VIXX, known for their dark concepts, are hard at work solving the "Love Equation" on their new special single album, 'Boys'Record.' The single contains a cover of R.ef's dance hit "Farewell Formula" from 1995, and the other two songs written by members Leo and Ravi were first played during their Live Fantasia Hex Sign Tour, now available for the first time.
"Love Equation" is the cover, updated for modern times. The title is based around one of the lyrics in the 1995 original. The track contains the original lyrics, plus rap parts written and performed by Ravi. The track works quite well, the smooth main verses sung around the husky rapping. The English in the beginning approaches fail as it sounds like Ravi is saying "Love is incompetent," instead of "Love isn't complete."
Leo wrote and composed the second song, "On A Cold Night," a slow ballad with an understated beat and driven by piano. While I don't care for the melody too much (I'm a beat-junkie -- sue me), I like the lyrics. I think some of the best imagery can be found in ballads:
"Time has frozen in just one moment I scream and shout But there's no answer
Fine, just leave without pressure While you leave, sprinkle on top The memories we so carefully made"
"Memory," written and composed by Ravi, is a song much easier on my ears. The song has a propulsive rap with a drum keeping a military beat. Raps give way to the crooned chorus. Near the end Ravi even picks it up, spitting angry words from his mouth like a machine gun. All the boys are in fine form here.
This album is much less concept-oriented than last year's 'Error,' but I'm not sure it's fair to judge a single by those standards. We do get treated to three good songs, even if one is a cover. I rave too much about Ravi, but I really dig his rap style, which adds punch to the songs on this disc. The songs are extremely polished, but not so much that we can't feel the emotions here ranging from exuberant to melancholy to angry. This is a tight and razor-sharp collection of tunes that should go on repeat -- several times.
By the way, here's the original version of R.ef's "Farewell Formula" from 20 years ago if you're interested:
