Hot off Enhypen’s M Countdown win – which you can watch here – I’ve decided to share my thoughts on their new album DESIRE : UNLEASH, which houses the award-winning track Bad Desire (With or Without You).

This album came out on the 5th of June, following teasers and promotions which left fans swooning and questioning the vibe of the album, as some of the promotional images featured bondage equipment. Speaking of the promotions of this album, the group has been known for going above and beyond with their fan service, but I saw it at another level for this release. With an almost choose-your-own-adventure romance game via Spotify, where you could play through a text-based game with a member of your choice.

On the music itself, here’s what I thought…

Flashover

Immediately, I am transported to the summer of 2016, metaphorically. The song opens with what I can only describe as a summer beat. It’s airy, twinkly and whimsical. With drums bringing us into an electronic chorus, which may have been influenced by the DJ sets at Coachella, which the group did attend – read our review of their set here.  

This is the kind of song you play when you’re driving to the beach on a warm summer’s day, or as you dance along the coastline with your friends. It’s very reminiscent of the sound curated by Robin Schulz and the Chainsmokers in that era.

Bad Desire (With or Without You)

Immediately, I thought of prime Justin Timberlake, more specifically Cry Me a River era Timberlake. So the nostalgia did perk me up as the group started singing. This song is definitely one for the yearners. Everything about the chorus gives desperation in the best way. It’s the kind of song you can dramatically sing along with, which gives it points in my book.

Outside

As a self-proclaimed hip-hop fan (in the loosest of ways), I really liked this song. It comes in strong with a classic hip-hop sound. This song is full of rebellion, very different to the two prior songs. It feels like this album is exploring different genres with each song, and I’d be interested to see if this continues on.

Loose (Korean Ver.)

With this song, it’s very groovy. Very MK10 classic – wow, throwback, but it’s that jazzy vibe that was popular around the time of this song’s release. I like how easy listening this track is, I could definitely envision this being played in a cafe during a warm summer’s day, when you go to pick up an iced drink and do a little shoulder jig when you hear it. 

Helium

This track is full of 80s fun. A beautiful synth-inspired opening brings us into this song, with the pace being set by drums that kick in at 8 seconds, leading into full-blown synth realness. It’s a fast-paced romp that would fit into a party scene of any of your favourite 80s movies. It has a really cinematic feel, adding to the grand nature of the song.

The dizzying pace and production of the song may be done to mimic the common side effect of inhaling helium. Bringing the listener in on the experience, as they profess, “your love is helium”.  

Too Close

This song takes us right back from the pace of Helium, with a cute piano backing and simple vocals. At 0:25, the pace picks up with a fun drum beat, which reminded me of the MAX song Blueberry Eyes. It’s such a cute love song, I can imagine it playing in montage during a youthful K-drama, and if the powers be, I’d make this song TikTok viral. It has that 2020 TikTok charm to it. 

Bad Desire (With or Without You)(English Ver.)

When you hear the English version, you can tell this song is perfect for the booktok girly. The music video serves fantasy realness, and the boys are no strangers to the supernatural. Having had a vampire concept for their song Bite Me. 

At the core, this is a love song, but in a forbidden pairing kind of way. Think Edward and Bella, Feyre and Rhysand, and Violet and Xaden. This song is for the girls who love those couples. 

Loose (English Ver.)

I think that if the UK radio picked up this song, it could be a summer hit. To me, it has all the makings of an overplayed radio hit that ends up traumatising retail workers in Matalan, but in the best way. I want to see this song played on ads with hot people grabbing icy drinks in fabulous outfits. Like this could break them into the British market, and if you’d let me be shady for a second, this is the kind of music dearAlice should be making. 

Listen to the full album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5nskZ8CFMrSNiOrceMHr4B?si=uKAGofPXRpq2Lt2U2TMSvw