BOYNEXTDOOR scored their biggest hit yet with the streaming giant If I Say, I Love You released back in January. They’re on their way to becoming reliable digital chart-toppers in the way few boy groups accomplish, and they haven’t wasted time returning with new music. If I Say, I Love You is included on their newest mini album alongside title track I Feel Good.
With this song, the group bounds back to their most energetic selves. Agency head Zico provides a songwriting assist, imbuing the track with old-school Block B flair. From the rollicking beat to rock guitar, this feels like BOYNEXTDOOR’s most radio-friendly single yet. It’s fun to hear them operate with such widescreen ambitions, but this approach also has its drawbacks. Like too many recent title tracks, I Feel Good is far too short and wastes the opportunity to build toward something truly spectacular. This song length issue usually fades with time and familiarity, but it’s continually frustrating to see my favorite groups return with a two and a half minute track.
Fortunately, I Feel Good is stuffed with musical goodies. There are some great melodies in the pre-chorus and the Leehan-fronted second verse absolutely steals the show. More of these musical twists would have benefitted the song. I’m much less thrilled with the odd, hacked delivery of the “I” in the “I Feel Good” post-chorus. It’s an unpleasant sound that’s repeated way too often and rips me from the track every single time. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get over it, but I hope so because there are many other things to love about the song.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
9
Bias
9
RATING
8.5