Back when Nu’est were really struggling commercially, they turned to Japan for the release of their Bridge the World album. Its overall sound is miles away from what the group is producing now, though I always thought that 2015’s Na Na Na Namida was an extremely underrated single.
But, what a difference five years make! The guys have returned to J-pop with a recharged profile, buoyed by incredible success in Korea. I’ll be interested to see how Japan reacts, but there’s no reason to believe their accomplishments won’t translate. After all, labelmates Seventeen have quickly become a huge force in the Japanese market.
True to form, new single Drive fits much more closely alongside Nu’est’s post-2017 material than Na Na Na. The fact that its music video has “(Japanese version)” tacked onto its title leads me to believe this song will appear on a future Korean album, and it wouldn’t feel out of place. The track opens with the kind of rhythm guitar that drove much of this spring’s I’m In Trouble. After an atmospheric pre-chorus, Drive moves into a softer, synth-fueled chorus. This is its most effective moment, as the guys’ vocals are layered and the melody become more focused.
As with too many boy group tracks of this era, Drive’s verses feel inessential, swerving this way and that without ever landing any meaningful punches. Thankfully, that central refrain is always lurking right around the corner. Drive’s final third is especially enjoyable, as those synths become a consistent presence and the melody builds to a cathartic finale. I wish the song held together more strongly than it does, but this is a solid showcase of Nu’est’s charm.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Either my eyes are deceiving me or you have accidentally put up the wrong music video lol.
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Weird. Yeah, it didn’t paste correctly.
Last Thursday, WordPress forced its new post “editor” on me and I honestly hate it. I’m still getting used to it and there are some quirks that make things harder than they should be…
Why do websites feel they need to update in ways that are only more confusing and less user-friendly? 😡
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The virus has messed with humans and now it’s screwing with technology 😪
Not to be nosy but will you get to my album soon? 😁😅
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Wow, if you are referring to this one, it is pretty dang stellar, you did it yourself?
I like Cruise in particular, I am busy and did not get to finish it, but I will do so once I get the time.
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By it I mean the whole album, I finished cruise lol
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WOW! Thanks for listening anyways! 😊
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No Problem dude!
I finished the whole thing. Of the original tracks, I enjoyed Cruise, Transcend, Gravity and immortals the most (particularly Gravity). I also enjoyed the other tracks a lot too.
Just for the sake of it, here is my initial impression ranking of all the songs in your album personally.
1. Gravity
2. Transcend
3. Immortals
4. Cruise
5. Waves
6. Limitless (I know you seem to like it the least, but I actually found it pretty pic!)
7. Haven
8. Eternity
It actually surprised me with its consistency, I’d say its actually better than some a-list albums this year!
I see that you had previously made an EP, I may check that out later!
Keep releasing music! Who knows, someday you may breakout!
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Omg wow im so thankful for this. Its great to hear thoughts from other people! I also agree with your rankings too, eternity is definitely the weakest track because it’s just made for my friends 😂. I’m not too sure if i recommend listening to my other EP’s because they are not quite as good, it was only with this album in which i grew as a producer. Thanks so much for your review though.
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Why are you saying thanks? You made some good music, thanks for it!
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Yep! Check your email 😉
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Thanks for the amazing review! I stan ‘The Bias List’ !!!
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