Monsta X. Photo: courtesy of the artist’s official website.
Monsta X, the popular Korean boy band, recently released Now Project Vol. 1, their comeback album as a group, which also marks their 10th anniversary. After more than two years apart due to their mandatory military service, all six members—Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M.—have finally come together again. It makes sense that for Monsta X, Now Project Vol. 1 is way more than just a new album. It represents a reunion and a rediscovery of their songs—10 title tracks and B-sides—released between 2021 and 2023.
Written, composed, and produced entirely by the band members, the process of re-recording the tracks together as a group allowed Monsta X to rediscover their signature sound—a blend of clashing genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop with upbeat tracks, strong vocals, and slick rap verses.
The playlist offers a mix of high-energy anthems and introspective depth, leading with catchy hooks on tracks like “Rush Hour,” “Autobahn,” and “Ride with U,” before shifting into a more brooding, cinematic tone with songs like “Mercy,” “Lone Ranger,” “Love,” and “Beautiful Liar.” Meanwhile, tracks like “It’s Alright,” “Deny,” and “Love Forever” tap into Monsta X’s emotional pulse, exploring themes of love, longing, and vulnerability.
During the project’s recording session, Shownu said that the album is dedicated to the fans “passionately prepared for Monbebe” (their fandom name) while adding, “I did my best…so I look forward to your support… I’ll give a better performance on stage.”
Now Project Vol. 1 is a play on the word “now,” which, when reversed, becomes “mon”—a subtle but strong connection to the group’s name, Monsta X. This reflects both their personas: “monsters in K-pop” and “my star” (“mon” is “my” in French). The album connects the past and the present, beautifully bridging nostalgia and continuity to pick up where Monsta X left off. It’s a new chapter in their career that promises more growth and definitely more music.
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