It’s been a week and I’m still recovering from the nursery rhyme assault that was NMIXX’s Young, Dumb, Stupid. Thankfully, it was only a pre-release and new single Love Me Like This will be receiving the bulk of their promotion. At this point, I’m not sure NMIXX’s music will ever be for me, but this is their most coherent song yet and that’s a step in the right direction.
NMIXX have a chorus problem. Love Me Like This doesn’t go full-on nursery rhyme (thank goodness), but the repetitive catchphrase at its core definitely underwhelms. It’s a bit Meghan Trainor in execution, and I don’t mean that as a compliment. The hook is made tolerable by jolts of brass and guitar distortion that elevates its second half. The arrangement shouldn’t have to work this hard, but it pulls the song over the line.
Love Me Like This’s verses are standard ‘attitude-first, melody-second’ 4th gen K-pop fare. They have the feel of a playground chant, bolstered by bounding percussion. The song’s most impressive moments happen during the pre-choruses and (especially) the bridge. NMIXX’s vocal line is often touted as being very strong, and we finally get to hear that potential during these segments. It’s a shame JYP Entertainment can’t find them a song that fully capitalizes on this skill. Instead, Love Me Like This is a well-produced, well-delivered example of a K-pop genre that is already over-represented by many other artists. I can see why fans would love it, but it won’t be going on my own playlist.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+
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