Be Aware: B-Sides by The Boyz

Following their sold-out encore concerts in Seoul, South Korea, The Boyz will be returning with their seventh mini-album tomorrow, August 16. The release, titled BE AWARE, marks their first comeback in nine months. To celebrate, let’s look back at some of The Boyz’s most popular B-sides since their debut in 2017. 

“Salty” 

“Salty” is the fifth track from REVEAL, the first full-length album from The Boyz released in 2020. REVEAL peaked at No. 1 on the Circle Album Chart, previously known as the Gaon Album Chart. The B-side “Salty” features a dream-like melody with a lively beat. The bright synthesizer and smooth vocals combine during the chorus to create a cheerful, easy-listening track, providing a nice contrast to the bittersweet lyrics regarding the duality of love. The song was written by Jo Yoonkyung, a popular South Korean lyricist who has written for groups such as EXO, Girls’ Generation, and SHINee. The Boyz performed “Salty” live on many occasions, including at KCON:TACT 2020 SUMMER and Show Champion. Love might leave you feeling bitter, but one listen to The Boyz will change that salty aftertaste into something sweet.

“Russian Roulette”

“Russian Roulette” is the third and final track from MAVERICK, their third single album released in 2021. MAVERICK went double platinum in South Korea with over 500,000 units sold. This unique B-side undoubtedly aided the album’s success, with Jo Yoonkyung once again providing her expert lyricism. “Russian Roulette” combines numerous genres such as hip-hop, R&B, trap, and pop to create a mysterious vibe. It’s a different feel from the aforementioned “Salty” and thoroughly showcases The Boyz’s stylistic range. Like the title suggests, the lyrics describe a want for risk-taking despite the possibility of danger. The Boyz did a partial performance of “Russian Roulette” at the 2022 Seoul Music Awards, which included strobing lights and a captivating dance break. Check out the song below—it’s one risk that will always end in reward.

“Text Me Back” 

“Text Me Back” is the third track from The Boyz’s second mini-album, THE START, released in 2018. The cheerful track was written, arranged, and composed by Coach & Sendo. The duo has become one of the most esteemed EDM production teams in South Korea. The electronic beat combines with bright vocals and spirited rap from The Boyz to create a spunky B-side track you can’t help but dance along to. The romantic lyrics beg for the admission of mutual attraction from a crush. “Text Me Back” is reminiscent of feeling butterflies in your stomach for the very first time. Whether you’re happily in love, utterly single, or pining after a crush, one listen to “Text Me Back” will have your heart fluttering for The Boyz's unique charm.

Edited by Aleena Faisal