Eight years after debut, Monsta X has unveiled its first official sub-unit. Rather than give the unit some catchy, clever name, they’ve opted for the simple and forthright “Shownu x Hyungwon.” For those not familiar with the group, these two are Monsta X’s main and lead dancers.
Love Me A Little was co-written and co-produced by Hyungwon. It’s always nice to see sub-unit projects used as an opportunity to highlight the members’ individual skills. I wish I found the track as interesting as the talent behind it. The guys have taken the slow-burn sexy route with this one, which feels like a good choice. But rather than ignite sparks, the song slogs along with no clear highlights. The tempo is surprisingly low and the guys miss the opportunity to elevate the material with powerful vocal riffs, harmonies or interplay. Their performance remains straightforward — almost hemmed in. I really wanted them to chew on the beat more and imbue Love Me A Little with extra rhythm, funk and passion. Instead, the song comes across as inert and… well… kind of dull.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I find this song so boring and I am so disappointed. There’s glimpses of a good song in there, but it is such a slog to get through the whole thing. Of the whole group, Kihyun is the only one, imo, whose recent solo music is any good.
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I can’t even express how disappointed I was with this, I was so hyped for this unit. It’s not a bad song but it’s kind of dull as already mentioned.
It left me with the same feeling I had with Seungwoo’s comeback. I absolutely love Seungwoo and I’m still sad we won’t have a Victon comeback. I’m always excited when the older kpop guys put out music, they have a sense of sureness and confidence compared to some younger idols.
Oh well, I’ll still watch a performance because I absolutely love both of their dancing. Maybe the album will have a few good tracks.
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I am aware of my hefty dose of bias when listening to this album, haha, but I have to say I really love the slower tempo of Love Me a Little. I think it’s a nice way to show off this unit’s vocals and gives (at least to me) a suitably grand feeling for the inner struggle that the lyrics talk about. I wish this song had a more passionate bridge though. Would definitely add some more sparkle!
Have you listened to the rest of the album/considered doing so? I think Play Me might have that extra funk and rhythm that you’re looking for. The tempo is faster, it has fuller instrumentals than the title track, I think the momentum carries through nicely, and I really love the post-chorus (I think this is the right term?) It just makes me want to get up and dance, despite what I’m 99% certain are very depressing lyrics. It’s topping my album ranking at the moment. I think Love Therapy has the best bridge out of them all. Roll With Me has a fun piano riff throughout, and Slow Dance is also really nice.
Maybe you’ll find this interesting, or maybe this is TMI but the fandom has taken to nicknaming this unit “Monsta XXL” (and K-Monbebe have also used the term “Doorz”) to emphasize that Shownu and Hyungwon are the two tallest members of Monsta X! I think it’s likely they stuck to a straightforward title because the two names (especially Shownu, due to lots of variety show apperances earlier in his career) are recognizable in South Korea.
Yikes, didn’t mean for this comment to get so long. Thanks for your reviews, as always!
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I actually like this. Only gripe is that if they had amped the chorus and kept adding on layers to the song it would have been better.
Still a good song though.
8/10
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So proud of how they perform “Love Me Little”. My iPhone doesn’t do the album justice. So I played in my car on my speaker system. AMAZING, Monbebe’s all over the world can expect great things from this duo.It is nice to have Shownu back, especially with the rest of the group doing their time in the military (except for I.M) . I have always appreciated how Monsta X tackles songs that explore a more honest view of life. And amongst other groups the members are greatly respected and esteemed. I am looking for to their continued rise.
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I love the song,I think it’s unique cause usually in kpop tts, vocals go behind and the musical production is too much in the face,I like the musicality,it’s the best tt of the year for me of kpop in bgs, and their performance had me shook, they are such great performers and the choreo is so damn cool it looks like two Gods fighting elegantly. I always love vocally rich tts, the hook is addictive and their voices are so good and very soothing, the album is also exactly to my taste, all the songs have their own charm and all are addictive, easy to sing to, it showcases Shownu’s honey velvety low vocals and Hyungwon’s soft but powerful low tone. Roll with me is also my fave and Shownu’s part in slow dance just plays in my mind repeatedly,love therapy is also good along with play me.
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