Song Review: FUEGO by THE NEW SIX (TNX)

I’ve been waiting for a ‘THE NEW SIX’ comeback since their release of ‘Kick It 4 Now’, which was one of my most favourite boy group songs of 2023. Not to mention, I honestly believe that they are some of the most well-put-together K-pop groups that debuted in the last few years who don’t really lack anything- be it from vocal ability (Junhyeok’s existence puts other groups to shame), rapping (actually insane), dancing, stage presence, and visuals (Kyungjun is quite literally one of the most handsome men I’ve seen in the K-pop industry). They also have a distinctly masculine charm that they carry effortlessly. Yet, they haven’t found a breakthrough song yet. I heard that they are participating in the next season of Road to Kingdom, and I’m extremely excited for them. Perhaps then, they can finally have the success they deserve.

All that said, I will admit, I was a bit disappointed when I heard ‘FUEGO’ for the first time. It seemed too much within the umbrella of a ‘quintessential 4th gen boy group song’ for my liking- an anti-drop chorus, composed mostly of talk-singing/rapping, a dark, ‘heavy’ beat. However, as time passed, it definitely grew on me quite a bit.

What saves it are two things. First, the execution of THE NEW SIX Members of every aspect of the song is effervescently charming. Each member carries their lines with flair, looking at the big picture of the song and concept that they are executing. I have realised that a lot of what put me off from similar sounding songs in the past is that the group members themselves don’t seem to be able to fully sell/commit to selling the song, but TNX have no such problem. As an added bonus, their vocal timbres also really suit this type of concept (and I just have inherent bias for them too). Second, the production has some surprising grit and intensity that benefits from repeated listens. Somehow, it has distinguished itself quite well from the instrumentals of songs of the similar vein, and I can’t point out what exactly makes it this way. Altogether, they make the song a success- in spite of the song’s weaker hooks.

Hooks – 7
Production – 9
Vocal Delivery – 9
Rap Delivery – 10
Overall – 8.75