Photo credits to Starship Entertainment and Monsta X.
Nearly 12 years since their debut, 11 full length albums (across Korean, Japanese and English languages) and now, 14 mini albums, Monsta X have returned for a Korean comeback. It has been one year since their last album, ‘THE X’, dropped.
For the first time, Monsta X have taken a different approach on their newest album, “THE PHASE”, as one of their main songwriters and youngest member, Im “I.M” Changkyun, is not active within the group at the moment as he is serving his mandatory enlistment.
Joohoney, no stranger to writing their title tracks, took the reigns with writing and producing the comeback song “Magic”, beside renowned K-Pop producer Dem Jointz. “Magic” takes Monbebe (their fandom) around the world on quite the ride with a different sound filled with Monsta color.
Preparation for the comeback took fans into a strange world of odd photoshoots, mystery posts and teaser videos that made absolutely no sense. Once the music video for “Magic” was released, everything came together; magic and mystery. Kihyun and Minhyuk offer high notes that balance Shownu and Hyungwon’s deeper mysterious energy, which create the perfect energy for a title track–especially when it is seasoned with JooHoney’s magical lyrics.
While the title track is full of fun, dance and chaotic imagery, “Type X” take Monbebe down memory lane. The sound is heavily reminiscent of the group’s early days while also mixing in their newer, mature side. Joohoney is not letting anyone forget who the X they are. Not filling the hole but stepping in for a little extra flavor, Minhyuk leads some husky semi rap verses that seem to appease Monbebe.
Shocking everyone, the rock solid banger “Survivor” comes in heavy with not just boundary pushing lyrics and rock riffs, but all of the swagger we have come to love from a Joohoney/Ye-Yo!/Lazer produced track. There are two tracks on the album that seem to have Monbebe up in arms and in love with; “Survivor” with its classic and edgy sound and “Electric Heart”, bringing in the heavy sensuality and 90s R&B vibes that have become a large part of adult Monsta X.
“Electric Heart”, another Joohoney track, was produced along side Honey’s Brother in Law under the name “HWKIM”. This sexy sound has seemed to take Monbebe and run them through the shower. Although not a surprise to hear lyrics like this, the sultry crooning from the members have everyone wondering what kind of stage they may get from it on tour.
The only song not written by the members, “That’s My Girl”, still maintains the same metamorphosis the album is making: classic Monsta mixed with the future. While being a little more pop oriented than the rest of the album, it infuses R&B and leans heavily into leader Shownu’s vocals, making it a clear fan favorite.
In Monsta fashion, the last song on the album is a love song to Monbebe. “Sweet Night, Sweet Morning”, written by Hyungwon, has his inevitable loving chill touch. It is a song meant for easy listening, feelings of joy and love and reminding Monbebe that Monsta X will be here as long as they are wanted.
For those that purchase the Deluxe edition of “THE X’, it comes with a DJ H.ONE remix of “Magic” that truly gets your EDM soul moving and is the perfect touch to the surprise collection of Hyungwon’s alter ego’s work.
With this new release and upcoming tour, Monbebe across North America are sure to see new performances and sides to the group. Tickets for the ‘[THE X: Nexus] tour are now available via Ticketmaster.