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This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
The seven men of Monsta X released their first studio album and last part of The Clan series (part 1 and part 2) at the end of March. The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter shows growth in this group as they tried many new sounds and styles in these ten solid tracks. Monsta X reached new heights as the title track, Beautiful, climbed to #1 on the Top 10 Billboard World Albums Chart. Maturity and polish can be heard as you take a listen to the tracks below.
Track 1 – Ready or Not
The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter is kicked off with an intense, grimy hip hop track in Ready or Not. This track is full of synthesizers and powerful drum progressions. The track isn’t intense the entire time; it smooths out during the hook and bridges to let the vocalists shine. “Ready or not,” Monsta X is here to show what they are made of.
Track 2 – 아름다워 (Beautiful)
The title track holds Monsta X’s signature sound — a tough but melodic, trap meets dubstep track. Beautiful is high energy with a blaring instrumental. Although this is a very heavy track, the vocals make for a nice melody. There is a nice balance between the rapping and vocals and the transitions between the two are effortless.
Track 3 – 넘사벽 (Incomparable)
The vibe in Incomparable is more laid back than the two previous tracks. This song has major R&B influences as heard in the vocals. The vocalists use a lazy singing style, a style popular today, in the verses, then the energy picks up during the chorus. Incomparable really showcases their vocal abilities. However, there are times where the instrumental is just a little too loud making the vocals fight for their presence.
Track 4 – 니가 필요해 (Need U)
Keeping the R&B vibe, Need U is a breath of fresh air. This is a hip hop track with groove from an addictive bassline. Need U is a very trendy track with playful raps and impressive vocals. I can see this being played at a summer BBQ.
Track 5 – OI
OI is a bit free feeling due to its bizarre instrumental. With the high energy, I can definitely see this played at a club. The vocals and rapping play well over the track, however it lacks substance compared to the other tracks on The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter.
Track 6 – Miss You
Miss You is a track that has more of a serious vibe. The instrumental adds a futuristic feeling with a hint of mourning. It’s a dance track, but there’s a sense of sadness throughout. The vocalists and rappers do a great job at conveying their emotions. All aspects of Miss You marry well to make a topnotch track.
Track 7 – Calm Down
This track kicks off with a powerful rap with an impressive flow. This is a high energy number despite being titled Calm Down. With intense drums throughout, the velvety vocals still have room to be heard, however the rap line stands out most in Calm Down.
Track 8 – 너만 생각해 (All I Do)
All I Do has a funky vibe with electric guitar riffs and a simple drum rhythm — the first track in this particular style. All I Do is another track where the rap line shines, during the beat breakdown. This is a solid song, but it lacks the umph factor compared the other higher ranking tracks have.
Track 9 – 5:14 (Last Page)
Last Page is an R&B ballad, but still has an upbeat feel. This sweet track allows for the angelic vocals to radiate, but the baritone raps have their time as well. Last Page is a song I can see being played during an evening joyride.
Track 10 – 넌 어때 (I’ll Be There)
Monsta X closes The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter with another ballad in I’ll Be There. The closing track has a colorful feel thanks to the bright instrumental. The styling of this song allows for the smooth raps and delightful vocals to illuminate the track. Although Monsta X is a hip hop and rap based performance group, I feel like these types of songs suit them extremely well too.
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