NMIXX has released their first full-length album, 'Blue Valentine,' which is being praised for maintaining their unique musical identity while bridging the gap with the public. The album challenges the notion that 'Mix Pop is difficult' and proves their direction with tangible results.
On October 13, NMIXX dropped their first studio album, 'Blue Valentine,' marking their comeback approximately seven months after their mini-album 'Fe3O4: FORWARD' in March. The title track 'Blue Valentine' explores the clash of emotions and the desire to ignite warmth in a cold heart. It features melancholic synth sounds and guitar riffs, with intersecting boom-bap rhythms adding depth, perfectly matching the chilly season.
The album includes 12 tracks spanning various genres, with members Haewon and Lily contributing to the lyrics of some songs, showcasing their musical talents. Notably, tracks 11 and 12 offer a unique listening experience by deconstructing their debut song 'O.O' into separate genre parts, embodying the 'MIXX POP' genre.
As of midnight on October 14, 'Blue Valentine' ranked 11th on Melon's Top 100, 1st on Hot 100 (100 days), 1st on Hot 100 (30 days), and topped Bugs' real-time chart. The album also claimed the top spot on Hanteo Chart's album chart on October 13 and led the Apple Music Top Album Chart in Korea, as well as iTunes Top Album Charts in Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, and Singapore by the morning of October 14.
The new release is lauded for maintaining NMIXX's 'Mix Pop' identity while enhancing its mainstream appeal. The album strengthens the organic flow of melody and progression within its complex genre structure, easing previous perceptions of being 'difficult.' The trendy sound and stable vocals of the members elevate the album's musical sophistication.
Beyond the title track, the album's other songs highlight the group's strengths. With a mix of rhythmically intense and vocal-centric tracks, it satisfies the experimental tastes of their existing fanbase while also offering more accessible songs to broaden its appeal.
NMIXX's distinctive approach is gaining attention for its differentiation in the music market. While easy-listening tracks dominate the current K-pop scene, NMIXX stands out with their unconventional structures and genre fusion, building a unique sound. This is seen not as mere adherence to a concept but as the result of consistent experimentation centered on their identity. Despite initial skepticism about their ability to achieve mainstream success due to their song structures, NMIXX has proven their direction is sound with successful chart performances in both digital and physical sales.
By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr