The band CNBLUE. Photo courtesy of FNC Entertainment
It is stronger than the dopamine released after eating chocolate. The new song ‘Killer Joy’ by CNBLUE ignites rock and roll dopamine. Just listening makes you want to bounce. For tonight at least, rather than Kinder Joy, it is ‘Killer Joy’.
‘Killer Joy’ is the title track of the full-length third album by CNBLUE ‘3LOGY’ (Thrillogy), released on the 7th, a pop rock song that carries a bold declaration to leave only pure joy with energy unique to CNBLUE. It is also a song that more firmly presents the musical identity of CNBLUE.
CNBLUE ‘Killer Joy’ MV teaser.
The structure is simple but cleverly built. Over a punk rhythm, melodic variations make the song very bumpy and dynamic. Even so, it does not miss an addictive hook. At a festival, anyone could sing along and jump. The sound is packed too, so even each guitar riff comes through clearly. It is a perfect track for driving.
By contrast, the music video is a bit disappointing. The intention to drive the world crazy with the music of CNBLUE is visible, but the scene composition and structure are simple. Nor is the scale large, so it somehow looks a bit empty. It does not amplify the excitement and lively mood of the song.
Separately, the album ‘Thrillogy’ that includes this song is a work where the effort CNBLUE put in is evident. The opening track ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ presents the direction of this album precisely. On this track, which espouses British rock, a strong determination is reflected to show the distinctive color of CNBLUE throughout the songs that follow. On ‘Anthem of Life’ and ‘Because I Like the Little Things’ as well, you can fully feel their exuberant vibe.
The band CNBLUE.
It includes not only fast beats but also calm songs, clearly creating a breather. In the pre-released track ‘However, It Was a Flower’, like a flower that blooms again amid wounds and darkness, it calmly conveys through the vocal of Jung Yong-hwa a message that even within a chilly reality the moment will come to finally regain your own scent, and in the self-composed track ‘Temperature of Memory’ by Lee Jung-shin, a dreamy piano line and a wide sense of space convey deep emotions. It also clearly captures the distinctive character of each of the three members. It is an album that does not lean to any one side. It is available to stream on online music platforms.
On the 17th and 18th, over two days, CNBLUE will hold the solo concert 2026 CNBLUE Live ‘Thrillogy’ at Seoul Ticketlink Live Arena (formerly Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium) to announce the start of the world tour. As it is a chance to hear the entire album live, it would be good to familiarize yourself with each song before you go.
