Some songs are instant hits while others take time to fully reveal their charms. Neither approach is better than the other as long as a song enjoys longevity, but the latter category is more difficult to write about on this blog. For whatever reason, almost all of NMIXX’s songs have been slow-burn successes rather than instant hits for me, which means initial ratings are usually lower than they should be. I tried to keep this in mind when listening to new single Heavy Serenade, imagining how I might feel about the track in a month’s time.
Following last year’s Blue Valentine was always going to be a tall order, especially when that track went on to become such a huge hit. In several ways, Heavy Serenade attempts to replicate that sound, employing a tempo-and-energy shifting arrangement that moves from moody and dark to bombastic and cathartic. The percussion is especially dynamic throughout, adding a rock drive but fracturing the instrumental into jagged pieces. There are some great moments of stabbing drum hits that really accentuate Heavy Serenade‘s drama.
However, what ultimately made Blue Valentine such a sleeper hit was the compelling chorus at its core. While its verses experimented with form, the hook went straight for the pop jugular. As far as I can tell after a few listens, Heavy Serenade isn’t able to do this with the same panache. Its chorus is too fitful, moving from a soaring refrain to a spell-it-out “L-O-V-E” climax. This second segment just doesn’t work for me, making it unclear whether the song will flourish or flounder with time. I’m not feeling too optimistic.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.75