Inside is the debut extended play by South Korean boy group BtoB's second sub-unit BtoB 4U. BtoB 4U is a new unit consisting of BtoB's Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub and Peniel, and is expected to capture global fans through another charm in BtoB.[1] The EP was released on November 16, 2020, through Cube Entertainment.[2]

Inside
Digital cover and streaming cover
EP by
ReleasedNovember 16, 2020 (2020-11-16)
GenreK-pop
Length16:49
LanguageKorean
Label
Singles from Inside
  1. "Show Your Love"
    Released: November 16, 2020

Inside was described as it captures both freshness and completeness with a different feeling from BtoB.[3] It features five tracks including the lead single "Show Your Love". The physical version is available in two versions: "In" and "Side".[4]

Background

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On October 27, 2020, Cube Entertainment released a video informing BtoB's new unit name through its official SNS channel. In the released video, Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub and Peniel gave a welcome greeting to the fandom Melody, announcing the new unit name BtoB 4U, and announcing their active activities. BtoB 4U is a unit name selected after a public survey from their fandom Melody. The name has a double meaning of 'For you' and '4 members united'.[5] On October 30, Cube officially announced their debut date with the album name and released an artwork teaser image of a vintage door where sunlight and clouds on it.[6]

"You’ll be able to see all four of our reversal charms in this album. The kind of reversal charm where it includes a focus on humor in the track. Even when we remain the color of full BTOB, but we included the energy that only four of us have, 2 vocalist, 2 rappers, the balance make the stage more harmonious

— Eunkwang, Daily Sports[7]

During the group's debut showcase, Changsub confessed that "After the military discharge, I devoted myself to this album. I have been working as a new unit on my first comeback after the military service, so I am half nervous and half excited." Minhyuk also added, "I'm trying to do it in a long time, so I'm very nervous. Many people have been interested and I think I should do well. Above all, I'm excited to be with the members."[7]

Composition

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The album contains various genres of songs from moombahton to R&B, punk rock and modern rock ballad.[8] The opening track and title song "Show Your Love" is a moombahton dance-pop track with a rhythmic rhythm and a hopeful message.[8] Composed by BtoB member Hyunsik before enlisting in the military. He commented, "There is no greater power than love in our universe. It is time to show love. Let us overcome together with love."[9] The second track, "Tension" is composed by earattack, Jimmy, eniac and Jwa Young Kim. The song is described as an ear-pleasing R&B track led by a simple, addictive acoustic guitar riff with a trendy arrangement along with a moderate beat and slick synth. Under the name of tension, the song expresses the sparks between a man and a woman with a sexy vibe.[9] In this song, Minhyuk who is a rapper participated in the vocals instead of rapping. He stated, "because it's a song that's important in terms of the atmosphere and rhythm."[10]

The third track, "Bull's Eye" is composed by member Minhyuk and Aftrshok, Joseph k and Geist Way. It is a bouncy funk rock dance track with a powerful sound that induces an inner dance from the beginning till the end. The song matches with the personalities of the members who are famous for their talents and energy, individual charms and capabilities are revealed boundlessly that can feel the energetic identity of BtoB 4U.[9] Minhyuk explained, "Adding the cheerfulness of BtoB only in "Bull's eye" and the strength of BtoB's vocal in "Missing You" (그리워하다). When we recorded this song, is a little difficult as it's a style we haven't tried before.[7][10] The fourth track, "Mirage" is a moombahton track with a calm vibe that blends the lonesome repetitive guitar loop with the emotional vocals. The melody harmonies with the emptiness felt in the pre-chorus conveying the dramatic emotion of the song as the song is expressed as a mirage in the desert and allures another charm of the group.[9] The closing track, "Alone" is a modern rock track and the only ballad song in the album. It starts with the voices of the four BtoB 4U members and lonesome guitar. As the song reaches its climax, the piano creates an emotional and sad atmosphere.[9] Minhyuk thinks the song fits between fall and winter.[10]

Artwork and packaging

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BtoB 4U released two album versions for Inside. In "In" version, the group showed their luxurious visual with chic and serious charm and poses with a black jacket and shirt under a dark turquoise background.[11] In "Side" version, the members shows their unique charms wearing casual and colourful outfits and the use of different props such as smiley balloons, toy airplanes, dinosaur dolls, popcorn, and flower-shaped sunglasses different from the first concept image released.[12]

The EP has a paper book cover, booklet, lyric paper, CD, mini-poster, postcard with message on the card, sticker, photo card and poster.[4] During a YouTube live stream on November 16, Eunkwang revealed that "During the jacket filming, they were told to design the CDs. I put a lot of effort into drawing. About the stickers in the album, they didn’t tell us, they just told us to take 5 photos. So we took them cutely and humorously."[10]

Critical reception

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Choo Seung-Hyun of the Seoul Economic Daily wrote in his review "Unlike many groups that usually show 180 degrees of different concepts while forming units, BtoB emphasized its unique pleasant and positive energy. In this album, the message to brighten the atmosphere of society, which was contacted with the corona virus infection (Corona 19), gave healing. The healing concept is BtoB's greatest strength and weapon."[13]

Commercial performance

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On the chart issue dated November 15–21, 2020, the album debuted and charted at number 3 on the Gaon Album Chart and number 4 on the Gaon Retail Album with 19,269 units.[14][15] They made their debut on Gaon Social Chart, charting at number 14.[16] In Japan, Inside debuted at number 74 on Billboard Japan Hot Albums.[17]

Promotion

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On November 2, 2020, Cube released a time table for BtoB 4U's first extended play through their official homepage and SNS, which shows the group's promotion schedule beginning November 4 until their first online concert, 2021 BtoB 4U Online Concert [INSIDE] on January 23, 2021.[18] On November 6 and 9, Cube released a concept video and a total of 10 concept images, 8 photos per member and 2 group photos.[11][12] On November 12 and 13, BtoB 4U released individual music video teasers,[19] followed by the next day, a group music video teaser.[20]

On November 16, the group held an online media showcase for the release of Inside at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul,[7] hosted by broadcaster Ha Ji-young.[21]

Track listing

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The following tracklist was adapted from the officially released tracklist image.[1]

Inside track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Show Your Love"
  • Hyunsik
  • EDEN
  • Ollounder
  • Leez
  • Hyunsik
  • EDEN
  • Ollounder
  • Leez
3:11
2."Tension"
  • earattack
  • Peniel
  • earattack
  • Jimmy
  • eniac
  • Jwa Young Kim (김좌영)
  • earattack
  • eniac
  • Jwa Young Kim (김좌영)
3:10
3."Bull's Eye"
  • Minhyuk (HUTA)
  • Peniel
  • Minhyuk (HUTA)
  • AFTRSHOK
  • joseph k
  • GEIST WAY
  • AFTRSHOK
  • joseph k
  • GEIST WAY
3:17
4."Mirage" (신기루)
  • B.O. (비오)
  • Jae Woo Seo (서재우)
  • Yong Bae Seo (서용배)
  • BreadBeat
  • Minhyuk (HUTA)
  • Peniel
  • Jae Woo Seo
  • Yong Bae Seo
  • BreadBeat
  • B.O
  • Jae Woo Seo
  • Yong Bae Seo
  • BreadBeat
3:06
5."Alone" (그대로예요; Geudaeroyeyo [lit. "Just Like That"])
  • Minhyuk (HUTA)
  • Peniel
  • Minhyuk (HUTA)
  • AFTRSHOK
  • GEIST WAY
  • AFTRSHOK
  • GEIST WAY
4:05
Total length:16:49

Charts

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Certification and sales

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan 1,566[29]
South Korea 62,869[24]

Release history

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Release formats for Inside
Region Date Format Distributor Ref.
South Korea November 16, 2020 CD, digital download, streaming [30]
Various [31]

References

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  1. ^ a b Jeong Ji-won (November 4, 2020). 비투비 포유, 임현식 자작곡 'Show Your Love'로 16일 데뷔(공식) [BtoB 4U, debuted on the 16th with Lim Hyunsik's own song 'Show Your Love' (official)]. JoyNews24. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
  2. ^ Ko Seung-hee (November 1, 2020). 비투비 포유, 서은광·이민혁·이창섭·프니엘 뭉쳤다…16일 데뷔 확정 [BTOB 4U Seo Eun-kwang, Lee Min-hyuk, Lee Chang-seop, and Peniel unite Debut confirmed on the 16th]. HeraldPop. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-04.
  3. ^ Jeon Hyo-jin (November 16, 2020). ‘비투비 유닛’ 비투비 포유, 데뷔 초읽기…공식 로고 공개 ['BtoB Unit' BtoB 4U, countdown to debut... Official logo released]. Melon.
  4. ^ a b "[공지] BTOB 4U 1st Mini Album [INSIDE] 예약 판매 안내". BtoB Official Twitter (in Korean). @OFFICIALBTOB. November 3, 2020. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  5. ^ Jeon Hyo-jin (October 28, 2020). ‘비투비 유닛’ 비투비 포유, 데뷔 초읽기…공식 로고 공개 ['BtoB Unit' BtoB 4U, the countdown to debut... Official logo released]. Sports Dong-A. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-04.
  6. ^ Jeon Hyo-jin (October 30, 2020). 비투비 포유, 11월 16일 데뷔…아트워크 티저 공개 [BtoB 4U, debuted on November 16th... Artwork teaser released]. Sports Dong-A. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-04.
  7. ^ a b c d Hwang Ji-young (November 16, 2020). [현장IS] '대형신인' 비투비 포유, 완전체가 되는 그날까지 [종합] [[Site IS] Until the day that 'big newcomer' B2B U, becomes complete [Comprehensive]]. Daily Sports.
  8. ^ a b Lee Yoojin (November 11, 2020). 비투비 포유, 미니 1집 'INSIDE' 오디오 티저 공개... 기대감 증폭 [BtoB 4U, unveils mini 1st album'INSIDE' audio teaser... amplifying expectations]. Han River Times. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d e "BTOB 4U - Inside album information". Cube Entertainment. November 16, 2020. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  10. ^ a b c d BTOB 비투비 (Official YouTube Channel) (November 16, 2020). 비투비 포유 'INSIDE' Launching LIVE💙. YouTube.
  11. ^ a b Jeon Hyo-jin (November 6, 2020). 비투비 포유, 미니 1집 콘셉트 이미지 공개 '멋·위트 폭발' [BtoB 4U, unveils concept image of 1st mini album]. HeraldPop. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
  12. ^ a b Jeon A-ram (November 9, 2020). 비투비 포유, 미니 1집 'INSIDE' 두 번째 콘셉트 이미지…'팔색조' 매력 [BtoB 4U, the second concept image of the 1st mini album 'INSIDE'... 'Eight colors' charm]. Xsports News. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
  13. ^ Choo Seung-Hyun (November 21, 2020). [이주의 가수] 돌아온 비투비 포유, 힐링돌 수식어 아깝지 않다 [[Singer of the Migrant] Return of BTOB 4U, it is not a waste to modify healing stones]. Seoul Economic Daily.
  14. ^ a b "2020년 47주차 Album Chart - INSIDE". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). November 15–21, 2020.
  15. ^ "2020년 47주차 Retail Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). November 15–21, 2020.
  16. ^ "Social Chart 2.0". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). November 15–21, 2020.
  17. ^ a b "Billboard Japan Hot Album". November 30, 2020.
  18. ^ Kim Han-na (November 2, 2020). 비투비 포유, 'INSIDE' 스케줄 티저 공개...온라인 콘서트 개최 예고 [BtoB 4U, unveils 'INSIDE' schedule teaser...online concert notice]. Hankook Ilbo. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
  19. ^ Yoo Byung-cheol (November 12, 2020). 비투비 포유, 신곡 `Show Your Love` 이민혁과 프니엘 버전 MV 티저 영상 공개 [BtoB 4U, Lee Min-hyuk and Peniel's version MV teaser video released for new song 'Show Your Love']. The Korea Economic Daily. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  20. ^ Ham Nayan (November 13, 2020). 비투비 포유 서은광X이창섭, 뮤비 개인티저 공개…영화 같은 비주얼 [BtoB 4U, Seo Eun-kwang X Lee Chang-seop, MV personal teaser released... Cinematic visual]. Sports Donga. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  21. ^ Yoon Da-hee (November 13, 2020). 하지영 '비투비 포유 쇼케이스 진행'[엑's HD포토] [Ha Ji-young'B2B For You Showcase' [X's HD Photo]]. XSports News.
  22. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2020-11-30" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved =December 11, 2020.
  23. ^ "Billboard Japan Download Albums". November 30, 2020.
  24. ^ a b "2020년 11월 Album Chart - INSIDE". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). December 2020.
  25. ^ "Gaon Digital Chart". November 15–21, 2020.
  26. ^ "Gaon Download Chart". Gaon Music Chart. November 15–21, 2020.
  27. ^ "Gaon Streaming Chart". Gaon Music Chart. November 15–21, 2020.
  28. ^ "Billboard Korea K-pop 100". Billboard. November 28, 2020.
  29. ^ "週間 アルバムランキング 2020年12月07日付". Oricon Chart (in Japanese). November 30, 2020.
  30. ^ "[EP] INSIDE 비투비 포유". Retrieved November 16, 2020 – via Melon.
  31. ^ "INSIDE - EP - BTOB 4U". Retrieved November 16, 2020 – via Apple Music.
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