Ex-B.A.P member Moon Jongup debuted as a soloist in 2020 with the addictive Headache, but it’s been a couple of years since we’ve heard from him. The long wait pays off with the release of a new mini album heralded by title track X.O.X.
We’ve heard iterations of this song before. Take one slinky bassline, mix in a catchy, simple chorus and stir with plenty of K-pop charisma. However, X.O.X is among the more successful versions of this template. The groove sustains throughout the entire track and the anti-drop chorus doesn’t feel empty or too dissimilar from the verses before it. Moon Jongup makes for an amiable guide through the song’s sensual beat. His vocals sound great and the climactic rap bridge is especially potent. I’m not sure how this will wear with time, but on first impression it’s pretty fun.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This is actually a very interesting ep, especially Common (which I would have chosen as a title track), and it’s interesting as well to see that Peak Time – unlike The Uni+ and Mixnine – seems to have brought a better luck to its protagonists.
Thus premised, the bad news is that this ep could have even more luck performed by Taemin.
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Full leading man material from almost anywhere on the planet.
What I really want to know is when is Wonho coming back from military service, because Wonho would have added that extra sexy slink. I can’t get enough, indeed.
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It’s kinda funny how today’s releases remind me of those from the same day Taemin’s “Idea” was released. You get a song from another artist that’s more Taemin-esque than Taemin’s song lmao.
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On a side note, are you planning on doing a post of your favorite global pop Halloween releases for tomorrow? I’m curious to know what they are. 👀
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That’s a fun idea but sadly I have no plans to do it this year. Maybe next year!
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No worries! I’ll be looking forward to next year then!
(Though I really want to hear your thoughts on MJ’s “Thriller” and Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” since these are some of my favorite Halloween-esque songs to date)
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I mean, the first is one of the best songs of all time and the second is from my favorite pop album of the 2010’s (though admittedly not one of my standouts on that album)
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I like it, it’s good.
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A fun sound in K-POP? What year is this again? 7,5/10.
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Who knows at this point?
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The more I listen to this song the better it gets. I also enjoyed “Fine”…for some reason I associate him as main dancer and didn’t know he could sing like that. Pleasantly surprised!!
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