Everyone’s favorite rapper maknae, I.M, is back with his solo album OVERDRIVE!
Following on from 2021’s Duality, I.M, AKA Changkyun, continues to build on his solo identity. Known for his aggressive delivery and intense persona, OVERDRIVE doesn’t let MONBEBEs down! Changkyun has leveled up every element of his artistry, and we’re in love with the experimentation in every part of this album.
If you’re like us and still find it impossible to pick a fave track on OVERDRIVE, then we’re here to help by sharing what we love about each and every one!
‘OVERDRIVE’
I.M comes out the gate hitting us hard with title track ‘OVERDRIVE.’ The experimentation with song structure in this album is clear even from the first track, as the song switches genre and pace countless times. The outro of ‘OVERDRIVE’ makes this song title-track-worthy even on its own!
The music video for ‘OVERDRIVE’ is basically a movie. And if you don’t believe us, well, most of MONSTA X have said they think it is too! See for yourself…
‘Blame’
One of the things that I.M is best known for is his persona’s nonchalance. Whether it be solo or as part of Monsta X, he’ll scoff mid-verse and make you feel like his skills are no big deal when they clearly are. This energy is at its peak in ‘Blame,’ which is giving you all the late-night R&B vibes you could dream of.
The flow in ‘Blame’ keeps you hanging on to his every word, contrasting with the drowsy nature of the production.
‘Dumb’
Is it too on the nose to say we’re ‘Dumb’ for I.M? The slurred guitar over a drill-inspired beat is another great example of Changkyun’s experimentation in his album. Plus, the rhymes in the English verse are fire (even if they do give the 5SOSFAM in us ‘Permanent Vacation’ flashbacks).
‘Habit’
Jazz? R&B? Is there anything I.M Changkyun can’t do? The song begins with some of the lowest-register vocals we’ve ever heard from the rapper, and we’re obsessed. Then, once the song hits its stride, we’re gifted with his gorgeous falsetto over a horn section. It’s giving us speak-easy summer (Yes, we’ve decided that’s a thing now).
‘More’
Ok, but Changkyun has described this song as ‘mattress music,’ and what more could we possibly have to add to that? There is no more explaining to be done here.
‘Not Sorry’
We’re ending with that jazz-influence again, but this time there are afrobeats involved! That might sound like an odd combo, but trust us, it works. In fact, ‘Not Sorry’ sums up the album as a whole. OVERDRIVE is a gorgeous concoction of Changkyun’s experiments, and his unapologetic attitude when it comes to his music tastes. The whole combination just works.
So, did we help you come to a decision? What’s your fave track from I.M’s OVERDRIVE? Are you as obsessed with this era as we are? Let us know in the comment section below or @TheHoneyPOP on Twitter! We’re also on Instagram and Facebook.
Want more K-Pop? We’ve got all you need!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT I.M:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MONSTA X:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
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