Song Review: Kick It 4 Now by The New Six (TNX)

TNX’s last title track ‘Love Or Die’ deeply impressed me, only growing better with more listens. As it stands, it has a good shot at being my SOTY (song of the year). Hence, my expectations and excitement for ‘Kick it 4 Now’ were through the roof.

Fortunately, ‘Kick It 4 Now’ met my expectations. While I don’t think I will grow to love it as much as ‘Love Or Die’, ‘Kick It 4 Now’ fulfills a niche yet claimed by any recent K-pop song (that I know of).

In many ways, ‘Kick It 4 Now’ is a throwback to the 90s boy band sound. From its concept teasers, MV, choreography, and song itself, it feels like a tribute. Even right off the bat, the song starts with a beat so specific to the new jack swing genre, throwing the listener a swell of nostalgia. At the same time, it still feels modern with a few touches of percussion that follow more current trends, making it feel fresh despite being a faithful tribute.

Honestly, I believe the song’s chorus is one of the strongest I’ve heard in the whole year. I was able to remember its melody after listening to the MV teaser just once, and after many replays, it has yet to wear out. The danger with choruses that make use of a very ‘standard’ or ‘traditional’ melody (as in one that is pretty much tried-and-tested) is that it can easily wear itself out if it sounds too predictable or ‘old’. For a reason I cannot name, ‘Kick It 4 Now’ seems to have a chorus melody that already feels like an instant classic. I think this will prove true with time.

While its verses are a lot more restrained, especially for a song meant to imitate the sound of the ’90s’, I don’t think it necessarily diminishes from the overall song. The verses act as some sort of filler, but it makes for an easy listen. Judging from the song’s production, bright, groovy, but laid back, almost NewJeans-esque, it does not matter too much if the verses are a bit weaker. It would also be no harm however it was more interesting musically. However, for what the song seems to emulate and the vibes it gives off, it does not feel necessary. After all, while the song is a tribute, it still is a modern song released in 2023 at the end of the day. And what is in trend in 2023? NewJeans, who are characterized for making very easy-to-listen-to songs. The verses of ‘Kick It 4 Now’ feel effortless and pleasant, and it works for the song, especially because its chorus keeps it grounded.

Delivery-wise, I’m a fan. The main vocalist Junhyeok is one of my favorite vocalists this generation, and he did not disappoint at all. The whole group brought their charm and charisma to their lines. It also helps that TNX have vocal tones that really sound so traditionally ‘boyish’, as in Western boy bands, which makes the song fit them like a glove. Oh, and before I forget, the vocal delivery, vocal timbre, and enunciation of rapper Kyungjun when he sings “nostalgia deja vu, I’m coming back to you”, is addictive. It has me in a trance, and it is easily one of the main reasons why I love this song so much. Actually, after paying more attention to his voice in previous TNX songs, I think he has become one of my favorite male idols in terms of vocal timbre, delivery, and pronunciation in general. It’s insane. As usual, rap-wise, they never disappoint, but I do like the rap delivery in ‘Love Or Die’ more.

Overall, ‘Kick It 4 Now’ is a very strong contender for being among the best K-pop releases this year. TNX is quickly rising to become one of my favorite boy groups.


Hooks – 10
Production – 9
Vocal Delivery – 10
Rap Delivery – 9
Overall – 9.5