After three years, K-Pop group NMIXX have finally released the “Baila” and “Superhero” sections of their debut single “O.O” as two separate songs. Its inclusion of two strikingly different sounds—the former leaned into a dark EDM sound, and the latter had a sunny mix of funk and pop-rock—polarised millions of listeners in 2022. But the group’s Blue Valentine album, released on 13 October, embraces both sonic palettes, showing that they can indeed be combined to create something cohesive. For the most part, it works; it might be a downright masterpiece, if not for its ineffective mid-section.
The title track, “Blue Valentine,” is superb but flawed. It incorporates the group’s “mixx pop” trademark. While most of the song is blazing pop-rock, the pre-chorus slows things down, steering the song towards sappy pop ballad territory.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with mashing up separate genres in the same track, but the issue here is that the pre-chorus has an odd rhythm, like it’s not on beat. However, the chorus is absolutely excellent. Synths as sharp as blades slice through the drums and bright vocals, the engine whine-esque noises adding some edge and texture to what might be a too-smooth chorus otherwise.
The second track slash pre-album single, “Spinnin’ On It,” is a more straightforward homage to ’90s alternative rock. Its instrumentation has lots and lots of layers, which some listeners may find overwhelming. But others may love how busy it is. Besides the usual guitar and drums, it has a range of musical adornments like vocal samples digitally pitched up to unnatural heights and beautiful piano notes.
The chorus melody is also interesting; for the most part, it’s anthemic, the kind that invites listeners to sing their hearts out with the members. However, it incorporates a screechy upper belt (a G5) near the end of each one. The note sounds tense, dissonant, and sharp; misplaced, even, which is strangely satisfying in a true rock-and-roll sort of way. Both of these tracks are about push-and-pull, painful relationships.
On the other hand, the next two tracks are about self-empowerment. “Phoenix” really ties the pop-rock and electronic styles together. It features strong drumming and to complement it, producer Ends (who previously worked on NMIXX’s “Papillon” too) cleverly distorts the girls’ vocals to mimic fuzzy electric guitars. All-English track “Reality Hurts” is an EDM earworm, its stuttering chorus and intense, heavy bass sure to leave a mark on your mind.
After those stunning tracks, the album unfortunately sags in the middle. “Rico” is an incredibly generic attempt at tropical house. “Podium” is a listless retread of Fifth Harmony’s “That’s My Girl,” stripped of any interesting hooks. “Crush On You” is the kind of song you’d regularly hear at a department store or café, and immediately forget each time.
The album’s weakest, however, is “Game Face.” It sounds as though it’s been lifted straight out of a Disney Channel Original Movie, and not even one like Lemonade Mouth, which has some pretty good songs. The descending melody for the “지금부터 main quest, so I put my game face on” line in every chorus is delivered with a particularly grating, childish cadence.
Fortunately, the album picks up the pace again with its final four tracks. While not quite as gorgeous as the first four, “Adore U” and “Shape of Love” are pleasant and bring some more cohesion to Blue Valentine—not just musically, but also lyrically, touching upon themes of toxic romance again. “Adore U” feels like one of those charmingly earnest, mopey pop-rock tracks from the 2010s, a la A Rocket to the Moon’s songs. The catchy future bass production of “Shape of Love” provides a fun contrast with its anguished lyrics.
The full studio versions of their debut single’s “Baila” and “Superhero” sections wrap up the album. Both tracks are worth the three-year wait and feel like a wonderful encore. While Blue Valentine doesn’t fully live up to its potential, it’s still a rather sophisticated album with several standout tracks and a surprisingly cohesive (for the most part) concept. It’s an impressive feat for these six young powerhouses, who are bound to release a bona fide masterpiece one of these days… though maybe not today.
Blue Valentine is out now on all streaming platforms. You can find NMIXX on Instagram.
