NMIXX Embraces Diversity with Debut Album ‘Blue Valentine’

The K-pop girl group NMIXX has made a significant impact in the music industry with the release of their first full-length album, Blue Valentine. Debuting in 2022 under JYP Entertainment, the group, which includes members Haewon, Lily, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin, has distinguished itself by exploring a range of genres rather than adhering to musical trends. Their innovative approach has resulted in a unique sound termed MIXX Pop, which they further develop in this new album.

The title track, “Blue Valentine,” showcases a melancholic pop-rock style that highlights the group’s vocal strength. The track’s popularity is reflected in its steady rise on the Korean charts, where it is currently positioned at No. 51 on the Melon top 100 chart. In a recent interview, Haewon expressed that the album encapsulates various love stories that listeners may relate to, stating, “On this album, we put in a lot of love stories that maybe people are going through, have already gone through, or maybe will go through.”

Exploring New Musical Horizons

In their conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the members shared insights on their creative process. Haewon described Blue Valentine as an exploration of the diverse emotions associated with love. “All the tracks on the album talk about love, but we decided to use different genres,” she explained. This variety allows listeners to appreciate the multifaceted nature of love through distinct musical expressions.

Lily expressed her hopes that the album would become iconic within NMIXX’s discography, noting the significance of a first full album in K-pop. “I really hope that our first full album can end up as a very iconic album in NMIXX’s history,” she remarked. The anticipation from fans has motivated the group to deliver their best work.

The lead single has also been met with enthusiasm. Lily described her initial reaction to the song as one of surprise, stating, “I was so shocked… I thought it was very, very new for us.” The group has consistently experimented with different genres, and this new direction continues that trend.

Challenging Choreography and Growth

NMIXX places a strong emphasis on vocal performance while also engaging in intricate choreography. Kyujin noted that their training encompassed various dance styles, enabling them to learn from one another. The choreography for “High Horse,” which is notably challenging, tested their abilities to sing live while performing demanding routines. Lily expressed pride in their perseverance, stating, “I was very proud of us in that moment.”

The music video for “Blue Valentine” features unique filming techniques and was shot in Los Angeles, adding a special touch to the visual representation of the song. Sullyoon mentioned that the video has elements that fans will find surprising, enhancing the overall experience.

Additionally, the album includes reimagined versions of their debut song, “O.O,” which marks an important milestone for the group. Lily reflected on this inclusion, saying, “It’s definitely a very special moment on the album.”

As NMIXX prepares to celebrate nearly four years since their debut, they acknowledge the pressures and challenges that come with this milestone. Bae articulated the importance of creating a musical universe that respects diversity, noting that while there was initial pressure, it has transformed into excitement due to the support from their fans, known as NSWER.

Haewon and Lily also took on the task of writing lyrics for the album, a significant personal achievement for both. Haewon explained that this opportunity was something she had long desired, while Lily admitted to feeling a sense of responsibility to create lyrics she could be proud of.

In conclusion, NMIXX’s Blue Valentine not only showcases their growth as artists but also signifies their commitment to exploring a wide range of musical styles. As they continue to evolve, the group remains dedicated to delivering authentic and relatable content to their audience.