Summer is a hot season for K-Pop music. Amid an overwhelming number of new releases and fresh debuts, it’s difficult to stand out, but some groups have been around long enough to learn the tricks of the trade.
Eight-member boy group ATEEZ came back with their 12th mini-album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3, on June 13. The single from this EP, “Lemon Drop,” earned them their first Billboard Hot 100 entry at No. 69.
Now, they’re wasting no time during the start of the North American leg of their world tour, after news dropped that each member renewed their contracts with KQ Entertainment for seven more years.
The repackaged version of this release includes a brand-new English title track and eight solo tracks – one for each member to show off their unique influences and writing styles. Below is a ranking of these solo tracks after my first listen, although I’m sure it’ll change within a few days.
8
NO1
Hongjoong
Hongjoong, ATEEZ’s captain and rapper extraordinaire, wrote and composed an atmospheric solo track that drops listeners directly in the center of a late-night rave crowd. It’s an unapologetic celebration of the success he’s led his team to achieve that invites fans to celebrate with them.
Hongjoong co-produced and co-wrote six out of the eight members’ solo tracks.
The title itself directly references one of Hongjoong’s tattoos that states “NO1LIKEME,” a motto he’s come to live by. While his solo wasn’t my favorite after my first few listens, I loved the mood he created in just over two minutes and thirty seconds.
Personally, I hoped for something more rap or vocal-driven from the captain, but he’s right: there’s no one like him.
7
Legacy
Yeosang
Admittedly, I had no idea what to expect from a Yeosang solo. For years, fans have begged and pleaded with their production team to let him shine in more than just one iconic line every few comebacks. Now, ATINYs finally have three minutes of nothing but Yeosang’s strong vocals and a sound worthy of his underappreciated star power.
“Legacy” sounds like something off the soundtrack for a futuristic action movie or a layered video game. Its epic instrumental fills the soundscape at the perfect moments while also pulling back to allow his vocals to shine front and center between choruses. This is one that took me pleasantly by surprise and one that I’m sure will rise in my personal ranking overtime.
6
ROAR
Mingi
In the last couple of years, Mingi, ATEEZ’s other main rapper, has developed such a distinct solo sound in his YouTube exclusive releases and freestyles. “ROAR” was co-produced, arranged, and co-written by Mingi, and it’s clear that he left his fingerprints all over every second. The heavy bass and EDM instrumentals compliment his deep tone extremely well.
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I’m a major supporter of Mingi’s autotuned verses, so I was filled with excitement the moment he started rapping. I’ve also been waiting for him to really go in on those who look down on ATEEZ, and “ROAR” gave him ample time and reason to do just that without limitations.
5
To be your light
Jongho
Whenever Jongho releases a solo track, there’s never any doubt about how great it’ll be. He’s participated in numerous K-Drama soundtracks already, and “To be your light” sounds like the perfect song to accompany a romance drama that would likely rip out every viewer’s heart without remorse.
There’s no denying Jongho’s position as ATEEZ’s main vocalist, especially when you hear him do what he was born to do for over three minutes straight. The instrumental adds a dreamy element under his gorgeous vocals in what could’ve easily been just another ballad. Instead, Jongho draws listeners in and gives you goosebumps somewhere along the way as per usual.
4
Creep
San
There were two routes San could’ve taken with his solo track: the sweet love song or the sensual song made for the stage. “Creep” falls into the latter, tapping into the stage persona that ATEEZ’s sickeningly sweet lead vocalist adopts with every performance. This is also the only solo track on this album that’s fully in English.
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The lyrics dissect the dark ways in which desire often comes through in one’s actions. His vocals place listeners under a trance that’s only deepened by the guitar solo that drives the song’s bridge. Altogether, “Creep” makes for an unexpectedly dark solo debut that places San alongside tracks like “Spider” by Hoshi of SEVENTEEN and “PARANOIA” by Kang Daniel.
3
Slide to me
Yunho
Similarly to Yeosang, Yunho is an incredibly underrated vocalist in ATEEZ and in K-Pop as a whole. His solo track, “Slide to me,” makes it immediately clear just how much potential he has to attract K-Pop fans from all across the map.
The groovy bassline and rhythmic guitar make for an addictive combination alongside Yunho’s feathery light vocals. Overall, the song exceeded my already high expectations from the preview video. It’s a song fit for ATEEZ’s main dancer, who will undoubtedly make it even more impressive on stage.
2
Sagittarius
Wooyoung
When Wooyoung released the performance video for “Sagittarius” on YouTube in February, fans quickly flocked to urge their team to upload it, along with the other members’ well-loved solos, to streaming services. After seeing the tracklist, I was surprised that he was the only one to not receive a new solo, but now I wouldn’t want anything else from him.
It seems that this dark, fallen heart
Has found its light again
Only when I am headed towards you
I float through the sky every day
You are my only cosmic clue
I’ll be here for you
This song is a beautiful representation of how fans bring light to his life, but also of how he hopes to give that same light back in return. In addition to lyrics that could make any ATINY well up, Wooyoung’s vocals reach new heights. “Sagittarius” is the solo he’s deserved for years, and I hope he continues to gain opportunities like this.
1
Skin
Seonghwa
When I envisioned the sounds each ATEEZ member might deliver in their first full set of solos, I pictured something darkly sensual for Seonghwa. His vocal range is rarely captured in its entirety on just one ATEEZ track, but “Skin” shows exactly what he’s capable of. Airy falsettos are accompanied by full belts and heavy murmurs within 30 seconds, but it works.
As ATEEZ’s eldest, Seonghwa was more than deserving of a track like this. He cleanly lures listeners in with the pre-chorus, draws out the anticipation, and pulls you in deeper in the post-chorus like it’s nothing. The instrumental breakdown at the end is just the cherry on top of a perfect track for someone who was made to deliver this concept.
