Song Review:: Hyunsik (BTOB): The Answer

• Release date: 2025 August 22

• Album tracklist: The Answer

• Album runtime: 5 minutes

 Goodness, Hyunsik. Over here dropping a song with almost five minutes on it. I expected something close to four, probably a little bit over, but not more than four-and-a-half. This is actually kind of funny because the last song I played on Spotify was a song by Changsub, so, apparently today is just BTOB day. Also, I appreciate a man who does understand the decision of "single", not that I don't like multi track singles, but that phrase itself is kind of an oxymoron. 

You can really tell where Hyunsik learned music from because that instrumental track practically screams it. It's soft. It's mellow, but it utilizes the drum set to keep track of things, occasionally pop in and be a bit more obvious, but for the most part, it isn't there for the drama, but rather to keep the song on track. The guitar is where you get most of the texture of the song, which I think is also his preferred instrument. This isn't a ballad that uses a lot of synth. This is a ballad that is designed to be able to be accompanied by a sole guitar, which tracks with what I understand of his father's music. 

So I don't understand a lot of Korean, and I think this is English-free, which doesn't help me much. But that's what translated lyrics are for. I do however understand the last couple of words, which means that this song is a feels yanker. I really like that we get a bit of a lead-in before he starts singing, since it helps to both set up the mood of the song for the listener, and to give the singer (in this case Hyunsik) a bit of mental and emotional prep time. And he really does have such a beautiful voice. I'm a little surprised that he doesn't have a moment where lets loose vocally a little bit more, but we do have dips up into the falsetto. 

 Wonder if he's the one behind the BTOB music video concepts lately because I'm getting some strong similarities. We have the standard "warm=past and happy, cool=present and sad" lighting going on, which is appreciated. Also, the difference in his hair length and style between the two times. And, look, I don't know if he's ever said if he has an interest in acting, but he really should dip a toe or two into it. The amount he is quietly emoting.