Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, followers, and newbies. This week, I still love ATEEZ and no one is surprised.. YoIf you enjoy what you're reading, feel free to subscribe Head over to my complimentary newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered straight to your inbox every week!
ATEEZ are on track to potentially earn their second number one album on Billboard with their latest release, GOLDEN HOUR: Part 2fact that makes me feel totally good and normal.1
Last week, I connected with the members via email to get some insights into each song on the EP, the follow-up to summer. GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1. One thing I know about myself is that I often fall victim to recency bias; I often get so excited about a new project, movie, or season of a TV show that I go a little overboard in my praise. So I need some fellow Atiny to chime in here: How does this album compare to ATEEZ's other 2024 releases and where does it sit with the rest of their discography? Because right now, a few days after its release, I am convinced that this is one of their best albums.
I'm not ready to do a full ranking, but I feel pretty confident saying it. THE WORLD EP.END: WILL It could be in the top tier of ATEEZ's discography: “Crazy Form” lives up to its name, “UP” and “Silver Light” are a lot of fun, and the unit songs on this album are phenomenal. But then there is OUTLAW to consider, because there are no jumps in sight on that album. Otherwise, I'm convinced that “WORK” will be my most played song of the year when it's time for Spotify Wrapped and we have to talk to someone about how to get “Blind” and “Siren”, other notable songs from GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1, on some future tracklists.
This brings us to the final drop. The album’s title track, “Ice on My Teeth,” is a great double feature with “WORK.” The beat of “Scene 1: Value” is absolutely diabolical and I quietly wish it was a full-length song. Mingi correctly pointed out that “Man on Fire” has a similar texture to “DJANGO,” but the song I've really gathered here today to discuss is “Selfish Waltz.”
This diva! While ATEEZ have proven time and time again that their hyper-energetic tracks like “Guerrilla” and “BOUNCY” absolutely work for them, they also crush this exuberant brand of synth-pop when the opportunity presents itself. “Selfish Waltz,” which Hongjoong revealed in our interview that he wrote over three years ago, feels similar to “Cyberpunk” and “Take Me Home” with just a hint of “Deja Vu.”2 in the mix. That execution Jongho does in the last chorus made me briefly leave my body the first time I heard it. The truth is, this is a B-side that many K-pop groups would love to offer as their title track.
In conclusion, ATEEZ keeps getting better and I'm exhausted. I still think I've reached the peak of my admiration and enthusiasm for them as a band, but they continue to innovate. Good! I loved it! Congratulations to the eight and to all of us, Atiny, who continue to reap the benefits.
1I hope that at least some fans can relate to this sentiment: I'm in a very specific place right now where I want all the success and opportunities possible for the members of ATEEZ, and I also desperately want to protect them. Bring them to global awards shows! Offer them headlining slots at festivals! Stop looking at them!
2ATEEZ's 2024 summer tour delivered my favorite live show of the year, but we urgently need to do something to get the queen “Deja Vu” back on the set list.
thanks to our partners at consequence.net
