MONSTA X Knows No Limit In New Comeback
MONSTA X has had quite a busy end of the year, including an English album and concert film, and they are kicking it all off with their milestone tenth Korean mini-album NO LIMIT. The new album is led by the lead single “Rush Hour” and contains seven new songs. Let’s dive into the new album to see what the group has to offer.
Tracklist
Rush Hour
Autobahn
Ride with U
Got me in chains
Just love
Mercy
I got love
Title Track: “Rush Hour”
With an impactful intro by I.M and the first verse kicked off by JOOHONEY, “Rush Hour” is off to a great start. The loose-tied track has interesting moments throughout, and starts with a calm whistle which turns into a pumping beat very quickly. MONSTA X’s exuberant energy takes over the song with a fiery verse by JOOHONEY where he claims that he lives for the competition. The pre-chorus and chorus are led by the vocalists and contain the same punching vibe as the verses amplified by a refrain after the chorus. I.M takes over the second verse as he rightfully boasts about his skills. Both rap verses contain catchy lyrics which have now become a MONSTA X signature.
The music video continues the story of “GAMBLER” and switches between an arid desert and a dance floor. Unlike “GAMBLER,” performance takes center stage in this music video. The outfits are inspired by racecar drivers, cowboys, and hijackers all paired with fringe jackets, leather, and brightly colored hair, especially JOOHONEY, who donned red pigtails in the music video.
B-Sides
MONSTA X has some of the best B-sides in K-Pop and NO LIMIT is no different. “Autobahn” kicks off the album’s B-sides and was inspired by the federal-controlled access highway system in Germany popularly known for having no speed limit. MONSTA X compares their intense love to the autobahn. Filled with clever and thematic lyrics, “Autobahn” is an EDM track with a thumping beat with its chorus containing sparse lyrics, creating more emphasis. MONSTA X finally takes on the disco-pop genre with “Ride with U.” The synth-wave track contains a funky ‘80s beat with the vocalists flexing their vocals.
“Got me in chains” contains a mix of R&B elements, but is a thumping dance song that forms a groove with an addictive vocal lead based on synth sounds. The track contains no lulls thanks to its production and the members’ vocal delivery, especially in the bridge. The lyrics express the feelings of being curious and attracted to a fascinating partner. The track was co-composed by Davey Nate, who worked with MONSTA X on their track “Be Quiet,” another amazing B-side from their catalog.
A minimalistic track with a groovy guitar, “Just love” is simple in its production because the focus is on the track’s lyrics. Co-written by the rappers, it shares the sincerity of their love and that even if the moment doesn't last forever, they wanna create memories that they can look back at over time. A track that could be part of the Fifty Shades Of Grey soundtrack, “Mercy” is a grand R&B track accompanied with string instrumentation. The fast rap verses complement the vocal performance in the chorus perfectly, bringing home the sentiment and the message in its lyrics. The angsty track was co-produced by member Hyungwon and is described by him as an extension of their song “Nobody Else” from their third studio album Fatal Love.
The album closes with the soft and slow hip-hop track “I got love.” The track contains hip-hop elements as well as vocal harmonies by the members like a ballad. The song was described by the members as a continuation of “Heaven” from their previous album, One of a Kind. If “Heaven” was a drive through the summer heat, “I got love” is like a drive through the cold winter. In a way, it is a song that conveys the feelings of wanting to see their fans during the time they were not able to meet.
With NO LIMIT, MONSTA X once again does what they do best. As senior artists in the industry, MONSTA X knows how to utilize their strengths. Member Shownu’s absence can be felt throughout the album, especially during vocal parts, however the group still manages to create a powerful album that carries its listeners through a sonic treat in its seven-track course.