intensity that will likely benefit from live performances. We’ll see if CBZ will develop into the same chart-and-culture-conquering hit as its predecessor, but for now I enjoy it a little less than Fighting.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8