Nu’est – ‘Q is’ Album Review

After spending most of last year promoting in Japan, Nu’est is back in home court with their fourth mini-album, Q is. Nu’est has left strong impressions on me in the past with catchy dance tunes like Face or sentimental numbers like Hello, so naturally I looked forward to hearing their new works. But unfortunately, the most memorable part about Q is is the fact each track is a puzzle to telling a story. Beyond that, it’s your typical pleasant pop tunes lacking a special spark.

Track 1 – 나의 천국 (My Heaven)

Album opener My Heaven is an EDM infused pop ballad song. It’s got an interesting electric bass note opening, then quickly layers on the usual suspects of heavy synths mixed with pounding dance beats. The boys give a smooth yet somewhat agonizing vocal delivery to convey the desperation in protecting the girl that’s their one and only oasis and heaven.

Track 2 – 여왕의 기사 (Overcome)

Title song Overcome tells the romantic story of the boys wanting to become black knights to protect their queen through thick and thin. The most listenable part is the rap break with a cool rhythm that sets it apart from the rest of the song that can only be described as a messy hodgepodge of sultry R&B and repetitive EDM. Overcome leaves me feeling overwhelmed, confused, and at a total loss for words to describe it.

Track 3 – 사실 말야 (In Fact)

In Fact is a much more streamlined and to-the-point track with refreshing mid-tempo house and hip hop elements. It’s got a hot and modern backbeat, mixed with the occasional appearance of a female vocal sample that adds an unexpected twist to the song. If In Fact contained a little more variation in its chord composition, it would have been a solid winner on Q is.

Track 4 –  티격태격 (Bickering)

Even though the title suggests a contentious relationship, Bickering is actually a sweet pop ballad number that expresses wanting to be together at the end of the day no matter how much arguments there are. The song mixes in just a small hint of trumpets to bring out the playfulness of bickering alongside the otherwise heartfelt vocal delivery by Nu’est. It’s a harmless fun number with no particular highlights.

Track 5 – Onekis2

A full on acoustic R&B ballad accompanied by a solo grand piano ends Q is on a more emotional note. Onekis2 has a simple but beautiful melody with a soft rap interception — a classic 90’s styled composition. Though this is a vanilla ballad tune, Nu’est’s clean vocals and sleek ad libbing do bring out the earnestness embodied within the song.

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