Introductory notes often set the tone, yet sometimes lose grip of the listener’s attention. However, when it comes to I.M of Monsta X and his new digital single “Slowly,” featuring Heize, every beat is attention-grabbing. Having previously collaborated on “Distance” from Heize’s album Undo, the duo is back at it, tugging at our heartstrings with a track that continues right where its spiritual prequel left off.
To me, “Slowly” leverages the same kind of cohesiveness built within “Distance“, but it makes itself its own song by coating everything with jazzy notes and a simple boom-clap beat. It’s like a quiet conversation late into a snowy spring afternoon—an ode to soft-spoken emotions, the kind that seep into your soul and make you sway with its rhythm.
Adding Heize’s ethereal vocals to the track is like adding caramel to a chocolate brownie—richly indulgent. Her haunting, beautiful voice sweeps into the fray so seamlessly, you would have thought for a moment that you were listening to one of her songs. Upon entrance, Heize starts her verse with grace and gravitas, and upon exiting, she majestically harmonizes with I.M’s softer edge, melting into a puddle of emotion.
The artistic connection between I.M and Heize extrapolates across the entire track, creating a successful patchwork of sounds, emotions, and storytelling. Their synergy, honed and patinated through previous work, shines through “Slowly”. As a result, they’ve not only created a beautiful tune but a unique audio experience that sets them apart while holding a familiar sound for fans and casuals alike.
Wrapping up this superlative tale of two artists rewriting their own script, I highly appreciate “Slowly” for its jazz-steeped symphony and the raw, emotive storytelling. It’s a testament to I.M and Heize’s dedication to emotional intelligence and exceptional talent.
Final Score
Artistic Evolution — 4/5
The first thing that strikes you about “Slowly” is the ongoing artistic evolution of I.M, who many would simply classify as just a rapper. Yet, he refuses to be limited by that label. Like a chameleon merging with a new environment, I.M embraces a soft, angelic singing voice, defying expectations and showcasing his boundless versatility. I always love to hear I.M sing, especially because he seems to be kind of shy about it otherwise.
Collab Synergy — 5/5
The pairing of I.M and Heize is likely to stir the hearts of “Undo” fans. This time, their strengthened musical chemistry distills into a track that feels like a second act—gently picking up where “Distance” had left. Heize’s haunting voice meshes seamlessly with I.M’s softer delivery, creating a harmonious blend that brings a refreshingly pure dimension to the song.
Heize and I.M seem to get on each other’s wavelength as soon as they step in the studio together.
Musical Arrangement — 3/5
Imbued with gentle, jazzy undertones, “Slowly” is like a soothing balm that smoothly immerses you into its rhythm. The narrative ‘slows’ down, showcasing I.M’s and Heize’s ability to carry a less frenzied, more thoughtful composition.
The song itself is rather simple, though. There are no extra flourishes beyond the joining of both I.M and Heize’s voices, but with this humble single, maybe there doesn’t need to be.
I.M – ‘Slowly (Feat. Heize)’ — 8/10
Notwithstanding, as much as I adore this track, truth be told, I craved a tinge more daredevilry—it leaves me craving a little more risk. The track, albeit beautifully crafted, plays it way too safe—like an ethereal dream I’m afraid to disturb.
I’d love for I.M to push his own boundaries even further, step out of his comfort zone, and deliver something deeper from the heart, more like his song “Habit” from his most recent EP “Overdrive”. Though “Slowly” treads on a safer path, it’s undeniable that the combo of I.M and Heize delivers yet again—a work worth its weight in an 8-star rating from KR Insider.
