BABYMONSTER is another group that has had a busy 2026. Since the release of CHOOM (their 3rd mini-album) in May, the group has been actively promoting the title track of the same name as the mini-album and the sides track I LIKE IT and MOON. They also released SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA during this period (which I have yet to review – don’t worry, it is on the to-do list alongside MOON). But ahead of those two reviews, I will be reviewing their latest digital single, DESERVE. I just have to!
DESERVE is a powerful pop ballad that doesn’t hold back. You know I am a sucker for a ballad, and this one reels me in. DESERVE‘s instrumental goes through 3 distinct styles. The first verse and pre-choruses feature some soft piano and atmospheric synths. Honestly, this should have been a string arrangement to make it sound even more beautiful. DESERVE reaches that level of beauty in the bridge, with the piano arrangement and vocal work absolutely stunning. To fit some rapping into DESERVE, the second verse opts for a marching band to back the rap-speak. As for the choruses, DESERVE goes for an epic, grand vibe, letting the synths take control and match the members’ vocal push. And wow, that had impact. As for the last chorus, I think the arrangement could have been better. From AHYEON’s high note through to the final chorus and to the end of DESERVE, it all felt incredibly tight and needlessly rushed. The ending should have been more relaxed and fluid, rather than what we got. Aside from that, I really liked that DESERVE gives BABYMONSTER a chance to showcase their vocals. AHYEON and PHARITA will most likely get the most recognition for DESERVE, but I also want to shout out RORA’s pretty second verse.
I liked how DESERVE‘s music video starts, with RORA coming offstage after a concert, smiling as the staff applauds and cheers for her. But after she turns the corner, her smile disappears, and the atmosphere turns heavy and grey, setting the right tone for the ballad. One unique thing about this video is how each member takes turns playing the main character emotionally, matching with their parts in the song. As the song builds, the video gets bolder. The most memorable part of the video was when PHARITA was struck by a car. That scene was unexpected and shocking. Usually, music videos pause, slow down, or take it off-scene, since such an event can be confronting. The dancers were also a neat touch, adding an artistic, grand feel to the video. My only issue is that some of the members’ movements were over-exaggerated. I get that they were trying to match the song’s impact, but it all felt a bit much.
Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10
