Review: BM — "Element"

As a member of Kard, BM has always stood out for his impactful innuendo-infused lyrics that have had fans begging for more. On his debut EP, Element, he gives fans more of what they want on a release that suffers from such predictability.

Element starts with its strongest cut, “Embers.” On an album full of lustful desire, “Embers” is one of the few songs that actually conveys a legitimate sense of BM's arousal to the listener. Whereas other songs are undercut both lyrically and musically by immature bravado, “Embers” sincerely seduces us with its knowing sexuality.

The single and Jay Park collab, “Nectar,” follows. The song itself is good but it's spoiled by a technical overproduction in the vocals and track that makes the song about as sexy as an Apple store. But credit must be given to Jay Park who, surprisingly, contributes the best moment in the song, which is unusual for K-pop where features often feel like a commercial afterthought.

BM stretches out his muscles from hip-hip by crafting a Latin-inspired RnB track in “Loyalty.” By switching up the genre, the inevitable rap break is as impactful as it is on Kard releases. And it reveals what BM is capable of when he isn’t hamstrung by his marriage to risque rap for the entire song.

“Motion” is where BM’s lyrical thirstiness reaches the point of bone-dry dehydration. What it has going for it is his complete commitment to the gimmick. Probably, because it isn’t a gimmick. Clearly, sexual gratification is the only thing on his mind. It's his rap break from "Icky," but for an entire song. While that might be what some are looking for, to me, it wore thin.

The album completely loses its inhibitions with the near-comical closer “Badgirl, Badboy,” which falls into utter silliness that even BM can’t retrieve with all his dedication.

Element's greatest positive is its negative – this is what you expect from BM. While it's always good to hear an artist you like do what they enjoy, I think BM is at his best on this album when he's stretching himself outside his comfort zone. If he can keep stretching on future releases then he has the potential to be a legit artist a la Zico, RM, and B.I. As for now, Kard fans can indulge full Big Matthew experience.

Rating: 2.5/5