Monsta X have been moving between Korean and English-language releases, shoring up both fanbases as they enter a new stage of their career. New single Magic is co-produced by the prolific Dem Jointz, whose “iiiiincooomminnng!” producer tag has begun to wear on me. It’s gotten to the point where I expect the worst the moment I hear it, but thankfully Magic has a few surprises up its sleeve.
I don’t associate Dem Jointz-produced songs with big choruses, but Magic‘s hook is its biggest and splashiest moment. The verses are hit or miss, often feeling as if they’re just killing time. It’s become very common for pop songs to vacillate between two distinct energies: murky and dull segueing into explosive. I’ll always prefer “explosive all the way through” if that’s the song you’re attempting to create, but I guess producers prefer an easier way to build contrast.
Because of its approach, Magic is quite frustrating. There’s a cool harmonic bit right after the chorus that promises musical theater but never takes it further. A hint of sonic drama like this only makes me wish the rest of the track had a greater point of view driving it. I also dig the cool electronic textures that open verse two, but they never appear again as the track prefers its more predictable path. What we end up with is an “almost there” song with a few great peaks muddied by an overall lack of ambition.
Hooks
8
Production
7
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75