MONSTA X Tells the Story of Love in Their All-English Album
On Valentine’s Day, MONSTA X finally released their first all-English album titled All About Luv. This album has 11 tracks, a few of which fans have been vibing to for a few months as well as some new ones that help put together MONSTA X’s tale about the journey of falling in and out of love. Each track holds its own, from simple pop ballads all the way to club hits, while being another piece of the confusing puzzle of love.
“Who Do U Love?” Featuring French Montana
This is one of the tracks that fans have been able to listen to for months. Released last summer, “Who Do U Love?” has been on heavy rotation for many listeners. The simple verses lead into an addicting drop at the chorus with the lyrics that speak of the torment of unknown love. “Who do you love? Is it him or me? Cause I can’t take the pressure anymore.” Just wanting to know if the person you have feelings for feels the same way is a situation many can relate to. An important thing to mention is that “Who Do U Love?” receives a Will.I.Am makeover with a remix at the end of the album, helping create that perfect frame for the album’s story.
“Love U”
The album’s second track was also released last year in the early fall. The track “Love U” gives an inside look at the impatience of young love. The song itself has a bright feel with synth sounds that play throughout the entire song while the lyrics of the chorus not-so-subtly point to the “one thing” that young people have on their mind while in love. The members sing the sickeningly sweet lyrics, “I really really want to love you, but I can’t say the word I want to, cause they won’t play it on the radio, but I know you know what I mean.” And we really do know what you mean, MONSTA X. We do.
“Happy Without Me”
“And I hate to see you happy without me.” This song is about the initial feelings of seeing the other person move on without you and how unhappy you are to see them smiling. Especially when you're not the one to put the smile on their face. The song is playful while the lyrics are biting. Of all the songs, this one leans into the modern boy band sound that people enjoyed similar to tracks released by Pretty Much and One Direction.
“Got My Number”
This song is almost the polar opposite of the tone of “Happy Without Me.” Its lyrics are almost taunting, a stark contrast of the pleading found in the previous track. It tells the story of what happens when a love gets desperate. Hyungwon sings, “So who you wanna call when you want to do, do the things that he won’t do,” the temptation to cheat that lingers when there are leftover feelings. That he (the ex) is better than your current boyfriend. Shownu sings sweetly that he “wouldn’t judge” and that he can “keep a secret.” The dance track lures the listener in with the electronic sounding beats and the soothing melody that will tempt you to dial MONSTA X’s number.
“Someone’s Someone”
The third of the four tracks that were pre-released, “Someone’s Someone” is a ballad that pulls at the heartstrings. It adds another piece to the puzzle of love MONSTA X is illustrating in this album.The longing of wanting someone to call our own is a part of the experience of growing up and falling in love. This song is especially heartwarming due to it being the promise made between MONSTA X and Monbebe that they will always be their “Someone.”
“Middle of The Night”
This was the fourth and last pre-released song in 2019 prior to the announcement of the full album last year. The tune is catchy and you’ll be humming it in no time. However, the theme is quite similar to that of “Got My Number,” the hopeless type of love that can leave the heart aching. The layering of the song is similar to other ballad-style tracks MONSTA X has released, making it a familiar sound for fans.
“She’s The One”
“She’s The One” tells the story of the beginnings of love. The crush that keeps you up at night. Unlike “Who Do U Love,” this song leans more into the cute and innocent side of the crush. With lyrics like, “She’s the one, who got me all messed up. I could write a million songs but I know it’s not enough,” it's hard not to want to cheer them on to get the girl. The tone is set by the heavy percussion and copious amounts of vocal adlibs. While many of the tracks have a bar or two of rap, this song holds its own with a majority being vocals.
“You Can’t Hold My Heart”
Love that is falling apart, becoming toxic, and you are coming to terms with the need to end it is the central theme of “You Can’t Hold My Heart.” The major piece of the song that is easily picked out is the heavy use of the electronic keys supplemented by the use of the electric guitar and what seems to sound like a kazoo-type instrument. The song itself reminds me of music commonly heard from groups like One Republic or Ne-Yo.
“Misbehave”
The one thing that the album was missing was the classic piano ballad. “Misbehave” fills that hole nicely. It is easy to picture the members crowded around a piano singing. The emotion in their voices makes it hard not to wonder if they are singing about things that hit a bit close to home. On top of the piano, very simple snapping percussion adds to the melancholy feel of the entire track. “Misbehave” tells a similar story of toxic love except this time, you’re in denial and love them despite their misbehavior.
“Beside U” Featuring Pitbull
Bringing things full circle, “Beside U” is the song you listen to as you get ready to hit the town. It shows the beginning of the endless cycle of love. The sound is very reminiscent of early 2000s R&B and Hip-Hop, which makes this song the most amusing for me. The feature of Mr. Worldwide himself adds to the flair. The lyrics, on the other hand, can make anyone wanna roll their eyes as they echo the same themes that were popular in the early 2000s as well. Despite my instinctive reaction to roll my eyes to this song...it’s actually really good.
Final Thoughts
While many anticipated this highly teased All-English album, their still looms a controversy over its release due to the inclusion of now departed member Wonho. Despite this, the album has made quite the impression on both domestic and international K-Pop fans around the world. However, the release of the all-English album leads to the question of if this will become the new standard for idols looking to make a legitimate push at the Western market. Of all the English releases from recent K-Pop artists, All About Luv by far sets the bar high with the English lyrics that not only make sense but are not making the average fan cringe, the variety of genres offered, and overall album story being extremely well done. Congratulations MONSTA X on this tremendous achievement.
Stream All About Luv on all major platforms now.