As their first release after leaving IST Entertainment and joining One Hundred Label, THE BOYZ’s Unexpected launched a new chapter for the 11-member group. The nine-track album combines the brighter, upbeat pop sounds from earlier in THE BOYZ’s career with the smoother, more hip-hop-driven style that came later for the fourth-generation group. Lead single “VVV” falls closer to the first category. A breathless synth-pop race to the end, the urgent pop track promises “Even if I fall, I won’t cool down,” as the members are “burning without fear.” THE BOYZ tapped into Korea’s rich roster of independent musician-producers as songwriters for the album. Korean R&B artist SUMIN, who has previously produced music for BTS, EXO, and Red Velvet, co-wrote “VVV.” Korean rapper Colde has credits on raspy rap tracks “Feel the Bass” and “Rock and Roll.” On the self-production side, THE BOYZ’s Jacob co-wrote R&B love song “Starry Night,” while Sangyeon contributed to the writing of the dark, orchestral “Ain’t Salty.” Maknae Eric led writing on the upbeat “Miss Demeanor,” which is driven by a plucky acoustic-guitar loop. The sentimental “Cross Over,” written by all 11 members, speaks to the connection between THE BOYZ and their fandom, eight years following the group’s debut and from one company to another: “You are a flower that blooms beautifully/I’ll give you everything.”