What makes Phenomenon by Monsta X notable?

Phenomenon achieved significant commercial success, charting high on Oricon's Albums Chart and solidifying Monsta X's status as a leading force in K-pop's international expansion. The album received positive reviews for its production quality and vocal performances, further enhancing the group's reputation within both K-pop and J-pop landscapes. Released on August 21, 2019, Phenomenon marked Monsta X's continued expansion into the Japanese market following their successful debut in Japan with the album Piece. This work reflects their growing popularity and artistic confidence as they solidified their presence in the global music scene, showcasing a mix of new material and Japanese versions of previous hits.

Who is Phenomenon for?

Phenomenon works well if you're into steady mid-tempo dance vibes, sing-along anthems for gatherings and energizing tracks for workouts.

How many songs are on Phenomenon?

Phenomenon has 9 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Phenomenon

Monsta X · 2019

30 min · 9 tracks · K-pop

An electrifying blend of K-pop rhythms and dynamic vocal performances that encapsulates Monsta X's energetic style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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X‐Phenomenon — The opener sets an exhilarating tone with powerful beats and a captivating hook, establishing the album’s energetic vibe right from the start.
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LIVIN’ IT UP — This track embodies a carefree summer anthem with catchy melodies and infectious energy, showcasing the group’s versatility in sound.
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BLACK SWAN — Darker in tone, this song features intricate choreography references and thematic depth, demonstrating the group's artistic growth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and energetic production typical of K-pop but lacks standout cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, followed by several tracks that maintain this intensity before introducing slower moments in the latter half.
Several tracks feature electronic production elements, including heavy bass drops and synthesized melodies, which are characteristic of modern K-pop.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo dance vibes
sing-along anthems for gatherings
energizing tracks for workouts
catchy hooks to uplift mood

Maybe skip if you

slow, introspective listening preferences
minimalist soundscape enthusiasts

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Monsta X's status in the Japanese market and international K-pop scene.
Career context: Released on August 21, 2019, Phenomenon marked Monsta X's continued expansion into the Japanese market following their successful debut in Japan with the album Piece. This work reflects their growing popularity and artistic confidence as they solidified their presence in the global music scene, showcasing a mix of new material and Japanese versions of previous hits.
Stylistic neighbors: Ateez· Stray Kids· NCT 127