Song Review: Rollercoaster by NMIXX

NMIXX had me really excited for the direction of their sound after the excellent ‘Love Me Like This’, which only grew stronger since I reviewed it. Pre-relase ‘Rollercoaster’ goes a different route instead, heading to a more mellow and subdued sound echoing K-pop’s current trends (aka NewJeans) yet managing to stand out from the crowd with potent vocal delivery and a chorus that hits with surprising impact in contrast to its blunted verses.

I’m very fond of the weird contrast between the song’s verses in comparison to its chorus. The melodies of the verses contain a lot of melodic intervals that sound unexpected. I could not really grasp the direction of where the song was going. This creates an almost wispy, whimsical, and magical feeling as if you are stuck in a hazy dream. This is echoed by its production, which similarly is quite muted and hazy. In contrast, the chorus grounds the song through a very strong melody that can easily get stuck in one’s head at first listen, and the sounds of both the production and the vocals become clearer. Given how the theme of the album is something on the lines of a ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’, and how the MV begins with Bae quite literally falling asleep, which implies everything after was within their imagination, I think it is quite safe to theorise that these choices in the production were meant to stay in line with the album concept. And it is the same choices that also enables the song to remain compelling enough keep listening to over and over.

The strange structure of cutting verse 2 short and skipping back into the chorus seems to be an attempt to prevent the song from staying too long in its hazy and muted feel and ensuring that the listener is able to grasp the chorus hook before its stylistic choices threaten to draw away our attention. After I figured it out (or at least I assume so), it has enabled me to hold a greater appreciation for this production choice that I was merely neutral on.

Besides the nice production, I’m really fond of the girls’ vocal delivery. Not once have they disappointed when they sing. Thanks to the lack of non melodic chant/rap within the song besides Sullyoon’s first pre chorus (which is not grating in the slightest thanks to her sweet voice), their vocals are shown full spotlight. I’m particularly fond of the way Bae, Sullyoon, and as always, Lily sounded within the song. The latter in particular sounded the best she ever did in an NMIXX title track. I’m very much hear for it, give us more of these kinds of songs where Lily can show off her chops like this!

I don’t think I like this as much as ‘Love Me Like This’ (at least for now), but it sure is another strong entry for NMIXX! As much as I love O.O and Dice, I would never say no to NMIXX going for a more palatable sound with more traditional melodies. Anyhow, the strange contrast between the verses and the chorus still echoes their mix-pop era, and I think it is not as if they have had to completely sacrifice that part of them which makes them unique. I think this change in direction is only going to do wonders for NMIXX’s future.

Hooks – 9
Production – 9
Vocal Delivery – 10
Overall – 9.25