Fresh off the massive success of last year’s Blue Valentine, NMIXX are gearing up for its follow-up album. That album is set to release next month, but they’ve started its campaign early with Crescendo. JYP groups have been absolutely prolific at the moment, with multiple acts from the agency promoting at the same time. I don’t think NMIXX are planning to perform this song on music shows just yet, and that makes sense as it feels more like a buzz track than a major bid for chart dominance.
It’s been rewarding to watch NMIXX grow from their mixxpop beginnings toward a more vocally-centered approach. They’ve made ‘strong vocals’ their brand, and we don’t see nearly enough of that in K-pop these days. But as always, any branding lives or dies on the success of the song itself. Even with all its twists and turns and moments of experimental surprise, Crescendo doesn’t do much for me. Its chorus feels very indebted to Western pop sounds I don’t often enjoy and the song’s energy gets stuck at “plodding” throughout most of its runtime.
Crescendo‘s verses offer the most bang for your buck. There are some fascinating tempo and structural shifts here. Even if the melodies aren’t hitting me, the experience is fun to listen to. Unfortunately, the chanted chorus doesn’t continue this same freewheeling vibe. It’s not a “bad” hook, but its declarative nature has a way of stopping the song in its tracks. I’m just not a fan of this style of chorus, which makes Crescendo a tricky proposition.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I knew this wasn’t Nick’s style immediately!
I was actually expecting a high octane chorus drop in the style of Blue Valentine after what is actually the chorus here. I was thrown off on my first listen for sure. Even after verse 2 I expected a post-chorus to come in. I do love how a first listen of their songs usually confuses me a little!
Regardless, I think what is there is really interesting and still a great song, looking at what it actually is vs what I was expecting initially. Particularly the bridge and final chorus. I’m especially happy the chorus sounds like multiple members are singing it (not sure if this is accurate, I’m just a filthy casual musically), I don’t think there’s enough of that with kpop GROUPS. The “You’re here for me, I’m here for you” sung in tandem with the chorus after hearing it in the bridge creates a really nice climax or “crescendo”, if you will. I do wish they could have had an outro that matched or exceeded the “crescendo” of the final chorus, however, as it does end a little abruptly.
Overall, the production is really cool, and there are many nuggets to appreciate on repeat listens. Additionally, many of my favorite Nmixx calling cards are present: highlight on vocals, stacking harmonies, layered melodies, ad libs.
I think after a handful of listens it’s a solid 9,9,9,10 = 9.25 for me. Very much like a High Horse, not a chart topper, but a fascinating an interesting piece of music.
LikeLiked by 2 people
if you listen to it once I can see why it’s a C. I always listen to a new release a couple of times to really get the feel for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that it’s sonically different, and I like that they’re trying something new, but yeah it’s not catching for me. The constant start/stop is not going to make me add this to a regular rotation. I think I appreciate it more than I like it, but I look forward to hearing more of their next album.
LikeLike
It was ok, but from the start I dunno maybe is just me but it felt off, like not exactly all in sync and the vibe too.
LikeLike
This is a song that takes 2/3 listens but once it hits, it hits really hard. The restrained structure makes it intriguing and rewarding. It’s true the chorus is a bit western, a bit Olivia Rodrigo but the whole song is pure NMIXX in its experimental layers and gorgeous vocals. I’m a fan so 100% subjective but this is a good song and a great pre-release track!
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh yeah the chorus did have an Olivia Rodrigo vibe
LikeLike
I mean it was ok.
LikeLike
After the first listen all I can say is that I’m happy to react with “I’m intrigued.” I did not think it was a banger or a massive hit song in the way Blue Valentine or Dash were, but this is for sure a good song.
There’s a lot going on in the production, and I appreciate these shifts and weird sections throughout the track. The chorus does sound a little like corporate Western Hot 100 music LMAO, but I don’t think Crescendo would fit on that type of playlist or radio vibe with its production choices.
I’m ready for the mini-album now, hoping it’s gonna have these odd but cool production choices.
LikeLike