[Album Review] Beautiful Mind (6th Mini Album) – Xdinary Heroes

7 hours ago 11

Xdinary Heroes’ 6th mini-album, Beautiful Mind, is the next up for review. Released over a year ago, the mini-album consists of 7 songs in total – one of which is the title track Beautiful Life. Xdinary Heroes’ albums have emerged as thorough, high-quality releases that highlight the members’ musical talents and abilities. There are some songs on this album that prove just that. Xdinary Heroes has also staple on my personal playlists for strong songs, and this mini-album is definitely filled with them. While it didn’t leave the same impression as their 1st studio album, it is definitely up there.

1. FIGHT ME – Xdinary Heroes begins the mini album with an awesomely intense alternative metal rock track. I really liked the highlights of electric guitar in the background and was blown away by how it intensifies in the final moments of the track. The drumming in this track serves as a powerful foundation, keeping everything tight. Powerful vocals make their mark in the track as well, with this being the reason why the atmospheric bridge was the highlight of FIGHT ME. JOOYEON’s powerful high note in the final chorus was spectacular. (9/10)

2. Beautiful Life (Title Track) – Click here for my review of Beautiful Life. (9/10)

3. more than i like – more than i like is ‘relatively’ more mellow compared to the other tracks on the mini album, with the band expressing the message of thanks to someone they love. But this does not mean Xdinary Heroes hold back their rock sound. Instead, it is another intense rock number, with cool synths, interesting effects on the ends of some lines, and hard-hitting drum beats that intensify the track. (8/10)

4. Diamond – Despite the unsuspecting title, this track is probably not for the faint of heart. As you get further and further into Diamond, there is no doubt that the members really put in a lot for this track. All-English lyrics, explosive instrumentals (thanks to the fast tempo drumming), cool synths, peak intensity, solid vocals and an impressive ender from JOOYEON. I won’t tell you what that ending is, as it is something you need to discover for yourself. (10/10)

5. Supernatural – After Diamond, the ballad Supernatural brings much-appreciated relief by slowing the tempo and intensity. You can hear the emotions behind the members’ vocals and their instrument playing. I do like the atmospheric approach of the background, which goes well with the song’s lyrics about the recognition and acceptance of love. (8/10)

6. George the Lobster – George the Lobster, as random as the title may seem, is actually inspired by a lobster named George, who was estimated to be 140 years old when he was caught in the late 00s in NYC (he was released back into the wild shortly after capture). The song also returns to the mini album back to upbeat territory with a straight forward rock number, with a super awesome electric guitar solo at the end. There is also a hint of funkiness to the background. The pre-chorus is rather unexpected, going in a completely different direction to the rest of the song. It stands out and I quite enjoyed the sudden switch. The softer approach to begin the second chorus was also a cool choice. (8.5/10)

7. BBB (Bitter But Better) – I really enjoyed the anthem chorus in this one. It’s catchy and super memorable. BBB also aims high and scores with its really pure and bright rock instrumentation. There is also another guitar solo from JUHAN at the end, which I really enjoyed. It ends the track and mini album on such a cool and electrifying note. (9/10)