The Kraze

View Original

MXM is Cheerful and Bright in “YA YA YA”

MXM (BRANDNEWBOYS) is finally back with their first studio album! Through Produce 101 Season 2, they brought fame to BRANDNEW for not only being a strong hip-hop company but also an idol company. The two boys are known for their amazing dance skills shown through the reality show. The studio album, More Than Ever, is filled with a variety of songs that showcases the duo’s unique talents.

The title track “YA YA YA” is an upbeat, colorful track that expresses their feelings for the people they love. The song is filled with catchy trap beats accompanied by a soothing piano verse that gives off 1920s jazz vibes. In the music video, both members are seen dancing and having fun in a colorful and cheerful atmosphere.

“Knock Knock” is a soft electronic song that is perfect for those relaxing days at home when you don’t want to do anything. “Checkmate” is an upbeat pop track that shows off Youngmin’s true rap talents as well as Donghyun’s perfect singing voice. “Show Me Your Love” is one of my favorite songs on the album because it is a soft pop song that helps you get through those bad days in a relationship. “(사랑해 줬으면 해) I Want You To Love Me” is a slow hip-hop track perfect for those sad, rainy days due to Youngmin’s soothing rap verse.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” begins as another soft electronic song with prominent piano beats but then moves into a pop track once it hits the chorus. “(가까이 살았으면 좋겠다) I Wish You Lived Close” is a cute pop song that immediately hooks you with the soft, jazzy piano intro. “Without U” is a track that I would definitely listen driving home at night when the roads are empty and quiet. The song brings up different types of deep feelings that can either make you happy or sad depending on when you listen to it. “(노는 물이 달라) Different Kinds” is an upbeat electronic track that brings the song up to a climax for the chorus and really hypes people up.

“Dawn” is another favorite on the album because of its soothing piano beats in the beginning of the song that transition into soft electronic beats. “(천연 곱슬) Naturally Curly” is Donghyun’s solo track on the album—an acoustic track that shows off his sweet voice with his guitar skills. “눈을 못 떼 (Can’t Take My Eyes Off)” is Youngmin’s solo track on the album that features Kanto and shows off his multi-talented nature, as he both raps and sings throughout the song. The last two songs from the album, “식어버린 온도 (Gone Cold)” and “Love Me Now,” were released five months ago as part of the duo’s special single album, Rematch. These two songs were greatly loved by fans. They even released an acoustic version of “Gone Cold” in the same month of March.

MXM released their biggest album yet with a total of 14 songs. We have seen them continuously grow after their appearance on Produce 101. The duo has shown different talents from rapping to dancing through this album. Please support and love MXM as they continue their promotions!

More Than Ever Album Score: 8/10

“YA YA YA” Title Score: 7/10

“YA YA YA” Music Video Score: 7/10

Total Score: 7.33/10