MONSTA X “UNFOLD” THEIR NEW CHAPTER OF SELF-LOVE IN LATEST ALBUM

As the spring season approaches, it seems as if something in the air shifts. Days become sunnier, serotonin levels are boosted, and broken hearts mend faster. There’s nothing like a little tidying up to get your headspace completely clear. Fortunately, MONSTA X – composed of members SHOWNU, MINHYUK, KIHYUN, HYUNGWON, JOOHEON, and I.M – is ready to get us started on spring-cleaning any toxic relationships. 

After kicking off the Asia leg of their “THE X: NEXUS” tour, the sextet released their latest English album, Unfold, on April 3. In the world of romance, where the rules are constantly changing, MONSTA X takes listeners through a dying relationship one step at a time. Providing their expertise on all matters of the heart, the group is redefining what it means to be 3rd-gen “loverboys” in the industry today. 

STANDING STILL IN THE SILENCE

Over the course of their career, MONSTA X have built their signature image through edgy stage outfits and hard-hitting performances. But there lies a softer and more vulnerable layer beyond the bad-boy persona. With B-sides like “Whispers in the Dark” and “The Dreaming” from their previous English album, the members are elaborating on themes of heartbreak by placing them at the forefront. Departing from their bolder title tracks blending hip-hop and EDM, “heal” takes a closer look at what the impending doom of a breakup feels like.

As the hourglass on a relationship’s expiration begins to run out, SHOWNU sings from the perspective of a gut-wrenching but honest truth being said out loud for the first time. With lines like “Such a good pretender / Can’t even remember / When I didn’t hold things in,” he depicts the pain of putting on a brave face many of us know well. JOOHEON later sings, “Lying awake trying to make my brain slow down,” explicitly ignoring the intrusive thoughts that come into his head. But his next line, “We say we’re ok but we’re just afraid of the fallout,” reveals the inner agony of choosing comfort over confrontation. 

As the track reaches a tipping point, the chorus features compelling lines that ask an important question: if loving each other is enough, how can it hurt so much? Accompanied by gospel vocals, the track transforms into an angelic echo with uplifting tones amidst its deeper message. Even with the members desperately calling out for their existence to be needed, their harmonies aren’t enough for them to ignore their new reality. As the last note plays, MINHYUK closes out the song by softly whispering, “Dancing on a tightrope / Trying to keep my eyes closed.”

MONSTA X’s latest single, “growing pains,” follows, with upbeat guitar acoustics that mirror the memories of sitting and sharing around a campfire with your friends. Going beyond a simple letter to their past selves, the members create their very own version of a time machine. Cumulative of their decade-long journey, we get insight into the sacrifices they made as younger teenagers to pursue their dreams of artistry. 

At a point in their lives where they could lean back and observe, these global icons know their work isn’t done yet. Resonating there’s still more life for them to live and learn, the chorus repeats “I’m finding my way / Dealing with these growing pains.” With all the life lessons they’ve learned in their back pocket, MONSTA X isn’t a group that just goes through the motions – they persevere for better days ahead.

Returning to a melancholic mood, “baby blue” is a synth-pop track that discusses the battle within when you don’t feel like yourself anymore. Torn between being tied down to nostalgia of the past with someone and moving on, it’s certain that “there’s no easy way to lose / A love that you get used to.” Serving as the album’s first pre-release single, each member challenges the status quo that a man who yearns might not always earn in the end.

Although the members have their fight-or-flight instincts tested in a failing relationship, congratulations are in order; they’ve passed the first stage of denial. But as with any kind of breakup, there’s always more fallout creeping around the corner that MONSTA X is bound to collide with.

PLAYING WITH BARGAINING CHIPS

In the wake of reminiscing over old memories, there comes a desire to make new ones, even long after a relationship has faded. With “this!”, the electro-R&B record leans into the intoxicating pull to something — or rather someone — familiar.

Sung by JOOHEON and I.M, lyrics like “Long nights, two bodies / Daylight, not stopping” and “Still in it, the rear view / Caught up watching everything about you” paint the picture of a ghost from the past haunting the narrative. But even the mystery of where they’ve gone can’t stop them from wanting more, as SHOWNU dreams about “Falling back in like it’s no lost time” in the pre-chorus. While this love is twisted for all the wrong reasons, the electrifying chemistry is somehow the only thing that still feels right.

In a turn of events, “before you met me” is a piano ballad that unveils the intensity of self-guilt and regret striking down like a bullet. The song immerses listeners into the slow pain of someone pulling away from them, unable to understand the situation. HYUNGWON seeks clarity by asking, “If you could be anybody else, would you be yourself? / Before you met me?” in an attempt to turn back time that they have no control over. Imagining all the what-ifs, the members intuitively ask their past partner, “Would you be yourself? / Before you let me turn you into someone else?” Contrasting from their previous instincts to stick around, the group begins to believe some people might be better off never meeting in the first place.

Placing the blame on themselves to the point of making consistent compromises beyond their own well-being, “glass half empty” represents the last straw in a straining relationship. Throughout the track, every member goes through the countless sacrifices they’ve made for someone else. They make it clear the love is still there, but something heavier weighs on them. Fed up with trading off their own happiness, KIHYUN vocalizes his frustration by professing, “Don’t know how long I can try to fill it up for you / If I keep pouring from a glass half empty.” SHOWNU later opens up, singing, “Man, it’s hard to be a people pleaser / Making me a priority ain’t getting any easier,” providing introspection on how invisible insecurities can make a significant and lasting impact. The soft rock track serves as a reminder that being in a relationship doesn’t solve all of life’s problems.

So now MONSTA X has taken us through the stage of bargaining — but there’s still one mountain left to climb. For the final test, expect more complications thrown their way. Can they cross the finish line to accept that the relationship’s over?

REWRITING HISTORY

Have you ever had the proud feeling of finally getting over your ex? You’re free to be yourself again, with the person who shall not be named out of sight forever. The nostalgia almost fades completely until you end up reuniting in the most unexpected place possible. Feelings of surprise and curiosity are encapsulated perfectly in the next track on the album.

Reimagining classic ‘90s boy group pop with a modern funk touch, “main attraction” takes its place as the most confident and relatable track of the album. Although heartbreak leaves behind open wounds, with SHOWNU wondering “How many hearts you have to break to be that girl,” there’s a strange but addicting habit to checking up on a past love. Taking a page straight out of Bridgerton, MINHYUK describes this person’s presence as a “Diamond in the night.” Jealousy starts to take over for someone you know you can’t be with, but can’t stop searching for in the room, with KIHYUN delivering the iconic line “Spotlight and it’s shining on you / Baby you’re the main attraction.”

Although going official with someone doesn’t always work out, you could always do the mature thing and move on. On the other hand, there might be a detached arrangement of sorts that could be agreed upon. With electronic and synth beats, “enemies with benefits” is filled with cheeky lyrics that play on the known archetype of friends with benefits. 

HYUNGWON starts by setting the scene of a love affair kept behind closed doors, sharing, “What happens after midnight / I crave you and I make my way to Malibu.” Refusing to cut off all contact, the group ignores the scrutiny that comes with it and embraces the freedom in exploring things left unsaid. 

The group gets more up close and personal with “on our way”, a pop anthem that emphasizes an equal balance in a romance. I.M shares his sentiments through the lyrics “I’m so out of touch / Till I’m touching you / Let me l-love you / How you want me to,” expressing clearer communication and admiration. MINHYUK and KIHYUN exude charm the best way they know how by harmonizing, “I be seeing heaven every time you smiling.” 

Closing out a journey of hardships and battles in love, MONSTA X has one final message to prepare for anyone struggling with a broken heart: rather than taking the high road, allowing yourself to express negativity might lead you to discover your own self-worth. 

Taking us to the last stage of acceptance, “sorry to myself” meets R&B and jersey club beats to produce a handwritten apology not to the group’s past loves, but to themselves. HYUNGWON puts it in the most honest way possible by affirming, “Yeah you just kinda suck / I’m done calling your bluff.” JOOHEON and I.M chime in with “Why you been on my shit? / […] Asking for apologies,” making it clear it takes two to make or break a partnership. Even if failed attempts are made to re-enter their lives, the members make sure to steer clear and keep their inner peace. Sticking to their word and reclaiming dignity in the process, they unlock the last key to moving on by finally forgiving themselves.

GOING WHERE THE WIND BLOWS

Love is rarely a linear path and comes with many risks and rewards. But for every piece of yourself that may break along the way, MONSTA X shows the possibility and excitement of gaining a new one. So perhaps you might meet that special someone tomorrow, in a few months, or in a few more years to come. But the one love you can always count on is within you.

It seems when one door closes for MONSTA X, another one opens. Japan and South America are next on their tour “THE X: NEXUS,” with MONBEBE, their devoted fanbase, patiently awaiting their arrival. Here’s hoping we might see some new songs get to unfold on stage. If one thing’s certain from this new stage in the group’s journey, it’s this: MONSTA X is ready to “heal” and put everyone’s hearts back together.

You can listen to Unfold now, available on all streaming platforms. Stay updated with MONSTA X on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

Want more breakdowns on new releases? Check out WOODZ’s latest album here!