After eight years in the industry, Monsta X’s sound has evolved in a way that feels natural and satisfying. Members have begun taking more creative control of their music, so I’m surprised to see their names credited only to the lyrics of new single Beautiful Liar. The song borrows hallmarks from some of their biggest highlights, yet falls short of greatness due to a melodic vacuum at its core.
Look, you’re always going to get me with electric guitar. I’m a sucker for this sound, probably because I grew up in the age of schlocky 80’s rock. The dramatic solo that opens Beautiful Liar promises amazing things to come, giving way to a pulsing beat reminiscent of the group’s 2021 highlight Gambler. The pre-chorus reintroduces that guitar in a big way and delivers the song’s strongest vocal moment. Everything is building to such anthemic heights. I’m literally sitting on the edge of my seat.
Then, Beautiful Liar wiffs the chance to build upon this potential. Its chorus is mysteriously subdued. Not only does the music pull back, but the melody seems to lose its purpose. Instead, the hook revolves around lackadaisical sing-talk, circling the bassline but never drawing attention to itself. I’m baffled by this structural approach and it’s near-impossible for the song to regain its footing after this moment. The force of the instrumental is enough to keep me listening, but I so badly want to rewrite this with a different chorus and elevate it from a solid “B” to an outstanding “A.”
Hooks 7 Production 9 Longevity 9 Bias 9 RATING 8.5
