A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
I seemed to be less enthralled by NMIXX’s Dash than most, but the song has already started to grow on me a bit. The album is quite solid as well. I’ve seen many people praising Passion Fruit, and I agree that it’s a strong example of its style — even if that style isn’t usually something I go crazy over. For me, the strongest b-side comes right at the end. Break The Wall is completely different than I expected from its title.
I assumed the song would be serving the kind of brash, shouty empowerment favored my many current groups. Instead, we have a pulsing synthpop highlight, chugging along exciting electronic elements and bolstered by a memorable chorus that’s powerful but melodic. It’s giving classic SM Entertainment vibes, like something SNSD or Red Velvet might have churned out in the mid-10’s. Like those groups, NMIXX is home to some standout vocalists and Break The Wall does a nice job harnessing that talent while still adhering to the group’s bombastic sound.
Hooks
9
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.5