TXT’s comebacks have been divided between series of albums and special “minisodes” that offer brief breaks from the lore. This branding doesn’t really affect the music. There have been highlights from both formats. The group found especially solid footing in 2021 when their title tracks embraced angsty pop/rock. The teasers for new single Deja Vu seemed to promise a return to this style, but the song never fully embraces its strengths.
Deja Vu is centered by a strong melodic chorus. This hook echoes the serpentine structure of past HYBE efforts — most notably BTS’s similarly-paced Fake Love from 2018. It’s an effective high point for the track, delivering a shot of emotion in a very catchy package. The rest of the track circles around this melodic point, for better or worse. The verses employ a rhythmic sing talk that keep the momentum going but don’t offer highlights of their own.
My biggest gripe about Deja Vu is its production. If you’re going to target a more reserved, downbeat energy your instrumental better be lush and atmospheric. The tinny trap percussion just isn’t doing it for me. Not only does it sound dated, but the prominence of the hi hats steals attention from the evocative synth textures underneath. These elements fight for attention, making the track feel simultaneously dull and overstuffed. Funny enough, the music video ends with an anthemic rock instrumental barely present in the actual track. This energy would have complimented the punch in Deja Vu‘s chorus and delivered the sonic sequel to 2021’s 0X1=LOVESONG we’ve all been waiting for. Alas, it was not meant to be.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This song DESPERATELY requires a remix.
On its own, a straight 8 – it probably will grow on me.
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well, it has one.
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Just gave it a listen and it’s definitely an improvement. Still missing something, though.
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Yeah, just found it. Oops 😅
Now why wasn’t THAT chosen as the main track…….
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I believe the rock instrumental at the end of the MV is from the Anemoia remix of the song that’s on the album. That one’s definitely my preferred version, since it harkens back to 0X1=LOVESONG like you say.
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This was disappointing to say the least. Oh well, will you perhaps be giving a buried treasure to Miracle or Quarter Life?
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Check out QWER’S comeback, it’s super cute!!! 😍
I agree with the rating though, I was not a fan of the trap beats especially since they over powered the synths I’d give it a 8.5 out of 10 because I think others will really like it😍
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QWER – I get what they are going for, almost like a kidz bop crossed with the Go-Go’s but make it kpop. Not my own demographic. But for a few minutes I was hella entertained.
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This is probably my favorite title track since Loser=Lover. It sounds like it could be late-era BTS, which made me look up the producers on the last few title tracks. Most of them have had one or more of the Bang PD/Slow Rabbit/Supreme Boi combo, but this one seems to have fewer outside Western producers? In any case, it’s a subdued song but I much prefer it over GBGB, Sugar Rush Ride, etc. The Anemoia remix literally rocks.
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I couldnt tell you what I felt on my first listen. I had to re-listen to it i think at least 5-8 times for it to actually process in my brain how i felt about the song. It grew on me from those listens. My biggest gripe with the song was the lack of the rock sound, although it is there, its way too quiet. The hooks, raps and choruses are all amazing imo. The end needed to be dragged for a little over 10 seconds for it to have such a nice lasting impression for me. But I have to admit, this is miles more intersting than Chasing That Feeling. Right now, its very good, idk how long that will last but hopefully very long. I’d give it a solid 8.5-8.75/10. ALSO, the anemoia remix had the potential to be the main version if they focused on that version a little more.
MIRACLE is so good, burried treasure material good.
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im back 2 days later and honestly, it grew on me even more i fear- It’s getting closer to a 9 for me tbh. Something about that chorus is just so depressing (in a good way).
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I liked it, I love how emotional it is. Those heartfelt vocals! Also liked the synth lines, gave me a nostalgic feeling. It could’ve developed some ideas further especially during the centerpiece instead of going a bit in circles, but it’s off to a great start and I think it will keep growing on me.
I have my reservations about the trap beat which gives the song a more generic feeling. It just kinda flattens the whole thing a little. The “Anemoia Remix” on the album is the definitive version for me, I wish they’d chosen that one for promotions. The drums and louder guitars are way more engaged and on par with the song’s drama.
Funny you mentioned it, because the difference reminded me of the “Rocking Vibe Remix” for Fake love (the one from the extended MV), which takes the instrumental to the same place the rest of the song is and allows its full emotional potential.
TLDR: everyone go hear the Anemoia Remix !!!
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I totally love the song I was extremely disappointed that it wasn’t an English song the guys need to think about their audience when they are on tour and want audience participation singing along with them I’m just spoiled by Jung Kook who released an excellent all English album and I know that most of TXT are fluent in English I put the mini album on repeat it’s just that good😊
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I get that. Personally, I’d rather have them sing in their language with the occasional English where I can join, though it’s great to be able to sing along through an entire song from a kpop artist from time to time haha
(Idk if you were replying to me or just posted under my comment by accident but thought I’d reply anyway lol)
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if this song was in english it would have nowhere near the same impact it has rn… The korean lyrics this time are beautiful, props to the writers who came thorugh
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i really like this! out of their newer titles, this one might be my fav. love the old school kpop drama in the chorus haha. 😄 the album is pretty solid too.
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I really like how the song is more focused on vocals unlike some of their title tracks. I was hoping for a more airy synth pop song though because I think TXT excels in that area. Their rock influenced songs just could be better.
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the remix should’ve been the main version. I hate the trap elements of this one.
I’ll See You There Tomorrow and Miracle are my favorites from the album.
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I like it. It’s no seven seconds of Morse code, but it’s good. I can see it growing on me.
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I love those seven seconds because like Pavlov’s dog I’m instantly primed for the first few notes of Crown.
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They can never top run away for me
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I do love it when they’re angsty! If they had gone with the remix as the single, this would have been an easy 8.75 for me.
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It’s giving me the younger cousin of BTS’s HYYH era songs/Fake Love, which isn’t a bad thing. I’m a sucker for that genre; it’s why I got into BTS and k-pop as a whole in the first place.
The Anemoia remix definitely elevates it though; the rockier instrumental gives the song a boost. As much as I like the original, I agree that the remix should’ve been the original version; it’s more TXT-esque imo. Hopefully they’ll perform the remix for their next tour.
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I loved the song. I love the fact that they are trying to go back to this sound. But I have always loved TXT music, albeit in varying degrees, of course. But I agree with you that there is something missing, maybe a bit more wordy centrepiece chorus. Contrary to your opinion, I loved the instrumentals towards the end , I thought it gave an appropriate angsty climax to the song.
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Agree that it’s missing something, remix also does. I feel like I might warm up to Miracle more than to Deja Vu. When I first listened to everything I couldn’t say which song was the title track at first, I forgot how the teasers named everything so I was doubting if Miracle might be the title track, idk about my reasoning lol. Miracle also sounds like it should belong to another group but I can’t point which although I can hear it🤔
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miracle sounds like a classic txt song (dear sputnik, wishlist, thursdays child has far to go vibes)
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I agree with the trap instrumental not doing anything for the song, that was my first thought too. I do like the remix a lot more though, I’d give that at least an 8.5/10!
btw I think track 2 deserves a buried treasure post 😉
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the whole album just seems so empty to me … just a cheap masquerade of what they should be fully leaning into. interesting considering hitman bang is credited in every single song though.
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Who’s the hot guy in the middle of the cover page??
Musically wise, I do prefer if they could embrace a loud and stronger instrument that blend well with their vocal. The current instrument still feels airy and ambient-ish style with too much of reverb, its like playing a song in an empty room and echoes around.
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that is yeonjun!
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They’re not kard or blackpink , automatic 0⭐
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sorry but if you’re seeking attention for blackpink or kard i don’t think this is the right place to be… this is a music critique blog after all. Try tiktok maybe?
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There’s something about the rhyme in the prechorus that grabs my soul. There’s a longing that resonates with me.
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My favorite tracks are the unit tracks.
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im usually like less in more. Theres sth missing in this song. Still an enjouable track but lacks an It factor
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