In 2021, our favorite boy groups brought powerful, sexy, and emotional performances, pushing their own creativity and exceeding all expectations. Let’s take a look at some of the best B-sides released by K-Pop boy groups in 2021.

“Not Too Late” - ATEEZ

An R&B song, “Not Too Late” contains a message of consolation. Written for their fans, ATEEZ reassures their listeners that you will eventually see the light at the end of all worries and anxiety about the unknown future. The track was an appropriate closer for the third installment in the ZERO : FEVER series.

“Bungee” - NCT Dream

“Bungee” by NCT Dream is a funky electronic pop song with a groovy rhythm, produced by K-Pop legends Moonshine and Kenzie. The group’s youthful performance, paired with the witty lyrics comparing jumping into the arms of another person to a bungee jump, makes the song an extremely fun listen. 

“Attention, please!” - ENHYPEN

“Attention, please!” is an alternative rock song with late ‘90s and early ‘00s punk rock influences. ENHYPEN sings about the complex emotions of a boy who is troubled by popularity and love. The song encapsulates the overarching theme of the album through its lyrics and production. 

“Anti-Romantic” - TXT

Standing in contrast to the album’s title track, “Anti-Romantic” by TXT (Tomorrow x Together) is a beautiful R&B ballad, with the group singing about the sadness and disappointment that love brings. While it is a bold choice for a group to open their album with a ballad, it is a perfect opener for a dark album like The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE. 

“Red Lights” - Stray Kids

Stepping away from their dance-heavy sound, Stray Kids members Hyunjin and Bang Chan delivered one of the most sensual tracks of 2021. With electric guitars and spaced-out beats, the two members sing about obsession and compulsivity. The sexiness and power of the track exceeded all expectations.

“byredO” - OnlyOneOf

“byredO” by one of 2021’s breakout stars, OnlyOneOf, makes reference to the world-famous fragrance company BYREDO and talks about how love can be a blessing, while also very cruel if emotions are suppressed—just like how even a pleasant scent can become overbearing when sprayed excessively.

“The Realist” - ONF

“The Realist” is a beautiful synth-pop track included on ONF’s first studio album, ONF: MY NAME. The track paints a dreamy image, putting the listeners in a trance by using distorted vocals and ‘80s synth sound. The lyrics focus on the conflict a realist faces about having impossible dreams, which fits perfectly within the overarching theme of the album. 

“Atlantis” - A.C.E

A.C.E returned with their fifth mini-album SIREN: DAWN. Besides the absolutely stunning concept photos and music video for “Higher,” A.C.E also created one of their most emotive tracks on the mini-album. “Atlantis” is a beautiful symphonic rock track, co-composed and written by PENTAGON’s Kino, about broken trust.

“Mercy” - MONSTA X

Featuring Hyungwon’s production, “Mercy” is unlike anything MONSTA X has ever done before. A grand R&B track, “Mercy” features a spaced-out piano and string instrumentation that leaves room for the members’ vocals to shine. Reminiscent of second-generation angsty boy group songs, “Mercy” also features fast rap verses that perfectly complement the vocal moments and ad-libs.

“Area” - SHINee

Off of SHINee’s repackaged album Atlantis, “Area” is a progressive R&B track performed as a monologue over minimalistic production with a beautiful flute melody. The lyrics were co-written by member Minho and talk about being stuck in a stagnant life. The song puts the focus on SHINee’s incomparable vocal harmonies.