After three years into their debut, K-pop girl group NMIXX released their first full album, Blue Valentine. The 12-track album stays true to the girls’ mixxpop genre, showcasing various combinations of styles within each track. It features 10 new songs and two remixes of their debut track, “O.O.” Notably, Haewon is credited with contributing to the lyrics of “PODIUM” and “Crush On You,” and Lily to “Reality Hurts.” This article dives into four tracks with accompanying videos.
SPINNIN ON IT
Dropped as a prerelease on Blue Valentine, “SPINNIN ON IT” is about a relationship filled with arguments and chaos. Despite all the negativity, the couple is unable to leave each other. Just as the song focuses on the endless cycle of fighting, the music video represents this through the members fighting and throwing desserts. The frustration and pain comes through in the chorus: “So done with love (so done with love)/So done with hurt (so done with hurt).” The mix of alternative pop and R&B-style vocals capture the turbulent and complicated nature of the relationship.
Blue Valentine
The title track, “Blue Valentine,” is another complex track about love and all the shades that it comes in, from joy to sorrow and pain. While the relationship may be over, NMIXX holds onto the passionate love that has gone cold, calling it their “blue valentine.” While the music video shows that no matter how much time passes, the members stay steadfast in their love. Featuring R&B and EDM elements, the song may resonate with those who are in the same situation.
Reality Hurts
“Reality Hurts” is the group’s first full English track, with Lily contributing to the lyric writing. It’s about the feeling of being trapped by society’s expectations and wanting to start anew. The group highlights this message through the chorus in the final two lines: “I could make the world change, start a new planet / But they can’t stand it.” The video shows each girl in a different style, including animation and whimsical elements.This futuristic modern pop and jersey club track has become one of the group’s top tracks on both Spotify and Apple Music.
Adore U
“Adore U” is the ninth track on the album, exploring the misunderstandings and hurt that can come from a relationship, even when you aren’t trying to hurt them intentionally. The word “adore” used in the chorus is emphasized as one of the final lines to express sincerity: “You’d see how much I adore ya, ‘dore ya.” This song sheds light on the feelings we may keep hidden and buried. The video presents a compilation of self-filmed clips of the members having fun while recording “Adore U.” The blended rock and hyperpop sounds elevated the group’s vocals and heartfelt message behind the track.
Through their debut full-length album, Blue Valentine, NMIXX shares heartfelt messages about persevering through various struggles and having the courage to be yourself.
Contributed by Isabella Novella
