The Boyz, a rising K-pop group, had been carving a niche with energetic, funk-pop tracks reminiscent of SHINee’s vibrant style. Their earlier releases like “Giddy Up” and “Right Here” signaled a promising direction, especially in a year saturated with more somber mid-tempo songs. However, their song “No Air” marked a slight detour, embracing the well-trodden path of tropical pop. While not inherently flawed, “No Air” song’s reliance on familiar tropical tropes felt somewhat underwhelming in the context of their evolving discography.
The Boyz No Air concept photo, showcasing K-pop group in a dreamy, ethereal setting for their song 'No Air'
Catchy Hooks and Melodic Loops in “No Air”
“No Air” song centers around a chorus-like hook, constructed from several melodic fragments arranged in a loop-like fashion. These pieces, while individually catchy, lack substantial development or strong interconnection. They function adequately on their own, creating a memorable, if somewhat simplistic, core for the song. This approach prioritizes immediate ear-catching elements over intricate melodic progression, a common characteristic within the tropical pop genre.
Verses and Vocals Riding a Familiar Beat
In contrast to the hook-centric chorus, the verses of “No Air” song are less impactful. Despite offering more structural development than the looped hook, they fail to leave a lasting impression. The vocals, while competent, largely follow the predictable rhythm of the beat. They integrate smoothly into the song’s framework but don’t significantly elevate the overall composition or inject distinctive character into the track. This results in verses that serve primarily as a bridge to the more prominent hook, rather than standing out as memorable sections themselves.
The Dynamic Post-Chorus of “No Air”
Interestingly, “No Air” song’s most dynamic moment emerges in its repetitive post-chorus hook. Positioned strategically before the song’s slower bridge, and then reiterated towards the conclusion, this section provides a burst of energy. The instrumental track briefly intensifies with a driving electronic beat, hinting at a potentially more compelling single. This fleeting dynamism suggests an untapped potential within “No Air” song, a direction that, if fully explored, could have resulted in a more innovative and less predictable track.
Tropical Pop Tropes and Genre Over-Saturation
Ultimately, “No Air” song leans heavily into style over substance, particularly by adopting the tropes of tropical pop. While the song itself is competently produced and performed, the chosen style feels dated. The K-pop landscape had arguably moved past this specific sound, making “No Air” song feel like it was arriving late to a trend that had already reached saturation. This reliance on an established, rather than innovative, sound diminishes the impact of “No Air” song, especially when considering The Boyz’s potential for more unique musical exploration demonstrated in their other releases.
Conclusion: A Solid but Unremarkable Tropical Pop Track
In conclusion, “No Air” song by The Boyz is a solid track that delivers on the basic expectations of a K-pop song. However, its adherence to well-worn tropical pop conventions prevents it from standing out. While possessing catchy elements and competent production, “No Air” ultimately feels more like a stylistic exercise in a genre past its prime, rather than a groundbreaking or particularly memorable addition to The Boyz’s discography. It’s a listenable song, but one that doesn’t quite reach the heights hinted at by their more distinctive earlier work.
