MAX of TVXQ! has released his first ever solo EP ‘Chocolate’, let’s dive right in because it’s gonna be fire.
‘Chocolate’
WE start the EP off with the title track ‘Chocolate’ and good lord, this song goes to so many different places. There’s a countdown in French, which is classic, but then MAX starts with the belting ‘I ain’t afraid of electricity’ and I was like ??? The jazzy intro leads into a heavy bass verse. Honestly I am obsessed with this track.
Here’s the music video where I barely understand what’s going on. At one point he’s arrested, but then he’s also surrounded by crystals. I am confused but I also don’t mind because VISUALS.
‘High Heels’ is next and we get a little bit of swing. There’s a beautiful bass line again which drives the song forward. I dig it so much. It’s sensual and sexy. And the little intro and outro of the heels clacking on the pavement adds that extra pizzazz.
On the EP we also have a feature with Chung Ha on the song ‘Lie’. To be honest, I feel like Chung Ha has some of the most interesting collabs and they range from every genre. On the song ‘Lie’ she goes for those high notes that had me shook. The song itself feels like a soft pop song. I really like how their voices blend together so nicely.
‘Piano’ follows that and we go back to a faster rhythm. There’s some really interesting instrumentals going on. The piano goes for some interesting aerobics, while there’s also a layer of a piano playing the same chords over and over. There’s some heavy handed metaphors going on, so please listen to it and form your own opinion. But damn if it isn’t sexy. One thing I’d like to note is that with a song titled ‘Piano’ I was kind of hoping for a really dope piano solo that went off the rocks, but sadly that wasn’t included.
‘Me, Myself & I’ is a break-up song that starts with the buzzing of a phone. It’s a softer song again. The instrumentation feels quite sparse, but I really like the chorus with the layered vocals. I can’t wait to read the translated lyrics for this track.
‘No Tomorrow’ is the last track on the EP. I love a good guitar moment. I think it’s the first time that we get some acoustic guitar. What a beautiful combination with his breathy vocals. The first verse led me to believe that this would be a soft, acoustic moment, but nope. As soon as the chorus hits, we get some power in his vocals and it gives the track some power and momentum. I think they made a really good choice in putting this song last on the EP, because it leaves the listener with a very happy feeling.
Overall
The EP ‘Chocolate’ by MAX was a really pleasant listen. I love it when there’s a little bit of everything. I just kind of wonder why it took him so long to release a full EP and not just a single. Regardless, ‘Chocolate’ is really fun to listen to and I’m sure that many of us will be listening to the EP for years to come.
Here’s the EP.
