VIXX – ‘Chained Up’ Album Review

This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.

The six members of VIXX found themselves as slaves of love with their second full-length album, Chained Up. The album not only contains nine brand new tracks, but also includes the group’s past hits like Error and Eternity. VIXX has proven long ago that they’re an idol group that can handle many concepts. At first glance, Chained Up gives a dramatic, dark feel that I believe suits them best. However, upon listen, Chained Up explores more concepts than just a dark one — ranging from bright upbeat party tunes to melodramatic ballads.

Track 1 – Mistress (Intro)

Mistress is an instrumental with an eerie vibe that sets up the album. I find it similar to the opening of a horror movie with full on intensity that builds anticipation. I can tell immediately that Chained Up is going to be a drama-filled album and I’m eager to hear more.

Track 2 – 사슬 (Chained Up)

The title track Chained Up has a hip hop flavor to it and is different from most of the songs VIXX has promoted in the past. It picks up where Mistress leaves off with a semi-creepy ambiance, but eventually adds contemporary hip hop beats and rhythms that turn it into a dance song. Chained Up has a simple yet catchy chorus that’s easy to follow along to. The boys talks about being chained up to a girl and not able to leave her even if they want to. I think the lyrical content fits pretty well with the tone of the music.

Track 3 – Maze

As a typical electro dance track, Maze is full of synth sounds and fast beats that give it edginess. It’s the first song that breaks away from the dark concept, but I found it somewhat forgettable. However, I would like to see a live performance of Maze. I think VIXX would come up with some great choreography that can bring the song to life.

Track 4 – Stop It Girl

Chained Up takes a serious turn with the gentle, mid-tempo R&B ballad, Stop It Girl. The rap is executed smoothly with the words rising and falling over the melody, which fits the style of the song well. To me, this refreshing number is a great place to showcase VIXX’s vocal abilities since a lot of their songs are uptempo dance tunes that don’t do their voices justices.

Track 5 – Hot Enough

In short, Hot Enough is definitely a hot track. It has a funky neo soul, jazz atmposhere with groovy bass that’s easy to move to. The smooth but raspy tone of the vocals add an extra element to Hot Enough. On top of that, the choreography in the live performance really rounds it out nicely.

Track 6 – Spider

The album changes directions once more and takes on a different mood with Spider. Spider sounds very similar to tracks that VIXX has released in the past. Starting off with the eerie aura again, Spider quickly changes into a dance tune with typical EDM beats that leave me underwhelmed.

Track 7 – 부시시 (Out of Sorts)

Out of Sorts exudes a cutesy energy from the get-go. It brings a new sensibility to Chained Up with lighthearted shuffle rhythms. The silky vocals and rap style make this a laid-back and tranquil number. I feel that the rap stands out more over the vocals because the syncopation is fast and it goes against the rhythm, which adds even more flavor to the song.

Track 8 – Heaven

Heaven is another high energy song that is the opposite of the album’s dark concept. It also has characteristics of an EDM dance song, where the cheery beats make you want to jump up and down. The lyrical content is pretty cleaver, with the boys telling a girl that they will be their angel and protect them. That being said, Heaven seems plain to me as there aren’t enough interesting elements to make me want to listen to it again.

Track 9 – 지금 우린 (Us Now)

Us Now continues with the lighter and softer mood of Chained Up. It’s a ballad that moves along with the help of faint drum beats and winding piano instrumentals. Vocally, Us Now sounds amazing and demonstrates the great quality of VIXX’s sleek voices.

Track 10 – 기적 (Eternity)

Eternity has always been one of my favorite VIXX songs thanks to its addictive beats. The music is full of emotional synth sounds mixed in with uptempo pounding beats, that would keep anyone’s ears tuned in. When I think of VIXX’s music color, I think of Eternity.

Track 11 – Error

Also befitting the theme of this album is Error. The repeated dramatic piano riff patterns are catchy, particularly when paired with the uptempo synths and beats. The fantasy vibe and auto-tuned vocals of Error add even more layers to the song.

Track 12 – Can’t Say

Can’t Say is the Korean version of a song the boys released before as part of their Japanese endeavors. This is a standard, cutesy, pop rock tune that sounds rather similar to other idol groups. Personally, I don’t think this style really fits VIXX.

Track 13 – 사슬 (Chained Up) (Inst.)

Not reviewed.

Track 14 – 사슬 (Chained Up) (Chinese Ver.)

Not reviewed.

What Do You Think?

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