THROWBACK #20: VIXX LR- BEAUTIFUL LIAR

Released: August 17th, 2015

A lot of magic happens when you take the best vocalist and the best rapper from the same group and put them into a new sub-unit. However, the magic doesn't happen overnight; there has to be some influence from the entire group's image previously. VIXX is a group well known for their dynamic concepts; they perfectly executed the dark, eternal sci-fi version of relationships in 2013-2014. Everyone soon forgot they debuted with a lighthearted playful concept. So when it was announced VIXX's Leo and Ravi would be forming a sub-unit, I immediately knew the direction the agency wanted to go in. Beautiful Liar may be best known for its intriguing cinematic-like music video, but as always, the video wouldn't feel the same if it weren't for the song in communicating to us what the characters go through. Beautiful Liar is a terrific melancholic piece of music that clearly proves Leo and Ravi's capabilities of standing their own grounds. Leo's vocals are just something else, as he effortlessly expresses his emotions in both the high and the low notes in the chorus. The heart-throbbing strings also help to portray the chorus's sense of urgency while the guitar riff near the very end is a refreshing touch. The piano melody in the verse is heart-felt, while Ravi steadily increases the loudness in his rap simultaneously. The 2 idols sound good together in the pre-chorus, steadily building back to the chorus. The second verse takes a slightly different turn with a sharp electronic synth and a more trap-defined beat. It's a little oddly placed, given the overall mood of Beautiful Liar, but it still somehow works in keeping the song's pace in check. Lastly, the bridge does what it needs to do to showcase a grand finale, showing off the husky vocals of Ravi before seamlessly transitioning to that of Leo to deliver the song's climax. Some extra harmonies in the final chorus give Beautiful Liar the extravagant farewell that it needs.

Beautiful Liar is one of the rare substances where a sub-unit releases a song that is better than everything else in their respective group's entire discography so far (not that I hated Error, but it isn't as impactful and moody). The vocals, the raps, and everything in between all hit you right in the feels, and it starts with that heart-wrenching piano melody that will be associated with many of your various memories to come.

RATING: 7.8/10