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I’ve noticed that recent works by SM idol groups like SHINee’s Odd and Red Velvet’s The Red have started to trend towards heavy EDM and house music, perhaps to aim for a wider international appeal. And now, the latest album from f(x), 4 Walls, is practically a super buffet of electronic dance songs — a delicious one of course. When the next party comes around, leave your turntables at home and simply bring 4 Walls with you.
Track 1 – 4 Walls
Album opener and title song 4 Walls is an awesome deep house EDM track with pounding electronic beats and jingle synths. Perhaps because it’s written by the same composer, it reminds me a lot of lablemate SHINee’s View. But f(x)’s airy vocals give it a more whimsical vibe in comparison.
Track 2 – Glitter
Glitter is a synthpop song with a rather unique composition where the tempo and rhythm changes several times throughout the song. Though the chorus and bridge are decently catchy, Glitter somehow feels disjointed to me, as if I’m listening to multiple songs pieced together.
Track 3 – Deja Vu
Heavyweight synths and hard-hitting beats give Deja Vu a futuristic and edgy electronic dance pop spirit. But unfortunately, the flatline melody and Deja Vu’s repetitive nature also make it difficult to listen to for more than a handful of times.
Track 4 – X
A rare synthpop with a seemingly random mix of high and low-pitched strange-sounding synths, X certainly possesses ‘the X-factor’ to grab your attention. The peculiarness of the song immediately piques my curiosity and it becomes oddly addicting the more I listen to it.
Track 5 – Rude Love
Rude Love is another house beat based track, but less intense and more melodic than 4 walls. Complete with f(x)’s dreamy vocals, Rude Love is more of a lounge music number to lose your mind in rather than a club banger to loosen your body with.
Track 6 – Diamond
Closer to f(x)’s grungy Red Light concept, Diamond is a synthpop with visible bass drum beats and hints of trap rhythms. As a result, it has more hip hop swagger compared the rest of the album. Yet the girls’ sweet vocals present an interesting contrast to this edgy-sounding tune.
Track 7 – Traveler
Traveler is yet another heavy and repetitive synths backed track. The melody is extremely simple, but fun and easy on the ears especially after layering on the raps. Yet sadly, f(x)’s presence feels bland and overshadowed by Zico’s parts that exude way more personality.
Track 8 – Papi
Next up is Papi, a Latin music inspired dance pop number. As one of the most EDM intense track on the album, Papi is extremely catchy complete with pounding beats and belting vocals. It’s your go-to club banger to dance up a sweat.
Track 9 – Cash Me Out
Cash Me Out is the other EDM heavy-hitter on the 4 Walls album with more of a vocal presence. The verses are nicely sung but the chorus is a tad overwhelming with a combination of screeching background beats and vocals.
Track 10 – When I’m Alone
4 Walls wraps up with When I’m Alone, which is another pop dance tune with a dreamy feel that matches the vibe of the album opener. Though slightly darker and more pensive in nature, it’s the perfect closing statement to this incredibly consistent album. Interestingly enough, Carly Rae Jepsen of Call Me Maybe fame contributed in writing this song.
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