Why Don’t We, I Don’t Belong in This Club | Track Review

Rising boy band Why Don’t We taps Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore for their ‘totally awkward,’ surefire bop, “I Don’t Belong in This Club.”

Cutting straight to the chase, there is plenty to like about “I Don’t Belong in This Club,” the latest single from rising boy band, Why Don’t We (Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery). From a production standpoint, the pop collective has a record that’s incredibly sleek, idiomatic of urban-pop to the nth degree.  The drum programming screams hip-hop, the synths are bright and edgy, and all in all, this feels like a suitable backdrop for a contemporary, modern-day boy band.  Beyond the production, the singing is on-point.  While calling “I Don’t Belong in This Club” a ‘vocal masterclass’ would be an overstatement, the guys definitely deliver, particularly on the robust, crowd-pleasing, sing-along chorus.

Speaking of the chorus – and the songwriting in general – it’s relatable, particularly for the crowd that finds clubbing “awkward as (oh).”

“Save me, can’t take it

I don’t belong in this club

One dance, no chance

‘Cause I’m feeling awkward as (oh)

I was waiting in line for an hour

Just to get in, now I wanna get out ‘cause

I’m jaded, can’t fake it

I don’t belong in this club.”

Of course, “I Don’t Belong in This Club” has another piece – Macklemore.   The Grammy-winning rapper brings some swagger, begging his verse amped-up: “Hopped out of the Uber / I was feelin’ myself / Had the polo with the bolo / With some eel on the belt.” But, like the boys, he becomes jaded himself, with awkwardness killing the vibe. He concludes his verse by spitting:

“‘Bout to pull that Irish goodbye, grab my stuff, ‘bout to cut

And the DJ yells, ‘Macklemore in the house tonight’

Ah, fuck.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Why Don’t We return with a surefire hit with “I Don’t Belong in This Club.” Excellent production may be the biggest selling point, but again, the relatable messaging doesn’t hurt the cause either.  “I Don’t Belong in This Club” won’t change your life, but it marks an upward trajectory for the boy band.

Why Don’t We • I Don’t Belong in This Club (Ft. Macklemore) [Single] • Signature Entertainment / Atlantic • Release: 3.22.19

Photo Credits: Signature Entertainment / Atlantic