VIXX LR – ‘Beautiful Liar’ Album Review

VIXX‘s very first subunit VIXX LR consisted of lead vocalist Leo and rapper Ravi just released their debut mini-album Beautiful Liar. I was pleasantly surprised to find the album better than I had expected. The duo’s contrasting colors complement each other nicely to create a number of noteworthy hip hop ballad songs. If you’re a VIXX LR fan, Beautiful Liar is certainly an album not to be missed.

Track 1 – Beautiful Liar

Beautiful Liar opens with a melancholic ballad tune and pleading vocals backed by beautiful piano instrumentals to paint a picture of desolation. It then transitions into powerful rap with heavy drum beats on top of the piano to add a sense of immense pain. The captivating melody and rhythmic rap play off of each other to gradually amp up the intensity until it crescendos to an explosion of emotions during the bridge. It’s easy to immerse in the agony (from pushing your loved one away with a lie) that the song is trying to convey even long after it’s finished.

Track 2 – Remember

Remember follows roughly the same musical structure as Beautiful Liar in terms of the ballad and rap fusion. But it doesn’t make nearly as strong of an impression as the title song in both the melody composition and the magnitude of feelings. Remember is definitely a pleasant track to listen to. Yet contrary to the title, it’s not hugely memorable and certainly lacks the long-lasting impact that Beautiful Liar brings.

Track 3 – 할 말 (Words to Say)

Words to Say is Leo’s solo performance and therefore it’s more of a pure mid-tempo ballad number. It’s an excellent demonstration of how to add one layer at a time to build up emotional depth. A melodramatic piano instrumental kicks it off, then Leo’s soft vocals joins in, followed by weighty drum beats and electric guitar riffs during the chorus. Rinse, repeat, and there you have a sorrowful yet dynamic ballad.

Track 4 – Ghost

Now it’s Ravi’s turn to showcase his talent in this solo track. As expected, Ghost is anchored squarely within the hip hop genre with energetic rap and strong drum beats. The rap portion is pretty enjoyable with quite a bit of swag and aggression to it, but unfortunately the chorus feels rather repetitive.

Track 5 – My Light

My Light is the only song in the album featuring all members of VIXX rather than just the VIXX LR duo. The beginnings of My Light has a very interesting and uncommon background instrumental that sounds rather mystical and ethereal. But the song quickly transforms itself into an upbeat, cheery pop rock tune, as the boys happily express their gratitude towards their fans.

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