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Considering both the sense of culmination that brings together NMIXX’s long journey toward “MIXXTOPIA” and the group’s recent buzz, it might seem natural to focus on their first full-length album, Blue Valentine. Even so, choosing Fe3O4: FORWARD as Album of the Year makes sense because this record marks the starting point of real change and growth. NMIXX’s mix-pop–driven music has often been described as difficult or challenging, but this time they present their smoothest iteration of mix pop yet, signaling a clear musical shift. While this album closes the “Fe3O4” chapter, it also reveals a more mature side of the group, infused with determination to overcome adversity and keep moving forward. From the narrative depth of their universe to the artists’ own capabilities, Fe3O4: FORWARD stands out for how convincingly it embodies both change and growth.
As suggested by its title—named after the chemical formula for magnetite—and its subtitle “Forward,” the album’s core keywords are “magnetism” and “advancement.” Throughout the runtime, NMIXX continuously pulls the listener in with lines like “To the very end we can reach / farther with you” (“High Horse”), and with resolute declarations such as “No margin of error / I break through perfectly” (“Slingshot (<★)”) and “I never stop” (“Papillon”). At the center of it all, the title track “Know About Me” exists as both the hottest and coldest moment on the album. It may sound contradictory, but while the lyrics brim with warmth—beginning with the gentle invitation, “Would you dive with me”—the sound itself feels icy, driven by low-register vocals, heavy bass, and a minimalist yet razor-sharp beat. After Kyujin’s increasingly defined intro, the members’ voices carry a mix of restraint and dreaminess. The song peaks with Lily’s soaring high notes before Jiwoo and Kyujin unleash an intense burst of energy. It’s striking that the group’s usual signature sound is absent here; instead, bold use of drums and synths creates seamless transitions and a refined sense of style. If the opening track stands out for its focus and restraint compared to a genre-blending introduction, the tracks that follow draw the listener back in with their own distinctive charms. “Golden Recipe,” in particular, impresses with the playful synergy between strings and lyrics, further elevated by the unexpected flair of Haewon and Lily’s rap, making NMIXX feel fresher and more powerful than ever.
From Bae’s elegant tone in “Slingshot (<★)” and Sullyoon’s command across a wide vocal range, to the tough edge showcased over the hip-hop bass of “Papillon,” and finally “Ocean,” which softly cradles everyone’s voices, the six tracks are polished yet distinctive, evenly highlighting each member’s strengths. Their performance skills are just as noteworthy: point choreography that bends joints in sharp yet fluid motions, formations that shift from circles to diagonals, and dance breaks that combine expansive movements with both flair and power. In many ways, this album feels like a rediscovery of NMIXX—confident and adept in every respect—but it doesn’t feel late. After all, NMIXX’s voyage has only just begun.
by Fine_Childhood_6391