NMIXX Unveils Their Debut Album ‘Blue Valentine’ with Bold New Sound

K-pop girl group NMIXX has released their first full-length album, titled Blue Valentine, marking a significant milestone in their evolving musical journey. Formed under the renowned JYP Entertainment, the group, which includes members Haewon, Lily, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin, has made a name for itself since its debut in 2022. The album showcases their unique approach to music, blending various genres to create what they refer to as MIXX Pop.

The lead single, which shares the album’s title, features a melancholic pop-rock sound that highlights the group’s vocal prowess. It has already begun to resonate with audiences, currently ranking No. 51 on the Melon Top 100 chart. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the members discussed the themes of love and emotional complexity woven throughout the album.

Haewon, the group’s leader and main vocalist, explained, “On this album, we put in a lot of love stories that maybe people are going through, have already gone through, or maybe will be going through.” This sentiment captures the essence of their work, which aims to reflect a wide spectrum of romantic experiences.

Exploring New Sounds and Choreography

The album’s diverse range of genres is a testament to NMIXX’s commitment to innovation. Lily expressed her excitement about the lead single, stating, “This title song was very new for us in a way. We’ve done a lot of different genres, but every single time we have a comeback, I think it’s so new to us.” The group has continuously pushed their creative boundaries, experimenting with sounds that challenge traditional K-pop norms.

The choreography for their songs, particularly for tracks like “High Horse,” has also evolved significantly. Kyujin noted that their rigorous training in various dance styles has prepared them for these challenges, stating, “Now we’ve trained both vocal and dance, but we practice a lot as a group, so we learn a lot from each other.” Lily added that the demanding choreography required perseverance, but they ultimately succeeded in delivering powerful performances.

A Full Circle Moment and Personal Growth

A notable feature of Blue Valentine is the inclusion of reimagined versions of their debut song “O.O,” divided into two tracks that represent their growth since their inception. This decision reflects the group’s journey and maturity over the past few years, with Lily commenting on the significance of revisiting their roots. “I’m really happy that we could give that to them,” she remarked, highlighting the connection with their fans.

As NMIXX approaches four years since their debut, the members acknowledge the pressures that come with releasing a full-length album. Bae shared her initial apprehension about creating a distinct musical universe, saying, “At first, I felt pressure. Can music really make that possible?” However, she emphasized the importance of trust within the group, allowing them to transform pressure into excitement.

Both Haewon and Lily contributed to the album’s lyrics, a significant step in their artistic development. Haewon expressed her long-standing desire to write, while Lily mentioned the challenges of ensuring the lyrics resonated with fans. “I wanted to make sure that it was something that I was proud of,” she stated, emphasizing the emotional weight of their work.

With the release of Blue Valentine, NMIXX is set to make a lasting impression in the K-pop industry. Their ability to blend genres, coupled with their focus on vocal performance and intricate choreography, positions them as a group to watch. As they continue to evolve, their journey reflects both individual and collective growth, promising an exciting future for the six-member ensemble.