NU’EST Paints Out a Love Story on New Album, Romanticize
Seven years after the release of Re:Birth in 2014, NU’EST has released their second studio album, Romanticize. Split into two halves, the album is a beautiful showcase of NU’EST as industry veterans who celebrated their ninth debut anniversary just a month ago. The first half of the album contains tracks performed by the group together while the latter half contains tracks performed by each member as their solo track. The album flows from dance-pop to slow R&B jams to close with a beautiful ballad. The album is supported by the dance-pop track “Inside Out,” with each track revolving around the theme of love, infatuation, heartbreak, and all aspects of a modern-day romance.
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Tracklist
DRESS
INSIDE OUT
DON’T WANNA GO
BLACK
DRIVE
EARPHONE (Minhyun Solo)
NEED IT (Baekho Solo)
DOOM DOOM (JR Solo)
ROCKET ROCKET (Ren Solo)
않아 (I’M NOT) (Aron Solo)
“INSIDE OUT”
The album is supported by the title track “INSIDE OUT.” The song is a simple house track with minimalistic but smooth production fitting into NU’EST’s signature style. The song’s lyrics, co-written by members Baekho and JR, speak of a lover’s conflicted emotions as they pretend to be okay during a breakup. They realize their true feelings after the fact, simply wanting to be with their loved one, and run back to the one who is also waiting for them. The song’s lyrics and production fit perfectly with the album’s overall romantic theme, and the music video is an absolute visual treat, with each member in their own setting that fits their unique personalities while coming together to create an intense dynamic. NU’EST brings back their sleek choreography interspersed throughout the video.
Check out the music video for “INSIDE OUT” below!
B-Sides
Instead of the typical short intros, NU’EST opens the album with “DRESS,” a full-length track whose production is similar to the following track on the album, “INSIDE OUT.” Besides the matching production style, the lyrics also act as a prelude to the title track, talking about boldly confessing one’s feelings in an attempt to save a relationship. The third track on the album, “DON’T WANNA GO,” is an instant earworm. With an urban R&B production and a hint of EDM, the track hinges on its simple production. Co-written by Pledis Entertainment’s resident songwriter Park Kitae, the song expresses the sadness of not being able to go back to the comfort provided by their loved one, and the desire to be together with them somehow.
The album continues with the neo-soul track “BLACK.” Despite the name, the track pushes through a colorful arrangement and an extremely catchy post-chorus hook. With the song, the group expresses the feeling of being high on love and compares it to the giddy feeling they have when they see someone they are attracted to. The first half of the album closes with the Korean version of the group’s Japanese track “DRIVE,” an electro-pop dance floor-ready anthem. This love song is about embarking on a destinationless drive with a loved one to simply enjoy their company.
The second part of the album opens with member Minhyun’s solo song “EARPHONE.” The lead vocalist of the group, known for his beautiful voice, opts for an R&B-pop sound. With lyrics about a pleasant evening stroll through the city, Minhyun creates a comforting atmosphere with his song, and the singer took part in writing and composing the track as well. Member Baekho puts his powerful vocals on full display on his solo track “NEED IT,” a track that could easily belong to the Fifty Shades soundtrack. The track is a slow burning R&B jam with a classic 6/8 beat that gives space for Baekho’s explosive, soulful vocals.
Member JR interprets the concept of romance as a self-reflective journey of learning to love yourself. With a powerful synth, “DOOM DOOM” is a deep house and EDM anthem with grungy instrumentation. Being a rapper and dancer for the group, the track fits his performative personality very well. Member Ren follows up next with “ROCKET ROCKET.” The track is a disco-pop track with a dynamic fast-paced synth. Being a huge Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson fan, Ren’s inspiration and their influence can be clearly heard on the track.
The final track on the album is given to member Aron, who delivers the beautiful ballad “않아 (I’M NOT).” Despite being NU’EST’s lead rapper, Aron opts for a modern rock ballad for his solo performance. With the guitar-assisted track paired with his powerful vocals, Aron hopes to spend eternity with his loved one and create memories that will last forever.
The gap between NU’EST’s first studio album Re:Birth and latest release Romanticize is not just the years that have passed, but also the growth each member has had in that time. NU’EST has grown professionally, artistically, and personally. Pushing past personal struggles and career fluctuations as a group, the NU’EST members have grown into charming men who know how to create music that is equal parts catchy and sincere. NU’EST has always carved their own path among their contemporaries and with Romanticize, they step into mature sounds and concepts that suit their seniority in the industry in the most brilliant way.