NMIXX title track Birthday Wish climbs to 5th on Melon TOP100

NMIXX's title track "Birthday Wish" rose to 5th place on the Melon TOP100 by midnight on the 20th, following a debut at 34th on the chart. The song's initial entry marks the highest debut ranking for any NMIXX song on the chart.

The group NMIXX's title track "Birthday Wish" from their 6th mini album "Strange Muse," released on the 19th, entered the Melon TOP100 at 34th place and climbed to 5th place as of midnight on the 20th. The ranking of 34th achieved at 7:00 PM on the release day marks the highest entry record for any NMIXX song on the Melon TOP100. The album consists of six songs in total, including the title track, "Kerosene," "RudE TaLK," and three unit songs. This album also marks the first time NMIXX has presented unit songs since their debut. On the day of their comeback, the members held a countdown live on their official SNS channels to discuss the new album's tracks, the preparation process, and messages for fans.

Rising from 34th on release day to 5th place

NMIXX's 6th mini album "Strange Muse" and the title track "Birthday Wish" were released through various music sites at 6:00 PM on the 19th. One hour after release, at 7:00 PM, the new song entered the Melon TOP100 at 34th place, which is the highest entry ranking for an NMIXX song on this chart according to original data. By midnight on the following day, the 20th, it had risen to 5th place. The chart entry and subsequent ranking changes on the release day are as follows:

This album comes approximately five months after their 5th mini album "Heavy Serenade," released last May. NMIXX released their 1st full album "Blue Valentine" last October and promoted with "Heavy Serenade" in the first half of this year. According to reference materials, "Blue Valentine" reached the top of the Melon daily chart, and "Heavy Serenade" entered the Melon daily chart top 10. NMIXX also won the "Sound of the Year" award, which corresponds to the Grand Prize, at the "TMA" held this past September. Prior to the new album release, a music video teaser for "Birthday Wish" was posted on official SNS on the 18th, featuring LILY, HAEWON, SULLYOON, BAE, JIWOO, and KYUJIN appearing in succession, including a scene of the members running together while enjoying a party.

An album where members become each other's muses

The 6 songs included in "Strange Muse" are the title track "Birthday Wish," "Kerosene," "RudE TaLK," "Sing to the Moon" (LILY, HAEWON), "Hot ’n Unbothered (SULLYOON, BAE)," and "WHIP" (JIWOO, KYUJIN). In an album introduction Q&A, NMIXX explained, "This album 'Strange Muse' contains the story of how everyone becomes each other's 'Muse' in the colorful and shining MIXXTOPIA." The members described MIXXTOPIA as a space where different people can unfold their own colors and inspire one another, adding that a muse is someone who inspires you even if others do not understand them.

The title track "Birthday Wish" is a pop song that harmoniously blends Moombahton, Afro, and Future House elements. The song depicts the act of making a heartfelt wish for the person they have finally faced. The composition includes an overwhelming sound, a calm break featuring only piano and vocals, and a bridge that builds up with narration. LILY stated that when she first heard the song, it felt "hopeful yet unique," noting that the rhythm, melody, chorus, and narration were impressive. HAEWON expressed, "I hope that after listening to the narration in the intro, you will become completely immersed in 'Birthday Wish.' I hope the emotions of that overwhelming and precious moment of facing each other reach you as well." LILY revealed that she focused on high-pitched vocalization during the recording process and practiced the rap part, which she took on for the first time in a title track. SULLYOON explained that she focused on changing her vocal placement to produce a pleasant sound because the notes in the chorus are quite high.

Three unit songs presented for the first time since debut

This album features three unit songs, which are the first NMIXX has prepared since their debut. "Sing to the Moon," sung by LILY and HAEWON, is a ballad pop song featuring sweet vocals. During the countdown live, the two members said, "Since it is a song that allows for various interpretations, it would be good to listen to it from your own perspective and immerse yourselves in the emotions." "Hot ’n Unbothered (SULLYOON, BAE)" is characterized by a Latin groove based on Dembow rhythm. The two members introduced it as "a song that can well capture the synergy and atmosphere that comes when the two of us are together." "WHIP" (JIWOO, KYUJIN) is a song that combines fast-paced rap with an addictive pop melody, and the members participated directly in the song production.

The members participated in writing the lyrics for each unit song. BAE stated that she discussed opinions with the lyricist during the writing process for "Hot ’n Unbothered (SULLYOON, BAE)" and continued conversations with SULLYOON regarding the direction of the song. BAE also participated in writing the lyrics for "RudE TaLK." KYUJIN participated in the lyrics and composition of "WHIP," stating that while she wanted to challenge herself with songwriting and composing, it was difficult to start, and she was happy to participate in the work for this album. JIWOO and KYUJIN said during the countdown live, "It was a difficult song both when we first heard it and during recording, but we did well. We put a lot of effort into it, and it is even more meaningful because we participated in the work directly."

Countdown live searching for cake and introducing tracks

Starting at 4:10 PM on the 19th, the day of their comeback, NMIXX held a countdown live to celebrate the new release on their official SNS channels. The members shared stories about the time spent preparing the album and messages for fans, and played a game to find a missing celebratory cake. The game tested their telepathy and quick reflexes. Early in the live, the members told fans, "We prepared hard with the hope that this album becomes like a gift, and autumn has already arrived. NMIXX will take responsibility for NSWER's autumn this time too, so please look forward to it."

During the process of finding the cake, the members introduced the unit songs, and after gathering together again, they performed a mission to recommend gifts based on fans' concerns regarding birthday presents. NMIXX also talked about the title track, "Kerosene," and "RudE TaLK," and held a segment where they opened the album. After completing all missions, the members lit candles on the cake and made wishes. They said, "We prepared hard for this comeback with much love. We hope this promotion is one where all our long wishes come true, and we will perform this promotion happily, so please give us lots of support." They concluded the live by saying, "We hope it is an autumn where the wishes of NMIXX and NSWER all come true."

"Strange Muse" was released at 6:00 PM on the 19th, and as of midnight on the 20th, the title track "Birthday Wish" recorded 5th place on the Melon TOP100. During the live held on the day of their comeback, NMIXX introduced the songs included in the album and their work details while communicating with fans.

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