Review: Max Changmin - Maniac

Sorry for the minor, unannounced, hiatus. I have been highly busy as of late, and unable to focus on writing for my blog. Thankfully, I am largely, hopefully, back. Of course, what artist to return with than the main vocalist of one of my favorite musical acts of all time, Changmin of TVXQ!

Off his album, music video-featuring b-side Maniac easily stood out as the best. Highly inspired by early '80s musical elements, one can hear Meat Loaf, Elton John, and Queen all over this track. Theatrical pop-rock is a very wide net to cast, yet this '80s sound, with its strings, piano, guitar, and choir over a major key, is highly specific and well-orchestrated. A good part of this can be tracked down to its high-profile composers, such as Romans (who clearly was the decision-maker of the heavy piano, he loves the instrument) and Pete Kirtley (who likely influenced the higher tempo and theatrical rock), who are familiar with this sound.

Changmin proves a perfect conduit for this sound. Indeed, he seems to be enjoying this sound, clearly building the theatrical ambition of 2020's Chocolate EP. He performs Maniac with a level of grit and drama. He rips through the lines, sometimes singing, sometimes belting. However, it is all performed with a sense of intent, readiness, and energy. In the chaotic pre-chorus, Changmin perfectly is assisted by rising choirs. Each note within this section ends on an incomplete chord, keeping the listener highly intrigued.

Maniac hinges on its explored world, drawing from the past and present to influence the future. Obviously, this can be seen through the Alfred Hitchcock-inspired music video (cleverly directed by Lee Rae Kyung, also known as Alfred 'Itchcock') and retro theatre-inspired instrumental, but also the lyrics. Showcasing a repeating cycle of a stranger almost stalking the singing character, he is worried and intrigued. Themes of repetition of the story events are concluded in the end with the singing character falling in love with the 'maniac' in "Innocent Madness", clearly losing, but also threatening the 'maniac', proclaiming "By the way, do you know who is crazier?", while feeling "Trapped".

This chaos fully explodes in the chorus, where all of the elements of the track explode together. The composers use our knowledge of the chorus' melody on repetitions to further build the production to an utter crescendo. The piano goes utterly crazy, with just a sense of unhinged energy. This is clearly a victory lap for Changmin.

Easily one of the most stunning opening tracks to the year, Maniac reeks of its theatrical ambition and relishes in it. Accompanied by a strong mini-album, Changmin is more than ready for the future.

Rating: 8.75/10

Image Source: The Bias List